For more than thirty years, my focus has been growing the Republican Party and having fun while doing so. During my ten years in elected office, my focus was always implementing smaller, more effective, conservative government. It pains me to call out particular Republicans. That’s not my style. But if I am the subject of direct attacks, I will respond.
Mr. Namken: I’d welcome a conversation with you. My husband and I would be happy to take you to lunch. You have my email address and phone number. The ball is in your court. If you truly believe what you write about open discourse and civility, I’ll hear from you to arrange a lunch. If I don’t, that will speak volumes.
I have never met Jarrett Namken. I have never talked to Jarrett Namken. Jarrett Namken has never discussed my political philosophy with me, nor asked my opinion on any issue. Yet he has, in writing, defamed me and my profession, lied about me, and hurled false allegations at me. He has cited laws in his posts that don’t exist and has shown a complete ignorance of copyright law. As the subject of his direct attacks, I must respond.
My “crime” is to be friends with the former chair. Another “crime” was to have the audacity to start two Republican clubs: the Bastrop County Republican Club and the Lost Pines Republican Women, organizations have raised significant funds, had fun doing it, and expanded the opportunities to participate in Republican politics. For some unexplained reason, this infuriates Namken.
In a May 29 email (which someone else just sent me since I’m blocked from those as well), Namken once again states that he wants “more discussion, civility” without “fear of indimidation”:
Our political movement strives to achieve the vision that positively impacts the manner and nature of political discourse in Bastrop County. This effort will be spearheaded to foster more discussion, civility and positive benefits for local republicans.
We will strive to bring more conservatives to engage and participate in their political institutions without fear of intimidation.
Odd words from a man who blocks people from his Facebook page while writing accusatory, false posts about them. Odd words from a man who attempts to intimidate others on an almost daily basis. Odd words from a man who has brought his negativity to campaigns and to the County Executive Committee. Odd words from a man who vilifies and attacks others, even people he’s never met.
Mr. Namken: I’d welcome a conversation with you. My husband and I would be happy to take you to lunch. You have my email address and phone number. The ball is in your court. If you truly believe what you write about open discourse and civility, I’ll hear from you to arrange a lunch. If I don’t, that will speak volumes.
Winning the special election at the ballot box on June 30 with more than 50% of the vote would be decisive. Strategically, Republicans should work hard to top 50% for our candidate, eliminating the need for another election. With many Republicans out of their home districts for an entire week because of the RPT Convention (June 11 – 16), we need to double our efforts when on home turf to make this happen. And, those not going to Convention need to double their efforts during Convention time.
Here’s a (rhetorical) question for you to consider. I’ve been involved in the political world in two states. The states are very different, but the political party is the same. And, it appears, the power plays, derogatory comments, and backstabbing are the same as well. The politics of personal destruction is alive and well in both, too. So, I posted this on Facebook: