| From | Julie McCarty <[email protected]> |
| Subject | Paxton digs in his heels against grassroots |
| Date | August 17, 2022 7:56 PM |
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Paxton Digs In His Heels=20
Against His Base
Dang! You True Texans are on FIRE! Thank you! It=E2=80=99s been awhile s=
ince I=E2=80=99ve received as much feedback as I did regarding the betrayal=
from Attorney General Ken Paxton. It is both encouraging to me to know y=
=E2=80=99all are paying attention, and of course good for Texas to have so =
many people engaged in the battle!
For those not up to speed yet, please read about our initial lawsuit agains=
t the TX Secretary of State for misleading ballot language that led Texans =
to vote FOR a tax increase after previously voting AGAINST it. Then you ca=
n read about how Paxton was FOR us before he was AGAINST us. They are both=
brief and easy reads in layman=E2=80=99s terms.
And now we can fill in you in on what has happened since then=E2=80=A6
Obviously Paxton and his staff were none too happy to be publicly outed for=
betraying the grassroots base (that=E2=80=99s us). Immediately Paxton=E2=
=80=99s staff went to work gathering the talking points to mislead you into=
thinking WE are wrong instead of admitting and correcting their own error =
in judgment. That=E2=80=99s typical for politicians. We=E2=80=99re used t=
o it. But that doesn=E2=80=99t mean we have to continue to allow it.
Paxton retaliated with 4 claims against True Texas Project, and if you cont=
acted his office you likely heard any number of these. I=E2=80=99ll list t=
hem here, along with how he is intentionally trying to make you shut up and=
go away. He=E2=80=99s counting on you to not know better.
Paxton Defense #1: AG Paxton did not =E2=80=9Cinitially indicate=E2=80=9D =
that he would break from the position of his client, the Secretary of State=
. Any pre-litigation openness to some of the positions TTP was taking on th=
is issue cannot be construed to mean AG Paxton would wholesale decline to r=
epresent the SOS.
Our Response: In private meetings, his senior staff said they agreed with o=
ur attorney and our lawsuit, and our attorney generously and in good faith =
gave them six months to figure out what to do. Then their junior staffer s=
aid they were worried about the Canales=E2=80=99 hearing (he=E2=80=99s the =
Democrat in the RGV who drafted the misleading proposition and who Paxton i=
s apparently supposed to meet with soon). When our attorney called Paxton=
=E2=80=99s senior staff, he had no idea what was going on and was given 24 =
hours to figure out what was happening. Our attorney was told 24 hours late=
r that Paxton himself was making the decision for substantive reasons, whic=
h we took as a lie they told to half-heartedly deny the Canales thing. BUT=
=E2=80=A6 we agree that his senior staff expressing willingness to settle t=
he case did not indicate that Paxton would follow through and do the right =
thing. He in fact didn=E2=80=99t do the right thing, but instead seems to b=
e cowering to Canales and the County governments who want more taxing and s=
pending authority.
Paxton Defense #2: It was TTP=E2=80=94not AG Paxton=E2=80=94that filed sui=
t in front of a Democrat Travis County District Court Judge. AG Paxton has =
no choice but to litigate the case there.
Our Response: Paxton=E2=80=99s office tried to shoot the messengers, whini=
ng about us filing the case in Travis County. State law under Chapter 233 =
of the Texas Election Code REQUIRES us to file the case in Travis County. A=
ny case to challenge statewide ballot language MUST be filed there and must=
be brought against the Secretary of State. Paxton knows we had no say in w=
here to file, so to blame TTP on it being in Travis County with a Democrat =
judge is dishonest. He=E2=80=99s trying to shift focus from his own dishon=
orable actions to the Democrats and even TTP.
Paxton Defense #3: AG Paxton is certainly not arguing that =E2=80=9Cno cit=
izen has the right to question any ballot language written by the legislatu=
re ever again.=E2=80=9D Rather, AG Paxton has filed a =E2=80=9Cplea to the =
jurisdiction=E2=80=9D on facts and law that are unique to this case.
Our Response: Wrong. This is a lie. Part one of their PTJ argues the suit =
should be tossed based on separation of powers, which is a categorical argu=
ment that voters can never challenge ballot language in a constitutional am=
endment election contest. Please read that twice. Paxton is trying to give=
the legislature free rein and no consequences=E2=80=A6 forever.
Paxton Defense #4: AG Paxton has a basic duty to represent his client: her=
e, the SOS. There=E2=80=99s nothing =E2=80=9Cliberal=E2=80=9D about that, a=
nd TTP is wrong to lump AG Paxton in with Democrats just for doing his job.
Our Response: The AG swears an oath to defend the constitution. He is also =
tasked ordinarily with defending state bureaucrats. When he (or in this cas=
e, several members of his senior staff) indicate they believe the bureaucra=
t=E2=80=99s position is contrary to the constitution he has four options:
a. He could settle the case against the wishes of the bureaucrat. This is =
the only option there can be debate on over whether they could do it. Our =
attorney didn=E2=80=99t ask them to do this, but they said they were consid=
ering it.
b. He could follow SG Robert Bork=E2=80=99s then-innovative but now accept=
ed practice of filing =E2=80=9Cdueling briefs.=E2=80=9D Here he=E2=80=99d a=
ssign a staff attorney to represent the SOS while also filing an amicus bri=
ef to express his view, as an elected official, that he agreed with the con=
testants. This is the indisputably ethically correct thing to do when he d=
isagrees with SOS.
c. He could decline to represent the Sec of State and demand that staff at=
torneys from the agency (they have their own lawyers) defend their pigheade=
d position.
d. He could decline to represent the SOS but authorize them to use outside=
counsel. That=E2=80=99s a cowardly shirking of his constitutional responsi=
bility and, to his credit, they didn=E2=80=99t pursue that cowardly option =
in this case.
He was asked to do Option B, which was both provide a defense and file a =
=E2=80=9Cdueling brief=E2=80=9D that disagrees with the SOS. His own staff =
offered up they were considering doing Option A. He chose not to do neither=
of those. Moreover his position that it=E2=80=99s his =E2=80=9Cjob=E2=80=
=9D to defend his =E2=80=9Cclient=E2=80=9D even when he (or in this case hi=
s staff) think the client=E2=80=99s position is contrary to the constitutio=
n is a rejection of his constitutional oath, which comes first and foremost=
. We elect him to defend the constitution and the citizens, not to knee-jer=
k defend bureaucrats.
Additionally, back when Greg Abbott was Attorney General, he ruled against =
a state agency, TxDOT, for deliberately trying to keep details about the Tr=
ans Texas Corridor a secret from the public. Remember that? We do. So the A=
ttorney General does NOT =E2=80=98have to=E2=80=99 represent a state agency=
when they=E2=80=99re wrong.
UPDATE: On top of those 4 misleading statements from Paxton=E2=80=99s offi=
ce, his team is now admitting to deliberately retaliating against TTP for o=
uting them. They are now opposing cooperation on scheduling (which they we=
re previously open to) and admitting it's because they're upset over our em=
ail to you, the grassroots. I=E2=80=99ve got a copy of an email from Paxto=
n=E2=80=99s office written to our attorney to prove it.
What's more, on social media, Paxton=E2=80=99s team is trying to discredit =
the stellar reputation True Texas Project has built around the state. They=
are claiming folks are calling his office to say we=E2=80=99re out of line=
and arrogant, and that they are leaving True Texas Project over this. But=
as I said in the beginning of this update, you True Texans have overwhelme=
d me with your outrage on this issue and your gratitude for it being brough=
t to your attention. Nobody is mad at TTP over this! They are thankful fo=
r being informed and advised on how to respond. We promise to always be th=
at guide for you!
Additionally, we=E2=80=99d like to thank the great Terri Hall and our frien=
ds at TURF for initiating the lawsuit in the first place and allowing us an=
d JoAnn Fleming=E2=80=99s Grassroots America We The People to join in. So =
the question is now=E2=80=A6 is it all of us? Or is it Paxton? Are all th=
ree of these stellar grassroots watchdog groups wrong, and the politician i=
s right? You decide!
I=E2=80=99ll keep fighting as long as you join me=E2=80=A6
Julie McCarty
CEO, True Texas Project
=20
Click here to donate to our cause.
