Congrats to Rep. Reggie Smith (R-Sherman), for the best Texas Ad, so far for Texas independents. He captures for us at LIV how most independents feel about the war between and internal to the major parties.
Texas independents want out of their crossfire!
If Texas voters figure out the grift that Rep. Drew Darby (R-San Angelos) called out (not to mention Rep. Ernest Bailes, R-Shepherd) by those who will say anything to get over on voters, Katy bar the door for the future of Texas elections.
In other words, friends, we may be witnessing the destruction of one-party rule. What's most interesting about it is the destruction of the Texas GOP -- if voters don't step up to save it -- comes from the very top guys in this screwy election. We're talking about Gov. Gregg Abbott, Lt. Governor Dan Patrick, and, not to be outdone, the ethically and legally challenged Attorney General Ken Paxton.
It didn't just magically happen that their foe, Texas House Speaker Dade Phelan, who supported the impeachment proceedings against Paxton, is standing in their way.
It's guys like Smith and Phelan who chose not to go along to get along with the "anything goes," crowd at the Lege. Let us not forget that in the last regular legislative session, key Dan Patrick lieutenant, Senator Bryan Hughes, tried to destroy any real access to the Texas ballot for independents and minor parties.
We at LIV noticed that neither Phelan nor Smith, who chaired the House Elections Committee, engaged in independent and minor party bashing in the 2023 Legislative Session.
The real good news is that the decision-making going on today is by hundreds of thousands of voters who have already voted early or are in the process.
We make no predictions but you can guess whose side we're on. That said, LIV is not endorsing candidates in this election. We are endorsing YOU to think and take appropriate action. (Note: Independent Texans PAC did endorse Ernest Bailes in House District 18 -- east Texas.)
For now, Texas has an open primary where voters simply go to the voting stations and pick a Republican or Democrat ballot in the primary. Some independents do not participate in the primaries and opt for simply voting in the general election in November. Some independents also opt to participate in a minor party such as the Libertarian or Green parties. Their state conventions are coming up on April 13th. And, if you want to sign for an independent candidate or new party, you have to refrain from voting in the primary. This rule only exists in Texas and is on appeal at the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Pick your options, y'all. And, please become a dues-paying member of the League of Independent Voters of Texas, a non-partisan, nonprofit 501c4 organization.
Note: LIV is looking to add new independent blood from across Texas to our decision-making bodies. If you want to help gently herd independent voters, not shove them into bitter partisan warfare, get in touch.