TexasCHLforum.com

It's a shame restoring gun rights doesn't get as much attention and support in the legislative committees as the creation of additional taxing districts such as MUDs. MUDs are hot lately and seem to be getting a lot of support.

www.nrapvf.org/about-pvf/

Charles L. Cotton wrote: ↑Wed Mar 27, 2019 11:15 pm

mojo84 wrote: ↑Tue Mar 26, 2019 5:53 pm Charles,
I am not trying to be confrontational or knock/bash you or the NRA. Again, I will remind you and others, we are on the same side of when it comes to gun issues. I am just confused as I seem to be getting conflicting info regarding how the NRA develops it's ratings. See the thread at these links. www.texaschlforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=1 ... s#p1173537
www.texaschlforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=1 ... s&start=30

Re: Straus not running for a new term.
#23 Post by Charles L. Cotton » Wed Oct 25, 2017 11:12 pm
Captain Matt wrote:
ScottDLS wrote:
I would assume the NRA ratings are based on actual votes or legislation sponsored, not just surveys.
Maybe so but (1) they don't seem to be based on results and (2) gun rights bills do get killed behind the scenes and I can't recall anybody getting downgraded for it. Either way the lack of transparency in grading results in a lack of usefulness for myself and others. Which is fine if that's what they're shooting for.
As ScottDLS noted, grades are based on votes, not questionnaires unless the person is a freshman with no voting record. You act as though we don't pass pro-gun bills and that complete garbage. Gun bills die in the House based upon the Speaker and in the Senate based upon the Lt. Governor. Yet you want to blast all Republicans you call RINOs and the NRA for its rating system. You clearly don't know how the Legislature works.

Chas.

Charles L. Cotton wrote: ↑Tue Mar 26, 2019 4:52 pm

mojo84 wrote: ↑Tue Mar 26, 2019 4:06 pm

The Annoyed Man wrote: ↑Tue Mar 26, 2019 4:01 pm My sense is that Bonnen will lose his NRA “A” grade in one fell swoop after this session. What a catastrophe his speakership has turned out to be.

We'll see. Not sure how they take into account such as this since they use recorded votes and published positions on gun issues. I understand them trying to keep their ratings as objective as possible but as long as reps can hide behind not voting and killing bills in committee with them getting a vote, I do not know how they will change the system to consider such.

Hopefully, they'll figure something out.

We can and do consider any action taken that impacts the Second Amendment.

Chas.

Here is a quote of me when I said I think the NRA should take more into consideration than just votes.

Re: Straus not running for a new term.
#33 Post by mojo84 » Sat Oct 28, 2017 11:30 am
My point is that I am not sure the TSRA or NRA takes enough into consideration when they assign their ratings. I think one has to look beyond just voting record when it comes to the speaker of the house.

First, you need to block the quotes properly so it doesn't appear that I wrote statements that were made by other members.

Secondly, the posts you quoted are not inconsistent with what I posted in this thread. Here, you stated that NRA/TSRA only grades based upon votes. The two year old post you quoted dealt with votes v. questionnaire responses. For the first time in decades, a Republican Speaker appointed one F-rated Democrat and one D-rated Democrat to chair the two most important committees for gun-owners. Bonnen earned his A-rating with his votes. Once in power as Speaker, he betrayed Texas gun-owners. Unlike most representatives, we have more upon which to rate Bonnen down.

Straus-haters and the all-or-nothing crowd want to equate him with Bonnen's actions and they are not equivalent by any stretch of the imagination.

Chas.

I apologize for messing up the quote. I copied and pasted from the other thread and the quotes indicators were not copied. I didn't notice it until you mentioned it. Please note I did provide a link in order to make sure there was no confusion with regard to context. Attach is a screenshot for clarification.

As far as your dig about Straus haters and all-or-nothing crowd, I can assure you I am not a part of the all-or-nothing crowd. That dig was uncalled for and inaccurate. As far as being a Straus hater, that is somewhat accurate as I have developed a great distrust for him and his lieutenants that did his dirty work during his tenure as Speaker. As far as Bonnen being equivalent, I do not know. However, I do know he was a very close ally of and a lieutenant for Straus. Because of that I was not surprised when Bonnen did what he did and I did not feel dupe as many do.