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; border-collapse: collapse; padding-top: 24px; padding-bottom: 12px;"><p s=
tyle=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weigh=
t: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt=
; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href=3D"h=
ttps://api.neonemails.com/emails/tracking/click-link/mIwi-Jyf6vXMw7MDoonLfo=
jqv7X7Qjpno_SdtUOfKQ4=3D/fI_nW3fKyTwLJECQiH4xTOGUvbF1NthnWVjyDWD1hUk=3D" ta=
rget=3D"_blank" rel=3D"noopener" style=3D"color: #0074d9; text-decoration: =
none; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: inherit; paddin=
g: 0; text-align: left; line-height: 1.5;"><img src=3D"[link removed]
ject.app.neoncrm.com/neon/resource/truetexasproject/images/header.gif?dummy=
=3D1630086055447" align=3D"left" border=3D"0" hspace=3D"0" style=3D"outline=
: none; text-decoration: none; -ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; max-width: =
100%; clear: both; margin: 0 auto; Margin: 0 auto; float: none; text-align:=
center; border: none; display: block; height: auto;"></a></p></th>=20
</tr>=20
</tbody>
</table>=20
<table class=3D"row content-row-blockpadding" style=3D"border-sp=
acing: 0; border-collapse: collapse; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;=
padding: 0; position: relative; width: 100%; display: table; margin: 0; Ma=
rgin: 0; background-color: #ffffff; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif=
;">=20
<tbody>
<tr style=3D"padding: 0; vertical-align: top; text-align: left=
;">=20
<th class=3D"columns small-12 large-12 first last default" st=
yle=3D"word-wrap: break-word; vertical-align: top; color: #3c4144; font-fam=
ily: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; text-align: =
left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0 auto; Margin: 0 auto; wo=
rd-break: break-word; width: 564px; padding-left: 24px; padding-right: 24px=
; border-collapse: collapse; padding-top: 12px; padding-bottom: 12px;">
<figure class style=3D"margin: 0 0 1rem; Margin: 0 0 1rem;">
<!--[if mso]><center><![end-if]-->
<img class=3D"align-center" src=3D"[link removed]
.app.neoncrm.com/neon/resource/truetexasproject/images/cover_85333CF0-DFC9-=
4E66-A7D3-8FC6F4FA7905_300x300%20(2).jpg" alt=3D"cover_85333CF0-DFC9-4E66-A=
7D3-8FC6F4FA7905_300x300%20(2).jpg" width=3D"300" align=3D"middle" style=3D=
"outline: none; text-decoration: none; -ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; max=
-width: 100%; clear: both; display: block; margin: 0 auto; Margin: 0 auto; =
float: none; text-align: center; height: auto;"><!--[if mso]></center><![en=
d-if]-->
</figure> <h1 class=3D"page-title align-center" style=3D"pad=
ding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; line-height: 130%; color: inherit; word-wrap=
: normal; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; margin=
-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px; font-size: 34px; text-align: center;"><=
a title=3D"Paxton Digs In His Heels
Against His Base" href=3D"[link removed]
ils.com/emails/tracking/click-link/mIwi-Jyf6vXMw7MDoonLfojqv7X7Qjpno_SdtUOf=
KQ4=3D/fI_nW3fKyTwLJECQiH4xTGOuz4YMo5yCyDIQi820b54=3D" target=3D"_blank" re=
l=3D"noopener" style=3D"text-decoration: none; font-family: arial,helvetica=
,sans-serif; font-weight: inherit; padding: 0; text-align: left; line-heigh=
t: 1.5; color: #0074d9;">Paxton Digs In His Heels <br>Against His Base</a><=
/h1> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; f=
ont-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-s=
ize: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;">Dan=
g! You True Texans are on FIRE! Thank you! It=E2=80=99s b=
een awhile since I=E2=80=99ve received as much feedback as I did regarding =
the betrayal from Attorney General Ken Paxton. It is both encouraging=
to me to know y=E2=80=99all are paying attention, and of course good for T=
exas to have so many people engaged in the battle!</p> <p style=3D"color: #=
3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding:=
0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1=
.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;">For those not up to speed ye=
t, please read about our initial <a href=3D"[link removed]
ls/tracking/click-link/mIwi-Jyf6vXMw7MDoonLfojqv7X7Qjpno_SdtUOfKQ4=3D/fI_nW=
3fKyTwLJECQiH4xTAmKnocj0gzugzAl7nVBXI0=3D" style=3D"color: #0074d9; text-de=
coration: none; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: inher=
it; padding: 0; text-align: left; line-height: 1.5;">lawsuit against the TX=
Secretary of State for misleading ballot language</a> that led Texans to v=
ote FOR a tax increase after previously voting AGAINST it. Then you c=
an read about how <a href=3D"[link removed]
ck-link/mIwi-Jyf6vXMw7MDoonLfojqv7X7Qjpno_SdtUOfKQ4=3D/fI_nW3fKyTwLJECQiH4x=
TKVhrY2PlNJAvI23iVdJG2I=3D" style=3D"color: #0074d9; text-decoration: none;=
font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: inherit; padding: 0;=
text-align: left; line-height: 1.5;">Paxton was FOR us before he was AGAIN=
ST us</a>. They are both brief and easy reads in layman=E2=80=99s ter=
ms.</p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif=
; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; fon=
t-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;">=
And now we can fill in you in on what has happened since then=E2=80=A6</p> =
<p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-w=
eight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: =
12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;">Obviousl=
y Paxton and his staff were none too happy to be publicly outed for betrayi=
ng the grassroots base (that=E2=80=99s us). <span style=3D"text-decora=
tion: underline;"> Immediately Paxton=E2=80=99s staff went to work gatherin=
g the talking points to mislead you into thinking WE are wrong instead of a=
dmitting and correcting their own error in judgment.</span> That=E2=
=80=99s typical for politicians. We=E2=80=99re used to it. <str=
ong>But that doesn=E2=80=99t mean we have to continue to allow it</strong>.=
</p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; f=
ont-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-s=
ize: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;">Pax=
ton retaliated with 4 claims against True Texas Project, and if you contact=
ed his office you likely heard any number of these. I=E2=80=99ll list=
them here, along with how <strong>he is intentionally trying to make you s=
hut up and go away</strong>. He=E2=80=99s counting on you to not know=
better.</p>=20
<ol style=3D"list-style-position: inside; Margin: 0 0 10px 0=
; padding: 0 0 0 10px;">=20
<li style=3D"display: list-item; line-height: 1.5em; Margin=
: 0; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0; word-break: break-word; list-st=
yle: decimal outside;"><strong>Paxton Defense #1:</strong> <em>A=
G Paxton did not =E2=80=9Cinitially indicate=E2=80=9D that he would break f=
rom the position of his client, the Secretary of State. Any pre-litigation =
openness to some of the positions TTP was taking on this issue cannot be co=
nstrued to mean AG Paxton would wholesale decline to represent the SOS.<br>=
</em><strong>Our Response</strong><em>: </em>In private meetings, his =
senior staff said they agreed with our attorney and our lawsuit, and our at=
torney generously and in good faith gave them six months to figure out what=
to do. Then their junior staffer said they were worried about the Ca=
nales=E2=80=99 hearing (he=E2=80=99s the Democrat in the RGV who drafted th=
e misleading proposition and who Paxton is apparently supposed to meet with=
soon). When our attorney called Paxton=E2=80=99s senior staff, he had no i=
dea what was going on and was given 24 hours to figure out what was happeni=
ng. Our attorney was told 24 hours later that Paxton himself was making the=
decision for substantive reasons, which we took as a lie they told to half=
-heartedly deny the Canales thing. BUT=E2=80=A6 we agree that his senior st=
aff expressing willingness to settle the case did not indicate that Paxton =
would follow through and do the right thing. He in fact didn=E2=80=99t do t=
he right thing, but instead seems to be cowering to Canales and the County =
governments who want more taxing and spending authority.</li>=20
<li style=3D"display: list-item; line-height: 1.5em; Margin=
: 0; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0; word-break: break-word; list-st=
yle: decimal outside;"><strong>Paxton Defense #2: </strong><em>I=
t was TTP=E2=80=94not AG Paxton=E2=80=94that filed suit in front of a Democ=
rat Travis County District Court Judge. AG Paxton has no choice but to liti=
gate the case there.<br></em><strong>Our Response: </strong>Paxt=
on=E2=80=99s office tried to shoot the messengers, whining about us filing =
the case in Travis County. State law under Chapter 233 of the Te=
xas Election Code REQUIRES us to file the case in Travis County. Any case t=
o challenge statewide ballot language MUST be filed there and must be broug=
ht against the Secretary of State. Paxton knows we had no say in where to f=
ile, so to blame TTP on it being in Travis County with a Democrat judge is =
dishonest. He=E2=80=99s trying to shift focus from his own dishonorab=
le actions to the Democrats and even TTP.</li>=20
<li style=3D"display: list-item; line-height: 1.5em; Margin=
: 0; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0; word-break: break-word; list-st=
yle: decimal outside;"><strong>Paxton Defense #3</strong>: <em>A=
G Paxton is certainly not arguing that =E2=80=9Cno citizen has the right to=
question any ballot language written by the legislature ever again.=E2=80=
=9D Rather, AG Paxton has filed a =E2=80=9Cplea to the jurisdiction=E2=80=
=9D on facts and law that are unique to this case.<br></em><strong>Our Resp=
onse</strong>: Wrong. This is a lie. Part one of their PTJ argues the=
suit should be tossed based on separation of powers, which is a categorica=
l argument that<span style=3D"color: #ff0000;"> voters can never chall=
enge ballot language</span> in a constitutional amendment election contest.=
Please read that twice. Paxton is trying to give the legislature fre=
e rein and no consequences=E2=80=A6 forever.</li>=20
<li style=3D"display: list-item; line-height: 1.5em; Margin=
: 0; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0; word-break: break-word; list-st=
