Texas’ 3rd Special Session Begins Following Conservative PAC Leader’s Meeting With White Supremacist
The Texas Legislature’s Third Special Legislative Session Kicks Off with Accusations and Calls for Resignation
The start of the Texas Legislature’s third special legislative session was anything but smooth, as the top Republican leaders in the House and Senate engaged in a heated exchange, complete with accusations and demands for resignation.
House Speaker Dade Phelan wasted no time in calling out Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, urging him and other elected officials to return political donations received from a conservative political action committee (PAC) after allegations arose that the PAC president had met with Nicholas Fuentes, a controversial figure.
“Accordingly, I call upon any elected official who has accepted political donations from Defend Texas Liberty PAC, or any of its affiliate organizations, to immediately redirect every single cent of those contributions to a charitable organization of his or her choice,” Mr. Phelan said in a statement on Monday.
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Phelan further called on elected officials and candidates to publicly disavow any future contributions from the PAC, highlighting Lt. Gov. Patrick’s acceptance of a $3 million donation from the organization.
In response, Lt. Gov. Patrick demanded Mr. Phelan’s immediate resignation, escalating the ongoing public feud between the two Republican leaders. The controversy stems from a report by The Texas Tribune, which revealed that Nicholas Fuentes had been seen at a business owned by the president of Defend Texas Liberty PAC.
Fuentes, who has been suspended from various social media platforms for hate speech, including praising Adolf Hitler, gained attention in 2022 when he dined with former President Donald Trump. Phelan condemned Fuentes’ association with the PAC and emphasized that such ideologies have no place in the Republican party.
Phelan accused members of the Republican party of aligning with Congresswomen Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ilhan Omar in undermining the party’s support for Israel.
Phelan also called on all elected officials and candidates who have received money from the PAC to publicly disavow their affiliation.
In his own statement, Lt. Gov. Patrick accused Phelan of exploiting the Hamas attack on Israel for personal political gain, calling his actions “disgusting, despicable, and disingenuous.” Patrick denounced Fuentes’ antisemitic rhetoric and demanded Phelan’s resignation.
Defend Texas Liberty PAC issued a statement rejecting Phelan’s attempt to link them with Fuentes and expressing opposition to Fuentes’ views. Jonathan Stickland, the president of the PAC, also called for Phelan’s resignation.
The controversy deepened as a photo published by The Texas Tribune showed Chris Russo, the president of Texans for Strong Borders, and Matt Rinaldi, Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas, in the vicinity of Fuentes. Russo was reportedly driven to the business by Fuentes.
Attorney General Ken Paxton, who plans to file criminal charges against the House Managers who led his impeachment trial, also called for Phelan’s resignation. Paxton cited threats of violence against his family and will utilize a new Texas anti-doxing law to address the issue.
The ongoing conflict between Phelan and Patrick highlights the divisions within the Texas Republican party and the challenges faced by its leaders.
How does Lt. Gov. Patrick defend his acceptance of a donation from the Defend Texas Liberty PAC, despite its alleged ties to white supremacy and anti-immigrant sentiments?
Of Defend Texas Liberty PAC. Fuentes is known for his controversial views, including white supremacy and anti-immigrant sentiments.
Lt. Gov. Patrick defended his acceptance of the donation, stating that it was made in support of his conservative agenda and not in relation to Fuentes’ alleged meeting. He accused Phelan of using the situation as a political ploy and urged him to focus on the pressing issues facing the state.
The exchange between the top Republican leaders highlights the deepening divide within the Texas GOP. The controversy surrounding the PAC and its alleged ties to Fuentes has raised questions about the party’s alignment with extremist ideologies.
This latest confrontation follows a series of clashes within the Texas Legislature, particularly between conservative Republicans and more moderate members. The tensions have been exacerbated by ongoing debates over election laws, abortion restrictions, and transgender rights.
The calls for resignation and demands for political accountability within the GOP signal a broader shift in the political landscape. As the party grapples with internal divisions, their ability to effectively govern and address the needs of Texans comes into question.
The Texas Legislature’s third special legislative session is off to a rocky start, overshadowed by allegations, calls for resignation, and a widening rift within the Republican Party. As the session progresses, it remains to be seen how these conflicts will impact the state’s political landscape and policy-making processes.
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