Robert Pratt
Races not listed are those for which I am not issuing recommendations. I simply ask you to vote for the most conservative, smaller-government, pro-Constitution candidate as best as you can determine. In some races I’ve issued a “steer clear hint” based upon opinions I have about specific candidates.
(List may be updated and revised as we move toward Election Day on March 1st.)
Texas 19th Congressional District UPDATED
The leading conservative candidates in this race are Glen Robertson, Donald May and Greg Garrett in that order.
I can no longer recommend Michael Bob Starr after his terrible handling of the disclosure of his participation in homosexual “pride” events; his blaming unseen conspirators for the press (Breitbart News) doing its job, and; Starr’s calling those “cowards” who worked to bring attention to his seemingly contradictory stances on the issue of the promotion of homosexuality in our culture. Mr. Starr’s claiming that unseen big-money interests are behind the disclosure of his participation in homosexual “pride” events is particularly troubling given that Starr is the candidate in the race with undisclosed big money interests backing his campaign since at least mid-January.
The question asked by former GOP county chairman L. Scott Mann is appropriate if uncomfortable: Will the real Michael Bob Starr please stand up?
Steer clear hint: I would definitely NOT vote for Jodey Arrington who is a lifelong government, D.C. and political payroll insider motivated by being an officeholder more than by promoting the conservative ideology. Nor would I vote for Don Parrish who is clearly an old fashioned big government Democrat based on the interview I conducted (and has withdrawn from campaigning but will appear on the ballot.)
Original recommendation: The leading candidates in this race are: Glen Robertson and Michael Bob Starr. Donald May and Greg Garrett are the leaders of the second rank. All four appear strongly conservative but we are just beginning to see important background and relational information appear about them. I will hold off voting for at least another week.
Here are a few key links to developments in the TX 19 race:
- http://www.texastribune.org/2016/02/14/race-replace-neugebauer/
- http://www.breitbart.com/big-government/2016/02/13/west-texas-conservatives-endorse-gay-rights-activist-for-congress/
- http://lubbockonline.com/filed-online/2016-02-14/us-district-19-candidate-starr-accuses-opponents-malicious-attacks-reference#.VsFCCua2dUd – odd that he didn’t address the issue of his support of a homosexual “pride” event in the response. Quite troubling.
- TX19: Starr & LGBT support – Been there, done that and got the T-shirt – Sandstorm Scholar
- http://lubbockonline.com/filed-online/2016-02-12/parrish-stops-campaigning-directs-supporters-another-candidate#.VsDwRua2eY5
- https://prattontexas.com/2016/02/09/pac-spends-over-63000-for-starr-early-in-tx19-race/
- https://prattontexas.com/2016/02/04/part-ii-gop-race-for-tx19-gets-curiouser-and-curiouser/
- https://prattontexas.com/2015/10/06/tx19-arrington-removes-competitors-name-from-abbott-sponsor-list/
Railroad Commissioner
Pratt on Texas endorses Wayne Christian. The former state representative has long been a conservative leader. I know much more about him than any other of the candidates except maybe my steer clear hint.
Steer clear of Gary Gates trying yet again to buy his way to an elective office.
State supreme courts
Texas Supreme Court Place 3
Pratt on Texas endorses Michael Massengale. I’m proud to join most conservative groups in Texas as well as former Governor Rick Perry in calling for change in this court seat. Gov. Perry has endorsed Massengale over the incumbent, Debra Lehrmann, whom he appointed to the bench – that says much. Plus, I’m quite impressed with Massengale and believe he will be a solid, textualist member of the court.
Texas Supreme Court Place 5
Pratt on Texas endorses Rick Green and joins many conservatives in so doing. I was not a fan of Green’s time in the Legislature but have heard absolutely nothing from incumbent Paul Green and will defer to many conservatives I respect.
Texas Supreme Court Place 9
Pratt on Texas endorses Justice Eva Guzman for re-election to the court.
Court of Criminal Appeals Place 2
Pratt on Texas endorses Judge Ray Wheless enthusiastically. Judge Wheless is a solid conservative and has gone the extra mile to make himself available to Texans, to my audience, and has a long record of service to conservative politics. Important in this race too is that Wheless worked in the private sector for two decades before becoming a district judge.
Steer clear of Chris Oldner. Oldner is a liberal-leaning Republican behind much anti-conservative mischief in Collin County. As the press put it, he’s looking to fall-up in this race deciding not to run for re-election to the bench in his home county in the face of big opposition.
Court of Criminal Appeals Place 5
Pratt on Texas endorses Judge Sid Harle who is a national leader in the very reforms to expert science testimony which are confronting the court. Many conservative groups have endorsed another candidate in this race but Pratt on Texas has heard nothing from this candidate. Sid Harle was impressive in my meetings with him and has a unique expertise greatly needed on the court.
Court of Criminal Appeals Place 6
Pratt on Texas endorses Judge Michael Keasler. Keasler is an old friend, solid judge, and has served us very well on the court.
