Republican Party US Political Parties, (GOP Grand Old Party) Campaigns, and Tea Party (2010) Funding Democratic Party Green Party Libertarian Party Reform Socialist Anarchist

90 slides Learning Objectives:

• Development of Parties • Platform: mission statement, beliefs, and values • Organization: grassroots (precinct geography), local, state, national • Election turnout • Endorsements: Media, Paid, Labor Unions, Interest Groups • Campaign Funding & Super PACs and unprecedented 2012 ad spending Some states have multiple nominees on the Presidential ballot, in addition to the major Party candidates.

Even within major Parties, there can be multiple candidates running for the same office. 1790 Eras of Party Systems

Parties organize themselves around the core beliefs and values (platform) of their supporters OR in response to a shift in attitudes or mood of the people that is not being communicated by the existing power structure, such is the Tea Party movement today. Parties may be popular for only a short time or retain 2002 their support over generations. Viability of the Tea Party longevity remains unknown. 2014

Tea Party is a “movement” and split of Republicans, so not really a Party Identification & separate party. Divided Government 50/50 Although there are clear lines between the Party’s beliefs, often they seem to be focused on pettiness and clichés or just attacking each other. IDEOLOGY is the basic belief structure for each Party that is defined in its PLATFORM. Often it is over- simplified into a few ideas that polarize the uninformed voters. Mascots for the parties are fairly arbitrary, but well-established. ACTIVISTS are people who promote the beliefs of their Party through public protests.

Typically activists are extremists and may not be fully informed on all of the issues; however, it is this extreme position that forces change within the ‘system’. Moderation usually has no impact on institutional procedures. Political Parties are coalitions of people who believe in a common philosophical doctrine about the role of government in the lives of people. Party hierarchical structure unites local, state, and national leaders and activists: NATIONAL • Democratic National • Republican National Committee (DNC) Committee (RNC) www.democrats.org www.gop.com STATE • Democratic Party • Texas Republican Party www.TxDemocrats.org www.TexasGOP.org LOCAL • Harris County Democratic • Harris Co. Republican Party Party www.HCDP.org www.HarrisCounty GOP.org

The Party Chairman is the Spokesman for the candidates and platform:

NATIONAL

TEXAS

HARRIS COUNTY Large cities also have neighborhood political clubs coordinated through the county Party that allow residents to network directly and online with members of their immediate community. Democrats 007 Democrats HARRIS COUNTY Republicans 1960 Area Democrats Alief Democrats Area 5 Democrats Lake Shores RWC Asian American Democrats of Texas Bay Area RWC MacGregor Park RWC Bay Area Association of Democratic Women Bay Area (BAND) Braes Republican Women Magic Circle Republican Women Bellaire Democrats Cherry Tree Republican Club Memorial West RWC Braeswood Democrats Muslim American Republican Caucus Cy-Fair Area Democratic Club Clear Creek Republican Women Cypress-Tomball Democrats Clear Lake Area Republicans North Shore RWC Filipino American Caucus for Empowerment (FACE) College Republicans - Rice NW Forest Republican Women Galleria Area Democrats Greater Heights Democratic Club College Republicans - UH Pachyderm Club of Northwest Houston Harris County Democratic Lawyers' Association College Republicans - St. Thomas Pearland Area RWC Harris County Democrats Philippine-American RWC Harris County Tejano Democrats Copperfield Area Republican Club Harris County Young Democrats Cy-Fair Republican Club Republican Hispanic Citizens in Action Houston Area Stonewall Democrats Cy-Fair Republican Women Republican Law Student Association Houston Black American Democrats (HBAD) RNHA Harris County Houston Democratic Forum Daughters of Liberty RWC Ronald Reagan Republican Women Houston Stonewall Young Democrats Downtown Houston Pachyderm Club Katy Area Democrats San Jacinto Pachyderm Club Kingwood Area Democrats Fort Bend Young Republicans Meyerland Area Democratic Club San Jacinto RW Montrose Area Democratic Club Frederick Douglass Republican Council Sandpiper RWC Neighborhood Democrats of Galveston County Friendswood RWC Northwest Crossing Area Democrats Sisters in Spirit RWC Oak Forest Area Democrats Golden Triangle RWC Spirit Of Freedom Republican Women's PAC Oil Patch Democrats Greater Houston Council Of Federated RepublicanTejas RWC Women Precinct 132 Organization Precinct 222 Club Greater Houston Pachyderm Club Texas Asian Republican Club (TARC) Rice Young Democrats Greater Tomball Pachyderm Club Texas Federation for Republican Outreach ROADWomen Heritage RWC Sharpstown Democrats Texas Tea Party Republican Women Silver Ds Houston Professional RWC Tomball Republican Women Spring Branch Democrats Houston Young Republicans Tri-County RWC Spring Democratic Club Texas Democratic Veterans-Houston Area Katy Area Republicans United Republicans Texas Democratic Women of Fort Bend County Kingwood Area RWC Yellow Rose of Texas RWC Texas Democratic Women of Harris County West Houston Democratic Club West University Area Democratic Club Tx State Rep. Jessica Farrar, Distr 148 10:30am, Heights General Store, 350 W. 19th St. Houston, TX 77008

