Texas Governor poll

[Charles L. Cotton]

Neither Kinky Friedmand nor Strayhorn has any chance of winning and no one can argue that point. They can pull enough votes from Perry to put Bell in office. He will veto any pro-gun bills we are able to pass and we may or may not be able to override a veto, depending how late in the process the bill passes. So understand that a vote for anyone other than Perry is a vote for Chris Bell.

I'm not going to get into non-gun issues as that is not within even the broad scope of this board. However, the idea of blaming Perry or any Texas Governor for anything is short-sighted. The Gov. of Texas has very little power, other than veto power. (Were it not for Gov. Richards, we would have passed CHL in 1991.) The real power lies with the Lt. Governor. I'm not going to overstate the situation and claim that Gov. Bell would result in passage of anti-gun legislation, but he sure can be a stumbling block for pro-gun legislation.

What has Perry done to help firearm owners? He signed every pro-gun bill put on his desk, including one that could have been used against him by the anti’s. That bill restored the ability to get a CHL to certain people who were convicted years ago of what was then a felony but which is now a misdemeanor. The opposition threatened to make his signature on the bill a media circus, but he signed the bill anyway because it was right. And what about Perry’s refusal to veto HB823 (traveling bill) in spite of heavy pressure by law enforcement and the DA’s association to veto it? That took tremendous courage to defy the wishes of law enforcement and support gun owners.

How many years did we complain about making no progress on reciprocity while it was under DPS authority. Just under two years ago, reciprocity was the hottest issue debated among CHL’s on this and other boards. In fact, an especially nasty debate about reciprocity on tx.guns directly lead to the creation of the TexasCHLforum.com. But since the law was changed and authority for reciprocity agreements was assigned jointly to the Attorney General and the Governor, Greg Abbott and Rick Perry have more than doubled the number of states on our reciprocity list.

How often do we say that we “have to send a message to the anti’s� about some issue? And we’ve done that by electing a majority of pro-gun Senators and House Representatives. But consider this. We also send a message to pro-gun elected officials when we don’t stand by a man who is arguably one of the best friends gun-owners have ever had in the Governor’s Mansion. If we don’t stand by our friends who have stood by us in spite of extreme pressure, then how can we expect to retain any loyalty in Austin? One thing I have learned by being involved in this issue for almost 27 years is that when you give your word, either directly or implicitly, you’d better keep it or forget building any long-lasting support. I care about issues other than guns, but the firearms issue is a litmus test for me. If I have two or more pro-gun candidates, I can make my decision on other issues. But if a candidate is wrong on guns, then I need look no further. Nothing is more important than my right and ability to protect myself and family. The number two item on my priority list is a distant second. It doesn’t matter what Friedman’s or Strayhorn’s position is on the second amendment or CHL, because they will not win.

If Bell wins, forget about fixing the "traveling" situation, streamlining the CHL process, clarifying the definition of "premises" and doing away with unenforceable 30.06 signs, passing a "Castle Doctrine" bill, and a number of other cleanup measures to help CHL's and CHL instructors. If gun owners cost Perry this election, we’ll have only ourselves to blame for a lack of progress - the anti’s will have had no part in our troubles.

Respectfully,
Chas.

[carlson1]

hmmm nuff said! Makes since to me.

[Diode]

I believe Chas hit this one right on the head. We very well could end up with Bell the same way we were blessed with Clinton. Rick Perry may not be your choice but he has been good to the CHL people and that should matter to all of us.

[longtooth]

Complete agreement. There are other issues too. But if we wind up w/o our 2nd A. then we have only ax handles to defend self against the black robbed tyrants that know more about how "they the people" ought to be governed than we the people.

[Braden]

Charles makes a very good point. As I said before, I am not completely satisfied with Rick Perry, but the alternative (Chris Bell) is unacceptable to me.

The number of people that are taking Kinky seriously really scares me. He doesn't stand a chance of winning, but he could pull a LOT of votes away from Perry.

[shootthesheet]

This is a board about CHL and Pro-Second Amendment so I will keep it in that scope. Perry is a proven supporter of our rights. Like was said, he is not perfect. But, he is so much better than the loons and liberals that the choice seems clear for myself.

I will not support losing our gains in trying to elect someone that cannot get enough votes to win. Doing that(H. Ross Perot) will elect leftists every time. It is not about who claims to be the most "pro-gun". It is who is the most pro-gun owners rights and can get elected. Otherwise, we divide ourselves and help elect the worst choice.

