BREAKING RECORDS!! 2016 Early Voting – Week 2 – Day 3

Here are the early voting totals to date and it’s official…. WE BROKE OUR OWN EARLY VOTING RECORD….

Here are the totals following yesterday’s voting.

For November 2, 2016

Location – Voters (2012 Voters)

County Clerk’s Office – 161 (105)

Rockdale Juvenile Justice Center – 147 (132)

Buckholts Community Center – 18 (28)

Thorndale VFW – 62 (36)

Ballot by Mail – 12 (13)

Limited – 3 (0)

Military – 0 (0)

Total – 403 (314)

Up-To-Date Totals

Location – Voters (2012 Voters)

County Clerk’s Office – 1948 (1722)

Rockdale Juvenile Justice Center – 1579 (1218)

Buckholts Community Center – 208 (170)

Thorndale VFW – 631 (359)

Ballot by Mail – 491 (295)

Limited – 19 (3)

Military – 19 (16)

Total – 4895 (3783)

The 2016 to-date total of 4895 has already broke the 2012 total number of 4752 early voters and we still have two days of early voting left. To add to those already high totals, we also have maintained pace at 30% ahead of 2012 numbers, and as of yesterday, over 33% of all the eligible voters in Milam County have already voted.

Someone made the point to me that some of those voters might be voting for the other side and there is truth in that; however, with the rather lethargic voting turnouts we’ve had the last few years, I am excited to see us moving in the right direction.

Keep up the awesome work!!

Two more days of Early Voting left, so get out there a vote. 

As a note, the polls will close early on Friday to allow everyone the opportunity to attend services for Porter Young. Our condolences go out to his family and many friends.

Thanks,

Bill

2016 Early Voting – Week 2 Day 2

After the Tuesday’s Early Voting polls closed, we are closer to going over the 2012 mark but still a bit shy; however, what a huge leap in voter turnout we are having overall this year. I got a call today from on the folks at the state party and they have taken notice of the vote here in Milam County. They are very impressed at our voter turnout considering there are no contested races on the local slate.

I told them, “that’s because Milam County Voters pay attention to what’s going.”

Here are the totals following yesterday’s voting.

For November 1, 2016

Location – Voters (2012 Voters)

County Clerk’s Office – 133 (147)

Rockdale Juvenile Justice Center – 153 (115)

Buckholts Community Center – 23 (20)

Thorndale VFW – 53 (36)

Ballot by Mail – 2 (8)

Limited – 0 (0)

Military – 0 (0)

Total – 364 (326)

Up-To-Date Totals

Location – Voters (2012 Voters)

County Clerk’s Office – 1787 (1617)

Rockdale Juvenile Justice Center – 1432 (1086)

Buckholts Community Center – 190 (142)

Thorndale VFW – 569 (513)

Ballot by Mail – 479 (282)

Limited – 16 (3)

Military – 19 (16)

Total – 4492 (3469)

Pretty good stuff folks. Well over a thousand more have voted in this year’s election than at the same time in 2012. Hopefully that holds steady.

I have received some more calls about faulty voting machines and such. Let me say once again that we have not had any erroneous votes, nor have we had any machines changing votes. I would offer that we all should check our ballots before we press the “Cast Ballot” button. As always, if you are not sure about something please ask one of the election officials to help you out, they are there to help you.

We have had some reports of voters coming to the polls with less that helpful attitudes and I would just ask each of us to take the time and give the election workers a chance. They are all hard-working folks who are out here to help us vote, not take any abuse.

Early Voting continues through Friday, November 4^th, followed by Election Day this coming Tuesday, November 8^th.

Thanks Again,
Bill

Early Voting - Day Two

Well the second day of early voting has concluded and the number of voters is really setting some new high water marks for the entire country and things are no different right here in Milam County.

Here are some of the stats here in Milam County after two days of Early Voting.

