Young Conservatives of Texas
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Young Conservatives of Texas (YCT), is a non-partisan conservative youth organization based in Texas. YCT was founded in 1980 with two chapters, one at the University of Texas, and one at Baylor University. Since that time, YCT has established chapters at eight other universities across the state of Texas. YCT advocates conservative political goals for the state of Texas and the whole of the United States of America. YCT and it's members participate in the entire spectrum of Texas politics, attempting to shape the policies of the state of Texas through a number of means including educating students and the public, advocating conservative fiscal and social policies, campus activism, campaigning for political candidates and rating the Texas legislature.
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[edit] History
Young Conservatives of Texas was formed by a faction that split off of Young Americans for Freedom (YAF) in 1980.
The Texas chapter of YAF, led by student activist Stephen Munisteri, broke off after a dispute with the national organization. The Young Conservatives of Texas was founded on March 2, 1980, (Texas Independence Day) in Austin, Texas. There was a convention held that day wherein Congressman Bill Archer, Congressman Phil Gramm, Ernie Angelo (former Mayor of Midland and former National Committeeman) and many others spoke at a gathering to launch the group. A total of 177 persons attended part or all of the convention. At the conclusion of the convention, it was decided that the Young Conservatives of Texas would be founded.
[edit] Important Dates
A few selected events from the YCT historical timeline:
- March 2, 1980: Young Conservatives of Texas founded.
- 1981: YCT founder Steve Munisteri creates the Texas Conservative Victory Fund to support conservative candidates statewide.
- 1984: YCT hosts a “whistle stop tour” for President Ronald Reagan.
- 1986: UT Chapter Chairman Patrick O'Daniel and Executive Director Horace Cooper take over the UT College Republicans. Cooper is elected CR President and proceeds to not hold a chapter meeting all year long, thus allowing O'Daniel to recruit all the Republicans into YCT.
- 1991: On January 16, the Gulf War begins. On January 17, YCT holds a victory rally on the UT campus, a joint effort between A&M and UT, drawing over 1000 people.
- 1994: Former YCT State Chairman Steve Stockman elected to US Congress as part of Newt Gingrich's Contract with America. George W. Bush elected as Texas Governor behind strong YCT support.
- 1994: YCT delegates to the Republican Party of Texas convention help elect conservative Tom Pauken as Republican Party State Chairman. Pauken won by fewer than 10 votes; YCT had over 25 delegates to the convention.
- 2000: YCT celebrates 20th anniversary.
- 2001: The event that never happened. Janet Reno was scheduled to speak at Baylor University on September 13, 2001. David Rushing and Steve Watson coordinated with the Branch Davidians to protest Janet Reno. The event was cancelled due to the September 11 attacks in New York City and Washington, DC.
- 2002: Republicans win control of the Texas House of Representatives for the first time since 1876. YCT Board of Advisors member Tom Craddick is elected Speaker of the House.
- 2003: UT Chapter Chairman Austin Kinghorn releases the first Professor Watch List detailing criticisms of UT professors who allegedly use their classrooms as a platform for their personal ideologies. State Chairman David Rushing appears on Good Morning America after an Affirmative Action Bake Sale was cancelled by the SMU administrators. The Texas A&M chapter protests US Senator Ted Kennedy on campus.
- 2005: YCT celebrates 25th anniversary. UNT chapter holds a Capture an Illegal Immigrant event on campus that gains statewide attention and begins to spark a debate on illegal immigration.
[edit] List of State Chairmen
Steve Munisteri: 1980 | Gary Nelson: 1981 | Greg Robertson: 1982 | Frank Reilly: 1982 - 1986 | Richard Munisteri: 1987 | Steve Stockman 1987-1988 | Paul Bartley: 1988 - 1989 | Sharin Shaefer: 1990 - 1991 | Scott Gaille: 1991 - 1992 | Andy Panos: 1992 - 1993 | Shawn Roberts: 1993 | David Guenthner: 1994 | Robert Johnson: 1994 - 1996 | Robert Means: Spring 1996- 1997 | Fred Tate: 1997- January 1999 | Liz Farrell: Spring 1999 | Brent Tantillo: June 1999 - December 2000 | Chris Allen: January 2001 - March 2003 | David Rushing: April 2003 - February 2005 | Randy Samuelson: March 2005 - July 2006 | David White: August 2006 - Present
[edit] Organization
[edit] Ideology
Young Conservatives of Texas members are driven by conservative principles and are dedicated to promoting them throughout the state. A true federation, the chapter organizations maintain great autonomy and fight liberal advancement on their own campuses by whatever means they deem appropriate. On the state level, YCT members engage in four aspects of grassroots politics: endorsements, campaigns, lobbying and ratings. Through these phases, YCT members effectively participate in the full cycle of Texas government by:
holding interviews of all candidates in a primary and issuing an endorsement of the most conservative candidate. campaigning vigorously for those candidates the organization endorses. maintaining an active lobby in the Texas Legislature to actually enact the conservative agenda set by the organization. Following every legislative session since 1975, YCT has issued a comprehensive rating of every state legislator's voting record over its legislative agenda. These ratings are used by media organizations and candidates to show who the true conservatives are in Texas government.
[edit] Activities
YCT and its members participate in the entire spectrum of Texas politics, attempting to shape the policies of the state of Texas through a number of means including educating students and the public, advocating conservative fiscal and social policies, campus activism, campaigning for political candidates, testifying before the legislature and rating the Texas legislature.
[edit] Protests & Demonstrations
Some of YCT's most well-known activities have been their often controversial protests and demonstrations. These activities have included such events as the ACLU Nativity Scene, Affirmative Action Bakesales, Catch an Illegal Immigrant and protesting Ted Kennedy's reception of the George Bush Award for Excellence in Public Service.
[edit] Endorsements & Campaigns
Each election cycle, members of YCT meet with candidates for office in the state of Texas to conduct interviews to determine that candidate's adherence to conservative ideology. Based on these interviews, YCT offers it's official endorsement of the candidate in each race who it believes to be the most conservative. Members then campaign for the endorsed candidates in their respective races. Because of this dedication to campaign work, YCT's endorsement is generally highly sought after by conservative candidates.
[edit] Conservative Workshops
[edit] Rating the Texas Legislature
YCT has consistently rated the Texas legislature going back to the 1975 Legislative Session. In doing so, Young Conservatives of Texas has now compiled 30 years worth of ratings of the Texas Senate and Texas Legislature which track the ideological shift in Texas political parties over that time.
[edit] Miscellaneous
[edit] YCT Alumni in Politics
YCT alumni can be found working in a number of political capacities.
- Will Hartnett, Texas State Representative
- Jeb Hensarling, Congressman
- Bryan Hughes, Texas State Representative
- Jodie Laubenburg, Texas State Representative
- Steve Stockman, former Congressman