[Mithras61]

I've noticed that quite a number of you dismiss Chris Bell as being a rabid anti-gunner. You might want to check out his voting record on that before you decide that he is, because his voting record is pretty good on gun ownership and gun owners' rights.

I won't argue that he's a Democrat (he is), or that he's liberal on some issues (also guilty as charged) but he's pretty strong supporter of gun rights (he voted for the bill to prevent lawsuits against firearms manufacturers for making "defective" products, among other things). In fact, he's a moderate liberal. Perry is only a little to the right of Bell on most issues.

From the Chris Bell campaign (with permission):

From: Adrienne Fischer [mailto:adrienne@chrisbell.com]
Sent: Thursday, September 21, 2006 12:12 PM
To: (address removed)
Subject: Re: What is your position on the 2nd amendment



Chris Bell believes firmly in the privileges guaranteed by the Second Amendment and supports the right of every Texan to own and carry guns legally. However, he feels that it is equally important that existing laws are properly enforced.


...


Adrienne Fischer
Grassroots Coordinator
Chris Bell for Governor
4032 South Lamar, Suite 700
Austin, TX 78704
(512)482-0216 office
(512)444-0216 fax
(713)504-4336 cell

[shootthesheet]

I said I was going to stick to CHL and gun related issues only. So, I will try to relate this to guns as much as I can.

I remember not long ago when the Democrats ran to other states to try to avoid votes on conservative issues. They made a big deal out of it and the media ate it up. I think if we elect a Democrat for Governor we will see that form of radical governing in Austin. We will see attacks on CHL and Texans civil rights relating to firearms in general. Mr. Bell would be a radical change not only in what we are accustom to from the Governors office. But, also the Legislature, from the Democrats aggressive pursuit of a liberal agenda. I think they would be convinced Texas had gone to the left and oppose every conservative issue to include CHL and self-defense. Also, we would see a vast difference in how the Texas AG interprets laws. Something that has been very favorable under Gov. Perry because of his requests to clarify issues. I don't believe we would see that under Mr. Bell. On top of that, a Democrat Governor in Texas would signal a shift national politics that could elect radical leftists in today's more moderate states. I don't believe we should risk our gains for the purpose of change. And if Mr. Bell is almost as good as Governor Perry we still lose in the "almost".

[Charles L. Cotton]

Here is a good look at Kinky's true feelings about hunting.

http://www.reporter-news.com/abil/nw_st ... 38,00.html

Texans like politicians who hunt
By Peggy Fikac / San Antonio Express-News
September 13, 2006

AUSTIN - In a state where hunting seems as natural a political campaign activity as baby-kissing, candidates for governor want to make sure they don't misfire when it comes to Texas' multibillion dollar outdoors industry.
Otherwise, they know it could cost them plenty on election day.

Just ask Kinky Friedman, the independent candidate for governor who is backpedaling from a column in which he described hunters as waging ''a one-sided war against creation.''

Since he wrote that 2002 article for Texas Monthly magazine, saying, ''I do not suffer hunters gladly,'' Friedman said he has met with a ''whole lot of hunters'' and can see the need for hunting, particularly to manage the deer population.

Still, he refuses to go easy on big-game hunters.

''Somebody that goes out and kills a polar bear or has to go out and shoot an elephant, I believe God punishes 'em by giving them erectile dysfunction,'' said Friedman, an animal-lover who founded the Utopia Animal Rescue Ranch. ''That's just a theory, though.''

Long-time political watchers know that hunting is no joke in Texas.

''It's part of running for governor in Texas, and it always has been,'' said Southern Methodist University political scientist Cal Jillson.

''Living on the land, farming, ranching and hunting - that's all sort of a piece of being a true Texan. ... I would suspect by the end of the campaign he (Kinky) is going to be biting the heads off chickens just to show he's up to being governor.''

Friedman's change of heart, at least toward the likes of deer hunters, comes to light as Democrat Chris Bell plans a West Texas dove hunt and Gov. Rick Perry's camp expresses pride in the GOP incumbent's hunting prowess.

''He is an avid hunter, and he has got the heads and the pelts mounted on the wall to prove it,'' said Perry spokesman Robert Black.
He said Friedman's article taking shots at hunting ''is almost taking a shot at the soul of Texas,'' then lambasted him for having ''flip-flopped'' on the issue.

