DAN PATRICK SENATOR « DISTRICT 7

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Logan Spence (512) 463-0107

December 16, 2010

INTRODUCING THE TEA PARTY CAUCUS OF TEXAS

Senator Dan Patrick joins 48 legislators to start new grassroots caucus

AUSTIN-- "The Tea Party movement is the most important political movement of our life time.

The voice of this group must be heard like never before inside the walls of the capitol. This last

election proved that real political power is not found in Austin. It's found in the homes, farms,

and businesses across our great state," said Senator Dan Patrick.

Immediately after the election, Senator Patrick announced his intention to form the Tea Party

Caucus. Over the past six weeks he has been in contact with both legislators and Tea Party

organizers across the state, asking them to help shape a vision and an action plan for the new

group.

"I'm most appreciative of the work of Greg Holloway and other Tea Party organizers across the

state who have helped develop this concept,” stated Patrick. Tea Party organizers will form an

advisory board that will meet with the caucus board. “This is not a top down legislator to voter

caucus,” added Patrick. “This is a grassroots up to legislator movement."

The goal for the Tea Party Advisory Board is to lead in this endeavor. The vision is to have the

Tea Party board members develop their own legislative agenda and for the caucus to help them

move it forward wherever possible. The goal of the legislative caucus is to help Tea Party

organizers take the success that they have achieved at the ballot box and pass conservative

legislation.

“While we intend to bring the views of grassroots conservatives across Texas to the attention of

the Tea Party Caucus, we do not claim that we speak for any tea party, 9-12 or other groups,”

said Tea Party organizer Greg Holloway. “These groups have been, and will continue to be,

speaking for themselves. We hope, however, that we can provide a sounding board for the Tea

Party Caucus on issues that fall squarely within our tea party principles. We truly appreciate the

invitation to participate with our legislators in the upcoming session,” added Holloway.

Statements from Tea Party Caucus Board Members:

"Texans crave more input into the legislative decisions that will impact their lives. That's why

the Tea Party Caucus is an idea whose time has come. It will hopefully serve as a constant

guardian for all of our liberties," stated Rep. Lois Kolkhorst.

“The people want a government that reflects their values and protects their interests. As a board

member of this new Caucus, I look forward to working with my fellow colleagues and

continuing my work with the Tea Party to accomplish these goals,” said Rep. Elect George

Lavender.

"The Tea Party Caucus creates better opportunities for conservative legislators to work with the

grassroots. I'm proud to be a part of a political movement that stands for smaller government and

more individual freedom," said Rep. Ken Paxton.

"There has never been a caucus like this before, one that is a partnership between legislators and

grassroots," added Rep. Phil King.

"This is a great grassroots connection to our state government," said Rep. Todd Hunter.

"The Tea Party stands for limited government, low taxes and fiscal responsibility, fundamental

beliefs shared by the vast majority of my constituents," Rep. Beverly Woolley.

To be a member of the Tea Party Caucus, legislators must agree to uphold the fundamental Tea

Party principles of limited government, lower taxes, defend the U.S Constitution as written by

our founders, and defend the sovereignty of Texas. Members must also agree to sign and support

the Texas Conservative Coalition Pledge with Texas.

Initial board members are:

Sen. Dan Patrick chair

Rep. Wayne Christian co-chair

Rep. Beverly Woolley co-chair

Rep. Brandon Creighton

Rep. Allen Fletcher

Rep. Dan Flynn

Rep. Todd Hunter

Rep. Phil King

Rep. Lois Kolkhorst

Rep. Jodie Laubenberg

Rep. Elect George Lavender

Rep. Sid Miller

Rep. Geanie Morrison

Rep. Ken Paxton

Rep. Elect Raul Torres

Members:

Sen. Brian Birdwell

Rep. Elect Jose Aliseda

Rep. Elect Marva Beck

Rep. Leo Berman

Rep. Dwayne Bohac

Rep. Elect Erwin Cain

Rep. Bill Callegari

Rep. Angie Chen-Button

Rep. Warren Chisum

Rep. Byron Cook

Rep. Rob Eissler

Rep. Gary Elkins

Rep. Mike Hamilton

Rep. Harvey Hilderbran

Rep. Charlie Howard

Rep. Patricia Harless

Rep. Kelly Hancock

Rep. Elect Dan Huberty

Rep. Bryan Hughes

Rep. Elect Jason Isaac

Rep. Tim Kleinschmidt

Rep. Ken Legler

Rep. Tryon Lewis

Rep. Jerry Madden

Rep. Jim Murphy

Rep. Tan Parker

Rep. Larry Phillips

Rep. Elect Four Price

Rep. Debbie Riddle

Rep. Elect Connie Scott

Rep. Larry Taylor

Rep. Randy Weber

Rep. Elect Charles White

Rep. John Zerwas

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