“The TEA Party Candidate Forum was a tremendous success,” said Connie Hunt, who organized the event which was held Friday evening, March 9 at The Heritage Center.  “We had a great audience of more than 200.”

There are 10 candidates for the US Senate Seat currently held by Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison, who is retiring. Three of the ten participated in the forum.  “Please remember that these three – Craig James, Ben Gambini, and Lela Pittinger –  took their time and money to travel long distances in the rain to visit with citizens of our small county,”  Connie said.

Three candidates for U.S. Congress attended the forum:

Blake Farenthold (incumbent)

Don Al Middlebrook

Trey Roberts

After introducing themselves, each candidate was asked three prepared questions. Additionally, a variety of questions were submitted by the audience. The three prepared questions were:

1. Do you support a balanced budget amendment, and how would you accomplish it?

2.  Do you support mandatory drug testing to qualify and receive welfare and Medicaid benefits?

3. Do you support federally-funded contraceptives and abortions?

All the candidates answered in the affirmative to questions 1 and 2. and negative to question 3.

Many answers brought applause from the audience. At the end of the meeting, the candidates mingled with the attendees to address their concerns one-on-one.

Alex Hernandez Jr., candidate for the Texas House of Representatives, was in attendance for the first part of the meeting, but left before having a chance to speak to the audience. Geannie Morrison, incumbent and candidate for the same position spoke briefly.

Todd Hunter, our current State Representative, presented to Russell and Cherre Cain, a Texas House Resolution honoring Russell’s father, Roland Cain.  Hunter then spoke about redistricting and the turmoil it has caused, saying he was disappointed that he would no longer be working for and with us, but will be continuing his efforts in State matters that affect us all.  As it stands now,  Calhoun County will no longer be in Hunter’s District 32, but has been reassigned to District 30, which is currently represented by Geannie Morrison.

The Dolphin suggests that you check out all the candidates before the May 29th Primaries. You should be able to find information on all of them on the internet. And if you have opportunity, attend gatherings such as this recent forum to see them in person. Please educate yourselves as much as possible before exercising your vitally important right to vote.