Texas Senate District 24:
Pratt on Texas endorses Dr. Brent Mayes who has a career in medicine and in business under his belt. Mayes was impressive in his appearance on Pratt on Texas and carries the endorsement of many other trusted conservatives. Most of the candidates in this race made no effort to appear on the program to speak to the voters of the northern-third of the district.
Texas House Districts:
HD60: Pratt on Texas is proud to join with other conservatives and endorses Mike Lang.
HD71: Pratt on Texas recommends a vote either for Chris Carnohan or Isaac Castro. Steer clear of schools-can-never-spend-enough-of-your-money RINO Stan Lambert.
HD82: Pratt on Texas endorses Joshua Crawford. Incumbent Brooks Landgraf ran for his freshman term as a strong conservative but immediately joined with moderates in Austin.
HD84: Pratt on Texas will not issue an endorsement in this race due to personal relationships with both candidates. Voters who have been listening to my coverage of the Legislature for the past few sessions are fully informed on this race.
Lubbock County:
Constable Precinct 2:
Pratt on Texas endorses Jody Barnes. Barnes is the only candidate in this race who bothered to reach out to the Pratt on Texas audience. Given that there have been problems with the incumbent in the race covered by the press, I’m recommended a change in the office.
Constable Precinct 4:
None of these candidates made an effort make themselves available to the Pratt on Texas audience prior to voting.
County Commissioner Precinct 1: UPDATE
After interviewing Terence Kovar on Pratt on Texas, I’m recommending a vote for him.
Pratt on Texas asks voters to steer clear of the salary raising (over and over) incumbent Bill McCay.
Taylor County:
Many of those seeking courthouse positions in Taylor County have appeared on Pratt on Texas. However, I do not have enough detailed knowledge of the candidates to issue an endorsement.
Wichita County:
I do not believe any candidate for a courthouse position in Wichita County bothered to reach out to the Pratt on Texas audience and thus, I’m making no endorsements. Incumbent tax assessor-collector Tommy Smyth did visit the last Pratt on Texas broadcast from Wichita Falls and such was appreciated.
No way would I vote for Glen Robertson for Congress. What a dismal record he has as Lubbock mayor. Don’t think I’d vote for him if he ran for dog catcher.
A legitimate opinion but it needs to be pointed out that he has been a member of the minority vote block since taking office. Robertson has not had a majority, such has been in the hands of the Joy and her voting block.
Pratt is exactly right. As a Lubbockite myself, you can barely sneeze in this town without having to pay for a permit to do it. This town is full of conservatives yet none of them do their homework when it comes to voting. They see an R next to the name and check the box. That reason right there is why, of all the towns I have lived in, Lubbock charges its citizens for everything under the sun yet does the least amount possible for its citizens. I’ve lived in a blue state where the city had less control over its people than what Lubbock does. Most Lubbockites are so use to it that they think it’s the norm.
Robert, You share my own conservative values, it would be helpful if you would give us your opinion on these Wichita Fall races as you have conservative contacts here in Wichita Falls and know the candidates better than what we can keep up with!
We listeners know you and trust you! Thanks for all your hard work!
Don Nester
How can I form opinions of them when there is little to no local media coverage of what they say, do and believe AND none of them respect the audience (you) enough to want to come on the show? If it were a statehouse race or larger I would be fully informed but there is no way to be such with local courthouse candidates when there is no local coverage.
I like most of your endorsements, but I am disappointed that you allowed an old friendship to keep you from making an endorsement in HD84. While Frullo is a nice guy, he has been a horrible legislator with a liberal record. In contrast, Jim Landtroop has the solid conservative record that you are looking for. Thank you for the rest of your endorsements.
With your comment it is clear that further comments from me are not necessary.
No further comments necessary because you agree with him or because you believe otherwise and if so please clarify.
Because it is clear that voters who listen to the show already know the score in this race.
Amen Jim…
Robert, in Wichita County, we have a local towing company operator who has several elected officials in his pocket. This was to obtain sole supplier wrecker service in the city and county. There is a current lawsuit against several of these entities due to the situation. This election is no different as the candidate with backing of the towing operator and the police and fire unions is trying to infiltrate the commissioner’s court. I am sorry that the only candidate you mentions is in this group also. Last election, folks saw through the hype and did not elect their candidate for city council. I hope this election they do the same. Thanks for all you do.
Starr said that he was just following the law to back the gays?? the law may prevent discrimination BUT it doesn’t require him to take part in their activities…
I was leaning towards starr, but have since changed my mind. The robo call from the abilene mayor yesterday did that.. and the articles I read about his participation in activities on the base. I believe his job was to make sure there was no discrimination but his participation went a bit far .. just my own opinion…
I appreciate your thoughts and endorsements
Jim tells us that John Frullo “he has been a horrible legislator with a liberal record. ” Really Jim? Think much?
landtroop is an empty suit who was completely lost in his only term. He thought holding his breath would get things accomplished for his district.
