Good morning, 

We have a Republican president whose actions offer a clear distinction from the liberals seeking to take him out.

President Trump has meaningfully delivered on the promises he has made: from renegotiating bad trade deals to moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem; from enacting pro-life reforms to promoting tax cuts. And even where he hasn’t yet delivered, President Trump continues to press the fight. As a result, Republicans are more energized than ever to re-elect him.

So why are Republican officials in Texas unwilling to do likewise?

Here is today's Texas Minute.

– Michael Quinn Sullivan 

Monday, January 27, 2020
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• The 2019 legislative session was roundly derided as “purple” – refering to the fact that while some Republican “red” bills passed the Republican-dominated legislature, a lot of Democrat “blue” priorities were addressed as well in an effort to please (or at least appease) liberals.  
     
• The message from top GOP officials was clear: do nothing “controversial,” do as little as possible to draw a distinction with the Democrats, have as many “unanimous” votes as possible in the Senate and House.
         
• And that is what the GOP-run Legislature largely did in 2019. This strange political and legislative strategy denied conservatives long-sought victories, depressed the GOP base, and energized Democrats.
           
• Even the property tax relief touted as the cause célèbre during the session has largely fizzled; most Texans won't see any relief, and in many areas the average homeowner "will pay higher taxes."
         
• In response, grassroots activists developed the Lone Star Agenda this summer – spearheaded by Austin businessman Don Dyer.
       
• Some 300 groups and organizations across Texas have put their support behind the Lone Star Agenda. That’s because Texans were disappointed with the lackluster results of the legislative session, and expect Republican lawmakers to deliver something better ahead of the 2020 elections.
     
• More than four month have passed since Gov. Abbott was publicly asked to call a special session addressing commonsense issues and pro-taxpayer reforms that were either killed or ignored in the “purple” session. 
       
• His response? Complete silence.
     
• Gov. Abbott rushed to mollify anti-gun activists with baffling proposals to restrict Second Amendment rights and undermine the rule of law. Yet when conservatives ask for Republicans to deliver on their promises... Abbott and his cronies do nothing.
      
• By calling a special session on the Lone Star Agenda, Gov. Abbott could not only set right the policy fights surrendered during the regular session, but excite voters with real results Texans can be proud of.
   
• As a benefit, a special session would allow Republicans to draw a positive and meaningful distinction with Democrats.
      
• So why hasn’t Greg Abbott listened? Why won’t he take action? Who is he trying to protect?
   
• Gov. Abbott talks a good game when he goes on Fox News, so why won’t he and other Texas Republicans follow Donald Trump’s lead by taking bold actions in delivering on their promises?