I understand with all you have invested in 2nd Amendment issues this is very personal and an emotional hot button for you. However, someone that is trying to better understand how something works and how the NRA develops it's ratings doesn't deserve your digs and innuendo.

All I was trying to do is get a better understanding of the NRA ratings development as I have been provided conflicting information over the years. Some have said votes only, some have said votes, questuonnaires if no voting record available and others have said position papers are also included. Now it appears other actions may also be included. That's good new because other actions should be included.

I apologize for stepping on your toes. I tried to ask the question in a way I wouldn't.

TreyHouston wrote: ↑Wed Mar 27, 2019 8:57 pm Most of these above all look like they will die in committee

Echo?

Ruark wrote: ↑Wed Mar 27, 2019 6:01 pm

Charles L. Cotton wrote: ↑Tue Mar 26, 2019 5:00 pmWe also had good Chairmen, so we didn't have to fight multiple dozens of anti-gun bills like we are doing now, thanks to Bonnen. (We are tracking on the order of 140 bills, most of which are bad.

Chas.

Are there ANY pro-gun bills that look like they're headed towards passage this session?

I am no expert but it appears to me the large majority of "weapons" related bills are languishing in committee.

There are a few that have been referred to the Calendars committee.

Hopefully this link will take you to the weapons related bills that have been filed.
http://capitol.texas.gov/Reports/Report ... code=I0887

Charles,
I am not trying to be confrontational or knock/bash you or the NRA. Again, I will remind you and others, we are on the same side of when it comes to gun issues. I am just confused as I seem to be getting conflicting info regarding how the NRA develops it's ratings. See the thread at these links. www.texaschlforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=1 ... s#p1173537
www.texaschlforum.com/viewtopic.php?f=1 ... s&start=30

Re: Straus not running for a new term.
#23 Post by Charles L. Cotton » Wed Oct 25, 2017 11:12 pm
Captain Matt wrote:
ScottDLS wrote:
I would assume the NRA ratings are based on actual votes or legislation sponsored, not just surveys.
Maybe so but (1) they don't seem to be based on results and (2) gun rights bills do get killed behind the scenes and I can't recall anybody getting downgraded for it. Either way the lack of transparency in grading results in a lack of usefulness for myself and others. Which is fine if that's what they're shooting for.
As ScottDLS noted, grades are based on votes, not questionnaires unless the person is a freshman with no voting record. You act as though we don't pass pro-gun bills and that complete garbage. Gun bills die in the House based upon the Speaker and in the Senate based upon the Lt. Governor. Yet you want to blast all Republicans you call RINOs and the NRA for its rating system. You clearly don't know how the Legislature works.

Chas.

Charles L. Cotton wrote: ↑Tue Mar 26, 2019 4:52 pm

mojo84 wrote: ↑Tue Mar 26, 2019 4:06 pm

The Annoyed Man wrote: ↑Tue Mar 26, 2019 4:01 pm My sense is that Bonnen will lose his NRA “A” grade in one fell swoop after this session. What a catastrophe his speakership has turned out to be.

We'll see. Not sure how they take into account such as this since they use recorded votes and published positions on gun issues. I understand them trying to keep their ratings as objective as possible but as long as reps can hide behind not voting and killing bills in committee with them getting a vote, I do not know how they will change the system to consider such.

Hopefully, they'll figure something out.

We can and do consider any action taken that impacts the Second Amendment.

Chas.

Here is a quote of me when I said I think the NRA should take more into consideration than just votes.

Re: Straus not running for a new term.
#33 Post by mojo84 » Sat Oct 28, 2017 11:30 am
My point is that I am not sure the TSRA or NRA takes enough into consideration when they assign their ratings. I think one has to look beyond just voting record when it comes to the speaker of the house.