For October 25, 2016

Location – Voters (2012 Voters)

County Clerk’s Office – 245 (223)

Rockdale Juvenile Justice Center – 243 (177)

Buckholts Community Center – 36 (21)

Thorndale VFW – 91 (41)

Ballot by Mail – 4 (17)

Military – 0 (2)

Total – 621 (481)

Two Day Totals

Location – Voters (2012 Voters)

County Clerk’s Office – 506 (483)

Rockdale Juvenile Justice Center – 515 (358)

Buckholts Community Center – 52 (37)

Thorndale VFW – 175 (107)

Ballot by Mail – 369 (222)

Military – 14 (12)

Total – 1633 (1219)

As you can see we are on a tremendous pace to break some Early Voting Records here in Milam County, even without any contested races in the local elections. Currently, Early voting is alread7 33% more than in 2012, that's pretty impressive!!

On the issue of malfunctioning machines, refer to my blog from yesterday where I addressed this issue. In summary, the issue comes when a voter uses the straight-ticket selection. 

If you vote straight-ticket, the machine will need you to select "Cast Ballot" more than once in order to count your vote. In the past it only took selecting "Cast Ballot" once to do so; however, now it will require you to view the summary before actually casting your vote to make sure you actually want to use the straight-ticket selection.

As a rule of thumb, make sure you see the completion screen with the flag on it before you vacate the polling booth. If you don't see that Flag Screen then ask for help, the Election Staff will be more than happy to assist you.

So let's all get out and vote. vote Early or on Elections day but please do go out and vote.

Thanks,
Bill

The Milam County Health Department

Yesterday during Commissioner’s Court the members voted on turning over the Milam County Health Department to the Texas State Department of Health Services Region 7 control. This proposal had been tabled for a while to allow the county commissioners to research the issue and touch base with their constituency in order to make an informed choice.

Yesterday, after a short discussion the topic was voted on and it was agreed to keep the status quo and continue to operate as the Health Department has since its inception in the 1940’s.

Prior to and following the vote, many folks have asked me what is the position of the Republican Party of Milam County on this topic. Officially, the local party has not convened to discuss the Health Department and therefore has no stance on this issue. For me to offer an opinion on this topic as the party’s stance would be a disservice to those who work so hard for the Republican Party of Milam County.

I will say that the Republican Party of Milam County is fully supportive of the process the County Commissioners’ Court used to explore this plan, research the issue, and then make the decision they felt was best for the people of Milam County.

On a personal note, as a Republican I believe in a representative form of government where the elected represent and govern based on the beliefs and values of the constituency that elected them. Regardless of the social welfare arguments, big-government/small-government issues, or any other such politically-fueled squabbles, the important issue is that those with the authority to make decisions do so in a manner the best represents and serves those that elected them to public office.

In this case, I personally believe the Commissioners’ Court got both the process right and the decision right; however, if you disagree there is always another election coming up in the future.

See you at the polls!!

Bill

February 4th Milam County Reagan Day/Texas Independence Day Dinner

Good Morning to All,

I hope everyone is having a great start to their 2016.

We are closing in on the Reagan Day/Texas Independence Day Dinner to be held on February 4^th, which is next Thursday. Currently ticket sales are going well, but we want to pack the house.

This year’s event will feature the five contested races we have locally in Milam County, and the two major state and national campaigns for the State District 20 House seat and the U.S. House seat representing Congressional District 17.

All of the Congressional candidates will be represented next Thursday as well as many other statewide candidates for offices like the Railroad Commission, State Courts, and the Texas Board of Education; SO we need to pack the house to show that Milam County cannot be taken lightly when making decisions in state and federal government.

I know the lion’s share of the attention is focused on the Presidential Race; however, regardless of the policies and views of the Presidential candidates, actual policy and law is formulated and created by those we send to Congress, not the White House. This is your chance to meet those candidates, question those candidates, and formulate your own decisions on who you will vote for.

AND, the local candidates need your support at this event as well. This year the Sheriff and Tax Assessor-Collector’s offices are contested races along with the County Commissioner, Precinct 3 and Constables in Precinct 1 and Precinct 2.

