Saddle Up Texas Straw Poll – Your ONLY Chance to Impact the Presidential Primary

A list of some of our speakers:
Herman Cain
Dick Armey, FreedomWorks
Matt Kibbe, FreedomWorks
David Dewhurst, Candidate for U.S. Senate
Ted Cruz, Candidate for U.S. Senate
Lela Mae Pittenger, Candidate for U.S. Senate
Tom Leppert, Candidate for U.S. Senate
Glenn Addison, Candidate for U.S. Senate
Doc Joe Agris, Candidate for U.S. Senate
Kevin Brady, US House Rep
Ted Poe, US House Rep
Louie Gohmert, US House Rep
Dan Patrick, Texas State Senator
David Simpson, Texas State House
Tito Munoz, Founder of the Conservative Hispanic Coalition PAC and Columbian immigrant
Karen DeSimone, Founder of Truth for American Teens and guest on Glenn Beck
KrisAnne Hall, Disabled Veteran and Conservative Speaker

Several radio personalities will be emceeing segments of the presentations as well as airing live from Minute Maid Park:
Michael Berry, Chris Baker, Matt Patrick, Sam Malone, Jon-David Wells out of Dallas and Natalie Arceneaux.

Visit WWW.SADDLEUPTEXASSTRAWPOLL.COM to buy your tickets.

Tea Party Patriots Presidential Straw Poll Results

Tea Party Straw Poll Results

Newt Gingrich 31%
Michele Bachmann 28%
Mitt Romney 20%
Rick Santorum 16%
Ron Paul 3%
Rick Perry 2%
Jon Huntsman 0% (.34%)
(Results are rounded to nearest percentage point. Margin of error +/-1.59%)

Thank you to the more the 23,000 people who participated on our Presidential Tele-Forum and Tea Party Straw Poll last night. Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich, Michele Bachmann and Rick Santorum were on the call last night to answer questions that were submitted by local Tea Party leaders. Check back to the website later this week for audio clips of all of the candidates and speakers. Above you will see the results of the straw poll, below you will see the “Enthusiasm Level” that each of the candidates have.

Thank you to all of the candidates who were able to participate!

Special Thanks to:
Emery McClendon, Tea Party Patriots Local Coordinator, Fort Wayne, IN
Julianne Thompson, Tea Party Patriots Local Coordinator, Atlanta, GA
Herman Cain, Businessman and Former Republican Presidential Candidate
Steve King, Congressman from Iowa

Presidential Tele-Forum Straw Poll

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 Tea Party Patriots
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A Texas Straw Poll

By Felicia Cravens, Founder of Houston Tea Party Society:

I remember in 2007 the Texas GOP held a straw poll in Fort Worth.  I snagged an invite to it by virtue of participating in past convention cycles, and made the trip.  But by some strange series of events I got there too late to participate and was locked out.  This certainly didn’t leave a good impression.

This year the Republican Party of Texas debated repeating the event, and decided against it.  That’s probably a good thing, too, because in 2007 the poll was restricted to “party insiders” like me, and not at all representative of Republican primary voters.  That’s a problem, because you know who won the Texas straw poll in 2007?  Duncan Hunter.  Yeah, I know, I feel the same way.

Texas always gets the shaft.  Think about it – Texas doesn’t get to vote until Super Tuesday on March 6.  By that time, several of the candidates will have left the race and Texans will get to choose from the leftovers remaining candidates.  What kind of choice does that really amount to?

Like I said, Iowa, New Hampshire and a host of other states vote in caucuses or primaries before Texas does, and some candidates will likely drop out if they think their results in those states can’t keep campaign money coming in.  By the first week of February 2008, for instance, Mitt Romney was already out of the race.  Now, I won’t make any of the obvious snarky comments about that, but really; each candidate that drops out early in the race means fewer choices for states not named Iowa and New Hampshire.

But what can we do?

The SADDLE UP TEXAS STRAW POLL is what.

Several groups have banded together to put on a Texas Straw Poll that is open to more than just the “insiders.”  The goal is not to steer people towards one candidate or another, or promote only the Texas candidates Perry and Paul, or to promote a “tea party” candidate; but to host a poll that more likely reflects the actual Republican primary voters.

The event is scheduled for January 12-14, just DAYS after the Iowa Caucus and New Hampshire primary.  Candidates who might be short on cash after those races won’t necessarily have to quit the race after those two states anymore.  A good showing in a Texas straw poll could breathe new life into a campaign that has been demoralized by trying to court voters who live in a very small portion of the country.

In addition, for the first time, Texans could have a significant impact on the presidential race.  Texans deserve this; what state has a stronger economy than Texas?  What state has created more jobs?  What state gained more electoral votes after the 2010 Census?  Texas leads the nation in so many ways.  Why shouldn’t Texans be leading politically as well?  Not necessarily Texas politicians, but Texas VOTERS?

