On July 15th and 16th the Texas Republican Assembly convened in Austin hosted by the Central Texas Republican Assembly. The meeting was well attended by over 60 members and guests and was a great success by all accounts.

The social on Friday evening was a fun event for about 40 attendees who arrived early. Saturday morning kicked off with an introduction of guests and candidates. NFRA President Richard Engle spoke to the group urging attendance at the upcoming national convention in Scottsdale, AZ, Labor Day weekend. The morning session was a packed room and included discussion of chapter organization and supporting candidates after endorsements.

The noon luncheon was highlighted by Tom Pauken's speech concerning his views on the state of the Republican Party and the Iraqi War. (To read a recent speech by Mr. Pauken to the Foreign Policy Conference in Chicago, go to http://www.michaellwilliams.com/archive/display.php?id=282.) The afternoon also included an informative presentation by author and trainer Richard Battle (www.richardbattle.com) on leading volunteer organizations. (Mr. Battle, of Austin, will be speaking at the NFRA convention in September as well.)

The meeting business included the election of officers, changes to the bylaws, and passage of resolutions. The following is the list of officers elected or appointed to the board:

Executive
Mike McNamara, President
Eric Stratton, Vice President
Sue Evenwel, Secretary
Bert Topper, Treasurer

District Representatives
Debra Coffey, SD 10
Laura Enlow, SD 12
Pat O'Grady, SD 14
Brian McAuliffe, SD 23

National Representatives
Mona Bailey, TxRA National Committeewoman
Chuck Lutz, TxRA National Committeeman (not in attendance)

Chapter Presidents
John Ulrich, Central Texas RA
Steve Atwell, Tarrant County RA (not in attendance)
Stan Smith, East Gulf Coast RA (not in attendance)
Bill Wachel, Dallas County RA (not in attendance)

The bylaws changes in summary were to change the minimum number of members required for a charter chapter, and to give more guidance concerning when annual conventions. Several resolutions were passed after much discussion. The topics covered include:

• Limit the Jurisdiction of the Federal Courts
  
• Ban Judicial Filibusters
  
• Support Free and Fair Trade
  
• Repeal McCain-Feingold
  
• Support Real Tax Reform
  
• Oppose Amnesty for Illegal Aliens
  
• Encourage Adult Stem Cell Research
  
• Repeal the "Help America Vote Act of 2002"
  
• Support Our Godly Heritage
  
• Restore Private Property Rights

If you would like a summary or a copy of the bylaws changes or resolutions, please contact me by email and I will gladly forward them to you.

During the post convention board meeting, the next board meeting was set for October 15th in Ft. Worth. Further, Steve Hollern will chair the TxRA Endorsing Convention set for January 27 - 29, 2006. Both the board meeting and January convention will take place at the Southwestern Seminary Center for Leadership Development in Ft. Worth.

There were several persons who signed on to go to the national convention Labor Day Weekend. They are Mike and Julia McNamara, Brian McAuliffe, Steve Hollern, Anne Goss, Tim Bradberry, and Mona Bailey,

I would like to take a moment to express my gratitude for the opportunity to serve as president of the Texas Republican Assembly. I look forward to working to increase the state organization strength through growth and recognition. We must have a formidable presence if we are to have a meaningful impact statewide. The goal is to retain a high percentage of current members while adding new members and new chapters to our existing base. At the upcoming October board meeting I will lay out a plan to achieve a growth plan that will triple our strength by this time next year. It will be a dynamic and exciting time in TxRA history.

Very kindest regards,

Mike McNamara
TxRA President