The GOP gave Democrats an early Christmas present.

Good morning,

Here is today's Texas Minute.

– Michael Quinn Sullivan

Tuesday, December 3, 2019

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In Case You Missed It: The Democratic Party of Texas got their hands on the Texas GOP’s communications strategy document for the 2020 elections last week. No, it wasn’t a midnight break-in or computer hack... the document was handed to the Democrats by a careless Republican Party staffer who emailed it to them! Brandon Waltens has the details [[link removed]].

Among the tidbits from the previously confidential document? GOP officials are expressing angst over the impact ending straight-ticket voting will have on the 2020 election. That was a policy-change promoted in 2017 by Texans for Lawsuit Reform, Gov. Greg Abbott, and Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick. Republican lawmakers let straight-ticket voting continue through 2018 – a gubernatorial election year – but set the option to end in 2020.

The Tarrant Regional Water District has paid taxpayer money to a company that is nowhere to be found. Robert Montoya reports [[link removed]] on the deepening mystery surrounding a multi-million dollar ad campaign with a shadowy company that doesn’t seem to exist.

Montoya visited the addresses for RO Two Media but discovered only empty offices; the company name was nowhere to be found, even on the building’s directory of tenants.

A whole trail of scandals and questions continues to follow TRWD’s handling of taxpayer money: earlier this year they were caught blowing $41,000 of taxpayer dollars on giving water accessories [[link removed]] to elementary school students. They are also at the epicenter of the billion dollar Panther Island boondoggle [[link removed]], a massive and failing redevelopment plan overseen by the son of U.S. Rep Kay Granger. ​

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​ The city of Mercedes, Texas, spent $65,000 of the taxpayers’ money on a Christmas tree. David Vasquez reports [[link removed]] the city also purchased two custom street signs for the tree and imported them from France for $27,000! The city manager told a local newspaper he is hopeful the $107,000 expense is “going to be a beacon of inspiration that will strengthen one’s spirituality once they see it and reflect upon the intent of the season.”

Who knew beacons of inspiration were so expensive?

You won’t be surprised to learn the Mercedes City Council refused to cut property taxes this year, which probably would have been a lot more inspirational for most residents.

I don’t usually do “product plugs,” but I have to tell you about Texas-based Patriot Mobile [[link removed]]. While AT&T and other “big cellular” companies fund rabid leftwing causes, Patriot Mobile [[link removed]] is unapologetically conservative, contributing to conservative causes in Texas and around the country. They are a real alternative to “big mobile.” I’ve begun making the switch, and couldn’t be happier with their service.

The dirty little secret is every mobile phone company uses the exact same towers – the coverage is almost indistinguishable. You can probably save a few bucks switching to Patriot Mobile [[link removed]], but more important than that is knowing you’re doing business with a company that shares your values! Number of the Day

335​

Number of days until the 2020 general election.

[Source: calendar]

Team Spotlight

Buddy Kipp, 1836 Studios Producer

Q: What vote are you most pleased to have cast?

A: I went with my mom in 1988 when she voted. They gave me a "kids ballot" to play with while she voted. I chose Davy Crockett for President.

Q: What’s the perfect Saturday?

A: On a baseball field coaching my son's baseball team.

Quote-Unquote

“Be always sure you’re right — THEN GO AHEAD!”

– David Crockett

Your State Lawmakers

Governor of Texas

Greg Abbott - R

(512) 463-2000 [[link removed]:(512) 463-2000]

Lt. Governor

Dan Patrick - R

(512) 463-0001 [[link removed]:(512) 463-0001]

Texas Senate, District

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Texas House, District

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CEO, Empower Texans

Texas Scorecard & Texans for Fiscal Responsibility

​www.EmpowerTexans.com

www.TexasScorecard.com

(888) 410-1836

PO Box 49730 | Austin, TX 78765

PO Box 700981 | Dallas, TX 75370

PO Box 36875 | Houston, TX 77236 The Texas Minute is a quick look at the news and info of the day that we find interesting, and hope you do as well. It is produced on week days and distributed at 6 a.m. (though I'll probably take the occasional break for holidays and whatnot).

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