Texans deserve a voice, and we want to help them have it.

There are no huge sponsors behind Saddle Up Texas.  No Koch funding, no GOP mega-fundraisers, no massive checkbooks.  It’s just conservative folks looking to give Texans an opportunity they’ve never had – a chance to make a difference.

Join us – check out our WEBSITE, LIKE it on FACEBOOK, FOLLOW it on TWITTER, get your tickets (only $45 until Dec 10, which includes admission to all three days) spread the word and make your plans to help us make Texas history!

Video of Rick Santorum Addressing NE Tarrant Tea Party

Here’s the video of Santorum’s opening remarks:

http://www.youtube.com/user/NETarrantTeaParty1#p/u/7/80gi59sHbK0

Here’s the video of our Q&A session:

http://www.youtube.com/user/NETarrantTeaParty1#p/u/6/VvpZc9NJ-Kg

NE Tarrant Tea Party Responds to Rick Santorum

It’s a pretty big deal that we got to host Presidential Candidate Rick Santorum today.  If you missed it, we’ll post the video of it very soon.  In the meantime, here’s some of the feedback from our members that I’ve received.

I didn’t know much about him, but now that I’ve learned more, he’s my favorite guy.  ~ F.M., Grapevine

More conservatives need to hear his message, because I know they’d love everything he has to say and realize that the “dream candidate” they’ve been looking for has been there all along.  ~ Anon, Hurst

I think his message was spot on.  Surprised, really, as I didn’t think I’d like him.  Strikes me as honest and straightforward.  He was superb.  I agreed with everything he said.  ~ A.M., Ft Worth

I thought this man should be the leader in this race…. We can thank the mainstream liberal media and our good old boy republicans for their non support for his low poll ratings.  ~ J.M., Bedford

I liked him a lot! He was so casual and easy going and I liked that!  ~ F.B., Colleyville

I did not know much about him. Until today I had not heard his accomplishments while he had served in US House and Senate.  I have a much higher opinion of him.  You can say, I am still undecided on any candidate. ~ J.E., Euless

I first heard about Santorum when I took a test that told me my values and beliefs and desires for our nation align with him 98% of the time.  I started asking, “Who’s Santorum??”  The more I learned, the more I liked him.  And today’s conversation with him sealed the deal for me.  The test can be found at http://www.selectsmart.com/president/.  ~ J.M., Grapevine

I liked him a lot and am now definitely willing to consider him.  ~ G.C.., Colleyville

I’m starting to think he might just be my guy! I was extremely impressed!  Of course, I always am when I hear him speak on tv or radio.  On the rare occasions that I DO get to hear him.  I still want to study his record, and we only got to a few of our questions today, but I really liked everything he said.  I’d really like him to get a bump with money or media or something so that the rest of the nation could get to know him.  I’m so tired of hearing about Romney/Perry as if they are the only players in the game!  ~ F.R., Keller

He has always been the most consistently conservative candidate for many years. The media has always sought to reduce him because they are terrified of a conservative who has won a statewide race in a swing state like Pennsylvania.  ~ T.S., Grapevine

Check him out before you vote!  ~ J.S., Keller

I like his message, but he did not inspire me.  He clarified some points and would favor him if he had a broader support base.  I admire him for sticking with it despite the low poll ratings.  There is something he has to improve, but I am not a psychoanalyst to know what it is.  ~ J.K., Grapevine

I was pleasantly surprised.  He definitely has my vote.  ~ C.R., Bedford

Santorum’s presentation was excellent!  And I learned a few things even though I consider myself well informed:  Santorum wrote the ’96 Welfare Reform legislation!  I was very impressed and will watch Santorum more carefully.  ~ E.L., Colleyville

This was a great opportunity to hear his position on many subjects of concern. He came across honest and sincere. I have a more in-depth understanding of his candidacy and his philosophy. What bothers me is that what I saw today isn’t known on a national spectrum!  I really wish we could hear more, but the MSM seems to only concentrate on Perry, Romney and now Cain.  ~ J.K., Keller

When I began to compare the candidate’s position on the issues with my own I surprisingly discovered that Rick Santorum was the closest match. I appreciated that he took the time to speak to our group and explain his ideas. So often politicians just tell us what they think we want to hear and he didn’t do that. I think he deserves serious consideration.  ~ T.M., Southlake

is he electable? can he win it? He has always been a straight shooter as a Fox contributor, but he needs in my humble opinion to have a cabinet position where he excels first……sadly W did not use those spots to nurture the up and coming. ~ T.M., Fort Worth

Rick Santorum believes in the core principles of the Tea Party, he has my support.  ~ J.G., Bedford

He is great, stands for all the right things, and seems to be a real statesman, understanding our country’s foundational principles.  ~ K.R., Southlake