yle: decimal outside;"><strong>Paxton Defense #4: </strong><em>A=
G Paxton has a basic duty to represent his client: here, the SOS. There=E2=
=80=99s nothing =E2=80=9Cliberal=E2=80=9D about that, and TTP is wrong to l=
ump AG Paxton in with Democrats just for doing his job.</em><strong><br>Our=
Response: </strong>The AG swears an oath to defend the constitution. =
He is also tasked ordinarily with defending state bureaucrats. When he (or =
in this case, several members of his senior staff) indicate they believe th=
e bureaucrat=E2=80=99s position is contrary to the constitution he has four=
options:<br>a. He could settle the case against the wishes of the bu=
reaucrat. This is the only option there can be debate on over whether they =
could do it. Our attorney didn=E2=80=99t ask them to do this, but the=
y said they were considering it.<br>b. He could follow SG Robert Bork=
=E2=80=99s then-innovative but now accepted practice of filing =E2=80=9Cdue=
ling briefs.=E2=80=9D Here he=E2=80=99d assign a staff attorney to represen=
t the SOS while also filing an amicus brief to express his view, as an elec=
ted official, that he agreed with the contestants. This is the indisp=
utably ethically correct thing to do when he disagrees with SOS.<br>c. =
; He could decline to represent the Sec of State and demand that staff atto=
rneys from the agency (they have their own lawyers) defend their pigheaded =
position.<br>d. He could decline to represent the SOS but authorize t=
hem to use outside counsel. That=E2=80=99s a cowardly shirking of his const=
itutional responsibility and, to his credit, they didn=E2=80=99t pursue tha=
t cowardly option in this case.<br><strong>He was asked to do Option B</str=
ong>, which was both provide a defense and file a =E2=80=9Cdueling brief=E2=
=80=9D that disagrees with the SOS. <strong>His own staff offered up t=
hey were considering doing Option A.</strong> He chose not to do neith=
er of those. Moreover his position that it=E2=80=99s his =E2=80=9Cjob=E2=80=
=9D to defend his =E2=80=9Cclient=E2=80=9D even when he (or in this case hi=
s staff) think the client=E2=80=99s position is contrary to the constitutio=
n is a rejection of his constitutional oath, which comes first and foremost=
. We elect him to defend the constitution and the citizens, not to knee-jer=
k defend bureaucrats.<br>Additionally, back when <em>Greg Abbott</em>&=
nbsp;was Attorney General, he ruled against a state agency, TxDOT, for deli=
berately trying to keep details about the Trans Texas Corridor a secret fro=
m the public. <a href=3D"[link removed]
ick-link/mIwi-Jyf6vXMw7MDoonLfojqv7X7Qjpno_SdtUOfKQ4=3D/fI_nW3fKyTwLJECQiH4=
xTIsxjT7RMEtqamstEK7nK4Y=3D" target=3D"_blank" rel=3D"noopener noreferrer" =
data-saferedirecturl=3D"[link removed]
s/f12/trans-texas-corridor-master-development-plan-made-public-39448/&s=
ource=3Dgmail&ust=3D1660843912479000&usg=3DAOvVaw0luZhA60deiKTTAGJs=
pJ9u" style=3D"color: #0074d9; text-decoration: none; font-family: arial,he=
lvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: inherit; padding: 0; text-align: left; lin=
e-height: 1.5;">Remember that</a>? We do. So the Attorney General does NOT =
=E2=80=98have to=E2=80=99 represent a state agency when they=E2=80=99re wro=
ng.</li>=20
</ol> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helveti=
ca,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-ali=
gn: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bo=
ttom: 10px;"><strong>UPDATE: </strong>On top of those 4 misleading st=
atements from Paxton=E2=80=99s office, his team is now admitting to <em>del=
iberately retaliating against TTP for outing them</em>. They are now =
opposing cooperation on scheduling (which they were previously open to) and=
admitting it's because they're upset over our email to you, the grassroots=
. I=E2=80=99ve got a copy of an email from Paxton=E2=80=99s office wr=
itten to our attorney to prove it.</p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-fam=
ily: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; M=
argin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-botto=
m: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;">What's more, on social media, Paxton=E2=80=
=99s team is trying to discredit the stellar reputation True Texas Project =
has built around the state. They are claiming folks are calling his o=
ffice to say we=E2=80=99re out of line and arrogant, and that they are leav=
ing True Texas Project over this. But as I said in the beginning of t=
his update, you True Texans have overwhelmed me with your outrage on this i=
ssue and your gratitude for it being brought to your attention. Nobod=
y is mad at TTP over this! They are thankful for being informed and a=
dvised on how to respond. We promise to always be that guide for you!=
</p>=20
<figure class style=3D"margin: 0 0 1rem; Margin: 0 0 1rem;">
<!--[if mso]><center><![end-if]-->
<img class=3D"align-center" src=3D"[link removed]
.app.neoncrm.com/neon/resource/truetexasproject/images/1%20te5E_PRG760YU6Hv=
9o5MHA%402x.jpeg" alt=3D"1%20te5E_PRG760YU6Hv9o5MHA%402x.jpeg" width=3D"385=
" align=3D"middle" style=3D"outline: none; text-decoration: none; -ms-inter=
polation-mode: bicubic; max-width: 100%; clear: both; display: block; margi=
n: 0 auto; Margin: 0 auto; float: none; text-align: center; height: auto;">=
<!--[if mso]></center><![end-if]-->
</figure> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,hel=
vetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text=
-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margi=
n-bottom: 10px;">Additionally, we=E2=80=99d like to thank the great Terri H=
all and our friends at TURF for initiating the lawsuit in the first place a=
nd allowing us and JoAnn Fleming=E2=80=99s Grassroots America We The People=
to join in. So the question is now=E2=80=A6 is it all of us? O=
r is it Paxton? Are all three of these stellar grassroots watchdog gr=
oups wrong, and the politician is right? You decide!</p> <p style=3D"=
color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; =
padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-h=
eight: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;">I=E2=80=99ll keep fi=
ghting as long as you join me=E2=80=A6<br>Julie McCarty<br>CEO, True Texas =
Project</p></th>=20
</tr>=20
</tbody>
</table>=20
<table class=3D"row end-row-footer" style=3D"border-spacing: 0; =
border-collapse: collapse; vertical-align: top; text-align: left; padding: =
0; position: relative; width: 100%; display: table; margin: 0; Margin: 0; b=
ackground-color: #ffffff; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">=20
<tbody>
<tr style=3D"padding: 0; vertical-align: top; text-align: left=
;">=20
<th class=3D"columns small-12 large-12 first last default" st=
yle=3D"word-wrap: break-word; vertical-align: top; color: #3c4144; font-fam=
ily: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; text-align: =
left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0 auto; Margin: 0 auto; wo=
rd-break: break-word; width: 564px; padding-left: 24px; padding-right: 24px=
; border-collapse: collapse; padding-top: 12px; padding-bottom: 24px;"><p s=
tyle=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weigh=
t: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5=
; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;"><span styl=
e=3D"font-size: 14px;"> </span></p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-f=
amily: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0;=
Margin: 0; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-=
bottom: 10px; text-align: center;"><strong><span style=3D"color: #cc0000;">=
</span><span style=3D"color: #000055;">Click </span><a href=3D"https:=
//api.neonemails.com/emails/tracking/click-link/mIwi-Jyf6vXMw7MDoonLfojqv7X=
7Qjpno_SdtUOfKQ4=3D/fI_nW3fKyTwLJECQiH4xTL1KlYy2T7JasYcQlGSYvGo=3D" style=
=3D"color: #0074d9; text-decoration: none; font-family: arial,helvetica,san=
s-serif; font-weight: inherit; padding: 0; text-align: left; line-height: 1=
.5;"><span style=3D"color: #cc0000;">here</span></a><span style=3D"color: #=
000055;"> to donate to our cause. </span></st=
rong></p>=20
<table data-v-45dfea3e style=3D"border-spacing: 0; border-co=
llapse: collapse; padding: 0; vertical-align: top; text-align: left; max-wi=
dth: 100%; width: 100%;">=20
<tbody>=20
<tr data-v-45dfea3e style=3D"padding: 0; vertical-align: t=
op; text-align: left;">=20
<th data-v-45dfea3e style=3D"word-wrap: break-word; verti=
cal-align: top; color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; fo=
nt-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-si=
ze: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; border-collapse: collapse;">
<center style=3D"width: 100%; min-width: 532px; text-ali=
gn: center;" data-v-45dfea3e>
<a title=3D"Facebook" href=3D"[link removed]
m/emails/tracking/click-link/mIwi-Jyf6vXMw7MDoonLfojqv7X7Qjpno_SdtUOfKQ4=3D=
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oopener" style=3D"color: #0074d9; text-decoration: none; font-family: arial=
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line-height: 1.5;"><img src=3D"[link removed]
rkicons/Facebook.png" alt=3D"Facebook" width=3D"30" border=3D"0" style=3D"o=
utline: none; text-decoration: none; -ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; max-w=
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align: center; border: none; display: block; height: auto;"></a>  =
;<a title=3D"Instagram" href=3D"[link removed]
click-link/mIwi-Jyf6vXMw7MDoonLfojqv7X7Qjpno_SdtUOfKQ4=3D/fI_nW3fKyTwLJECQi=
H4xTNqU-4BSh3ZWGxMdlWlyKBI=3D" target=3D"_blank" rel=3D"noopener" style=3D"=
color: #0074d9; text-decoration: none; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-se=
rif; font-weight: inherit; padding: 0; text-align: left; line-height: 1.5;"=
><img src=3D"[link removed]
png" alt=3D"Instagram" width=3D"30" border=3D"0" style=3D"outline: none; te=
xt-decoration: none; -ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; max-width: 100%; clea=
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order: none; display: block; height: auto;"></a> <a title=3D"Twi=
tter" href=3D"[link removed]
f6vXMw7MDoonLfojqv7X7Qjpno_SdtUOfKQ4=3D/fI_nW3fKyTwLJECQiH4xTPI9KBROkSsA2c6=
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If you're having trouble viewing this email, you can see it online, [link removed].
