Local GOP censures House Speaker

LIBERTY – Texas Speaker of the House Dade Phelan was the focus of the Liberty County Republican Party at a recent meeting, which resulted in that body voting to censure the representative.

Dur ing the meeti ng, pa r ty leaders brought forth a resolution aimed at their displeasure with the Beaumont native, who serves most of Jefferson, Orange, and Jasper counties in Houe District 21. According to the resolution, Phelan has failed to adhere to the Republican Party of Texas platform and its principles.

“ Members of the Liberty County Republican Party have spent years working along s ide grassroots conservatives all over the state to craft the principles and legislative priorities of the Republican Party of Texas,” said Liberty County Republican Party Chair Wes Thomas. “ We take notice when our elected representatives ignore or flaunt the principles and priorities Liberty County voters believe in.”

According to Thomas, the party was invoking Rule 44 of the Republican Party, allowing a county party executive committee to censure an officeholder representing that county. Thomas believes that as speaker, Phelan does, in fact, represent Liberty County and thus the reasoning for the action.

“ In accordance with Rule 44 of the Republican Party of Texas, we censured Texas House of Represent at ives Speaker Dade Phelan for his actions in opposition to the core principles and priorities of the Republican Party of Texas,” said Thomas.

The process also allowed Phelan to present his side to the party leaders; however, he did not show or send representation.

A majority of party precinct chairs were needed, along with a 2/3 vote. The members in attendance voted unanimously for the action.

Party leaders also voted on a resolution supporting a similar move by Orange County, in Phelan’s district, where they also censured the legislator.

“ Texas is a red state. It is not too much to ask that Republican elected of f icials actual ly govern according to Republican principles and values. This censure of Speaker Phelan is simply us using the tools available to us to do our part in holding one of those elected officials responsible for their actions. And he won’t be the last,” said Thomas.

You can read the entire resolution at www. libertycountygop.org.