Texas' Future lies in the Balance

Rick Figueroa with family

There's an old saying in politics, "As goes Texas, so goes the Nation."

Our State Republican Party Chairman, Tom Mechler, officially resigned on Saturday, stating he was doing so after long, hard prayer and reflection.

A stressful, unpaid position in the Republican Party, Chairmen must run the business of the Party, along with the elected (also unpaid) Republican State Executive Committee Members (SREC).  Together, they are also responsible for growing the Party and organizing the State Convention, where the Party Platform is created and ratified.

The 800lb Gorilla in Texas politics is and has been for quite some time, the demographic shift taking place.  If you haven't heard, Texas will become a Majority Hispanic state in a few short years.

How does this affect future politics?  

We know the Democrats have been nurturing the Hispanic vote for decades, much like they have the Black vote, by making promises they can't keep.

We also know Democratic strategists responsible for Obama's elections, set their eyes on Texas, knowing our state is critical for future Presidential elections.  They know the Electoral College numbers, and with a growing Hispanic population, which they believe they are entitled to, Democrats feel certain they can turn Texas blue.

For years, I've been concerned with the shift in demographics, knowing we Republicans have allowed the Democrats to gain ground in our state.  It has always been said that Hispanics are truly Conservative, but have not found a comfortable home in the Republican Party.

Partly to blame is the Democrat establishment and liberal media, which drives a negative message into the minds of Hispanics in Texas.  Univision, Telemundo and countless Spanish media outlets including radio and the internet, beat the same anti-Republican drum.

But we Republicans are also partly to blame.  We haven't led on a critical issue within the Hispanic community, one that concerns countless families.  I'm talking about Immigration.  I'm talking about the perceptions people have of Republicans.

The perception is, Republicans don't care about minorities.  

Democrats say Republicans want mass deportation.  Republicans don't care about families.  Republicans don't care about the poor, helpless.  They say Republicans want to end medicare, welfare and all safety nets.  Basically, they think Republicans only want rich white people in control.

Of course, we know they're being misled and fed propaganda on a daily basis.  Yet, the perception still exists because we are not responding properly.  We aren't changing any hearts or minds.

How do we counter that perception?  How do we end the unchecked Democratic assault on Texas?  How do we gain ground with the fastest growing demographic in the state?

We need someone who can deliver a message of optimism, hope, and truth.  The Republican message is a winning message, and the person delivering that message is just as important as the message itself.  We also need a unified Republican Party, someone who can pull the Party together, rather than drive it apart.

If I were a member of the SREC, I'd want Rick Figueroa to Chair the Texas Republican Party.  Not just because he's Hispanic, but because he's real.  He's a no frill, honest speaking man, who has succeeded in the business world, has a successful, supportive family, and lives a Christian lifestyle.  He's personable and relatable in all environments.

I mean no disrespect to the other candidates, but I know Rick personally and feel he is ready for the job and ready to lead Texas into the future.