NEIGHBORHOOD CLUBS Topic: Legislative preview, January 2015 Farrar is the champion for the anti-abortion law in the House, equivalent to the same role of in the Senate.

Presidential elections are partisan politics run by the Parties (NOT the “government”) to choose their candidates using a “bottom-up, grassroots” system wherein ALL citizens can participate in the process from within their neighborhoods.

This makes it one of the most fundamental concepts of American democracy because it is open to everyone!! GRASSROOTS is reaching out to neighbors, friends, and family to communicates your values, persuade them with your ideas, and to leverage your single vote to become multiple votes.

If you don’t, who will? There is no one to blame but yourself if you don’t like the outcome! State & National Conventions are the group decision-making meeting whereby Delegates collectively decide the Nominee, based upon the Primary winners. The Conventions are the summer rallies where the official Party candidate for elected office is formally submitted to the American people. The conventions mark the kickoff for the fall campaign election season. Another outcome of the Conventions is the Party Platform, or the beliefs and mission statement for each Party. This is the official, adopted doctrine of what the core values and principles that each Party represents; and it is the philosophy that separates the two parties.

Parties are based upon grassroots participation of citizen delegates originating from the neighborhood level (voting precincts) to state and national conventions. http://www.hcdp.org/precinctmaps.html Convention delegates are chosen from each of about 1000 neighborhood voting precincts in Harris Co. The precinct is the heart of all voting geography and organization in America for grassroots activities. Precinct maps Precincts are the “grassroots” level from which delegates are chosen to state and national conventions. Any neighborhood citizen is eligible to participate in the process for candidate selection or issue analysis. 1000+ Precincts define convenient areas of neighborhood voting in Harris Co. but only on Election Day You MUST vote at the POLLS in your neighborhood Precinct on election Day!

POLLS are the voting locations within the precincts. Some smaller precincts are combined into a single poll site for greater efficiency. And Online at www.HarrisVotes.com

The number of neighborhood voting precincts and polling locations on election day varies every two years. Harris Co. Democratic Delegates by Precinct to State Convention

The concept of “grassroots democracy” dictates that any citizen from the neighborhoods can participate in the process to choose the presidential nominee by attending the conventions if they so desire.

Delegates for state convention are chosen at the caucus meeting on the night of the Primary held at the precinct polling location. Who are the Tea Party & what do they believe? A fringe, right-wing faction of Republicans with extreme views and an unwillingness to compromise. Misspelled English cartoonist Nick Anderson is consistently critical of the dominance of the Tea Party and their unreasonable approach to governing. Cruz upset the moderate Dewhurst 2 to 1 in a stunning Harris County defeat. Texas Conservatives are led by Gov. , US Senator Ted Cruz (Houston), US Senator (San Antonio), retired Tx Congressman Ron Paul. “Rising stars” are Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, Attorney Gen. and Texas Senator Dan Patrick.

