TEXAS GOVERNMENT 2306 UNIT 4 POLITICAL PARTIES

Reasons Texas Was a One- Party Democratic State SLAVERY Republican Party’s early opposition to slavery CIVIL WAR Republican President Lincoln’s role in defeating Confederacy during Civil War RECONSTRUCTION Harsh policies pursued by Republicans during Reconstruction

CAUSES OF RISE OF REPUBLICAN PARTY IN TEXAS  Northerners moving to Texas  Growing liberalism of Democratic Party in 1960s and 1970s  Popularity of President Reagan- 1980s  Weakening memories of Civil War, Reconstruction

HOW DEMOCRATIC WAS TEXAS?  —No Republicans elected to Texas Legislature  —No Republican elected to statewide office  Most races on ballot were uncontested  1978 Democrats won 86% of races Republicans won 14% of races

2000 Presidential Election - Bush vs. Gore

Levels of Party Competition

Levels of Party Competition

Party Competition in the States- 2002

Party Competition in the States

Changing Party Affiliation in Texas

Party Affiliation in Texas

Party Primary Voting Patterns in Texas –

Republican Officeholders in Texas

Republican Officeholders in Texas vs. 2005

Republican Officeholders in Texas

The Number of Republican and Democratic Officeholders—1973 vs 2007

RISE OF TEXAS REPUBLICAN PARTY 1  Election of US Senator John Tower  1978—Election of Governor Bill Clements  1984—Election of US Senator Phil Gramm  Republicans won 4 statewide races

RISE OF TEXAS REPUBLICAN PARTY 2  1993—Election of US Senator Kay B. Hutchison  1994—Election of Gov. George W. Bush  1998-Relection of Gov. Bush & Rep. Maj. In Texas Senate  2002-Republicans winning all statewide offices & control of both Texas House & Senate

RISE OF TEXAS REPUBLICAN PARTY —Top 3 state officials: Governor, Lt. Governor, & Speaker-all Republican 2007—Top 3 state officials: Governor, Lt. Governor, & Speaker-all Republican (although Republicans lost 6 House seats & gained one Senate seat)

Party Ideology in Texas

Ideology- National Republicans & Texas Democrats

TEXAS REPUBLICANS ISSUE STANDS  Less government  Strong national defense  Pro-life on abortion  Limit govt. economic regulations  Anti-union  Less govt. in civil rights  End affirmative action  Traditional family values

TEXAS DEMOCRATS ISSUE STANDS  More activist government  Protect social programs & funding  Pro-choice on abortion  Govt. regs. necessary to protect workers, consumers, environment, & end business abuses  Active govt. role in civil rights  Support affirmative action  Maintain separation of church & state

The Texas Democratic & Republican Party Platforms- A Comparison

TEXAS REPUBLICANS  Conservatives & ultra-conservatives · Evangelical Protestants (“born-again” Christians) · Newcomers to Texas · Primarily Anglos · Younger voters · More educated · More men

TEXAS DEMOCRATS  Primarily middle class & poor  Workers--blue collar/unions  Catholics & Jews  Native Texans  Minorities & liberal Anglos  Older Voters  Less educated  More women

Party Identification by Social Group

TEXAS POLITICAL PARTIES REGIONAL SUPPORT TEXAS REPUBLICANS Panhandle, Permian Basin, Lubbock, Abilene, & suburban areas, esp. of Dallas-FW & Houston TEXAS DEMOCRATS Strongest in Hispanic South Texas, conservative East Texas, & inner city areas

Democratic & Republican Voting Counties-1996

Democratic & Republican Voting Counties-2002

Democratic & Republican Voting Counties-2006

EFFECTS OF TWO- PARTYISM IN TEXAS  VOTERS HAVE MORE CHOICES  INCREASED VOTER INTEREST AND TURNOUT  GOVERNMENT MORE RESPONSIVE TO PUBLIC  LESS GOVT. CORRUPTION  LESS POWERFUL INTEREST GROUPS

LIBERAL/ CONSERVATIVE COMPARISON  Role of Government  Taxes & Budget  Economic Regulation  Social Programs  Crime  Environment  Civil Rights  Moral Issues o Abortion o Gay Rights o Pornography o School Prayer Schools/Education

TEXAS POLITICAL FUNDS REPORTING & DISCLOSURE ACT  No $ raised until campaign treasurer appointed  Candidates & PACs—no cash contributions exceeding $100  No direct contributions from corporations & labor unions  File sworn statements listing contributions & expenditures with Secretary of State  Criminal & civil penalties  Enforcement: Texas Ethics Commission

CAMPAIGN TACTICS  Building an image  Use of media & importance of TV  Choosing Issues  Timing—Peaking  Raising money o PACs o Wealthy contributors o Personal wealth o Small contributions o Political Party