HOUSTON, Texas–State Senator Dan Patrick delivered an exciting speech Tuesday night as he accepted the nomination of the Republican Party of Texas to be the next Lieutenant Governor of the State of Texas. Sen. Patrick spoke to a packed room of several hundred elected officials, supporters, grassroots and Tea Party activists at about 9:45 p.m. on May 27th at a hotel ballroom on Houston’s west side.
“It’s a new day in Texas,” Patrick said confidently to the crowd of supporters. He stated voters have “given us a mandate,” to carry out even more conservative and Tea Party principles. Patrick reiterated his prior pledges to secure the Texas/Mexico border and reduce private property taxes. He also raised education as a key issue for his campaign. Patrick was appointed by Lt. Governor Dewhurst to be chairman of the Senate Education Committee.
Praising the grassroots effort that led him from being down in the polls 48-14 percent to this final victory, Patrick said, “Salute the tea party of Texas! Tea party folks love America, they love the Constitution, they love [free] markets, they love the 2nd Amendment and they love Texas.”
Patrick continued, “If you love America, welcome to the grass roots of the Republican Party.”
Patrick’s victory over three-term incumbent, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst, was the crowning victory in what became a night of significant tea party victories across Texas. The victory over his opponent, Lt. Governor Dewhurst also signals that this November’s election will facilitate a complete changeover of the statewide elected officials as Dewhurst was the only incumbent seeking re-election.
It is no secret that Sen. Patrick holds his religion up proudly for all to see. In his victory speech Patrick took the opportunity to thank God for his victory. “In the end the victory was his and tonight I give all the glory to God for this victory,” said Patrick.
During his speech, Patrick informed his supporters they have now been joined in the battle to defeat Democrat challenger, State Senator Leticia Van de Putte (D-San Antonio), by his former opponent, Lt. Gov. Dewhurst. He said Dewhurst pledged “to do whatever I could to help him over the next six months and as he starts his journey as lieutenant governor.”
Democrats have been rumored to be not-so-secretly wishing for Dan Patrick to prevail in the runoff election. “Some Democrats have said they wanted me to be the nominee,” Patrick proclaimed, “well, they’ve got me and I’m coming!” He pledged to start taking his campaign to traditional Democrat strongholds.
Patrick impressively increased his margin of victory over Dewhurst to end up the night with a 63-35 percent victory over Dewhurst. After the March 4th Primary election Patrick held a 41-28 percent lead over his opponent.
The Patrick campaign will now head to San Antonio, the home of his opponent, State Senator Leticia Van de Putte and is then expected to move on to El Paso.
Follow Bob Price on Twitter @BobPriceBBTX
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