Paxton Digs In His Heels
Against His Base
Dang! You True Texans are on FIRE! Thank you! It’s been awhile since I’ve received as much feedback as I did regarding the betrayal from Attorney General Ken Paxton. It is both encouraging to me to know y’all are paying attention, and of course good for Texas to have so many people engaged in the battle!
For those not up to speed yet, please read about our initial lawsuit against the TX Secretary of State for misleading ballot language that led Texans to vote FOR a tax increase after previously voting AGAINST it. Then you can read about how Paxton was FOR us before he was AGAINST us. They are both brief and easy reads in layman’s terms.
And now we can fill in you in on what has happened since then…
Obviously Paxton and his staff were none too happy to be publicly outed for betraying the grassroots base (that’s us). Immediately Paxton’s staff went to work gathering the talking points to mislead you into thinking WE are wrong instead of admitting and correcting their own error in judgment. That’s typical for politicians. We’re used to it. But that doesn’t mean we have to continue to allow it.
Paxton retaliated with 4 claims against True Texas Project, and if you contacted his office you likely heard any number of these. I’ll list them here, along with how he is intentionally trying to make you shut up and go away. He’s counting on you to not know better.
Paxton Defense #1: AG Paxton did not “initially indicate” that he would break from the position of his client, the Secretary of State. Any pre-litigation openness to some of the positions TTP was taking on this issue cannot be construed to mean AG Paxton would wholesale decline to represent the SOS.
Our Response: In private meetings, his senior staff said they agreed with our attorney and our lawsuit, and our attorney generously and in good faith gave them six months to figure out what to do. Then their junior staffer said they were worried about the Canales’ hearing (he’s the Democrat in the RGV who drafted the misleading proposition and who Paxton is apparently supposed to meet with soon). When our attorney called Paxton’s senior staff, he had no idea what was going on and was given 24 hours to figure out what was happening. Our attorney was told 24 hours later that Paxton himself was making the decision for substantive reasons, which we took as a lie they told to half-heartedly deny the Canales thing. BUT… we agree that his senior staff expressing willingness to settle the case did not indicate that Paxton would follow through and do the right thing. He in fact didn’t do the right thing, but instead seems to be cowering to Canales and the County governments who want more taxing and spending authority.
Paxton Defense #2: It was TTP—not AG Paxton—that filed suit in front of a Democrat Travis County District Court Judge. AG Paxton has no choice but to litigate the case there.
Our Response: Paxton’s office tried to shoot the messengers, whining about us filing the case in Travis County. State law under Chapter 233 of the Texas Election Code REQUIRES us to file the case in Travis County. Any case to challenge statewide ballot language MUST be filed there and must be brought against the Secretary of State. Paxton knows we had no say in where to file, so to blame TTP on it being in Travis County with a Democrat judge is dishonest. He’s trying to shift focus from his own dishonorable actions to the Democrats and even TTP.
Paxton Defense #3: AG Paxton is certainly not arguing that “no citizen has the right to question any ballot language written by the legislature ever again.” Rather, AG Paxton has filed a “plea to the jurisdiction” on facts and law that are unique to this case.
Our Response: Wrong. This is a lie. Part one of their PTJ argues the suit should be tossed based on separation of powers, which is a categorical argument that voters can never challenge ballot language in a constitutional amendment election contest. Please read that twice. Paxton is trying to give the legislature free rein and no consequences… forever.
Paxton Defense #4: AG Paxton has a basic duty to represent his client: here, the SOS. There’s nothing “liberal” about that, and TTP is wrong to lump AG Paxton in with Democrats just for doing his job.
Our Response: The AG swears an oath to defend the constitution. He is also tasked ordinarily with defending state bureaucrats. When he (or in this case, several members of his senior staff) indicate they believe the bureaucrat’s position is contrary to the constitution he has four options:
a. He could settle the case against the wishes of the bureaucrat. This is the only option there can be debate on over whether they could do it. Our attorney didn’t ask them to do this, but they said they were considering it.
b. He could follow SG Robert Bork’s then-innovative but now accepted practice of filing “dueling briefs.” Here he’d assign a staff attorney to represent the SOS while also filing an amicus brief to express his view, as an elected official, that he agreed with the contestants. This is the indisputably ethically correct thing to do when he disagrees with SOS.
c. He could decline to represent the Sec of State and demand that staff attorneys from the agency (they have their own lawyers) defend their pigheaded position.
d. He could decline to represent the SOS but authorize them to use outside counsel. That’s a cowardly shirking of his constitutional responsibility and, to his credit, they didn’t pursue that cowardly option in this case.
He was asked to do Option B, which was both provide a defense and file a “dueling brief” that disagrees with the SOS. His own staff offered up they were considering doing Option A. He chose not to do neither of those. Moreover his position that it’s his “job” to defend his “client” even when he (or in this case his staff) think the client’s position is contrary to the constitution is a rejection of his constitutional oath, which comes first and foremost. We elect him to defend the constitution and the citizens, not to knee-jerk defend bureaucrats.
Additionally, back when Greg Abbott was Attorney General, he ruled against a state agency, TxDOT, for deliberately trying to keep details about the Trans Texas Corridor a secret from the public. Remember that? We do. So the Attorney General does NOT ‘have to’ represent a state agency when they’re wrong.
UPDATE: On top of those 4 misleading statements from Paxton’s office, his team is now admitting to deliberately retaliating against TTP for outing them. They are now opposing cooperation on scheduling (which they were previously open to) and admitting it's because they're upset over our email to you, the grassroots. I’ve got a copy of an email from Paxton’s office written to our attorney to prove it.
What's more, on social media, Paxton’s team is trying to discredit the stellar reputation True Texas Project has built around the state. They are claiming folks are calling his office to say we’re out of line and arrogant, and that they are leaving True Texas Project over this. But as I said in the beginning of this update, you True Texans have overwhelmed me with your outrage on this issue and your gratitude for it being brought to your attention. Nobody is mad at TTP over this! They are thankful for being informed and advised on how to respond. We promise to always be that guide for you!
Additionally, we’d like to thank the great Terri Hall and our friends at TURF for initiating the lawsuit in the first place and allowing us and JoAnn Fleming’s Grassroots America We The People to join in. So the question is now… is it all of us? Or is it Paxton? Are all three of these stellar grassroots watchdog groups wrong, and the politician is right? You decide!
I’ll keep fighting as long as you join me…
Julie McCarty
CEO, True Texas Project
Click here to donate to our cause.
This email was sent to [email protected]. Click here to [link removed].
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boundary="----=_Part_42358958_565909442.1660766216558"
------=_Part_42358958_565909442.1660766216558
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If you're having trouble viewing this email, you can see it online, https:/=
/api.neonemails.com/emails/content/mIwi-Jyf6vXMw7MDoonLfojqv7X7Qjpno_SdtUOf=
KQ4=3D.
Paxton Digs In His Heels=20
Against His Base
Dang! You True Texans are on FIRE! Thank you! It=E2=80=99s been awhile s=
ince I=E2=80=99ve received as much feedback as I did regarding the betrayal=
from Attorney General Ken Paxton. It is both encouraging to me to know y=
=E2=80=99all are paying attention, and of course good for Texas to have so =
many people engaged in the battle!
For those not up to speed yet, please read about our initial lawsuit agains=
t the TX Secretary of State for misleading ballot language that led Texans =
to vote FOR a tax increase after previously voting AGAINST it. Then you ca=
n read about how Paxton was FOR us before he was AGAINST us. They are both=
brief and easy reads in layman=E2=80=99s terms.
And now we can fill in you in on what has happened since then=E2=80=A6
Obviously Paxton and his staff were none too happy to be publicly outed for=
betraying the grassroots base (that=E2=80=99s us). Immediately Paxton=E2=
=80=99s staff went to work gathering the talking points to mislead you into=
thinking WE are wrong instead of admitting and correcting their own error =
in judgment. That=E2=80=99s typical for politicians. We=E2=80=99re used t=
o it. But that doesn=E2=80=99t mean we have to continue to allow it.
