Welcome to 

The Republican Party of Nueces County 

4458 South Staples Street       Corpus Christi, Texas 78411         361-994-9317

We believe in:  Limited Government, Strong Families,
Opportunity for All, Personal Responsibility,
Rugged Individualism, Uncommon Leadership, Freedom

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 CONGRESSMAN THREATENS TO PULL $3 MILLION

FROM NS INGLESIDE IF REPUBLICAN JUDGE APPOINTED

Bertuzzi: Ortiz action is nothing short of attempted blackmail

Democratic Congressman Solomon Ortiz Sr. is threatening to take back $3 million earmarked to help Ingleside recover from the loss of its naval base if Nueces County Judge Loyd Neal, a Republican, is allowed to help oversee base redevelopment.

Ortiz is a political opponent of Neal and is said to be angry because Neal would replace County Commissioner Oscar Ortiz, Congressman Ortiz’s brother, as a county representative on base redevelopment. 

“If they think they love Loyd Neal more than they love the $3 million, I can’t change their minds,” Ortiz said of the Ingleside City Council who will decide on July 14^th whether to give in to the Congressman’s demands. “If they love Loyd Neal more than the $3 million, go with Loyd Neal.” 

The threat has come under intense criticism from numerous sources including Nueces County Republican Chair Mike Bertuzzi and the Caller-Times newspaper. 

“This is nothing short of attempted blackmail,” said Bertuzzi. “If Ortiz were an average citizen there is no doubt in my mind he would be charged with extortion or trying to bribe public officials. Ortiz has continued to use his personal power to enrich his political cronies but this is one of the most flagrant abuses of power yet by a sitting Congressman from South Texas.” 

 “We have seen too much cronyism, too much patronage, too much meddling and string-pulling in local politics from the congressman’s office,” the Caller-Times wrote in a June 25^th editorial in calling Ortiz’s threat a “poisonous political fight.” 

 “Wielding power in Washington in behalf of constituents in his district is one thing; using it in self-serving ways to meddle in local politics to boost family, friends and hangers-on is quite another. The congressman’s threats in behalf of this kind of cronyism go too far.”  

Nueces County Commissioners voted 3-1 to confirm Neal and Republican County Commissioner Chuck Cazalas to represent Nueces County on the redevelopment authority.  

You can express your opinion on this issue by calling, emailing or faxing Congressman Ortiz. For his Washington office call (202) 225-7742 or fax (202)226-1134. His Coastal Bend office number is (361) 883-5868 or his local fax number is (361) 884-9201. You can email the Congressman by clicking here http://www.house.gov/formortiz/issue.htm

DISTRICT ATTORNEY WANTS BANALES REMOVED FROM CELIS CASE

This Is Not The Way Justice Is Supposed To Work -- District Attorney Carlos Valdez on Judge Banales 

District Attorney Carlos Valdez has filed a motion asking Democratic Judge Manuel Banales to remove himself from the Mauricio Celis case.  In case you have a short memory span, Celis is the Democratic contributor who chased a naked woman through the streets of Corpus Christi after a now famous hot tub incident that helped shed light on some pretty interesting shenanigans. 

Celis was later accused of impersonating a peace officer, impersonating an attorney. money laundering and theft. Banales has agreed to have three remaining cases against Celis heard by a Jim Wells County district judge but he wants to keep himself on Celis’ current case where Celis has been convicted of falsely holding himself out to be a lawyer.

The problem is that Bañales and his wife, former county commissioner Peggy Banales, have both received numerous political contributions from firms that split attorneys fees with Celis or which represented Celis in civil matters. Even Celis’ defense attorney was recently listed as a host for a Banales fundraiser.

In addition, the motion by Valdez stop a hearing in Banales’ court that asks for a new trial for Celis and could allow him to travel to Mexico for business.

“This is not the way the justice system is supposed to work,” Valdez told the Caller-Times. Valdez also mentioned in his motion that Bañales has previously sought a federal district judge seat and that Celis’ attorney sits on a committee to screen candidates for a new vacancy that will occur this fall.

CAMPAIGN SEASON APPROACHING!

DONATE NOW TO HELP REPUBLICANS GET OUT THEIR MESSAGE

Campaign season is fast approaching. WE NEED YOUR HELP. Nueces County has made significant strides in bringing strong conservative leadership to our city, county and the Coastal Bend. We have to continue to get out our message of limited government, individual freedom and personal accountability. Next week we will have a new contribution page up on our website at www.nuecesrepublicans.com which will make it easier for you to donate online. Meanwhile, please send your contributions to us at Nueces County Republican Party, 4458 S Staples St, Corpus Christi, Texas 78411.

Political Ad Paid for by the Republican Party of Nueces County PAC

We are well Represented!  Thank you, Todd!

TODD HUNTER NAMED 17^th MOST POWERFUL LEGISLATOR IN TEXAS HOUSE

  AUSTIN -- State Rep. Todd Hunter has been named the 17^th most powerful lawmaker in the 150-member Texas House of Representatives by Capitol Inside Newsletter, one of the state’s premiere political publications.

Hunter, who chairs the Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence Committee, represents District 32 which includes Aransas, Calhoun, San Patricio and part of Nueces County . 

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