Good morning, 

U.S. Sen. John Cornyn is going to vote to certify the electoral votes today without an audit – a position at odds with an overwhelming number of readers.

Here is today's Texas Minute.

– Michael Quinn Sullivan 

Wednesday, January 6, 2021
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• U.S. Sen. John Cornyn announced late yesterday morning he would vote to certify the results of the Electoral College. This puts him at odds with Texas’ other senator and numerous members of the U.S. House from the Lone Star State – such as Reps. Louie Gohmert, Lance Gooden, and Brian Babin.
   
• Brandon Waltens has the details from a lengthy statement issued by Sen. Cornyn explaining his rationale.
   
• Cornyn is joined in his position by fellow Texas Republican U.S. Rep. Chip Roy. 
   
• That may not mollify conservative activists in Texas. Yesterday’s survey of Texas Minute readers saw 96.9 percent say they wanted him to oppose certifying the election until an audit was conducted. (You can find some of the responses below today’s Quote of the Day.)
   
• Cornyn’s position also hasn’t earned him any favors with President Trump, who tweeted yesterday: “I hope the Democrats, and even more importantly, the weak and ineffective RINO section of the Republican Party, are looking at the thousands of people pouring into D.C. They won’t stand for a landslide election victory to be stolen. @senatemajldr @JohnCornyn @SenJohnThune”

• Texas Scorecard doesn’t seek or receive any state or federal funding; the work is supported exclusively through the generous donations of Texans like you! How about making a donation today?

• Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price announced she won’t be seeking reelection; Robert Montoya has the story.
     
• Nominally a Republican in a non-partisan city office, Price leaves a record of more debt and higher tax burdens. She has not ruled out the possibility of future political endeavors.
      
• Among the rumored candidates for the post are council member Brian Byrd, attorney Dee Kelly Jr, and Democrat activist Deborah Peoples.  

• In the latest edition of the Luke Macias Show, Luke examines six issues legislators will address – even if they don’t address them – in the coming legislative session.

• As previously reported by Texas Scorecard, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick announced the state senators’ offices would be closed to anyone who had not made an appointment, though noted that might vary. Michael Swirsky reports every Texas Senate office was contacted about each senator’s own policy.
      
• Republican State Sens. Bob Hall (Edgewood) and Lois Kolkhorst (Brenham) responded they will not require appointments and will be welcoming Capitol visitors.
      
• Meanwhile, State Sens. Donna Campbell (R–New Braunfels) and Judith Zaffirini (D-Laredo) will require constituents to make an appointment.
      
• No other senators have yet stated their specific policy. Swirsky’s article will be updated as other senators reply.

When Asked If Cornyn Should Join Texas’ Conservative Congressmen In Objecting To The Electoral College Results And Demanding An Audit, Y’all Answered...

• “Cornyn should definitely step up to the plate and join fellow Texans Louie Gohmert and Ted Cruz. We expect our Texas politicians to have the guts to do what is right!” – Cindy Vincent
     
• “Cornyn is a go along to get along guy.” – Pat Goodman
   
• “When has Sen. Cronyn done what he should and not what was advantageous at the moment for him?” – Mike Bradford
   
• “Yes, disappointed in John. More interested in getting into Senate leadership than representing his constituents.” – Ken Rigsbee
     
• “John Cornyn is not, never has been, and never will be, a stand up guy. The swampiest of creatures and an embarrassment to Texas.” – Vicki Schwartz
   
• “We need to remove swamp creatures.” – David Medlin
   
• “To truly represent Texas, he must represent Texans. We want the objection and the audit to expose the fraud!!” – Melissa Beauregard
   
• “Of course he should. Texas is counting on him to do the right thing.” – Mel Lux
   
• “The fraud and cheating nullified his constituents votes. I am beginning to wonder why I voted for him.” – Ray Agenbroad
   
• “No, the whole thing is stupid theatrics. What happened to republicans love of states rights and the constitution? The bizarre thing is this is all being done out of some bogus fear of a take over when that is ACTUALLY what they are trying to do.” – Jane Piper-Hunt
     
• “I'm thankful for the courage of Sen. Ted Cruz.” – Garry Jenkin