Rick Perry: Not Governor, US Senator Ted Cruz Congressman but President? (Houston Ron Paul, Tea Party) (Brazoria Co.) Libertarian

Abbott Son Rand Paul, US for US Senator John Senator KY Governor Cornyn (San Antonio)

State Senator Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst Texas Tea Party & Harris Co. Texas Senator Ted Cruz, Houston

Ted Poe, Distr 2, Texas Congressman District # N. Kingwood/ Houston Joe Barton, Arlington 6 Michael C. Burgess, Denton 26 John Carter, Temple, Belton, Georgetown, Round Rock 31 John Culberson, Houston 7 Blake Farenthold, Corpus Christie/Victoria 27 Kenny Marchant, Plano/ Addison 24 Randy Neugebauer, Lubbock 19 Ted Poe, Houston/Kingwoood 2 John Culberson, Pete Sessions, 32 Distr 7, W Lamar S. Smith, Blanco/Kerrville 21 Houston Almost immediately after his meteoric rise to fame and enormous popularity in the polls, Perry began to suffer from repeated gaffes of misinformation and forgetfulness which he attributed to “being human”.

Consequently he has dropped in the polls and his funding has seriously dried up. Gov. Rick Perry, right, speaks to the crowd during a "Don't Mess With Texas" tea party rally at City Hall in Austin, 2009. Despite the visibility and apparent popularity of the extremists leading to the 2013 Shutdown, most of the American people lie within the mainstream and do NOT connect with either Party. The New American Center: How Congress does not reflect the beliefs of the people 3 minute video: http://nbcpolitics.nbcnews.com/_news/ 2013/10/15/20960588-the-new- american-center-why-our-nation-isnt- as-divided-as-we-think Take the quiz to see what your political Party loyalties are: http://nbcpolitics.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/10/15/20977 799-quiz-are-you-a-member-of-the-new-american-center Left / Right / Democrats Republicans / / Liberals The Middle Conservatives

Most of America is in the middle. Campaigns are the educational and motivational phase of getting a candidate elected. This is accomplished after the conventions by paid, professional consultants, who are experts, and volunteers who are the heart of a winning team. This process involves a series of out reach tasks to the voters in a variety of ways, including: • Voter registration of people who favor the views of the Party. This is done at any gathering of people, usually at outdoor art/music festivals during the fall season.

• Voter education, conducted by networking one-on-one by knocking on doors, small group gatherings, such as private parties hosted by supporters, using bumper stickers, yard signs, and media in its many forms. Social media has become the most popular because it is FREE, instantaneous, and invisible to the opponent. This aspect communicates the candidates qualifications, integrity, and values. These are symbolized with the campaign logo, colors, theme music, and slogan. It is a complete advertising package designed to “sell the candidate.”

• GOTV (Get Out The Vote) is the motivational phase during the final weeks to persuade voters to take action. This is most visible during Early Voting and on Election Day. endorsement, indorsement [ɪnˈdorsmənt] n 1. declare one's public approval or sanction for 2. authoritative permission or approval that makes a course of action valid 3. approval, support, or sustain

Product endorsements are ALWAYS bought and paid for by the sponsor. Political endorsements are never paid for. J.J. Watt has agreed to a six-year, $100-million deal with the Texans. But he also has product endorsements that pay him even more money because of his popularity, status as a Maybe a Band-aid role model, and affiliation with charity sponsorship??

Yahoo! Fantasy Football ad with J.J. Watt. Political Endorsements are volunteered (never paid for) by celebrities who donate time and talent to the campaign cause to help raise money and awareness of candidates and issues.

Endorsement Organizations: Professional organizations Unions or trade groups Celebrities (music, art, sports, other political groups) Clubs or membership groups Military groups Political endorsements are NEVER bought or paid for!! (supposedly) Many celebrities are politically active and lend their time and talent to raise money or make commercials for candidates and charitable causes. Celebrity endorsements are important to rally local voters. “Vote Rally” Sat. Oct. 25, 11am Moody Park featuring the Northsides’ own: Juan Diaz endorsing Rick Noriega & Adrian Garcia

25 y/o Mexican-American boxer in the lightweight (135 lb) division. His record is 33-1 (17 KOs). He is the former unified WBA & WBO and IBF world lightweight champion, having lost the titles to Nate Campbell on March 8, 2008. Celebrities (sports, musicians, film stars, artists) have wealth, talent, and loyal followers who are easily persuaded to support and promote a candidate or issue.

