Firing Range
2016 in Review T
he rating and ranking of candidates for statewide and legislative office is historically shared between TSRA and NRA. The same was true in 2016. Thanks to TSRA membership, the TSRA PAC was robust and endorsed candidates were supported with campaign checks and get-out-the-vote post cards, as well as the TSRA-PAC voter’s guide, both online and in the TSRA Sportman magazine. Statewide alerts were also delivered highlighting at- risk candidates.
TSRA members should pat themselves on the back. Everyone did a great job supporting TSRA and the association did a great job on members’ behalf. Texans currently enjoy 20 (out of 31) Republican state senators and 95 (out of 150) Republican House members. While this is not an increase in number and not a significant change, it should be noted that all statewide offices remain in the hands of Republicans also.
The Conservative Democrat that worked for and passed concealed carry in 1995 has all but disappeared. During 2016, TSRA found and followed up on candidates to
provide members with the best and most thorough information possible for the March primary election. There were hotly contested primary races, however, TSRA only endorses candidates with a recent voting history on Second Amendment bills during a primary race.
TSRA lists and scores every candidate, but endorsement and resources are saved for only those candidates who had the opportunity to vote and have demonstrated their support. Primary ratings are reviewed, re-evaluated and sometimes changed before the November General election. Beyond a voting history, all candidates for office, first-time and incumbent, must return a political questionnaire shared between TSRA and NRA. A candidate cannot benefit from the TSRA process if they do not participate in the process.
TSRA views the candidate questionnaire as a ‘promise’’ to support TSRA members. And the TSRA never takes lightly this information or members’ PAC donations.
— Alice Tripp, TSRA Legislative Director
January/February 2017 | 11
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