YCT Announces Endorsement of Dan Patrick for Lt. Governor
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 19, 2013
Contact: Jenna White, Executive Director
Mobile: (281) 460-8545
Email: [email protected]
Austin, TX — Young Conservatives of Texas (YCT) announced today its endorsement of State Senator Dan Patrick in his bid for Texas Lt. Governor.
“For years, Dan Patrick was the lone exception to the rule that the Texas Senate could only have moderate Republicans,” said Jeff Morris, State Chairman of YCT. “In recent years, he has received some reinforcements, but his dedication to leading the fight for conservative priorities has remained steadfast. On issues ranging from Campus Carry to his tireless efforts for School Choice, Sen. Patrick has not only voted on principle, but he has led the fight to accomplish conservative goals in Austin.”
In 2006, YCT was an early supporter of Sen. Patrick’s bid for State Senate. In a crowded field of legitimate candidates, he was swept into office with nearly 70% of the vote.
“I faced two well-financed house committee chairmen and a well known Houston city councilman in my first race for the State Senate. The establishment and Austin insiders counted me out but one group stood with me… YCT,” said Sen. Patrick. “Young Conservatives of Texas has courageously stood for conservative principles and I am proud to receive their support again in my race for Lt. Governor.”
Senator Dan Patrick is joined in the race by Agriculture Commissioner Todd Staples, Land Commissioner Jerry Patterson, and current Lt. Governor, David Dewhurst.
“Commissioner Staples spoke at last year’s YCT Convention and has been very kind to our organization,” commented Morris. “However, at the end of the day, we had to choose the candidate we feel will best champion conservative issues before the legislature. Dan Patrick is that leader.”
Lt. Governor is arguably the most powerful elected position in Texas, serves as President of the Texas Senate, and sets the legislative agenda for the Session. He also determines committee assignments and chairs.
“For years, Lt. Governor David Dewhurst has appointed liberal Democrats as chairs of committees, blocking crucial conservative legislation from passing,” said Morris. “A majority of Texans chose a Republican Lt. Governor to pass Republican legislation, not to make friends with Democrats and preserve the status quo.”
“Under Lt. Governor Dewhurst, half the Democratic caucus are chairs of committees every session,” added Morris. “With conservative Dan Patrick as President of the Senate, more conservative legislation will stand a chance in committee. ”
Senator Dan Patrick joins a slate of YCT endorsed statewide candidates that includes: Sen. Ken Paxton for Attorney General, Sen. Glenn Hegar for Comptroller, Former Rep. Sid Miller for Agriculture Commissioner, and Former Rep. Wayne Christian for Railroad Commissioner. YCT will continue to endorse conservatives in contested races throughout the Republican Primary.
Young Conservatives of Texas is a non-partisan organization that has promoted conservatism at universities across the Lone Star State for over three decades. The State’s most active political youth organization, YCT is composed of hundreds of members and alumni who participate in the full spectrum of politics. YCT issues the most respected ratings of the Texas legislature and is the only conservative group to have done so without interruption over the past 20 legislative sessions. For more information about YCT, please visit .
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