John Frullo has worked within the system to accomplish things for the benefit of the entire area, including Texas Tech and the farming industry. He keep us from having Marc Griffin as our state Rep. He has done an outstanding job working for West Texas deserves reelection.
How is that a bad thing?
Jack, you need to look at some independent unbiased outlets that rank our legislators by actual the votes they cast.
A Rice University study ranked Frullo as the 12th most liberal Republican in the Texas House out of the 98 Republicans last term. Empower Texans gave Frullo a grade of 63 (F) in the last session and a 62 (F) session before last.
Landtroop, on the other hand, was ranked #4 most conservative by Rice University in his only session in the Texas House and got an A+ rating from Empower Texans.
The proof is in the actions of the legislator. Frullo is a RINO….
Awesome job! We have moved from Lubbock to Columbia, TN and sure do miss you my friend! Do you know of anyone in Tennessee who provides conservative political insights for voters similar to you?
No. Move back!
Thanks for your work on this information.
Donald May like Ted Cruz in his race is the only true conservative running that I believe would vote the majority of the time as I would. We just do not know enough about Michael Bob Starr at this time. Why is this well funded Super Pac spending so much money on a local race trying to get him elected? We do not need another candidate looking for a career in government. I believe that Donald May would be the safe and trusted Representative at this time. If there is other reasons that Donald May should not be elected I would like to hear about it. Thanks.
Steer clear hint: I would definitely NOT vote for Jodey Arrington who is a lifelong government, D.C. and political payroll insider motivated by being an officeholder more than by promoting the conservative ideology
Pratt, You LIKE the following?
Bob Starr: LGBT Activist
Glen Robertson: Cannot handle a snow storm.(no action) while businesses lose money and hourly employees lose income for days right after Christmas!
and how in the world do you not believe that these candidates are not motivated by being an officeholder? Why do think they are running??
I never thought I would say this, but the paper is right and you are wrong.
BTW we were supporting Starr until this week.
On Robertson, the mayor doesn’t run the city. Lubbock is a city manager form of government and the mayor and council cannot direct staff and departments. Just so you know.
He sure was defensive regarding how the city handled the storm. He had to issue a state of disaster. The only disaster was how the city handled it. I guess since he has no responsibility maybe he should have stayed quiet then he wouldn’t look like he had any responsibility.
Pratt, help me out here, in your eyes: What was the most impressive thing that the Mayor has done for Lubbock? Also, what was least impressive thing the Mayor has done for the city.
What are your thoughts on Terrence Kovar for commissioner preceint 1? I’m seeing a lot of support with signs, but don’t know anything about him!
I’m sick of going through TSA type of security at my own court house, commissioner pay raises, while our roads are falling apart, etc.
He finally appeared on the show yesterday. A good interview. I was impressed a bit.
Mr. Pratt: What about the four issues on the ballot? Can you steer us on those? Jim from Abilene
Simply party resolutions – a sense of the voters. Do with them what you will. They are all fairly straightforward.
What are your thoughts about Jason Corley for the District 19 race?
Nice man. No chance at all to make a runoff, he’s in the bottom tier of candidates.
What say you on Republican Propositions?
What are your thoughts on DeRenda Warren in the Distr. 19 Republican Congressional race?
Warren is an advocate for greatly expanding payments to farmers – direct subsidies, price supports, etc. (She stated such on my show.) This is not a smaller government ideology or path which would help fix the nation’s debt and deficit problems. Every district in the country has an interest (or two or three) for which the case can be made that the nation would be imperiled by not having government support it. It all adds up and it’s why we can’t stop deficit spending.
what the toughts on the 4 props ?
I voted for all 4.
I listen to the John Frullo’s commercials and ask if this guy is a liberal. They talk about him being conservative then they talk about all the pork he has brought home to Tech. They call it something else but it is PORK and it is crazy that if it is for Tech it makes it OK. IT STINKS. Pork in government stinks. As a conservative I am offended by any legislator who thinks bringing home the money is great. It reeks of how the (D) think. Less government and less government money. We aren’t socialists but I think that is how universities have become.
One item that I find disturbing is the fact that Ted Cruz is not a natural born US citizen which is one of the requirements for president. If he is allowed, then I could also run for president as I am also not a natural born US citizen. I have sent messages to the republican candidates & to other republicans yet it appears that no one seems to care
That is completely wrong. There are two ways to be a citizen: Naturalized and natural-born. If one is not naturalized by ceremony one is “natural born”. Natural born doesn’t mean born on the soil, it means born in a manner in which one automatically obtains citizenship. Being born of an American parent while abroad is being natural born into citizenship.
I live in Randell County but candidates for statewide offices shouldn’t change. I do not have Michael Messengale, Rick Green, Ray Wheless, or Sid Harle on my ballot. What gives here???
They lost in the primary. See this: https://www.texastribune.org/2016/10/18/majority-court-criminal-appeals-candidates-support/