Thus, their endorsements are vital for a candidate to expand the energy of the campaign and ultimately win. Celebrities volunteer their time and talent to emphasize the importance of voting. Corporate Endorsements of Candidates and Issues

Historically businesses have refrained from making political endorsements for fear of alienating customers, employees, and threatening profits. However, as partisan politics across the country have become more prevalent and acceptable, companies now seem to enthusiastically take a stand on social and cultural issues. Most companies now either openly accept or deny gay rights, embracing or offending their employees and supporters. Gay marriage again became a more visible and pronounced political issue for companies after Obama & NAACP expressed support. anti-gay

NOW ACCEPTING & TOLERANT Asserts its position of being anti-gay; closed on Sundays Is being denied construction permits in Boston, New York, and Chicago; boycotted by pro-gay groups, Muppets canceled their ads and support

From the Woodlands, Sarah Palin announced she was preparing to get a sandwich from chick-fil-A. Sarah Palin stumps for Cruz in The Woodlands and then gets a Chick-fil- A to show support for the anti-gay sentiment of the Party. Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee declared "Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day“ that was dynamically supported by the public and became the largest sales day for the company.

Vehicles line up at the drive-thru at the Shearn Street location near Target on IH10. The company said it was a record day in sales nationwide. Photo: J. Patric Schneider / © 2012 Houston Chronicle Later that week, gay friendly people staged similar rallies to show support.

Gay rights groups and others protest and hold a "kiss-in" outside a Chick-fil-A restaurant Friday, Aug. 3, 2012 as a public response to a company official who was quoted as supporting the traditional family unit. (AP Photo/David Tulis) Photo: David Tulis, Associated Press / FR170493 AP pro-gay

Pledged $2.5M to fight anti-gay efforts in DC

Rainbow Oreos With 3 Democratic candidates running for mayor, they are LABOR competing against each other for the endorsement of the ENDORSEMENTS individual union clubs. Candidates seek the endorsement of union members (and they in turn, contribute money and volunteers to the campaigns). Thus, the union group commits to Roy Morales, a Republican vote en mass (as a “block”) to help insure candidate, had no presence here election of the chosen because he does not support candidate. union values. Democrats historically support the beliefs and concerns of labor (better wages, working conditions, safety, etc.) Republicans support big business and corpor- ations. Early Voting focus now Media includes early endorsements of Endorsements media and interest groups. Endorsements are made by the Editorial Board, based upon joint interviews with the Candidates. They endorse BOTH Democrats and Republicans.

Endorsements are released daily prior to Election Day and a summary again on E Day.

Endorsements are NEVER bought or paid for by Candidates!! Statewide, Texas is consistently Republican, but urban areas are more Democratic. Newspapers command a powerful candidate recommendation, although they are not a guaranteed win. 2008 For the first time since LBJ in 1964, the Houston Chronicle has endorsed a Democrat for President: Chronicle endorses for president and for vice president of the Copyright 2008 Houston Chronicle Oct. 18, 2008

Dallas Morning News Belo Company Editorial: We recommend John McCain October 18, 2008 2012: Houston Chronicle & Dallas Morning News Endorse Romney 10/21/12 Endorsements are recommendations made by the newspaper based upon their interviews with the candidates and assessment of their qualifications for the job. 2012Chronicle Endorsements reflect bipartisan positions for most races. Chronicle endorses Van de Putte

Democrats have not won a statewide office in Texas since 1994, but theirs are better candidates, so a Chronicle endorsement may help them to win.

“Leticia Van de Putte of San Antonio is not only knowledgeable and experienced but also congenial and easy to work with. Her Republican opponent, state Sen. Dan Patrick of Houston, is divisive, disruptive and self-aggrandizing.” [Houston Chronicle, 10/3] CPA: certified public accountant

OPPONENT: Democrat Sam Houston III for Attorney General

Millions of dollars are spent on advertising (much of it negative) to convince and motivate voters to action.

Historically funds were raised directly from the people, with only limited large donations. In 2010, the Supreme Court interpreted a law to define corporations as people, thereby allowing companies to donate to political campaigns through Super PACs (political action committees). These organizations script the message and buy the TV ads. This will change the Many Republicans believe ad dynamic by allowing corporations to that corporations are dominate and control the message. We all get our information from TV, but if it is “people” too, thereby dominated by a biased message, the transferring power and truth will never get out. control of the country from the people to corporations. The (2010) Citizens United Supreme Court case gave equal power of corporations via Super PACs (political action committee) to individual campaign donations, so that now big business can essentially “buy” government through advertising with no accountability. Citizens United case allows corporations to give unlimited amounts of money anonymously to political campaigns. Corporations and lobbyists dominate much of our political system from the federal level down to local politics.