Bell's dove-hunting trip is ''a great opportunity to showcase his support for protecting hunting and fishing habitat,'' said the Democrat's spokesman, Jason Stanford. He said Bell grew up hunting. ''Kinky can argue with himself about whether hunting is a good thing. Chris Bell is just going huntin'.''

Non-hunting candidates Comptroller Carole Keeton Strayhorn, an independent, and James Werner, a Libertarian, express support for the activity.

Werner called it ''a great Texas tradition.''

Strayhorn spokesman Mark Sanders said, ''It is something her husband enjoys. That's why it's important to her.''

Friedman, who last year did a fundraising benefit for an injured hunting guide and plans another in October, said he wouldn't rule out going on a hunting trip.

''I don't rule anything out any more,'' he said. ''I don't have any great, burning desire to do it.''

What does an activity like hunting matter in the race for governor?

Political scientist Bruce Buchanan of the University of Texas at Austin disagreed with SMU's Jillson.

In an increasingly urban state, it's not huge deal, said Buchanan.

Still, hunting in Texas creates political headlines.

Democratic Gov. Ann Richards made it a tradition to hunt doves in front of the media when campaigning. George W. Bush's 1994 GOP gubernatorial campaign drew kudos for the adroit handling of his accidental shooting of a protected killdeer. More recently, Vice President Dick Cheney sparked a media frenzy when he accidentally shot a lawyer with whom he was hunting in South Texas.

Friedman took the issue seriously enough to provide hunting references after getting questions about his column.

Wally Danos of Fredericksburg and Julie Mogenis of Hunt, both in the hunting business, said Friedman was receptive to information they gave him about the value of hunting and its impact on the economy. According to a report from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, hunters generated some $1.8 billion just in retail sales in 2001, the latest date figures are available. All together anglers, hunters and other wildlife aficionados spent $5.2 billion and had a total economic impact of $10.9 billion.

''Mr. Friedman understands the importance of the hunting industry in the state of Texas, and he's behind it 110 percent,'' said Danos. Mogenis, the guide for whom Friedman did a benefit, said, ''He's a supporter of ethical harvesting of animals, within a game plan.''

Rocker and avid hunter Ted Nugent, a Perry ally who sees hunting lined up with respect for the earth, said a leader's support for hunting is ''imperative in the great state of Texas.''

Friedman said he regretted having been ''a little hard on'' Nugent, whom he called a ''bow-hunting nerd'' in the column. He said he liked Nugent's approach when he learned about it afterward, saying, ''He's a guy who uses everything (from the animal). He doesn't waste.''

Nugent said, ''God bless him, that didn't hurt my feelings. I do hunt with a bow and arrow. ... People of decency and good will and in the know - they know that that's cool as hell. So it's like Ozzy Osbourne claiming that I can't talk good. I think I can live with it.''

[Mithras61]

I said I was going to stick to CHL and gun related issues only. So, I will try to relate this to guns as much as I can.

I remember not long ago when the Democrats ran to other states to try to avoid votes on conservative issues. They made a big deal out of it and the media ate it up. I think if we elect a Democrat for Governor we will see that form of radical governing in Austin. We will see attacks on CHL and Texans civil rights relating to firearms in general. Mr. Bell would be a radical change not only in what we are accustom to from the Governors office. But, also the Legislature, from the Democrats aggressive pursuit of a liberal agenda. I think they would be convinced Texas had gone to the left and oppose every conservative issue to include CHL and self-defense. Also, we would see a vast difference in how the Texas AG interprets laws. Something that has been very favorable under Gov. Perry because of his requests to clarify issues. I don't believe we would see that under Mr. Bell. On top of that, a Democrat Governor in Texas would signal a shift national politics that could elect radical leftists in today's more moderate states. I don't believe we should risk our gains for the purpose of change. And if Mr. Bell is almost as good as Governor Perry we still lose in the "almost".

That's your choice. I wanted to provide information, not opinion. From many of the posts here, many here oppose Chris Bell because he is a Democrat, not because of any actual position he takes or supports, and that's your choice, but please don't try to convince me that it's because of gun issues.

After all, it's easier to bash "liberals" and "radical leftists" than to understand them, teach them or convert them (but I think you'd be amazed at how many "radical leftists" support gun rights).

As to "running to other states to prevent a vote on conservative issues," let us not kid ourselves. Their leaving the state had NOTHING to do with any gun legislation. It had to do with a pretty radical reinterpretation of laws concerning redistricting.