Santorum is polished seasoned politian, really knows how to play the constitutional issues to the Tea Party crowd.  Really learned a lot about his take on several issues.  Will definitely have to do more studying on this candidate. His answers to questions seemed overly lengthy, which is normal. The question about federal involvement was particularly interesting stating that he was against it but it kind of sputtered out in the details area. A yes or no is all that is needed here. His understanding on the relative importance of each of the branches of the federal government is very clear especially to the resolution of much of the problem. It is well within the purview of the other branches to reformulate the district courts.  Re-growing the constitutional backbone in this area will be difficult but not by any means unconstitutional. The informational pie just got much larger and clearer. I know more why I don’t put much faith in the MSM. His take on issues of other candidates is straight from the MSM play book and not really complete (Cain’s 999 plan). He had not much of an alternative.  ~ T.C., Keller

He’s got my support and some $$ too.   Guess old “Citizen Cain” will have to do without my help. ~ R.H., NRH

Rick Santorum brought his genuine, conservative, constitutional passion to the NETTP meeting which is very refreshing. More than most candidates, he’s comfortable in his own skin and seems to be able to speak without stepping on landmines others can’t avoid. I support Rick Perry because of his timely boldness on certain fiscal issues over the last 10 years but Rick Santorum is a very, very close second choice for me.  ~ R.D., Southlake

I was incredibly impressed by his “down to earth” and common sense approach to complex issues. His story of always being the underdog in his political races is inspiring to me. He is a genuine man and a great leader. ~ R.A., Arlington

Positive: Informative. One gets the distinct impression he has been at the forefront of conservative issues in the Senate… helping to make things happen.

Negative:  Too wordy.  Should have had pithier answers as to allow for more questions.  Had the feeling he wanted it that way.  A good man nonetheless.  ~ S.G., Southlake

I was pleased with how Santorum has become an “educator”, using history to inspire and motivate the voters.  He has a lot to offer his fellow Americans.  He has good ideas and the know-how to instigate those good ideas if he becomes the President of the USA. At this point, he has my vote.  ~ S.P., Grapevine

I was “very” impressed!  His history impressed me as much as anything.  He seems to be able to “get things done!”  He doesn’t care whose toes he steps on; he’s just for what is right!  He knows he can’t do the job alone that it will take God as His pilot to accomplish what needs to be done and then accomplish his goals. ~ J.H., NRH

I want to remind everyone that NETTP does not endorse Presidential candidates.  We urge you to take a look at the issues, find out who best reflects your beliefs, and vote accordingly.  And I’ll add one more step in there.  If you find a candidate you like, SEND MONEY.  They cannot win without funds.  A monthly pledge of a small amount is often preferred to one large lump sum, so be creative in your support.  If you are interested in Santorum’s campaign, visit his website to donate:  www.RickSantorum.com.

Presidential Candidate Rick Santorum will visit NETTP on Saturday!

Rick Santorum is a former two-term Congressman and three-term U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania.  Considered a strong social and fiscal conservative, Santorum was called the winner of the Sept. 22 Fox News/Google Republican Debate by a number of political reporters after he aggressively attacked Texas Gov. Rick Perry for his views on illegal immigration.

Their exchange was one of the most memorable highlights of the debate, resulting in Gov. Perry stating that anyone who objected to providing in-state tuition to illegals doesn’t “have a heart.”

Santorum then interjected that students that are illegally in this country should not be able to go to a college or university subsidized by taxpayers.

More information about Rick Santorum can be found at https://www.ricksantorum.com/.

NETTP does not endorse Rick Santorum nor any other candidate for President.  We do, however, wish for all voters to seriously study each candidate very carefully based not only on their campaign promises, but more importantly on their previous actions.  Do your homework and vote wisely.

See you there,
Julie McCarty

“Let’s Be Honest About Gov. Perry”

by Donna Garner

8.21.11

Right now is the vetting season in politics. This is the time for us to make sure that our country does not make the same mistake twice in voting for a President who has not been properly vetted.

We citizens are doing the right thing to look at each candidate’s background, voting records, policies, preferences, philosophy of life, and personal positions on important issues. Then after taking a truthful look at a candidate’s full profile, we can make our decision as to whether we believe he or she would make a good President.

Those who are criticizing researchers who are uncovering the facts behind various candidates are actually repeating the same mistake that occurred when researchers tried to educate the public about Obama and his disastrous positions during the run-up to his Presidential election.

Those researchers were vilified; and the American people were so star-struck by Obama (who has turned out to be the essence of the “Manchurian candidate) that they voted with their emotions instead of with logical, informed reasoning. The United States is now having to live out the disastrous consequences of that wrongful, emotion-based decision at the ballot box.

Voting blind is not a smart thing. It is like throwing dice and hoping the right numbers come up.