It takes $ millions to communicate with the people and to make them aware of the issues and candidate’s positions.

Despite this massive spending, Texas remains last in voter participation. April 2014: Supreme Court repeals limits on individual campaign donations, so the rich can buy the government. http://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news/scotus-deeply-divided-loosens- campaign-finance-rules-n69976 Watch this 3 minute video!! Both Parties historically have shunned such behavior, dominance, and control by corporations in the election process.

Many Republicans believe that corporations are “people” too, thereby transferring power and control of the country from the people to corporations.

Occupy Wall St. Protestors These are local, national, and global protestors who protest the rapid rise of the rich (1%) at the expense of the middle class (99%). Many are unemployed students who cannot find jobs, but are shackled with large student loans to pay off. Money is crucial to win an election, but more money does not necessarily mean victory. Local & State Campaign Contributions April 2011 to August 2012 in Houston area $2500. maximum individual donation REPUBLICANS • Romney has fewer numbers of donors (5260), but they give larger amounts ($6.6M); average $1260. He raised twice as much as did Obama in the greater Houston area. • Romney statewide: $20.M DEMOCRATS • Obama has more donors (6000), but smaller contributions ($3.6M); average $607. • Obama statewide: $14.M

# of Democratic Campaign Donors by Zipcode

Houston area

Campaign contributions are monitored by the Federal Elections Commission (FEC) so donor zipcodes can be tracked back to the individuals. # of Republican Campaign Donors by Zipcode

Houston area

Campaign contributions are monitored by the Federal Elections Commission (FEC) so donor zipcodes can be tracked back to the individuals. Both Obama and Romney came to Houston on whirlwind tours solely to raise money from big donors at private fundraisers. Historically this was a reasonably fair way to raise campaign money.

In Houston Friday evening, Obama will be dining with Democratic elected officials and some 60 well-heeled supporters from around the state who will have paid $38,500 for the privilege.

At an afternoon event at Minute Maid Park's Union Station, he will shake hands with folks who paid $500, or $10,000. if they want to pose for pictures with him.

$2,500. $10,000. & $25,000. Banquets and formal rallies featuring the Party leaders are the most common method of fundraisers for both Parties.

Annual Democratic Party Fundraiser with local, state, and national leaders. Top Texas Donors in 2012 by Occupation Donations by Political Party

Republicans $10 million Democrats $12 million $149 $30 $18 million million million $15 million non- partisan $26 million

$35 million Big business and corporations dominate fundraising in Texas. http://blog.chron.com/txpotomac/2013/07/houston-leads-big-dollar-texas-political- contributions-dominates-democratic-megadonors/?cmpid=hpfc The Republican Party must redefine itself to attract more Americans after its 2012 national losses. It began this process in March 2013 with CPAC to raise money and nurture new leadership. PAC is the fundraising organization to solicit donations.

Rand Paul, Marco Rubio, Rick Perry, Paul Ryan, Mitch McConnell, Sarah Palin, Bobby Jindal, Ted Cruz, Reince Priebus, others Perry spoke again at CPAC 2014 (wealthy conservatives who donate heavily to campaigns) and “wowed” them.

He has hired a debate coach and speaking team to help him manage his temper and demeanor.

He proceeded to do well until the release of 2 felony indictments and misuse of the Texas Enterprise Fund that will obviously challenge his integrity. Parker vs. Hall Fundraising by Zipcode, 2013

Hall

Parker

Hall 2013 Parker Spending Budget by Type of Expenditure

Polls Printing

Salaries/ Wages

Consulting Advertising Ben Hall has no source of revenue other than his own finances, so he has created a PAC that can receive LOANS from his own personal wealth. Mayor & Controller Candidates November 5, 2013 Election, Financial Reports

Financial Reports are filed regularly to insure the Hall is loaning himself public knows the sources of funding behind the money because he has no candidates so we know who “owns” them. public or outside support.