The fact is, you don 't really have any clue as to what the Chris Bell's agenda might be other than what you have heard from your conservative leadership & friends. The overwhelming majority of Democrats running for elected office in Texas support the rights of people to keep & bear arms. Interestingly enough, they see this as a Homeland Security issue as much as a Contitutional Rights issue (armed people are FAR harder to terrorize, after all).

As to "states swinging left and opposing conservative issues to include CHL and self-defense" you make assumptions that are unfounded. At the present time, only two states don't have some form of carry laws. Some of those states are controlled by Democrats. Not all Democrats are from New York, or want to take away your guns (although you may have some very nice guns - but I'll be buying my own, thank you very much ).

[Charles L. Cotton]

Chris Bell's one term in Congress did not earn him a good rating from NRA. The NRA Voter's Guide will be out Oct. 1.

You are correct, gun owners have many friends in the Democratic Party and the TSRA Voters Guide reflects this in the ratings. Chris Bell isn't one of them.

Chas.

[Popshot]

From the Chris Bell campaign (with permission):

From: Adrienne Fischer [mailto:adrienne@chrisbell.com]
Sent: Thursday, September 21, 2006 12:12 PM
To: (address removed)
Subject: Re: What is your position on the 2nd amendment



Chris Bell believes firmly in the privileges guaranteed by the Second Amendment and supports the right of every Texan to own and carry guns legally. However, he feels that it is equally important that existing laws are properly enforced.

There is something about what politicians say that just doesn't sit right.

The first sentence from Chris Bell's politico sounds good. The second sentence starts off with a big "However, ".

It sounds like so much double talk we and our fathers and grandfathers have heard. It seems to say that we support the Second Amendment, but we may enact laws that may be contrary. Sort of like saying you suppport television stations but won't let anyone have a TV.

[carlson1]

I said I was going to stick to CHL and gun related issues only. So, I will try to relate this to guns as much as I can.

I remember not long ago when the Democrats ran to other states to try to avoid votes on conservative issues. They made a big deal out of it and the media ate it up. I think if we elect a Democrat for Governor we will see that form of radical governing in Austin. We will see attacks on CHL and Texans civil rights relating to firearms in general. Mr. Bell would be a radical change not only in what we are accustom to from the Governors office. But, also the Legislature, from the Democrats aggressive pursuit of a liberal agenda. I think they would be convinced Texas had gone to the left and oppose every conservative issue to include CHL and self-defense. Also, we would see a vast difference in how the Texas AG interprets laws. Something that has been very favorable under Gov. Perry because of his requests to clarify issues. I don't believe we would see that under Mr. Bell. On top of that, a Democrat Governor in Texas would signal a shift national politics that could elect radical leftists in today's more moderate states. I don't believe we should risk our gains for the purpose of change. And if Mr. Bell is almost as good as Governor Perry we still lose in the "almost".

The fact is, you don 't really have any clue as to what the Chris Bell's agenda might be other than what you have heard from your conservative leadership & friends.

That is the best thing I have read. You can't really know their TRUE AGENDA!

[longtooth]

Subject: Re: What is your position on the 2nd amendment



Chris Bell believes firmly in the privileges guaranteed by the Second Amendment and supports the right of every Texan to own and carry guns legally. However, he feels that it is equally important that existing laws are properly enforced.

Chris Bell believes firmly in the PRIVILEGES guaranteed by the 2A. They are not privileges, nor are the collective rights of the National Guard, & that is not splitting political or verbal hairs. Chris Bell is no more a friend of the 2A than John Kerry.


...


Adrienne Fischer
Grassroots Coordinator
Chris Bell for Governor
4032 South Lamar, Suite 700
Austin, TX 78704
(512)482-0216 office
(512)444-0216 fax
(713)504-4336 cell[/i][/quote]

[carlson1]

Subject: Re: What is your position on the 2nd amendment



Chris Bell believes firmly in the privileges guaranteed by the Second Amendment and supports the right of every Texan to own and carry guns legally. However, he feels that it is equally important that existing laws are properly enforced.

Chris Bell believes firmly in the PRIVILEGES guaranteed by the 2A. They are not privileges, nor are the collective rights of the National Guard, & that is not splitting political or verbal hairs. Chris Bell is no more a friend of the 2A than John Kerry.

...


Adrienne Fischer
Grassroots Coordinator
Chris Bell for Governor
4032 South Lamar, Suite 700
Austin, TX 78704
(512)482-0216 office
(512)444-0216 fax
(713)504-4336 cell[/i]

[/quote]



They are friendly with whatever group they happen to be with