I can’t stress how difficult it can be to get good quality folks to run for office. Many people don’t want to run for office because they feel being in publicly elected office is a difficult and thankless job that no one cares about. The best way to inspire those thinking of a run for office and show them you do care is to get out and show your support at events like the Reagan Day/Texas Independence Day Dinner.

Like I said, we need great attendance for this event so let’s make sure you are one of those who attend. There will also be a live and silent auction. AND THE FOOD!! Remember, the food will be outstanding with the Kostroun’s catering their fantastic Prime Rib Dinner and Bob Terry’s Shrimp appetizers. I’ve had many a state and national candidate tell me the meal alone is worth the trip!!

Tickets are $50 and are available from any member of the Republican Women of Milam County. The women will be available tomorrow night, January 28^th from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Budget Host Inn & Suites in Cameron; OR get in touch with me and I will be happy to get you set up.

These are indeed important times for the country and we need all the help we can get, so come out next Thursday and support the candidates, the GOP, and most importantly the Republican Women of Milam County with their only fundraiser of the year.

I’ll See Ya There!!

Bill

milamgop.com

254-482-0354

Ballot Drawing and other Upcoming Events in Milam County

Hello Everyone,

I just wanted to take a little bit of time this morning and let everyone know what is going on here in Milam County in the next week and near future.

Wednesday, December 23, 2015, we will be having our drawing for a place on the ballot. We will kick it off at 6:30 at my family’s office at 411 East First Street in Cameron. That’s that small white building across the railroad tracks from the Crime Stoppers’ House of Horrors.

If you come in a car I would recommend turning on the street just past the office and entering the parking area around the back of the building as the drop directly from First Street to the parking area can be a little treacherous in a non-truck!!

January 19^th, 2016, the Republican Women of Milam County will be having their monthly meeting. Please feel free to come by and enjoy a couple of hours with one of the Texas’ most successful Women’s group. Meeting will begin at 6:30 pm at the Budget Host Inn & Suites in Cameron.

February 4^th, 2016 is the big event of the year for us here in Milam County; the annual Reagan Day and Texas Independence Day Dinner here in Milam County. As with election years in the past, this year there will be no featured speaker; instead each local candidate and contested state/federal candidate will be given some time to speak with the crowd. Lots of time to meet and greet, plus what has only been described as the best meal on the campaign trail….or any other trail for this matter.

The Crowd from Lat Years Reagan Day & Texas Independence Day Dinner!

Tickets are $50 a piece and tables can be bought as well. Email me for specifics on this.

That’s about it for today. I hope all is well with each of you. I look forward to seeing those who can make it Wednesday.

Merry Christmas,

Bill

Bill Whitmire

Chairman,

Republican Party of Milam County

williamwhitmire@yahoo.com

February 5th Milam County Republican Women's Dinner

Hello Everyone,

First I hope everyone had an enjoyable time the last few weeks. I know our house was full of children for the first time in forever and while it was a bit crowded it was pretty awesome to have everyone around. Now it’s a new year and it’s time to prepare for the coming year….only 10 months till filing time for the 2016 election!!

The first step in the process is the upcoming Texas Independence Day and Reagan Day Dinner hosted by the Republican Women of Milam County. The Dinner will be held on February 5^th beginning at 6:00 pm at the Cameron VFW hall. This year, the Republican Women are very excited to host a very special guest speaker, the Rev. Rafael Cruz, father of U.S. Senator Ted Cruz.

The Rev. Cruz has a tremendous life story and an even more special message about American Exceptionalism that is both inspiring and motivational. To understand all that he has been through and to know that only in America could someone come from nothing to a successful businessman who raised a future U. S. Senator (and possibly……).

Tickets are on sale now for $50 each and can be purchased from any member of the Republican Women of Milam County (email me and I can get you set up as well).