Charles L. Cotton wrote: ↑Tue Mar 26, 2019 4:52 pm

mojo84 wrote: ↑Tue Mar 26, 2019 4:06 pm

The Annoyed Man wrote: ↑Tue Mar 26, 2019 4:01 pm My sense is that Bonnen will lose his NRA “A” grade in one fell swoop after this session. What a catastrophe his speakership has turned out to be.

We'll see. Not sure how they take into account such as this since they use recorded votes and published positions on gun issues. I understand them trying to keep their ratings as objective as possible but as long as reps can hide behind not voting and killing bills in committee with them getting a vote, I do not know how they will change the system to consider such.

Hopefully, they'll figure something out.

We can and do consider any action taken that impacts the Second Amendment.

Chas.

Good to hear. Hopefully some of the legislator's ratings will be adjusted accordingly.

The Annoyed Man wrote: ↑Tue Mar 26, 2019 4:01 pm My sense is that Bonnen will lose his NRA “A” grade in one fell swoop after this session. What a catastrophe his speakership has turned out to be.

We'll see. Not sure how they take into account such as this since they use recorded votes and published positions on gun issues. I understand them trying to keep their ratings as objective as possible but as long as reps can hide behind not voting and killing bills in committee with them getting a vote, I do not know how they will change the system to consider such.

Hopefully, they'll figure something out.

Does this surprise anyone?

https://texasscorecard.com/state/consti ... ens-house/

Constitutional Carry on the Ropes in Bonnen’s House?
The window is narrowing for the bill to receive a public hearing with enough time to survive the legislative process.

By
Destin Sensky
|
March 26, 2019

The March 18 post indicated Texas House Homeland Security and Public Safety Committee Chairman Poncho Nevarez (D–Eagle Pass), an appointee of Texas House Speaker Dennis Bonnen, had told Stickland directly he was uncertain the bill would receive a public hearing at all. Even if it did, whether it would come soon enough to beat the 30-day calendar requirement to reach the floor was also uncertain, possibly providing a cop-out for leadership looking to absolve themselves of responsibility on the campaign trail next spring in Republican primary contests.

Now, several authors or coauthors in the Texas House are telling Texas Scorecard they have encouraged Nevarez to hold a hearing for the public to be able to voice their support and to allow the committee to vote on the bill.

“I firmly believe HB 357 should be brought up for a hearing and a vote before the Committee on Homeland Security and Public Safety,” said Rep. Dewayne Burns (R–Cleburne). “I have consistently encouraged Chairman Nevarez to bring the bill forward, and hope he will do so,” Burns said.

tomtexan wrote: ↑Sun Feb 10, 2019 2:19 pm

mojo84 wrote: ↑Wed Jan 30, 2019 10:41 am I think one of the things that irks people the most is Bonnen picked this particular dem legislator to chair the committee. Unfortunately, idiotic actions from a few reinforced Navarez's resolve regarding anti-gun and anti-carry legislation. Here is a reminder of what happened last session.

www.kxan.com/news/panic-buttons-coming- ... 1049503412

Now we will suffer the consequences of the actions of a few.

Just to be clear on the timeline of the Poncho confrontation, it happened in the 2015 session, not the last session. It was the session that we were trying to get open carry passed.

Not sure it really matters if it was the last or the one before last. I guess I should have said a previous session. Regardless, the consequences are the same.

I think one of the things that irks people the most is Bonnen picked this particular dem legislator to chair the committee. Unfortunately, idiotic actions from a few reinforced Navarez's resolve regarding anti-gun and anti-carry legislation. Here is a reminder of what happened last session.

www.kxan.com/news/panic-buttons-coming- ... 1049503412

Now we will suffer the consequences of the actions of a few.

I know this is primarily a pro-gun CHL site. However, I believe it is important for us all to be aware of the bigger picture and what the left is up to. Gun rights are just a portion of our rights that are under attack.

http://texasscorecard.com/state/texas-d ... s-liberty/

Texas Democrats Target Religious Liberty
While none of this legislation appears likely to pass, the push provides a clear warning sign to what could happen should Democrats succeed in the 2020 elections.

By Cary Cheshire
January 23, 2019
With increased numbers in the Texas Legislature, Texas Democrats are filing bolder and more leftist legislation.