Paxton retaliated with 4 claims against True Texas Project, and if you cont=
acted his office you likely heard any number of these. I=E2=80=99ll list t=
hem here, along with how he is intentionally trying to make you shut up and=
go away. He=E2=80=99s counting on you to not know better.
Paxton Defense #1: AG Paxton did not =E2=80=9Cinitially indicate=E2=80=9D =
that he would break from the position of his client, the Secretary of State=
. Any pre-litigation openness to some of the positions TTP was taking on th=
is issue cannot be construed to mean AG Paxton would wholesale decline to r=
epresent the SOS.
Our Response: In private meetings, his senior staff said they agreed with o=
ur attorney and our lawsuit, and our attorney generously and in good faith =
gave them six months to figure out what to do. Then their junior staffer s=
aid they were worried about the Canales=E2=80=99 hearing (he=E2=80=99s the =
Democrat in the RGV who drafted the misleading proposition and who Paxton i=
s apparently supposed to meet with soon). When our attorney called Paxton=
=E2=80=99s senior staff, he had no idea what was going on and was given 24 =
hours to figure out what was happening. Our attorney was told 24 hours late=
r that Paxton himself was making the decision for substantive reasons, whic=
h we took as a lie they told to half-heartedly deny the Canales thing. BUT=
=E2=80=A6 we agree that his senior staff expressing willingness to settle t=
he case did not indicate that Paxton would follow through and do the right =
thing. He in fact didn=E2=80=99t do the right thing, but instead seems to b=
e cowering to Canales and the County governments who want more taxing and s=
pending authority.
Paxton Defense #2: It was TTP=E2=80=94not AG Paxton=E2=80=94that filed sui=
t in front of a Democrat Travis County District Court Judge. AG Paxton has =
no choice but to litigate the case there.
Our Response: Paxton=E2=80=99s office tried to shoot the messengers, whini=
ng about us filing the case in Travis County. State law under Chapter 233 =
of the Texas Election Code REQUIRES us to file the case in Travis County. A=
ny case to challenge statewide ballot language MUST be filed there and must=
be brought against the Secretary of State. Paxton knows we had no say in w=
here to file, so to blame TTP on it being in Travis County with a Democrat =
judge is dishonest. He=E2=80=99s trying to shift focus from his own dishon=
orable actions to the Democrats and even TTP.
Paxton Defense #3: AG Paxton is certainly not arguing that =E2=80=9Cno cit=
izen has the right to question any ballot language written by the legislatu=
re ever again.=E2=80=9D Rather, AG Paxton has filed a =E2=80=9Cplea to the =
jurisdiction=E2=80=9D on facts and law that are unique to this case.
Our Response: Wrong. This is a lie. Part one of their PTJ argues the suit =
should be tossed based on separation of powers, which is a categorical argu=
ment that voters can never challenge ballot language in a constitutional am=
endment election contest. Please read that twice. Paxton is trying to give=
the legislature free rein and no consequences=E2=80=A6 forever.
Paxton Defense #4: AG Paxton has a basic duty to represent his client: her=
e, the SOS. There=E2=80=99s nothing =E2=80=9Cliberal=E2=80=9D about that, a=
nd TTP is wrong to lump AG Paxton in with Democrats just for doing his job.
Our Response: The AG swears an oath to defend the constitution. He is also =
tasked ordinarily with defending state bureaucrats. When he (or in this cas=
e, several members of his senior staff) indicate they believe the bureaucra=
t=E2=80=99s position is contrary to the constitution he has four options:
a. He could settle the case against the wishes of the bureaucrat. This is =
the only option there can be debate on over whether they could do it. Our =
attorney didn=E2=80=99t ask them to do this, but they said they were consid=
ering it.
b. He could follow SG Robert Bork=E2=80=99s then-innovative but now accept=
ed practice of filing =E2=80=9Cdueling briefs.=E2=80=9D Here he=E2=80=99d a=
ssign a staff attorney to represent the SOS while also filing an amicus bri=
ef to express his view, as an elected official, that he agreed with the con=
testants. This is the indisputably ethically correct thing to do when he d=
isagrees with SOS.
c. He could decline to represent the Sec of State and demand that staff at=
torneys from the agency (they have their own lawyers) defend their pigheade=
d position.
d. He could decline to represent the SOS but authorize them to use outside=
counsel. That=E2=80=99s a cowardly shirking of his constitutional responsi=
bility and, to his credit, they didn=E2=80=99t pursue that cowardly option =
in this case.
He was asked to do Option B, which was both provide a defense and file a =
=E2=80=9Cdueling brief=E2=80=9D that disagrees with the SOS. His own staff =
offered up they were considering doing Option A. He chose not to do neither=
of those. Moreover his position that it=E2=80=99s his =E2=80=9Cjob=E2=80=
=9D to defend his =E2=80=9Cclient=E2=80=9D even when he (or in this case hi=
s staff) think the client=E2=80=99s position is contrary to the constitutio=
n is a rejection of his constitutional oath, which comes first and foremost=
. We elect him to defend the constitution and the citizens, not to knee-jer=
k defend bureaucrats.
Additionally, back when Greg Abbott was Attorney General, he ruled against =
a state agency, TxDOT, for deliberately trying to keep details about the Tr=
ans Texas Corridor a secret from the public. Remember that? We do. So the A=
ttorney General does NOT =E2=80=98have to=E2=80=99 represent a state agency=
when they=E2=80=99re wrong.
UPDATE: On top of those 4 misleading statements from Paxton=E2=80=99s offi=
ce, his team is now admitting to deliberately retaliating against TTP for o=
uting them. They are now opposing cooperation on scheduling (which they we=
re previously open to) and admitting it's because they're upset over our em=
ail to you, the grassroots. I=E2=80=99ve got a copy of an email from Paxto=
n=E2=80=99s office written to our attorney to prove it.
What's more, on social media, Paxton=E2=80=99s team is trying to discredit =
the stellar reputation True Texas Project has built around the state. They=
are claiming folks are calling his office to say we=E2=80=99re out of line=
and arrogant, and that they are leaving True Texas Project over this. But=
as I said in the beginning of this update, you True Texans have overwhelme=
d me with your outrage on this issue and your gratitude for it being brough=
t to your attention. Nobody is mad at TTP over this! They are thankful fo=
r being informed and advised on how to respond. We promise to always be th=
at guide for you!
Additionally, we=E2=80=99d like to thank the great Terri Hall and our frien=
ds at TURF for initiating the lawsuit in the first place and allowing us an=
d JoAnn Fleming=E2=80=99s Grassroots America We The People to join in. So =
the question is now=E2=80=A6 is it all of us? Or is it Paxton? Are all th=
ree of these stellar grassroots watchdog groups wrong, and the politician i=
s right? You decide!
I=E2=80=99ll keep fighting as long as you join me=E2=80=A6
Julie McCarty
CEO, True Texas Project
=20
Click here to donate to our cause.
This email was sent to [email protected]. Click here to [link removed]
exasproject.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/truetexasproject/unsubscribeEmail.js=
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</head>=20
<body style=3D"min-width: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; -ms-text-s=
ize-adjust: 100%; -moz-box-sizing: border-box; -webkit-box-sizing: border-b=
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ns-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: l=
eft; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; width: 100%;"> <!--[if !gte mso 9]>=
<!----><span style=3D"display:none !important; font-size:0px; line-height:0=
px; max-height:0px; max-width:0px; opacity:0; overflow:hidden; visibility:h=
idden; mso-hide:all;"><!--NEONCRM-PREVIEW-TEXT-START---->4 lies from the Pa=
xton team<!--NEONCRM-PREVIEW-TEXT-END-----></span> <!--<![endif]-->=20
<table class=3D"body" style=3D"border-spacing: 0; border-collapse: collap=
se; vertical-align: top; background: #fff; height: 100%; width: 100%; color=
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ng: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height=
: 1.5; background-color: #FFFFFF;">=20
<tbody>
<tr style=3D"padding: 0; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;">=20
<td class=3D"float-center" align=3D"center" valign=3D"top" style=3D"wo=
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l,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; font-size: 12pt; line=
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er; border-collapse: collapse;">=20
<center style=3D"min-width: 540px; width: 100%;">=20
<table class=3D"container" width=3D"600" style=3D"border-spacing: 0;=
border-collapse: collapse; padding: 0; vertical-align: top; background: #f=
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ackground-color: #FFFFFF;">=20
<tbody>
<tr style=3D"padding: 0; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;">=
=20
<td style=3D"word-wrap: break-word; vertical-align: top; color: #=
3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding:=
0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1=
.5; border-collapse: collapse;">=20
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: collapse; vertical-align: top; text-align: left; padding: 0; position: re=
lative; width: 100%; display: table; margin: 0; Margin: 0; font-family: ari=
al,helvetica,sans-serif; min-height: 16px;">=20
<tbody>
<tr style=3D"padding: 0; vertical-align: top; text-align: left=
;">=20
<th class=3D"columns small-12 large-12 first last" style=3D"w=
ord-wrap: break-word; vertical-align: top; color: #3c4144; font-family: ari=
al,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; text-align: left; ma=
rgin: 0 auto; Margin: 0 auto; padding-top: 24px; word-break: break-word; wi=
dth: 564px; padding-left: 24px; padding-right: 24px; font-size: 14px; line-=
height: 2em; border-collapse: collapse; padding-bottom: 10px;">=20
<center style=3D"width: 100%; min-width: 532px;">
If you're having trouble viewing this email, you can <a hre=
f=3D"[link removed]
oonLfojqv7X7Qjpno_SdtUOfKQ4=3D/fI_nW3fKyTwLJECQiH4xTPBtrnuLym8ChMyN2opDy_o=
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text-decoration: none; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weigh=
t: inherit; padding: 0; text-align: left; line-height: 1.5;">see it online<=
/a>.