Candidates with no money have no support or chance of winning. It takes cash to buy advertising, signs, push cards, etc. What is a SuperPAC? Much of the campaign strategy and the ad messages are created by independent agencies not associated with the Candidate they are promoting. A PAC is a political action committee that raises massive sums of money to promote acceptance of an issue or candidate for election. They are the funding mechanism for the communications operation using all methods including TV/radio, print, phone, block walking, and social media. They are especially more prevalent and powerful this year because of a 2010 ruling by the Supreme Court that allows corporations to fund political activities in the same manner as individuals. Donors are anonymous and contributions are virtually limitless, and it produces totally unregulated cash; thus, the wealthy can essentially “buy” an election via the media. Super PACs will overwhelmingly dominate both the messages and the media of all the “chosen” candidates since they are anonymous and with unlimited funding. Never before has corporate America has such unbridled communications power over regular people who have traditionally funded election campaigns. Estimated costs for the 2012 election will ultimately be over $6B nationwide.

Never has a season been so costly and it is due solely to the availability of corporate donations.

My cape costs more than your house.

Romney began using SuperPACs on his Primary opponents; and then both Obama & Romney began against each other. Lobbyists are paid by interest groups to influence the actions of the Congress and State Legislatures. NASCAR drivers clearly show their sponsors so everyone knows who their funders are. Everyone is obligated for political favors from those who pay their salaries and bills. Political candidates should communicate to voters where their funding comes so the public understands their loyalties, yet this type of campaign reform is far away.

Because of the Citizens United case, Super PACs were suddenly funded by major corporations. PAC ads for Romney dominated the Republican Primaries; and later both Romney & Obama ads were fully funded by various corporate PACs. US House of Representatives Speaker John Boehner and are shown in mock uniforms of probable campaign supporters in an attempt to improve voter awareness of campaign donors. Gun control failed in the US Senate because the NRA is the most powerful lobbying organization that influences Congress because they have enormous wealth to buy off election opponents. PRESIDENTIAL DEBATES are the forum used by voters to see and compare the candidates so they can make an informed choice.

VP Biden & Ryan, 2012 Obama & Romney, 2012

Reagan & Carter, 1980 Nixon & Kennedy, 1960 Debate Schedule between Obama & Romney, Fall 2012

The single most decisive event for voters to help chose their candidate are the presidential debates. Three presidential debates and one VP debate were planned in 2012. Locations and topics were strategically selected (both the city and university site; as were the convention cities) in regions to leverage the exposure and persuade undecided voters to their side. Moderators were selected from major media outlets. Note that Fox News was NOT included. 2012 Presidential Debate Schedule Participants Topic Date Moderator Network Location City Presidential domestic policy Wed. Oct. 3 Jim Leher PBS Newshour University of Denver Denver, CO Vice Pres foreign & domestic topics Thurs. Oct. 11 Martha Raddatz ABC News Centre College Danville, KY Presidential town meeting Tues. Oct. 16 Candy Crowley CNN Anchor Hofstra University Hempstead, NY Presidential foreign policy Mon. Oct. 22 Bob Schieffer CBS News Lynn University Boca Raton, FL Unfortunately TV ratings for the debates and conventions have declined significantly in recent years, such that only one hour of primetime network TV will broadcast the Conventions. Debates were fully aired. Presidential Debates

Short Videos for the Debate Prep, 10/3/12 and Polls: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/ns/NBCNightlyNews/#49248724 Pre-debate polling http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032619/ns/NBCNightlyNews/#49265114 President Barack Obama, leading in the polls, needs to avoid mistakes in Wednesday's debate in Denver. Republican candidate Mitt Romney needs to offer specifics on issues and dodge any "oops" moments. Body language during the debates is an important factor in fully understanding the candidates. Campaign Stops by Candidates and Family are Strategically Planned in Battleground States 2012

All family and party members are engaged in the campaign process to maximize exposure to the }voters. States other than battleground (Texas) have been targeted solely for fundraising purposes, whereby the candidates breeze in for a few hours only to patronize wealthy donors and “drag the bag” to raise more campaign money. And logically then, TV ad spending is carefully targeted in battleground states to convince the “undecided” voters, which are only about 11%.