While many Texans expected Democrats to file legislation to raise the minimum wage, bring Obamacare to Texas, and scale back pro-life protections for the unborn, few expected an all-out war to be declared on religious liberty.

We have numerous rights under attack. Our vote, voice and guns protect all of our rights.

http://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics ... s-doghouse

the Dallas Morning News seems to think the dems won.

Looks like he's trying to make us think a majority in a committee can push a bill out of committee by majority in spite of what the chairman of that committee wants. based on him doubling down and speaking of gun owners as a fringe group and then touting his NRA ratings pretty much confirms my suspicions. None of this surprises me.

I wonder if the NRA plans to change his rating based on his actions or will they just stick with looking at his votes even though he is now in a position to hide behind not voting.

I am very disappointed we are starting off this session with more Republican in fighting rather than being more united.

Posting this without comment in the event some may find it of interest. Also, I realize the Statesman is a liberal biased rag.


http://www.statesman.com/news/20190125/ ... ate=ampart

"There's a stronger control element with him than there was with Straus, and that's not a criticism," said longtime lobbyist and political consultant Bill Miller, who works with Republicans and Democrats. "He wants a tight operation and a strong operation."


Some of the moves that observers say will help Bonnen amass power are arcane — such as preventing chairs of other committees from sitting on the agenda-setting Calendars Committee — but the primary reason many expect a stronger speaker is his personality. Bonnen is famously combative, whereas Straus was unwaveringly genteel.

Bonnen's aggressive approach could help to cement his grip on the chamber by keeping disgruntled legislators in line and also increase his stature among members when he employs it to defend the House's priorities against those of the Senate or the governor.

<snip>

"People were comfortable with his ability to hold his own with the governor and the lieutenant governor," said Zerwas, who chaired the budget-writing Appropriations Committee under Straus in 2017 and will do so again under Bonnen this year. "He can carry the body's water in that venue among the three of them."


Bonnen also will be able to wield power more freely than Straus because he will likely be able to sidestep the GOP infighting that has dogged the House for the last several legislative sessions, Rice University political scientist Mark Jones said.

Bonnen, for instance, filled the Calendars Committee, an enormously influential body that decides which bills advance to the floor and when, with rank-and-file members. Under Straus, the panel included chairs of other committees and lawmakers with significant influence in their own right. The effect of the change, Miller said, will be that the committee's members this year owe the speaker for much of the power they wield.

"If you're on Calendars and you're a chairman, you've got real juice," Miller said of the committee under Straus. Under Bonnen "it will be a smaller group that doesn't necessarily have a power base of their own. That makes them beholden."

Charles L. Cotton wrote: ↑Thu Jan 24, 2019 12:36 pm

mojo84 wrote: ↑Wed Jan 23, 2019 10:57 pm

Charles L. Cotton wrote: ↑Wed Jan 23, 2019 10:25 pm

mojo84 wrote: ↑Wed Jan 23, 2019 9:48 pm

Charles L. Cotton wrote: ↑Wed Jan 23, 2019 6:21 pm

mojo84 wrote: ↑Wed Jan 23, 2019 4:00 pm Not the least bit surprised. What is his NRA 2nd Amendment rating?

http://votesmart.org/candidate/evaluati ... EjX9GlMGyU

Then you're the only person in Texas who isn't surprised. Bonnen has an A rating and, until now, it is well-deserved. He always voted with gun owners. Today is a new day.

Chas.

No, I'm not the only one in Texas. There are many that knew he would be Strauss 2.0.

He is not a conservative and is no different than the other RINO's. http://index.empowertexans.com/legislat ... 2017-index

This here indicates he has no interest in advancing guns rights. http://votesmart.org/candidate/politica ... EkqMWlMGyU

He is ok with the status quo.

I wil agree that I may be one of the few Texans that doesn't believe the NRA ratings are the holy grail when it comes to legislators' position on gun rights. I know the NRA tries its best but I do not believe their ratings are as sound as many others think.

