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NW Austin Republican Women

April/May 2012 Volume 2, Issue 4

Political ad paid for by the NWARW PAC, Susan Friedrich, Treasurer.

House District 47 Candidates to Address NWARW on May 7

On Monday, May 7, Ryan Downton and Rep. Paul Workman will address the members of the NW Austin Republican Women and their guests. Rep. Paul Workman is the incumbent state Ryan

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

HD 47 Candidates to Address NWARW on May 7 NFRW Mobilizes Members for VAWA The Dictionary Project and Constitution Day Volunteer at the State Convention! All About the TFRW Patron Program Republican Primary: Propositions Message from the Executive Committee Message from the President 1 1 2 3 3 3 5 6

representative in the district that was redrawn to include most of western Travis County. Downton is the challenger. Each candidate will be given ten minutes to address the meeting, after a coin flip to determine the order. per candidate. Afterwards, questions from the audience will be limited to three

To learn more about Rep. Workman, visit his website at http://www.workmanfortexas.com/. To learn more about Ryan Downton, visit his website at http://www.ryandownton.com/ The group meets at Dave & Busters, located at 9333

We are excited to welcome both Rep. Workman and Mr. Downton, said club president Michele Samuelson. This is an important local primary, and many of our members will be voting in this district for the first time. We hope the community is able to take advantage of this opportunity as well.

Research Blvd in Austin.

Social time begins at 11:15am

and the meeting begins at 11:45am. Lunch is Black Jack Chicken ($16) and the club accepts cash or check at the door. RSVP by Thursday, May 3 by emailing Susan Friedrich at [email protected], or fill out the form on http://www.nwarw.org.

NFRW Women Mobilizes Members to Show Support for Violence Against Women Act
Calls on Democrats to Stop Exploiting Women for Political Gain ALEXANDRIA, Va. The National Federation of Republican Women (NFRW) is mobilizing its 75,000 members across the nation to take action in showing support for Republican lawmakers' efforts to reauthorize the Violence Against Women Act, as well as to refute lies being perpetuated by Democrats regarding Republican support for this legislation. Passed in 1994 with bipartisan support, the Violence Against Women Act provides funding to fight domestic violence and sexual assault, and increases criminal penalties against perpetrators of these crimes. Congress reauthorized the bill in 2000 and 2005, both times with unanimous, bipartisan Senate support. But unfortunately in this divisive election year, instead of quietly reauthorizing the bill as in years past, Democrats are attempting to ram through unreasonable expansions to the legislation that, among other things, will add to the deficit, which is already dangerously out of control. And, because Republicans do not support this expansion, Democrats are deceitfully spreading the falsehood that Republicans do not support reauthorization of the bill. "We are not going to sit back and let Democrats spread an out-and-out lie that Republicans do not support the Violence Against Women Act," NFRW President Rae Lynne Chornenky says. "Republicans absolutely support reauthorization, and are, in good faith, Please see NFRW on page 4

Page 2 The Dictionary Project and Constitution Day

Its time for our annual fundraising effort!
For the last several years, the NW Austin Republican Women have donated dictionaries to local third graders as a part of the Dictionary Project. In order to make this project a success, and take into account the growing class sizes at our local schools, we have a goal this year of $500. The first way you can help out is by having lunch or dinner at the California Pizza Kitchen on any or all of our summer social days. We will send out flyers for you to use when you go. The dates are June 14, July 12, and August 9. Watch your inbox for details over the summer. Another way you can help is to donate $5 to purchase a dictionary as a tribute or memorial to someone in your life. We will put a

NWARW April/May Newsletter

bookplate in a dictionary on your behalf with the information you provide. Again, we will have more information on this at our May 7 meeting (another reason you do not want to miss it!) and in your inbox this summer. For Constitution Day, we will be donating copies of the U.S. Constitution to a local school. This years No-Bake Bake Sale will help us cover those costs. We do need a chairman to take over this project if youre interested, please let Cassie Daniel, our Fundraising Chairman, know at [email protected]. Thank you for helping us promote literacy and liberty in Northwest Austin!

Volunteer at the State Convention in Fort Worth

The Republican Party of Texas needs YOU!

Republican adult-age volunteers (at least 18 years of age by June 1, 2012) are needed in various capacities to help make the 2012 Convention in Fort Worth, June 7 -9, a success! Volunteers must like helping people with a smile regardless of the circumstances. There are 3 different volunteer positions for adults, and youths ages 15-18 can volunteer to serve as Convention Pages. Adult Volunteers may be delegates, alternates or guests. All adult volunteer positions require a minimum 4 hour scheduled shift commitment and are: Ambassadors: A new volunteer position to the 2012 Convention will help provide general information about the convention when attendees are seeking directions or asking general questions. Ambassadors will staff way-finding tables inside convention hotels

and at informational kiosks inside the convention center. Registration: Volunteers distribute registration packets and pleasantly assist convention attendees in obtaining their badges. Volunteers should have computer word processing knowledge and be able to calmly interact with people who are waiting in line. Sergeant-at-Arms: This position requires the ability to interact professionally with convention attendees in multiple scenarios such as checking credentials of persons entering certain areas of the convention center and staffing the floor microphones when debate occurs on the convention floor.