I have grown concerned as of late about the blind acceptance that some people want to direct toward Gov. Rick Perry and his record.  Because I published an article that told the “good and the bad” about Gov. Perry (11 positives and 11 negatives), I have been criticized by people on my side of the aisle who have said that my efforts will end up helping Obama get re-elected. (I have posted my article at the bottom of this e-mail.)

I presented 11 positives about Gov. Perry knowing that the liberal news media certainly would not focus on his good points, and Gov. Perry definitely does have some strong attributes.

However, Gov. Perry also has some weaknesses; but what does our side have to hide?  If we really have the best candidate in Gov. Perry, then what have we to hide about his record?  If Gov. Perry is the best person for the Republican nomination, that is great; but we who live in Texas and know certain facts about him (both positive and negative) have the right and the responsibility to share this information with the rest of the country.

Again, we need to remember that this is the vetting season; and our goal must be to put forth the very best candidate possible to defeat Obama. What we do not want is for our candidate to “flame out” in the last couple of weeks leading up to the November 2012 election because at the last minute, voters find out unfavorable information about our Republican candidate.

We also do not want to support a Republican nominee for whom we feel no “fire in the belly.”  To overcome Obama’s series of overreaching decisions that are meant to build up his voter base (e.g., his obvious catering to labor unions and the LGBT community, his recent decision to grant “amnesty” to illegals — all of whom are sure to flood the ballot boxes in the Nov. 2012 election) and to overcome the cheating by the Democrats that is sure to occur at the polls, our side is going to have to produce twice as many votes for our candidate than are technically needed to win.

We Republicans must feel “fire in the belly” for our candidate so that we will get out and walk the blocks and get every possible voter to go to the polls with us.  We have to produce a huge groundswell of support for our candidate. We must not choose another limp candidate such as John McCain for whom many in this country felt no connection and no real passion.

The time to lay out the truth is right now, and we are not being disloyal to the Republicans, conservatives, and independent voters by making sure that fact-based information is shared across the country with the voting public.

=================================

Liberty Central – D.C. Reports 8/17/11

Grassroots At Its Finest

Patriots,
NE Tarrant Tea Party is a grassroots organization.  This means that ALL efforts come from everyday people like you and me.  Ideas, tasks, goals… all are managed by the members, not by one leader.  It’s what makes the tea party movement SO effective, and, frankly, so hard to tear down.

But being a grassroots movement only works if the people stay involved!  We have a few members who have really stepped up with some great ideas that they are seeing through.  Here they are.  Please work with them if you can!

• NETTP member Janna Easton has a goal to get rid of Todd Smith as her State Representative.  (I share this passion, by the way, and I know many of you do too!).  Rather than sit around and wait for someone else to do something about it, she started collecting names and email addresses of those who want to join in this effort.  She’s been in touch with each of them and held meetings.  If you want to be a part of this, please contact her at jeaston4444@commonsensecitizens.net.
• NETTP member Roger Beatty learned a very inexpensive and effective way to advertise to a targeted audience about Obama.  His goal is to make sure Obama does NOT get re-elected in 2012!  He advertises via Facebook, and he’s looking for others who would be willing to multiply his efforts.  He’ll teach you how.  It will cost $5-$10-$15 or so (you set the amount), and he says the rewarding feeling you get as you watch reactions to your own ad is well worth the money.  It’s a fun, easy, satisfying and effective part to play in saving America.  If you are interested in learning more, contact Roger at 817-488-9162 or Roger.Beatty@commonsensecitizens.net.  Don’t worry about having creative ad skills.  You just have to be able to type.
• NETTP member Pat Ray heard Glenn Beck’s call for a Mobfest Food Drive on April 21 and she wanted to get involved.  But she can’t do it on her own so she’s developed a plan to involve all those willing to help from NETTP.  She needs volunteers to collect non-perishable food items and then divide and distribute them to unemployment offices, senior centers and needy families.  She says, “As we know, there are many families having a very hard time making money stretch.  If we can help them, then that is what we should do.”  This will require a great many volunteers.  Please bring your food donation to the April 11 meeting or to the Tax Day Tea Party on April 15.  Please ask your friends and neighbors to donate too.  Volunteer to help sort and distribute the food by calling Pat at 817-306-6008 or emailing nutmeger@commonsensecitizens.net.

What I love about all of these ideas are that these people took the initiative to make them happen.  They didn’t come to me and say, “Julie, here’s an idea you should do.”  They said, “Julie, here’s an idea I want to do.”  See the difference?  What are YOU passionate about?  What ideas can YOU make happen?  If it’s one of the above, please volunteer today!  Nothing can get done without YOU getting involved!
Thanks,
Julie McCarty
NE Tarrant Tea Party
promoting constitutional governance in every precinct in our districts, one voter at a time
www.NETarrantTeaParty.com