GOP attempts to use Nullification rally to promote Perry
“The Republican Party tried to use us, but we’re onto them now,” said Norman Shugar, 77, who drove in from outside Houston. “I was for Perry. Now, I’m for Medina.” reported the Austin American Statesman
For weeks before the rally, the supposed “organizer” John Stacy had told Medina supporters that his was a “non-political” gathering with the hopes of unifying folks to the nullification idea.
If you recall Medina was the first Gubernatorial candidate to bring this option up in a press release almost two months ago. When Medina supporters ask that Debra be able to speak, Stacy reiterated that there would be no candidates participating.
Then supporters got word that Rick Perry would be attending and once again contacted Stacy. His response was that Perry was governor and that the movement had more chance of succeeding if the Governor was on board. Right before the rally, Stacy contacted the campaign and ask that Debra be there “in the event” that the Governor would not sign the “Nullification Pledge” The campaign responded that Debra was booked and unless she could speak she wouldn’t be there. Of course, that meant neither would her supporters. Stacy knew this and ultimately said that Debra could speak to the audience.
Debra and her supporters showed up which was the vast majority of the 600 participants who came. (This number is according to the Austin American Statesman; several supporters estimated closer to 1000.)
Of course Perry didn’t show up. He wasn’t about to be in competition with Medina twice in one week! But instead of a “non-political” rally, Leo Berman R-Tyler, Wayne Christian R-Center and Sen. Jeff Wentword R-San Antonio were there and all were cheerleaders for Rick Perry.
While they railed against the establishment, people held up signs clearly indicating that they WERE part of the establishment. Anti-Rerry and Kay signs were also numerous in the crowd. Medina supporters chanted her name and were anxious for her to take the stage.
After the event, supporters questioned Stacy about Medina not speaking. Stacy said “well, tell her to go ahead and get up there”! The nerve. Medina is a professional and would never take the stage in such a manner.
Stacy told others that the “organizers” didn’t want her to speak. Although he had postured himself as the organizer of the event on many occassions. But now we know the “organizers” were really the Perry GOP crowd.
I’ve done some research on the RevolutionNow.org group, The NotinTexas.org group and others that are affiliated with them. It seems that big health insurance groups are the organizers which I have no problem with. They should be organizaing and our supporters would help them but no help will be forthcoming from Medina supporters that in any way would promote the establishment bureaucracy. This should not have been billed as a grassroots group and certainly the organizers should not have been dishonest about who they were and their political agenda.
Medina supporters were used by this GOP astro-turf organization. Use me once, shame on you; Use me twice, shame on me.