Interested? Download a volunteer application at the convention website here: http://convention.texasgop.org/get-involved

NWARW April/May Newsletter All About the Texas Federation of Republican Women Patron Program
Why you should join this important fundraising program!
In 1984, TFRW President Barbara Campbell, said, We have got to have a fundraiser. We just cant make it on potholders and notepaper. So, Estelle Teague, a long-time Republican activist and TFRW Board member, started the TFRW Patron Program, patterned after the NFRW Regent Program, for an annual contribution of $250. Patrons received specially designed pins with the year on them. Estelle knew that this special program required special perks for the ladies. The first year, she got the governor to make them all Honorary Yellow Roses. The next year, she got George Bush to make them admirals in the Texas Navy. Over the years, Patrons have enjoyed many special opportunities for their support of the Patron Program. Today, as in 1984, you can still become a Patron by donating $250 annually to TFRW. And, although inflation has affected almost every other product or service we enjoy, the perks of the Patron Program

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have only gotten bigger and better and for the same amount we paid 30 years ago. There are three (3) categories of TFRW Patron Membership: 1) Patron - are members of the most powerful women's organization in our great State of Texas, The Texas Federation of Republican Women, who wish to take their TFRW membership to the next level by making a commitment of $250 annually to the Texas Federation of Republican Women. They include members of the U. S. Congress, the Texas Legislature, Judges, top executives and community leaders. 2) Patron Associate For men only. This year, in order to accommodate Patron spouses and other special men who support our TFRW activities, we have established a Patron Associate category for men. Patron Associates enjoy most of the Patron perks, Please see Patron on page 4

Republican Primary Early Voting Begins May 14, Election Day is May 29
It has been a long time coming, but the Texas Primary will finally take place on Tuesday, May 29. Early voting begins on May 14. In addition to the presidential election, there are several important races down the ballot. Locally, there are contested Republican primaries in both Travis and Williamson Counties. Sample ballots will be available at our May meeting for both counties. There are also three propositions on the REPEALING OBAMACARE: the Act Care Congress Patient the should as of immediately repeal and Affordable Obamacare) Republican ballot statewide. These propositions Protection SCHOOL CHOICE: The state should fund education by allowing dollars to follow the child instead of the bureaucracy, through a program which allows parents the freedom to choose their childs school, public or private, while also saving significant taxpayer dollars.

(otherwise known rationing

and reject

help us tell our elected officials about specific issues that we would like them to pay attention to during session. The State Republican Executive Committee chooses which propositions will be on the ballot in the December preceding a primary. This years propositions are:

healthcare by government or the intrusion by the government into the doctor-patient relationship. REDISTRICTING: The Texas Legislature should redraw the court-imposed lines for Congress and State legislative districts in its upcoming session in order to remedy inequities.

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NFRW from page 1
working toward this end. "The truth is, Democrats are using this legislation to create a wedge issue in this highly-charged election year. Democrat lawmakers seem less concerned with protecting our nation's women than with scoring political points that will help keep them in power come November. It is revolting that women -especially those who are victims of domestic violence -- are being exploited for political gain, and it must stop." Domestic violence is a serious problem in our nation. Several of the NFRW's 75,000 members bare the figurative and literal scars of domestic violence, including Republican Congresswoman Sandy Adams,

NWARW April/May Newsletter

who has taken a lead role in ensuring that the bill is successfully reauthorized before it expires in September. The NFRW has asked its members to contact the White House and Democrat elected officials to urge them to stop the outrageous, irresponsible rhetoric and political scheming, and to instead focus on developing a workable solution to reauthorization.
Founded in 1938, the NFRW has thousands of active members in local clubs across the nation and in several U.S. territories, making it one of the largest womens political organizations in the country. The grassroots organization works to promote the principles and objectives of the Republican Party, elect Republican candidates, inform the public through political education and activity, and increase the effectiveness of women in the cause of good government.

Patron from page 3

and for only $100 per year. 3) Patron Club - The Patron Club Membership is held in the name of the Club for use by the President during her term of office. If the President is unable to complete her term of office, the club can assign the benefits of the Club membership to the person who assumes that position. If the President is unable to attend a Patron event and would like for another club member to attend in her place, another member can be designated for that event. Patron Club Memberships are $250 per year. We would like to encourage all Republican Womens clubs to put the Patron fee in their yearly budget so that each year their President may enjoy the perks of the Patron program. This is a way to honor, reward or say thank you for all her hard work, as well as keeping her better informed. All TFRW Patron categories have the privilege of receiving the bi-monthly President's Newsletter and invitations to all TFRW Board Meetings and events. They are invited to exclusive receptions at TFRW meetings featuring special guest speakers and photo opportunities with elected officials and they receive a specially-designed membership pin, and reserved priority seating at all TFRW functions. Its not too late to become part of the 2012 Patron Program and enjoy the perks of Patron membership for the rest of the year. Today, the Patron Program is critical in supporting TFRW and the work it does for our candidates and the Republican Party. In 2010, TFRW members logged more than 800,000 volunteer hours and were instrumental in electing 101 Republican members to the Texas House, maintaining a Republican majority in the Texas Senate and defeating several long time Democrat Congressmen. HOWEVER, OUR WORK IS NOT DONE! As we look forward to the all-important 2012 elections, lets remember how critical it is that we continue to support TFRW and the work it does for our candidates and the Republican Party. Join us in supporting TFRW through our Patron Program. Patron Membership Forms can be found on the TFRW website at www.tfrw.org . Just fill out the appropriate Patron Membership Application Form and send it in today, along with your check in the total amount of the annual membership or select one of the other payment options. You dont want to miss any of the exciting events we have planned. Together, we can make a difference in 2012. Merri Easterly, TFRW Patron Co-Chair 817-276-9488 (Home) 713-542-2921 (Cell) [email protected] Judy Smith, TFRW Patron Co-Chair 936-449-4884 (Home) 713-899-2112 (Cell) [email protected]