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<table class=3D"row" style=3D"border-spacing: 0; border-collapse=
: collapse; vertical-align: top; text-align: left; padding: 0; position: re=
lative; width: 100%; display: table; margin: 0; Margin: 0; font-family: ari=
al,helvetica,sans-serif;">=20
<tbody>
<tr style=3D"padding: 0; vertical-align: top; text-align: left=
;">=20
<th class=3D"columns small-12 large-12 first last" style=3D"w=
ord-wrap: break-word; vertical-align: top; color: #3c4144; font-family: ari=
al,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; text-align: left; font-size: 12p=
t; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0 auto; Margin: 0 auto; padding-top: 24px; pad=
ding-bottom: 24px; word-break: break-word; width: 564px; padding-left: 24px=
; padding-right: 24px; border-collapse: collapse; padding: 0;">=20
<center style=3D"width: 100%; min-width: 532px;"> <a href=3D=
"[link removed]
fojqv7X7Qjpno_SdtUOfKQ4=3D/fI_nW3fKyTwLJECQiH4xTGv8gt8-nTR_81rK5kMCFqE=3D" =
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e; margin-top: 8px; margin-bottom: 8px; height: auto; width: 30px;"></a>=20
</center> </th>=20
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</table>=20
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ing: 0; border-collapse: collapse; vertical-align: top; text-align: left; p=
adding: 0; position: relative; width: 100%; display: table; margin: 0; Marg=
in: 0; background-color: #FFFFFF; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"=
>=20
<tbody>
<tr style=3D"padding: 0; vertical-align: top; text-align: left=
;">=20
<th class=3D"columns small-12 large-12 first last default" st=
yle=3D"word-wrap: break-word; vertical-align: top; color: #3c4144; font-fam=
ily: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; text-align: =
left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0 auto; Margin: 0 auto; wo=
rd-break: break-word; width: 564px; padding-left: 24px; padding-right: 24px=
; border-collapse: collapse; padding-top: 24px; padding-bottom: 12px;"><p s=
tyle=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weigh=
t: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt=
; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;"><a href=3D"h=
ttps://api.neonemails.com/emails/tracking/click-link/mIwi-Jyf6vXMw7MDoonLfo=
jqv7X7Qjpno_SdtUOfKQ4=3D/fI_nW3fKyTwLJECQiH4xTOGUvbF1NthnWVjyDWD1hUk=3D" ta=
rget=3D"_blank" rel=3D"noopener" style=3D"color: #0074d9; text-decoration: =
none; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: inherit; paddin=
g: 0; text-align: left; line-height: 1.5;"><img src=3D"[link removed]
ject.app.neoncrm.com/neon/resource/truetexasproject/images/header.gif?dummy=
=3D1630086055447" align=3D"left" border=3D"0" hspace=3D"0" style=3D"outline=
: none; text-decoration: none; -ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; max-width: =
100%; clear: both; margin: 0 auto; Margin: 0 auto; float: none; text-align:=
center; border: none; display: block; height: auto;"></a></p></th>=20
</tr>=20
</tbody>
</table>=20
<table class=3D"row content-row-blockpadding" style=3D"border-sp=
acing: 0; border-collapse: collapse; vertical-align: top; text-align: left;=
padding: 0; position: relative; width: 100%; display: table; margin: 0; Ma=
rgin: 0; background-color: #ffffff; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif=
;">=20
<tbody>
<tr style=3D"padding: 0; vertical-align: top; text-align: left=
;">=20
<th class=3D"columns small-12 large-12 first last default" st=
yle=3D"word-wrap: break-word; vertical-align: top; color: #3c4144; font-fam=
ily: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; text-align: =
left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0 auto; Margin: 0 auto; wo=
rd-break: break-word; width: 564px; padding-left: 24px; padding-right: 24px=
; border-collapse: collapse; padding-top: 12px; padding-bottom: 12px;">
<figure class style=3D"margin: 0 0 1rem; Margin: 0 0 1rem;">
<!--[if mso]><center><![end-if]-->
<img class=3D"align-center" src=3D"[link removed]
.app.neoncrm.com/neon/resource/truetexasproject/images/cover_85333CF0-DFC9-=
4E66-A7D3-8FC6F4FA7905_300x300%20(2).jpg" alt=3D"cover_85333CF0-DFC9-4E66-A=
7D3-8FC6F4FA7905_300x300%20(2).jpg" width=3D"300" align=3D"middle" style=3D=
"outline: none; text-decoration: none; -ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; max=
-width: 100%; clear: both; display: block; margin: 0 auto; Margin: 0 auto; =
float: none; text-align: center; height: auto;"><!--[if mso]></center><![en=
d-if]-->
</figure> <h1 class=3D"page-title align-center" style=3D"pad=
ding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; line-height: 130%; color: inherit; word-wrap=
: normal; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; margin=
-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px; font-size: 34px; text-align: center;"><=
a title=3D"Paxton Digs In His Heels
Against His Base" href=3D"[link removed]
ils.com/emails/tracking/click-link/mIwi-Jyf6vXMw7MDoonLfojqv7X7Qjpno_SdtUOf=
KQ4=3D/fI_nW3fKyTwLJECQiH4xTGOuz4YMo5yCyDIQi820b54=3D" target=3D"_blank" re=
l=3D"noopener" style=3D"text-decoration: none; font-family: arial,helvetica=
,sans-serif; font-weight: inherit; padding: 0; text-align: left; line-heigh=
t: 1.5; color: #0074d9;">Paxton Digs In His Heels <br>Against His Base</a><=
/h1> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; f=
ont-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-s=
ize: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;">Dan=
g! You True Texans are on FIRE! Thank you! It=E2=80=99s b=
een awhile since I=E2=80=99ve received as much feedback as I did regarding =
the betrayal from Attorney General Ken Paxton. It is both encouraging=
to me to know y=E2=80=99all are paying attention, and of course good for T=
exas to have so many people engaged in the battle!</p> <p style=3D"color: #=
3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding:=
0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1=
.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;">For those not up to speed ye=
t, please read about our initial <a href=3D"[link removed]
ls/tracking/click-link/mIwi-Jyf6vXMw7MDoonLfojqv7X7Qjpno_SdtUOfKQ4=3D/fI_nW=
3fKyTwLJECQiH4xTAmKnocj0gzugzAl7nVBXI0=3D" style=3D"color: #0074d9; text-de=
coration: none; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: inher=
it; padding: 0; text-align: left; line-height: 1.5;">lawsuit against the TX=
Secretary of State for misleading ballot language</a> that led Texans to v=
ote FOR a tax increase after previously voting AGAINST it. Then you c=
an read about how <a href=3D"[link removed]
ck-link/mIwi-Jyf6vXMw7MDoonLfojqv7X7Qjpno_SdtUOfKQ4=3D/fI_nW3fKyTwLJECQiH4x=
TKVhrY2PlNJAvI23iVdJG2I=3D" style=3D"color: #0074d9; text-decoration: none;=
font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: inherit; padding: 0;=
text-align: left; line-height: 1.5;">Paxton was FOR us before he was AGAIN=
ST us</a>. They are both brief and easy reads in layman=E2=80=99s ter=
ms.</p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif=
; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; fon=
t-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;">=
And now we can fill in you in on what has happened since then=E2=80=A6</p> =
<p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-w=
eight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: =
12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;">Obviousl=
y Paxton and his staff were none too happy to be publicly outed for betrayi=
ng the grassroots base (that=E2=80=99s us). <span style=3D"text-decora=
tion: underline;"> Immediately Paxton=E2=80=99s staff went to work gatherin=
g the talking points to mislead you into thinking WE are wrong instead of a=
dmitting and correcting their own error in judgment.</span> That=E2=
=80=99s typical for politicians. We=E2=80=99re used to it. <str=
ong>But that doesn=E2=80=99t mean we have to continue to allow it</strong>.=
</p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; f=
ont-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-s=
ize: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;">Pax=
ton retaliated with 4 claims against True Texas Project, and if you contact=
ed his office you likely heard any number of these. I=E2=80=99ll list=
them here, along with how <strong>he is intentionally trying to make you s=
hut up and go away</strong>. He=E2=80=99s counting on you to not know=
better.</p>=20
<ol style=3D"list-style-position: inside; Margin: 0 0 10px 0=
; padding: 0 0 0 10px;">=20
<li style=3D"display: list-item; line-height: 1.5em; Margin=
: 0; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0; word-break: break-word; list-st=
yle: decimal outside;"><strong>Paxton Defense #1:</strong> <em>A=
G Paxton did not =E2=80=9Cinitially indicate=E2=80=9D that he would break f=
rom the position of his client, the Secretary of State. Any pre-litigation =
openness to some of the positions TTP was taking on this issue cannot be co=
nstrued to mean AG Paxton would wholesale decline to represent the SOS.<br>=
</em><strong>Our Response</strong><em>: </em>In private meetings, his =
senior staff said they agreed with our attorney and our lawsuit, and our at=
torney generously and in good faith gave them six months to figure out what=
to do. Then their junior staffer said they were worried about the Ca=
nales=E2=80=99 hearing (he=E2=80=99s the Democrat in the RGV who drafted th=
e misleading proposition and who Paxton is apparently supposed to meet with=
soon). When our attorney called Paxton=E2=80=99s senior staff, he had no i=
dea what was going on and was given 24 hours to figure out what was happeni=
ng. Our attorney was told 24 hours later that Paxton himself was making the=
decision for substantive reasons, which we took as a lie they told to half=
-heartedly deny the Canales thing. BUT=E2=80=A6 we agree that his senior st=
aff expressing willingness to settle the case did not indicate that Paxton =
would follow through and do the right thing. He in fact didn=E2=80=99t do t=
he right thing, but instead seems to be cowering to Canales and the County =
