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Ninety-three percent of the statewide candidates TEXPAC endorsed in the Nov. 4 election won their races, proving once again that physicians and alliance members make a difference when they get involved.
As part of a bundle of state and federal wins on Election Day, TEXPAC worked hard to turn out the physician and alliance vote for Fort Worth pediatrician Mark Shelton, MD. Dr. Shelton defeated an incumbent Democratic trial lawyer to win Texas House of Representatives District 97. That makes him and Rep. John Zerwas, MD (R-Richmond), the only two physicians – and TMA members – in the House.
The only TMA member in Congress, U.S. Rep. Michael Burgess, MD (R-Texas), was reelected and announced he is running to become chair of the House Republican Policy Committee, which would place him as the number four most powerful member in the House Republican caucus. All four of TEXPAC's endorsed statewide candidates [PDF] (U.S. Sen. John Cornyn and three Texas Supreme Court justices) won, as did all but one of the congressional candidates we backed and most of the candidates TEXPAC supported for the Texas House and Senate.
In addition to the candidate educational effort undertaken throughout this election, TEXPAC already has begun bridging toward newly elected lawmakers through personal outreach efforts. This includes candidates it supported as well as those supported by the local physician community. TEXPAC recognizes and appreciates the importance of all TMA physicians committing to be politically active and support their candidate of choice. In the end, the foundation built and resources brought to bear by local physicians working together with TEXPAC ensure that medicine is well positioned for continued success in Congress and the Texas Legislature.
The Texas Medical Association Political Action Committee (TEXPAC) is a bipartisan political action committee of TMA and affiliated with the American Medical Association Political Action Committee (AMPAC) for congressional contribution purposes only. Its goal is to support and elect pro-medicine candidates on both the federal and state level. Voluntary contributions by individuals to TEXPAC should be written on personal checks. Funds attributed to individuals or professional association (PAs) that would exceed legal contribution limits will be placed in the TEXPAC administrative account to support political education activities. Contributions are not limited to the suggested amounts. TEXPAC will not favor or disadvantage anyone based on the amounts or failure to make contributions. Contributions are subject to the prohibitions and limitations of the Federal Election Campaign Act.
Contributions or gifts to TEXPAC or any CMS PAC are not deductible as charitable contributions or business expenses for Federal income tax purposes. Only contributions to the TMA Foundation, any CMS foundation and The Physicians Benevolent Fund are deductible as charitable contributions for Federal income tax purposes.
Federal law requires us to use our best efforts to collect and report the name, mailing address, occupation, and name of employer of individuals whose contributions exceed $200 in a calendar year. Contributions from a practice business account must disclose the name of the practice and the allocation of contributions for each contributing owner. Should you have any questions, please call TEXPAC at (800) 880-1300, ext. 1361, or (512) 370-1361.
Action, Nov. 17, 2008
Last Published: 11/17/2008 Print this page
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