If you would like to donate an item for the silent auction please let me know and I will get that set up as well. Items can be brought to the event or mailed to the address below.

So mark your calendar for February 5^th and come on out and enjoy the evening. This is an opportune time to meet and talk to your elected officials at the local, state, and national level. There will also be a silent auction as well as our now-famous Prime Rib dinner. The Republican Women of Milam County put on what is generally regarded as one of the best events in Senate District 5 if not the whole state.

I look forward to seeing you all there.

Thanks,

Bill

Bill Whitmire

Chairman,

Republican Party of Milam County

P. O. 12

Milano, Texas 76556

254-482-0354

2013 Reagan Day and Texas Independence Day Dinner

Hello Everyone,

I wanted to send out a little notice for you all to place on your events calendars.

The Republican Women of Milam County (RWMC) will be hosting their annual Reagan Day and Texas Independence Day Celebration on February 7^th, 2013. The evening will kick off at 5:00 pm with a mixer featuring our local elected officials in addition to State and federal representatives of Milam County.  Supper will be served at 6:00 pm and you definitely do not want to miss this as the meal will be served once again by the Kostrums. Speakers will begin around 6:30 capped off with our special guest Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott.

There will be a silent auction filled with donated items from various elected officials and community members. This is the only fundraiser the Republican Women will have this year and we need everyone’s support to make it a success; Money raised from this event will go to help candidates in future elections and towards community events such as the “Old-Fashioned Rally in the Park” and to support local schools with unfunded projects.

Get your tickets early as they are going fast.  For tickets contact any of the Officers of the Republican Women or Bill Whitmire at 254-482-0354.

Thank You,

Bill

A Waste of Texas Home-Schoolers' Money!!

So today I've been told the voters of Milam County are receiving robe-calls from Tim Lambert attacking Judge John Youngblood....Again.

Well let's talk about this!!

The Texas Home School Coalition is filled with many excellent people and their ultimate goal is to be admired; the education of children. But Mr. Lambert is a political lobbyist of the worst degree and is simply using whatever influence he has for fundraising. I have spoken to many home schoolers in Milam County and they have spoken with Judge Youngblood and they are satisfied. Obviously the judge cannot comment on the case too much, but those who came to speak with him left their meeting with an understanding.

Tim Lambert represents himself as a champion of the people and of freedom, but in actuality he is an opportunist who is sensationalizing something for the purpose of fundraising and attempting to spread his influence by attacking elected officials with half truths and insinuation in the hopes of intimidating them. His charges do not represent the truth and his actual knowledge of the subject matter of this trial is limited at best.

For him to make this ascertain and endorsement without contacting the Milam County GOP is insane. Both of My Vice-Chairs are home-schoolers and we have many active members of the Milam GOP who are home-schoolers. If anything he should have contacted us so we could discuss this.

If he had, maybe we could have helped him out and kept him from wasting money supporting an ultra-liberal Democrat over a solid conservative incumbent. Maybe he could have used that money to promote the actual home-school agenda rather attack a sitting conservative Republican. That's pretty shameful for someone who likes to flaunt his status as a former national committeeman to the Republican National Convention - Shameful!!

If you would like some more information on this I wrote about it on my blog the other day. You can find it on this site.

Only 4 more days left!!

Thanks,
Bill

Activity Reminders!!

Hello Everyone,

Not too much going on right now in the local realm of politics but I thought I would update everyone on the events we do have coming up in the near future.

PRIMARY RUNOFF

First off there is the upcoming Primary Runoff so come out and vote. On the local ballot we have the Sheriff's race that will be decided and there are five state races to determine the candidates for the November race. Remember, the Sheriff's race will be determined by the winner of the runoff. It is important to vote if you want a say in who will be the Sheriff. So if you voted in the Republican Primary in May or did not vote at all in May then you are eligible to vote in the Runoff election.

July 23-27 - Early Voting for the Primary Runoff!!
July 31 - Primary Runoff Election Day!!