governments who want more taxing and spending authority.</li>=20
<li style=3D"display: list-item; line-height: 1.5em; Margin=
: 0; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0; word-break: break-word; list-st=
yle: decimal outside;"><strong>Paxton Defense #2: </strong><em>I=
t was TTP=E2=80=94not AG Paxton=E2=80=94that filed suit in front of a Democ=
rat Travis County District Court Judge. AG Paxton has no choice but to liti=
gate the case there.<br></em><strong>Our Response: </strong>Paxt=
on=E2=80=99s office tried to shoot the messengers, whining about us filing =
the case in Travis County. State law under Chapter 233 of the Te=
xas Election Code REQUIRES us to file the case in Travis County. Any case t=
o challenge statewide ballot language MUST be filed there and must be broug=
ht against the Secretary of State. Paxton knows we had no say in where to f=
ile, so to blame TTP on it being in Travis County with a Democrat judge is =
dishonest. He=E2=80=99s trying to shift focus from his own dishonorab=
le actions to the Democrats and even TTP.</li>=20
<li style=3D"display: list-item; line-height: 1.5em; Margin=
: 0; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0; word-break: break-word; list-st=
yle: decimal outside;"><strong>Paxton Defense #3</strong>: <em>A=
G Paxton is certainly not arguing that =E2=80=9Cno citizen has the right to=
question any ballot language written by the legislature ever again.=E2=80=
=9D Rather, AG Paxton has filed a =E2=80=9Cplea to the jurisdiction=E2=80=
=9D on facts and law that are unique to this case.<br></em><strong>Our Resp=
onse</strong>: Wrong. This is a lie. Part one of their PTJ argues the=
suit should be tossed based on separation of powers, which is a categorica=
l argument that<span style=3D"color: #ff0000;"> voters can never chall=
enge ballot language</span> in a constitutional amendment election contest.=
Please read that twice. Paxton is trying to give the legislature fre=
e rein and no consequences=E2=80=A6 forever.</li>=20
<li style=3D"display: list-item; line-height: 1.5em; Margin=
: 0; overflow-wrap: break-word; padding: 0; word-break: break-word; list-st=
yle: decimal outside;"><strong>Paxton Defense #4: </strong><em>A=
G Paxton has a basic duty to represent his client: here, the SOS. There=E2=
=80=99s nothing =E2=80=9Cliberal=E2=80=9D about that, and TTP is wrong to l=
ump AG Paxton in with Democrats just for doing his job.</em><strong><br>Our=
Response: </strong>The AG swears an oath to defend the constitution. =
He is also tasked ordinarily with defending state bureaucrats. When he (or =
in this case, several members of his senior staff) indicate they believe th=
e bureaucrat=E2=80=99s position is contrary to the constitution he has four=
options:<br>a. He could settle the case against the wishes of the bu=
reaucrat. This is the only option there can be debate on over whether they =
could do it. Our attorney didn=E2=80=99t ask them to do this, but the=
y said they were considering it.<br>b. He could follow SG Robert Bork=
=E2=80=99s then-innovative but now accepted practice of filing =E2=80=9Cdue=
ling briefs.=E2=80=9D Here he=E2=80=99d assign a staff attorney to represen=
t the SOS while also filing an amicus brief to express his view, as an elec=
ted official, that he agreed with the contestants. This is the indisp=
utably ethically correct thing to do when he disagrees with SOS.<br>c. =
; He could decline to represent the Sec of State and demand that staff atto=
rneys from the agency (they have their own lawyers) defend their pigheaded =
position.<br>d. He could decline to represent the SOS but authorize t=
hem to use outside counsel. That=E2=80=99s a cowardly shirking of his const=
itutional responsibility and, to his credit, they didn=E2=80=99t pursue tha=
t cowardly option in this case.<br><strong>He was asked to do Option B</str=
ong>, which was both provide a defense and file a =E2=80=9Cdueling brief=E2=
=80=9D that disagrees with the SOS. <strong>His own staff offered up t=
hey were considering doing Option A.</strong> He chose not to do neith=
er of those. Moreover his position that it=E2=80=99s his =E2=80=9Cjob=E2=80=
=9D to defend his =E2=80=9Cclient=E2=80=9D even when he (or in this case hi=
s staff) think the client=E2=80=99s position is contrary to the constitutio=
n is a rejection of his constitutional oath, which comes first and foremost=
. We elect him to defend the constitution and the citizens, not to knee-jer=
k defend bureaucrats.<br>Additionally, back when <em>Greg Abbott</em>&=
nbsp;was Attorney General, he ruled against a state agency, TxDOT, for deli=
berately trying to keep details about the Trans Texas Corridor a secret fro=
m the public. <a href=3D"[link removed]
ick-link/mIwi-Jyf6vXMw7MDoonLfojqv7X7Qjpno_SdtUOfKQ4=3D/fI_nW3fKyTwLJECQiH4=
xTIsxjT7RMEtqamstEK7nK4Y=3D" target=3D"_blank" rel=3D"noopener noreferrer" =
data-saferedirecturl=3D"[link removed]
s/f12/trans-texas-corridor-master-development-plan-made-public-39448/&s=
ource=3Dgmail&ust=3D1660843912479000&usg=3DAOvVaw0luZhA60deiKTTAGJs=
pJ9u" style=3D"color: #0074d9; text-decoration: none; font-family: arial,he=
lvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: inherit; padding: 0; text-align: left; lin=
e-height: 1.5;">Remember that</a>? We do. So the Attorney General does NOT =
=E2=80=98have to=E2=80=99 represent a state agency when they=E2=80=99re wro=
ng.</li>=20
</ol> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helveti=
ca,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-ali=
gn: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bo=
ttom: 10px;"><strong>UPDATE: </strong>On top of those 4 misleading st=
atements from Paxton=E2=80=99s office, his team is now admitting to <em>del=
iberately retaliating against TTP for outing them</em>. They are now =
opposing cooperation on scheduling (which they were previously open to) and=
admitting it's because they're upset over our email to you, the grassroots=
. I=E2=80=99ve got a copy of an email from Paxton=E2=80=99s office wr=
itten to our attorney to prove it.</p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-fam=
ily: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; M=
argin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-botto=
m: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;">What's more, on social media, Paxton=E2=80=
=99s team is trying to discredit the stellar reputation True Texas Project =
has built around the state. They are claiming folks are calling his o=
ffice to say we=E2=80=99re out of line and arrogant, and that they are leav=
ing True Texas Project over this. But as I said in the beginning of t=
his update, you True Texans have overwhelmed me with your outrage on this i=
ssue and your gratitude for it being brought to your attention. Nobod=
y is mad at TTP over this! They are thankful for being informed and a=
dvised on how to respond. We promise to always be that guide for you!=
</p>=20
<figure class style=3D"margin: 0 0 1rem; Margin: 0 0 1rem;">
<!--[if mso]><center><![end-if]-->
<img class=3D"align-center" src=3D"[link removed]
.app.neoncrm.com/neon/resource/truetexasproject/images/1%20te5E_PRG760YU6Hv=
9o5MHA%402x.jpeg" alt=3D"1%20te5E_PRG760YU6Hv9o5MHA%402x.jpeg" width=3D"385=
" align=3D"middle" style=3D"outline: none; text-decoration: none; -ms-inter=
polation-mode: bicubic; max-width: 100%; clear: both; display: block; margi=
n: 0 auto; Margin: 0 auto; float: none; text-align: center; height: auto;">=
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</figure> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,hel=
vetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text=
-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margi=
n-bottom: 10px;">Additionally, we=E2=80=99d like to thank the great Terri H=
all and our friends at TURF for initiating the lawsuit in the first place a=
nd allowing us and JoAnn Fleming=E2=80=99s Grassroots America We The People=
to join in. So the question is now=E2=80=A6 is it all of us? O=
r is it Paxton? Are all three of these stellar grassroots watchdog gr=
oups wrong, and the politician is right? You decide!</p> <p style=3D"=
color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; =
padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; text-align: left; font-size: 12pt; line-h=
eight: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px;">I=E2=80=99ll keep fi=
ghting as long as you join me=E2=80=A6<br>Julie McCarty<br>CEO, True Texas =
Project</p></th>=20
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yle=3D"word-wrap: break-word; vertical-align: top; color: #3c4144; font-fam=
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left; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin: 0 auto; Margin: 0 auto; wo=
rd-break: break-word; width: 564px; padding-left: 24px; padding-right: 24px=
; border-collapse: collapse; padding-top: 12px; padding-bottom: 24px;"><p s=
tyle=3D"color: #3c4144; font-family: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weigh=
t: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0; Margin: 0; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5=
; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;"><span styl=
e=3D"font-size: 14px;"> </span></p> <p style=3D"color: #3c4144; font-f=
amily: arial,helvetica,sans-serif; font-weight: 400; padding: 0; margin: 0;=
Margin: 0; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.5; margin-bottom: 10px; Margin-=
bottom: 10px; text-align: center;"><strong><span style=3D"color: #cc0000;">=
</span><span style=3D"color: #000055;">Click </span><a href=3D"https:=
//api.neonemails.com/emails/tracking/click-link/mIwi-Jyf6vXMw7MDoonLfojqv7X=
7Qjpno_SdtUOfKQ4=3D/fI_nW3fKyTwLJECQiH4xTL1KlYy2T7JasYcQlGSYvGo=3D" style=
=3D"color: #0074d9; text-decoration: none; font-family: arial,helvetica,san=
s-serif; font-weight: inherit; padding: 0; text-align: left; line-height: 1=
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rong></p>=20
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If you're having trouble viewing this email, you can see it online, [link removed].
