Good morning, 

Here is today's Texas Minute.

– Michael Quinn Sullivan 

Tuesday, August 6, 2019
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• With renewed calls for gun control in the wake of this weekend’s El Paso shooting, Brandon Waltens reports Second Amendment advocates are on high alert. 
      
• U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R–TX), who is currently serving his first term in Congress, took to Twitter on Sunday to suggest implementing state “red-flag” laws, saying they might be a solution to curbing violence. Critics contend such laws could lead to guns being confiscated without due process from those suspected to have mental health issues.
     
• “The barbaric attack in El Paso highlights the truth that Texas’ permitting system for gun carry harms minorities disproportionately, adding unnecessary barriers that do not increase safety but only decrease Texans’ ability to carry a firearm as an effective defense tool... Permit requirements do not keep criminals from committing despicable crimes; they only add barriers for law-abiding citizens who want to save their own lives.” – Rachel Malone of Texas director for Gun Owners of America
      
• A fourth Texas Republican congressman will be retiring ahead of the 2020 election. U.S. Rep. Kenny Marchant (R-Coppell) joins West Texas’ Mike Conaway, South Texas’ Will Hurd, and Houstonian Pete Olson in calling it quits.
     
• A GOP primary race is already brewing to replace Conaway. Matt Stringer reports Midland City Councilman J. Ross Lacy is reportedly considering a run for the open congressional seat, despite having already filed for re-election to the office he presently holds. Also considering running for the seat is Odessa’s Aubrey Mayberry, who has publicly criticized Lacy by saying the Midlander has a “record of mismanaging city funds.”
   
• If you aren’t listening to the weekly Texas Scorecard Radio, you are missing some great content. A new edition comes out every Thursday morning and is available on Spotify, iTunes, Google Play, and Stitcher. 
   
• I highly recommend catching the most recent edition, which features an interview with U.S. Rep. Lance Gooden (R-Terrell). This week, I’ll be chatting with the TSR’s host, Tony McDonald, about the controversy regarding House Speaker Dennis Bonnen, GOP Caucus Chairman Dustin Burrows, and the unethical offer I was presented by them.

• I don’t usually bring it up in the Texas Minute, but the work of Empower Texans and Texas Scorecard happens thanks to the contributions of thousands of individuals from around the Lone Star State. Like most non-profit organizations, the summer always translates to a decline in contributions but – as we have demonstrated – our work continues at pace. We need your help.
   
• Would you consider making a special donation today?