2008

Bill spent most of 2008 engaged in his campaign for Texas State Representative for District 93. During the campaign, Bill had 451 volunteers, the most of any campaign for Texas State Representative in Texas. This was a pure grassroots campaign. Despite the dedication of our volunteers we were unable to prevail due to the Obama campaign.

Most people go home and fade away after a campaign loss. Bill understood immediately what had taken place and recognized the danger that would be facing America and Texas. He immediately went to work to do something about it. He and Suzanne Bellsnyder of Austin came up with the idea that became the Grass Roots Institute of Texas (GRIT).

GRASS ROOTS INSTITUTE OF TEXAS (GRIT)
STRUCTURE AS OF 3/16/2009

MISSION: To develop a coalition of Republican groups whose purpose is to develop leadership that will rebuild the Party infrastructure so as to get our message out to the voters and volunteers, and get the resources to help expand the number of Republican State House and Senate members.

DEFINITION OF GRIT: Firmness of mind or spirit; unyielding courage in the face of hardship or danger.

PURPOSE: Keep Texas Strong

SLOGAN: The Republican Party is the Party of Family, Faith, Freedom, and Opportunity for all.

GOVERNING BOARD

Chairman-Bill Burch; Former Public Director of State Bar of Texas; former candidate for State Representative; 2007 RPT SD9 Volunteer of the year.
Vice-Chairman-Jim Cardle; Publisher of Texas Insider.Org and is president of the Texas Citizens Action Network and many other organizations.
Treasurer-Myron Goins, CPA-Member Federalist Society, Denton County Activist
General Council- Judge Paul Enlow
Member- Bobby Eberle- Publisher of GOPUSA.Com, Former President of Texas Young Republicans
Member Suzanne Bellsnyder- Fundraiser and Former President of the Texas College Republicans Federation.
Member-Commissioner Jane Burch- State Republican Executive Committeewoman for SD9; Texas State Fire Commissioner
Member-Borah Van Dormolen-Former President of the Texas Federation of Republican Women.
Member-Royal Masset-Former Executive Director of the Republican Party of Texas; inventor of the ORVUS.
Member-Craig Ownby-Campaign Manager; Forty-Year Activist
Member –Jean McIver-SREC; State Coordinator for Ron Paul
Member-Tom Washington-Vice-Chair for Denton County Republican Party
Member –Sandra Cararas-SREC; State Coordinator for Ron Paul
Member –Jim Lyde- Former Executive Director of Texas Municipal Police Association

FUNCTION OF GOVERNING BOARD

The Governing Board of GRIT sets policy, establishes committees, formalizes direction and mission of GRIT, and facilitates the success of GRIT plans and mission. GRIT Board members serve as advisors to the various GRIT Committees.

VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATIONS COMMITTEE

CURRENT MEMBERS

Toni Anne Dashiell (Texas Federation of Republican Women President),
Reggie Gonzales (Republican National Hispanic Assembly President),
Gregory James (Pachyderms President),
Lance Kennedy (Texas College Republicans President),
Mike McNamara (Republican Assembly President)
David White (Young Conservatives of Texas, President)
Dorian Jaurequi (Texas Young Republicans Federation, President)

Function Of Volunteer Organizations Committee

The Volunteer Organizations Committee creates the broad message GRIT will present regarding what Republicans are all about. They will act as a sounding board for the Office Holders Committee regarding Legislation, Issues, Executive Orders, Policies, and Rulings. They will facilitate the cooperation between the groups in an effort to energize their membership. They will also work with the Finance Committee regarding functions, advice, and issues. Provide volunteers to testify for or against legislation in committee. Inform their membership of recent accomplishments of Texas Office Holders.

OFFICE HOLDERS COMMITTEE

CURRENT MEMBERS

Governor Rick Perry-Governor of Texas (Representative being selected)
Commissioner Jerry Patterson-Texas Land Commissioner
Representative Wayne Christian-State Representative-President of Texas Conservative Caucus
Commissioner Elizabeth Ames Jones-Texas Railroad Commission
Comptroller Susan Combs-Texas State Comptroller
Commissioner Michael Williams-Texas Railroad Commission
Representative Larry Taylor-State Representative-Chairman of the Republican Caucus of the Texas House of Representatives
Senator Bob Deuell-State Senator-Chairman of the Republican Caucus of the Texas State Senate
Commissioner Todd Staples-Texas Agriculture Commissioner

Function of Office Holders Committee

To discuss political, legislature, executive orders, and other issues that the Office Holder wants to bring up with members of the committee, and with the other GRIT committees. The legislators on the committee will regularly provide the Volunteers Committee with a list of legislation they need support on. The idea is to provide a regular line of communication between the Office Holders and the Volunteers, and the Financial contributors.