Others in Texas House GOP Caucus Violate Their Own Bylaws

Violations by funding groups that oppose fellow members.

Earlier this month, it was announced that the Texas House GOP Caucus was investigating expelling members who had campaigned against fellow members in the Caucus.

“Last week, a report was made to the Caucus Executive Committee that certain members had violated Sections 7.09 and/or 7.10 (Financial Support During Elections and Campaigning) of our Caucus bylaws. Pursuant to the process laid out in the bylaws, the Executive Committee is obligated to conduct an investigation into the accusations and a report to the Caucus membership of our findings is currently being drafted. Upon the completion of our investigation and the determination of a proposed action, the full Caucus membership will vote on whether the proposed action is executed. As the Executive Committee, we will fulfill our duties to complete this process but no decisions have been reached at this time."
-Rep. Tom Oliverson GOP Caucus Chair

The rule that was cited for justifying the expulsion was section 7.10 of the GOP Caucus bylaws.

Members facing expulsion were aware they were violating Caucus bylaws but campaigned against fellow members anyway.

Although those supporting expulsion seemed to forget about bylaw 7.09.

Based on this bylaw, it would seem numerous reps would indirectly be in violation by funding groups and others who ran campaigns against their fellow caucus members.

Groups like Associated Republicans of Texas (ART) were given money by current caucus members including Dade Phelan ($150,000) and former members like Dennis Bonnen and Joe Straus.

ART recently gave over $300,000 to Rep. Steve Toth’s opponent, Skeeter Hubert.

Campaign Finance for Skeeter Hubert via Ballotpedia.com

It seems that some caucus members indirectly violate Caucus bylaws by funding organizations, PACs, and even consultants, that campaign against other members of the caucus.

Last night, an email was sent to Texas House Republican Caucus members stating that their investigation was complete and that those who were investigated would simply be getting letters of censure.