TSRAPAC

Federal candidates are scored by NRA.   TSRA and NRA jointly score state candidates.

Look for TSRA's Voter's Guide in the next edition of The Sportsman and on line October 1st. 

TSRA publishes NRA-Federal's voter's guide without change.   However, when TSRA members  ask "why" and "how come", we follow up and provide specific information to support all scores and endorsements on both federal and state candidates and incumbents. 

Every election cycle brings questions, not only about congressional candidates but about various state candidates.  While we don't speak for NRA, the formula for scoring and making endorsements is primarily the same for state as it is for federal.

In January of every election year candidates running for state offices are mailed a candidate questionnaire.  The questionnaire generally contains twenty questions.  These questions offer details and information about various pro-gun or anti-gun  issues in our recent state legisltive history.  The candidate is invited to select one or more answers from a list or to write-in an answer of their own.   The questions are clear but, just in case, the candidate or incumbent is provided contact information for both the NRA and the TSRA lobbyist. 

The questionnaires are scored as you would expect any multiple choice "test" to be scored; an A means perfect, an A- would indicate one question was missed, etc.   Over the past two election cycles NRA has begun indicating candidates with an AQ to indicate their A was based wholly on answers to a questionnaire.   Thus far, TSRA hasn't added this clarification.

Any candidate who does not return their questionnaire is listed with a question mark.   Many many attempts are made to gather information for TSRA members and question marks are seldom accidential.   Our job is to provide all the information possible.

Most endorsed candidates are incumbents; that is they are currently serving in office or we have a recent history with that person.   The questionnaire is only a promise to support the Second Amendment, Concealed Carry, and the rights of Texas Hunters.   What counts is that person's vote when the chips are down.   Actions trump promises and earn endorsements.

An A rated incumbent seeking TSRA's endorsement has a perfect voting record on gun rights issues and has returned a perfect questionnaire.   Without both there will not be an endorsement.

Occasionally there are circumstances that call for endorsing an non-incumbent candidate.  In the 2009 session in the Texas House there were no record votes on the House floor.  Because of this a handful of recently elected, freshman House members remain scoreless.  They did not return a candidate questionnaire in 2008.  They did not author or co-author TSRA-agenda legislation.  Now in 2010, they are not participating in our survey process.   Gun owners mean nothing to this small handful of legislators.

In addition, they represent

What does an endorsement mean?  It means that person is listed in bold type, usually with a check mark.  It generally means a post card mailing is down for that candidate in their district, and they are sent a PAC check from TSRA's political action committee.  Members contribute money to TSRA's PAC and all funds are listed with the Texas Ethics Commission.

What does it take to get an A+ from TSRA?   Any candidate listed as an A+ has "carried our water" as the saying goes.  This person has gone above and beyond simply voting for pro-gun legislation.  They successfully authored a pro-gun bill or in the case of Governor Perry, signed every bill brought to his desk.  Castle Doctrine was the first bill signed by our Governor in 2007, an honor and a statement of support for personal self-defense.   Above and beyond...

NRA oversees the entire process for federal candidates but it's the same. 

Is it possible to go from an F rating to an A?   Absolutely but improved scores don't happen quickly with either State or Federal Candidates.

In 2000 Congressman Chet Edwards was rated F by NRA.  Since that time Congressman Edwards has voted for all NRA-supported bill.   He signed on to an amicus brief in support of Heller v D.C. and by 2006 he had slowly worked his way up to a B.   There was no back-sliding.   In 2008 he was rated an A and is today and A and endorsed by NRA.   In addition he has authored and co-authored pro-gun legislation.

TSRA offers this comprehensive voter's guide to our membership.  It's not written for or against any political party.  We ask our members to take our information and add it to other concerns as they prepare to vote.

Be an educated voter!

With Congressional Redistricting around the corner attention needs to be centered on urban Texas House seats lost in the recent past.

HD 102 is located in North Central Dallas.  It was held by Republican State Rep. Tony Goolsby until 2008.  The seat was lost to Rep. Carol Kent (D) who is no friend to gun owners.  It's as if we don't exist.  Expect to read in the voter's guide that TSRA has endorsed Stefani Carter (R).  Ms. Carter is smart, out-going, and eager to communicate with constituents and lobby alike.  If you live or have family in the North Park area of Dallas, plan to vote for Stefani Carter for State Representative for HD 102.  However, anyone can volunteer to work in her campaign and anyone can contribute.  For contact information   www.carterfortexas.com

In 2008 long-time friendly State Rep. Bill Zedler (R-Arlington) lost a close race to Chris Turner (D-Burleson).  During the 2009 Legislative session, there were no record votes on gun bills in the House and Rep. Chris Turner failed to co-author any of our 4 legislative intiatives.  So expect to see former State Representative Bill Zedler endorsed for 2010 and heavily supported by TSRA.  This Arlington area race is another fine volunteer opportunity if you live in or near Texas House District 96.    Bill Zedler's website is www.billzedler.org  for  contact information, look there first.

In a district north of Austin, a Texas House seat was lost in 2008 to Rep. Diana Maldonado (D-Round Rock).   As with the other freshmen Democrats mentioned above, Ms. Maldonado had no interest in gun owners, their problems or their rights and was not a co-author on any pro-gun legislation during the 2009 Legislative session.  Voter's in the Round Rock area need to help and support Larry Gonzales (R-Round Rock).   He's a TSRA and NRA member, supports hunters, collectors, and the concealed handgun licensing program.  To help Mr. Gonzales in House District 52 which is north and east of Austin, check his web site at   www.larrygonzales.com  

We need to fill these House seats with pro-gun conservative candidates!  Check back for more additions and updates.