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Messages from the Executive Committee

The Mamie Eisenhower Literacy Project
Our clubs traditional focus is on education and literacy. In an effort to expand our outreach, we are participating in the Mamie Eisenhower Library Project. Each month, we will donate a book on conservative issues or personalities to a local library, on behalf of our guest speaker. MELP is the National Federation of Republican Womens oldest literacy program, celebrating more than 45 years of book donations from an approved list to schools and libraries. This summer, there are a lot of ways you can stay tied to the NW Austin Republican Women. We dont have formal meetings from June through August, but we do have other ways you can be active! Summer Socials This summer, look out for emails that contain copies of a fundraising flyer for the California Pizza Kitchen. Print off a copy, and then head over the California Pizza Kitchen in the Domain on June 14, July 12, and August 9. We suggest you call a few of the ladies in our club, or some friends youve thought about inviting to a meeting, or bring your family. We will also have an RSVP set up if youd like to join with a bigger group from the club. Get lunch or dinner and turn in your flyer with your check, and voila! Youll be fundraising for the Dictionary Project, socializing with your network, and promoting the NW Austin Republican Women! And all you have to do is go have a nice meal! More details will come as those dates approach. Campaign Activities Your hours for the next quarter are due to Rosemary ([email protected]) by July 1. The form is available for download on our website and youll get a copy via email as well. Over the summer, look for messages about campaign volunteering there is plenty to do to rev up for November so we can Send Obama Home!

Goodbye and Thank You, Billie Jean Zinter!

Billie Jean and her husband Ed are moving to New Mexico this summer, and its with a lot of gratitude that we reluctantly let them go! Billie Jean has been absolutely invaluable over the years, in a variety of roles for the club, including president (more than once!). Shes also been a regular volunteer for the Travis County Republican Party and the Texas Federation of Republican Women headquarters. We wish Billie Jean and Ed all the best in their new adventures!

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NWARW April/May Newsletter

A Message from the President

RSVP by May 3 http://www.nwarw.org or email Susan at [email protected] NW Austin Republican Women May 2012 Meeting Guest Speakers: Ryan Downton and Rep. Paul Workman Lunch is $16 Black Jack Chicken Social at 11:!5am, Meeting at 11:45am Dave & Busters, 9333 Research (183/MoPac) This has been such a successful spring for our club, and I have to tell you, seeing so many new faces at each meeting has really given me a lot of energy and excitement about the upcoming election! Today when I filled up my fuel-efficient car at the local gas station, I paid more for the privilege than I recall my parents paying to fill up a full-size van fifteen years ago. Even accounting for inflation, I think weve really hit a ridiculous point. What is really amazing to me is the abject refusal by the current administration in Washington to actually take steps to alleviate this problem. This is just one of the many issues I have with the current administration, and its the one I know most Americans are dealing with day after day. I wonder how many of our neighbors are curtailing their summer travel plans because of gas prices. I wonder how many of them are as fed up as you and I are.

2012 Officers
President Michele Samuelson Vice President Cassie Daniel 1st VP Membership Jen Stratton 2nd VP Programs Joyce Melugin Treasurer Susan Friedrich Recording Secretary Rhonda Murphy Corresponding Secretary Cherri Spradling Chaplain Chris Sale

We dont often take politics with us wherever we go, but I challenge you to think of it this way every home on your street has at least one car in the driveway. Those are voters inside those homes, who are paying the same prices you are, no matter who they voted for in 2008. have? What does it mean to get out the vote? It means Isnt it time that your neighbors found a way to fight back, the way you

Committee Chairmen
Awards Ellen Harrison Campaign Activities Dr. Rosemary Edwards Caring for America Evelyn Farmer Fundraising Cassie Daniel Historian Carolyn Isbell Hospitality Elaine Lehmann Legislative Murlene Johnston Telephone Carol Gontko If you would like to help on a committee, please email Michele [email protected]

telling people what you think, and giving them an option in November. That starts right now. As Gwen Pharo always said: country! Okay, girls, lets go save the

Michele Samuelson 2011-2012 NWARW President