A Message From State Senator John Carona

A MESSAGE FROM STATE SENATOR JOHN CARONA 
In Response to the GTP Post on 5/16/21  

Please allow me to set the record straight on various misinformation recently posted:

First, a recent posting by one of your local members alleging that I “made fun of” the Tea Party in public comments at a recent DCRP event is simply incorrect. Those in attendance will tell you that no such comment was made. In fact, I have spoken admirably of the Tea Party in numerous speeches, noting that the emergence of the Tea Party is the single best thing to happen in American politics in a generation. I credit the Tea Party with the reawakening of the American public and the beginning of long overdue reforms in Washington, DC and elsewhere.

Second, it is no secret that I have long distrusted the motives of Senator Patrick and have questioned his opportunistic behavior on more than one occasion. Senator Patrick chose recently to initiate and make public a personal “dispute” without ever contacting me directly to discuss his allegations – which were patently false. His decision to do such a thing in such a manner speaks volumes.

Finally, I’d like to comment on this week’s Dallas Morning News story regarding Senator Royce West. Senator West and I have worked together on many issues of importance to ALL residents of Dallas County. He, like all members of the Texas Senate, has been welcomed into my home for a variety of events over the years. Recently, my wife and I were asked for use of our home for a gathering of his friends and supporters. We did not plan the event as a fundraiser, nor did we send out the invitations—and we made clear to everyone that we would not be making a financial contribution. The various news reports (and gossip) have been short on facts and long on accusations. In reality, my wife and I have given generously over the years to countless Republican candidates and have held dozens of major Republican events at our residence. I will always be a proud and committed Republican.

All of this said, I believe the professional relationship that Sen. West and I share has benefitted the community and assures that local matters are cared for without gridlock. We cannot end the nation’s bitter partisan rhetoric unless elected officials occasionally reach across the aisle to solve our most challenging issues. None of that suggests abandoning my ideology, nor does it reflect upon my record as a conservative.

In all my years of public service, I have never voted for a general tax increase, I am unapologetically prolife, have an A rating with the NRA, am supported by Texans for Lawsuit Reform, served as primary sponsor of the successful constitutional amendment requiring that all votes of the legislature be made public, and have authored literally dozens of bills to shrink and make more efficient our state government. This past year alone, I received high marks from groups including Texans for Fiscal Responsibility and Texas Conservative Coalition. As a father of five and CEO of a substantial business, I not only understand our conservative ideals, but I live them daily.

Thank you for allowing me to set the record straight, and for the opportunity to serve as your Republican State Senator. –John Carona

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