Important: TSRA changes candidate ratings in 2 districts

[Charles L. Cotton]

Here is a copy of an email from the TSRA-PAC:

House District 133 (West Houston) TSRA-PAC endorsed challenger Jim Murphy (R) vs. incumbent State Rep. Kristi Thibaut (D). Democratic State Representative Kristi Thibaut had an opportunity over the last two years in office to develop a documented record of support for your Second Amendment rights. She could have co-authored one or both of TSRA's priority bills last session, but despite repeated calls from her constituents and attempts by TSRA's lobbyist to get her to do so, she refused. And then she and her colleagues on the left brought the legislative process to a screeching halt with delay tactics over an unrelated issue, causing those two TSRA-backed measures to fail to receive a final vote on the House floor.

During this campaign, she tried to pass herself off as a Second Amendment supporter by completing the NRA-PVF & TSRA-PAC candidate questionnaire satisfactorily. But now, Kristi Thibaut is playing politics with our issue and your rights, criticizing her opponent in direct mail attack pieces for backing reforms to Texas' Concealed Handgun License law. As a result, TSRA-PAC has lowered Rep. Kristi Thibaut's candidate rating to a "F" on http://www.tsrapac.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. TSRA-PAC endorsed Republican Jim Murphy months ago, based on his solid candidate questionnaire and his past record of support for your Second Amendment rights. As a former State Representative, he co-authored and voted for the TSRA-backed "Castle Doctrine" law in 2007, affirming your right to protect yourself in your home, vehicle or business, and removing a "duty to retreat" from a violent attack.

Jim Murphy is the ONLY candidate in this race with a consistent record on Second Amendment issues. His opponent thinks she can have it both ways - send her a message by not sending her back to Austin. Be sure to vote early for TSRA-PAC endorsed candidate Jim Murphy this week, or at the polls next Tuesday, November 2nd.

Also, the Murphy Campaign needs volunteers to work shifts at poll locations in House District 133 on Election Day. Shifts are scheduled for four hours each: 7:00am-11:00am, 11:00am-3:00pm and 3:00pm-7:00pm. This is expected to be one of the closest races in the entire state - and you can help the campaign on November 2 even if you don't live in the district! Make a difference in this critical election by calling 713-278-7796 and volunteering to help Jim at one of his poll locations!

House District 52 (part of Williamson County)
TSRA-PAC endorsed challenger Larry Gonzales (R) vs. incumbent State Rep. Diana Maldonado (D)

Very much like Ms. Thibaut (above), Democratic State Representative Diana Maldonado had the same opportunity for the last two years in office to build a record on Second Amendment issues. She could have co-authored one or both of TSRA's priority bills last session, but didn't. And her participation in the left's effort to procedurally shut down the Legislature during the waning days of session contributed directly to TSRA-backed measures failing to even be debated by the full House.

During both the 2008 and 2010 campaigns, she refused to complete the NRA-PVF & TSRA-PAC candidate questionnaire. And when she finally decides to go "on-record" on our issues, Diana Maldonado chooses to run grossly misleading television ads that criticize her opponent for backing reforms to Texas' concealed carry statute. As a result, TSRA-PAC has changed Rep. Maldonado's candidate rating from a "?" to an "F". You can view her revised rating at http://www.tsrapac.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;


TSRA-PAC endorsed Republican Larry Gonzales based on his solid candidate questionnaire and his campaign's consistent statements of support for the rights of law-abiding gun owners, sportsmen and Texas Concealed Handgun Licensees. Larry Gonzales is the ONLY candidate in this race who can be trusted to protect and defend the Second Amendment in the Texas Legislature. Maldonado thinks she can use our issue to beat Larry - let's make sure we send her packing (pun intended)! Vote early for NRA-PVF endorsed candidate Larry Gonzales this week, or at the polls next Tuesday, November 2nd.

Also, the Gonzales Campaign needs volunteers to work shifts at poll locations in House District 52 during early voting and on Election Day. This is one of the top target races in the entire state and you don't need to live in this district to help. Make a difference in this critical election by calling 512-244-1280 and volunteering to help Larry today!