THE OLD-FASHIONED RALLY IN THE PARK
Mark your calendars on August 13th as the Republican Women of Milam County will be hosting their annual Old-Fashioned Rally in the Park. Come on out to Cameron City Park and enjoy the music, free food and the conversation with you local, state and federal government representatives. Hot dogs, Lemonade and Blue Bell Ice Cream will be one the menu with the Cameron Yoe High Band playing music. This is a wonderful event and always draws a big crowd so bring your lawn chairs and enjoy the evening.

TEXAS INDEPENDENCE DAY and REAGAN BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION
Tentatively scheduled for February 7, 2013, this will be an excellent night of fine dining and fellowship as we celebrate the fight for Texas independence and the birthday of a great American with our annual dinner. Plan on being there at what has become and great night to celebrate the growth of the conservative movement here in Milam County. We are working on having a very special speaker for this event so stay tuned for further announcements.

Well that gets us up to speed on the events we are looking forward to. I will work to keep everyone up to speed on future developments so check back often to see what's going on with the Republicans in Milam County!!

See Ya Soon,
Bill

The Convention!

Well, I was able to shoot out updates and Twitter some but I don’t think I got out as much as I wanted to. I did get the first morning’s activities out so let me just play a quick game of catch-up.

The first afternoon and second morning was spent in our Senate District 5 Caucus. During this time we elected our representatives to the permanent Rules Committee, the Platform Committee, as well as several other committees.

Russell Martinez of Walker County and Megan Higginbotham of Williamson County were chosen to act as our Representatives for the next two years. I look forward to working with both of them. Voting was difficult because all the folks running for these offices were good quality people and any of them would have made good representatives for SD-5.

Later that afternoon we had more speeches with Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, Senator John Cornyn, and Lt Gov. David Dewhurst. Then we began the review and acceptance of the Party Rules and Platform. We finally had to recess from that for the first Congressional District Caucus session. During our first CD-17 Caucus session we choose the Caucus Officers and I was privileged to be chosen as the Vice-Chair of the CD-17 Caucus. After that we had an address by CD-17 Representative Bill Flores.

After the CD-17 Caucus everyone broke for the night’s gatherings. Some went to the Governor’s Gala event which featured the likes of Rick Santorum. I chose not to go and I think I got the best out of it as I ran into Herman Cain in the lobby of our Hotel and was able to have a pretty nice conversation with him. What a super nice man.

We discussed several things including my Great-Uncle who was one of the founders and leaders of the Henry County Georgia GOP where Mr. Cain lives. I think I got the best end of the Gala deal because I didn’t even have to buy a ticket and got to spend some time with a real gentleman of the Republican Party.

Later that night we reassembled for the nights work to finalize the rules and platform finishing up about 11:30 pm. These sessions are some of the fun of the convention as you see all the folks with agendas and all the people who have WAY too much knowledge of Robert’s Rules of Order. To many folks it is boring and hard to follow, but in reality it is honestly how the wheels of democracy work.

Saturday we all got up bright and early to head to the second and final CD-17 Caucus to elect our representatives for the Republican National Convention in Tampa. We also had to elect an Elector to the National Convention as well as the National Committeeman and Committeewoman for the Republican National Executive Committee. Then we finally headed to the Arena for our last General Session and the concluding votes on the National Delegates and Electors.

The final speakers were the National Committeeman Dr. Robin Armstrong and Committeewoman Col. Borah Van Dormolen (US Army Ret.) – Two exceptional conservatives. Ted Cruz and David Dewhurst also spoke about their July run-off for the US Senate. But the best speeches of the day were those of Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson and Representative Paul Ryan of Wisconsin. These two men are the sort we need in the highest offices.

Following the speeches we still had one last hurdle, and thanks to the Congressional District representing Fort Worth we had to wait until 5:30 pm to begin the final voting; nothing like having the hometown folks holding up the works. But we got it all done and we headed home having completed the tough work that needs to be done to allow our party to function and to organize our mechanism towards victory in November.