Paxton Digs In His Heels
Against His Base
Dang! You True Texans are on FIRE! Thank you! It’s been awhile since I’ve received as much feedback as I did regarding the betrayal from Attorney General Ken Paxton. It is both encouraging to me to know y’all are paying attention, and of course good for Texas to have so many people engaged in the battle!
For those not up to speed yet, please read about our initial lawsuit against the TX Secretary of State for misleading ballot language that led Texans to vote FOR a tax increase after previously voting AGAINST it. Then you can read about how Paxton was FOR us before he was AGAINST us. They are both brief and easy reads in layman’s terms.
And now we can fill in you in on what has happened since then…
Obviously Paxton and his staff were none too happy to be publicly outed for betraying the grassroots base (that’s us). Immediately Paxton’s staff went to work gathering the talking points to mislead you into thinking WE are wrong instead of admitting and correcting their own error in judgment. That’s typical for politicians. We’re used to it. But that doesn’t mean we have to continue to allow it.
Paxton retaliated with 4 claims against True Texas Project, and if you contacted his office you likely heard any number of these. I’ll list them here, along with how he is intentionally trying to make you shut up and go away. He’s counting on you to not know better.
Paxton Defense #1: AG Paxton did not “initially indicate” that he would break from the position of his client, the Secretary of State. Any pre-litigation openness to some of the positions TTP was taking on this issue cannot be construed to mean AG Paxton would wholesale decline to represent the SOS.
Our Response: In private meetings, his senior staff said they agreed with our attorney and our lawsuit, and our attorney generously and in good faith gave them six months to figure out what to do. Then their junior staffer said they were worried about the Canales’ hearing (he’s the Democrat in the RGV who drafted the misleading proposition and who Paxton is apparently supposed to meet with soon). When our attorney called Paxton’s senior staff, he had no idea what was going on and was given 24 hours to figure out what was happening. Our attorney was told 24 hours later that Paxton himself was making the decision for substantive reasons, which we took as a lie they told to half-heartedly deny the Canales thing. BUT… we agree that his senior staff expressing willingness to settle the case did not indicate that Paxton would follow through and do the right thing. He in fact didn’t do the right thing, but instead seems to be cowering to Canales and the County governments who want more taxing and spending authority.
Paxton Defense #2: It was TTP—not AG Paxton—that filed suit in front of a Democrat Travis County District Court Judge. AG Paxton has no choice but to litigate the case there.
Our Response: Paxton’s office tried to shoot the messengers, whining about us filing the case in Travis County. State law under Chapter 233 of the Texas Election Code REQUIRES us to file the case in Travis County. Any case to challenge statewide ballot language MUST be filed there and must be brought against the Secretary of State. Paxton knows we had no say in where to file, so to blame TTP on it being in Travis County with a Democrat judge is dishonest. He’s trying to shift focus from his own dishonorable actions to the Democrats and even TTP.
Paxton Defense #3: AG Paxton is certainly not arguing that “no citizen has the right to question any ballot language written by the legislature ever again.” Rather, AG Paxton has filed a “plea to the jurisdiction” on facts and law that are unique to this case.
Our Response: Wrong. This is a lie. Part one of their PTJ argues the suit should be tossed based on separation of powers, which is a categorical argument that voters can never challenge ballot language in a constitutional amendment election contest. Please read that twice. Paxton is trying to give the legislature free rein and no consequences… forever.
Paxton Defense #4: AG Paxton has a basic duty to represent his client: here, the SOS. There’s nothing “liberal” about that, and TTP is wrong to lump AG Paxton in with Democrats just for doing his job.
Our Response: The AG swears an oath to defend the constitution. He is also tasked ordinarily with defending state bureaucrats. When he (or in this case, several members of his senior staff) indicate they believe the bureaucrat’s position is contrary to the constitution he has four options:
a. He could settle the case against the wishes of the bureaucrat. This is the only option there can be debate on over whether they could do it. Our attorney didn’t ask them to do this, but they said they were considering it.
b. He could follow SG Robert Bork’s then-innovative but now accepted practice of filing “dueling briefs.” Here he’d assign a staff attorney to represent the SOS while also filing an amicus brief to express his view, as an elected official, that he agreed with the contestants. This is the indisputably ethically correct thing to do when he disagrees with SOS.
c. He could decline to represent the Sec of State and demand that staff attorneys from the agency (they have their own lawyers) defend their pigheaded position.
d. He could decline to represent the SOS but authorize them to use outside counsel. That’s a cowardly shirking of his constitutional responsibility and, to his credit, they didn’t pursue that cowardly option in this case.
He was asked to do Option B, which was both provide a defense and file a “dueling brief” that disagrees with the SOS. His own staff offered up they were considering doing Option A. He chose not to do neither of those. Moreover his position that it’s his “job” to defend his “client” even when he (or in this case his staff) think the client’s position is contrary to the constitution is a rejection of his constitutional oath, which comes first and foremost. We elect him to defend the constitution and the citizens, not to knee-jerk defend bureaucrats.
Additionally, back when Greg Abbott was Attorney General, he ruled against a state agency, TxDOT, for deliberately trying to keep details about the Trans Texas Corridor a secret from the public. Remember that? We do. So the Attorney General does NOT ‘have to’ represent a state agency when they’re wrong.
UPDATE: On top of those 4 misleading statements from Paxton’s office, his team is now admitting to deliberately retaliating against TTP for outing them. They are now opposing cooperation on scheduling (which they were previously open to) and admitting it's because they're upset over our email to you, the grassroots. I’ve got a copy of an email from Paxton’s office written to our attorney to prove it.
What's more, on social media, Paxton’s team is trying to discredit the stellar reputation True Texas Project has built around the state. They are claiming folks are calling his office to say we’re out of line and arrogant, and that they are leaving True Texas Project over this. But as I said in the beginning of this update, you True Texans have overwhelmed me with your outrage on this issue and your gratitude for it being brought to your attention. Nobody is mad at TTP over this! They are thankful for being informed and advised on how to respond. We promise to always be that guide for you!
Additionally, we’d like to thank the great Terri Hall and our friends at TURF for initiating the lawsuit in the first place and allowing us and JoAnn Fleming’s Grassroots America We The People to join in. So the question is now… is it all of us? Or is it Paxton? Are all three of these stellar grassroots watchdog groups wrong, and the politician is right? You decide!
I’ll keep fighting as long as you join me…
Julie McCarty
CEO, True Texas Project
Click here to donate to our cause.
This email was sent to [email protected]. Click here to [link removed].
Message Analysis
- Sender: True Texas Project
- Political Party: n/a
- Country: United States
- State/Locality: Texas
- Office: n/a