We all know the value of selective aggression … and here\’s what\’s up in the next couple hours:
The committee voting on us consists of 9 members … so we need the support of five of them. Looking back at past voting records (and combined with some lobbyist intel), we can feel \”really good\” about four of them, and probably good about one. But two will definitely vote against us; one probably will … and then the big wildcard — we have no idea how he\’ll vote — is the committee chair, Edmund Keumpel (R-Seguin). And if I understand committee dynamics right, even with support of the others, he has the power to derail us.
[audio:http://old.pokerati.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/03/dist045.mp3]
Ed Kuempel, Chairman
House Licensing and Administrative Procedures Committee
OK, so you got that? He wants to hear from us. So this is where you guys come into play … NOW would be a good time to hit their Blackberries with your support for HB 222. You don\’t need to explain the reasons or anything … they know the basic arguments — personal freedom + citizen protection + economic benefit = sensible government — but would love to get a last minute reminder that people out there actively care to see them vote yes and send this bill to the House of Representatives so a meaningful percentage of the Texas citizenry can have their voice, issues, and concerns heard by the people in a position to make a difference for them.
I\’m working on a special email link so one click will let you hit them all. But in the meantime, here\’s Kuempel\’s page with his email and phone info.