I would like to personally thank all those who attended the convention. For the second convention in a row we were able to have a full delegation and were able to vote at full strength. For a small county like Milam County I can’t even begin to tell you how significant that is. So thank you to those delegates and alternates who stood fast and took part.

If you are interested in the 2014 convention then come on out and get involved. The 2014 convention will be in Fort Worth again and we are already making plans to make the 2014 the best experience for the Republican Party of Milam County Delegation.

Got to Get Some Rest,

Bill

Time to get busy!!

Well the holidays have passed and hopefully everyone is getting settled back into their normal routine. Along with that normal routine, it is now time to get serious about the up-coming election.

If you think we still have plenty of time, well standby. The first in the nation Primary/Caucus takes place this evening and our own is around three months from now. I know three months sounds like a long time, but ask one of our local GOP candidates, they’ll probably have a little different opinion.

Tonight the Iowa Caucus took place and it appears to be between Ron Paul, Mitt Romney, and Rick Santorum. But it’s just Iowa and while all primaries are important, I just want to remind you that the folks caucusing in Iowa only make up around 1/10th of 1% of those who will vote in nationally in November. So while all votes are important, just keep in mind that this caucus just gives us a starting point. We still have a good two or three months before we know who the likely GOP nominee for President will be.

Our local Candidates have been quite busy getting out and meeting the good folks of Milam County. They’ve been out putting up signs and knocking on doors. If you haven’t met them yet well stand by, they’ll be by before too long.

If you’d like to meet them all then get some tickets to the February 9th Reagan Day/Texas Independence Celebration to be held at the Cameron VFW post. The Republican Women of Milam County host this event and it will feature and wonderful dinner and will be attended by all the local candidates and most of the state candidates who have already confirmed their attendance.

So get your tickets and come out to enjoy a good night of fellowship with your fellow Milam County Conservatives, meet the candidates, and enjoy an awesome meal; details can be found at http://www.milamgop.org/.

By the way, if you haven’t been to our website then check it out. We have a list of candidates, elected officials, party leadership, and events along with several other bits of information. Check out the candidates list and get involved. All these candidates can use your support and would love to have you help them. For details, give me a shout or email me at williamwhitmire@yahoo.com and I will be happy to help you out.

Hope you all are ready for a busy election year and a successful November as we help ensure Barack Obama can spend all of 2013 in Hawaii!!

Talk to you later,Bill

A "Conservative Democrat" - Part 2

So Bill White, a supposed “Conservative Democrat” wants your vote for him. Bill White wants you to believe that he is a true conservative, even though he was a willing advisor to Barack Obama during the 2008 presidential campaign; and since Obama’s election to the highest office in the land, Bill White has continued to advise Obama on a Cap and Trade policy that will cripple the Texas economy that is home to the number one business market of any state in America.

Bill White is a willing accomplice to the Obama agenda, an agenda that is as far from conservative principles as one can get. As talked about before, the days when someone could be a Conservative Democrat are over. But on top of that, Bill White has proven himself a liberal by his past stance on immigration, gun rights, abortion, and taxes. Many liberals try and make Bill White out to be a conservative, but it is only a smoke screen.

As Mayor, Bill White’s policies cut the number of law enforcement officers in Houston, allowed illegal immigration to flourish, and drove the city of Houston to near bankruptcy. These are the policies that are threatening our country based on the current policies pushed by the Barack Obama, the candidate Bill White endorsed and worked for in the 2008 presidential election. Bill White believed in these policies in 2008 and no matter what his campaign says in 2010, his beliefs in a liberal agenda cannot be hidden and will be put in place should he become Governor.

Texas is Strong, Independent, and Flourishing under conservative leadership that has led the way for a nation of states looking for leadership. So the question is, do you want Texas to continue to be a leader of the nation under the leadership of Rick Perry, David Dewhurst and Greg Abbott, or do you want to become a bankrupt state like California under the leadership of someone like Bill White?