Show me any evidence that he was not fully supportive of the Second Amendment. Show me where he voted against gun owners. Do that, then I'll believe you thought he would betray gun owners.

Chas.

Look at his chairman choices. Look at who his donors are and who he aligned himself. He is a Strauss ally.. Look st the link I provided that shows his position on gun rights. He indicated he supports what we currently have.

Much of the problem with the Republican party is we can't figure out who is a real Republican and who is playing the game to gain power.

It's known he was a Strauss ally. Why would we think he would do different? http://ballotpedia.org/Texas_state_legi ... l_conflict

Texas Monthly reported be was a Straus ally.
https://www.texasmonthly.com/politics/t ... peaker/ven

Don't point me to general crap that doesn't address my questions. Show me where he voted against Texas gun owners. Show me evidence that he does not fully support the Second Amendment. I looked at your links and didn't see anything on these issues. The VoteSmart website didn't show any answers to the gun-related questions.

You want to point to issues other than the Second Amendment, but that's your problem, not mine. I was talking about guns, not other issues. The NRA rates based upon votes on gun issues, not abortion, taxes or anything else you want to consider.

You said you knew he would betray gun owners. I'm still waiting for your proof.

Chas.

Charles,
We are on the same side when it comes to gun rights.

Some of the "general crap" I posted a link to was how Bonnen himself answered questions about his priorities related to guns in this session.

I had questions about Bonnen when his name first came up for speaker. I posted threads on here looking for info. I also saw where the NRA rated him highly. However, I also saw other things that gave me cause for concern regarding how solid of a pro gun speaker he would be. I also saw other things that indicated his fiscal positions were not as conservative as some portrayed.

I also want to correct your assertion I said "I knew he would betray gun owners". I did not say that. I said I wasn't surprised he did. That was based upon my suspicions which resulted from what research I did on here and elsewhere. In other words, it was my OPINION.

People can disagree on issues and even legislators without questioning the other's integrity. I haven't questioned yours and do not see why you should question mine. I also appreciate all work you've done for fun rights and trust your opinion immensely. I just do not believe as strongly that the NRA rating is the 100% benchmark for assessing one's stance one gun issues. I see their ratings at part of the big picture and not the whole picture. The fact I look at more than just gun rights when it comes to picking a speaker or voting is not a problem as you indicated. I consider it being a well rounded responsible voter.

I appreciate your passion but think there is some overreaction to my comment since I showed I am not the "only one in Texas" that had suspicions about Bonnen.

Bottom line, either the wool was pulled over a lot of people's eyes, Bonnen flat out lied as you say, set everyone up with his previous votes or there is a strategy in play we are not aware of and he plans to refer gun issues to another committee.

This is all intended with all due respect and are only my opinions based on what I've seen as an outsider and voter.

From the Votesmart website. Note he previously chose the option that indicated he pretty much supports the status quo.

Dennis Bonnen has refused to provide voters with positions on key issues covered by the 2018 Political Courage Test, despite repeated requests from Vote Smart and voters like you.
What is the Political Courage Test?

Texas State Legislative Election 1996 National Political Awareness Test
This candidate has responded to a Political Courage Test in a previous election. As a continued effort to provide the American public with factual information on candidates running for public office, these archived responses are made available here.

The Political Courage Test asks candidates which items they will support if elected. It does not ask them to indicate which items they will oppose. Through extensive research of public polling data, we discovered that voters are more concerned with what candidates would support when elected to office, not what they oppose. If a candidate does not select a response to any part or all of any question, it does not necessarily indicate that the candidate is opposed to that particular item.

Gun Issues
Please indicate which principles you support (if any) concerning gun issues in Texas.
a) Support the federal ban on the public sale of certain semi-automatic assault weapons.
b) Increase restrictions on the purchase and possession of firearms.
c) Maintain all current state registration procedures and restrictions on possessing firearms.
d) Ease state procedures and restrictions on the purchase and registration of a firearm.
e) Repeal all bans and measures that restrict law-abiding citizens from obtaining firearms.
Xf) Continue to allow law-abiding citizens to carry concealed firearms.