The March 7 Primary Election is only weeks away, and the Political Affairs Advisory Group, through its candidate interview and recommendation process, has informed many Houston area State Legislators and candidates about TAR's positions on issues such as private property rights, real estate transfer fees, and property tax appraisal caps. Below is a summary of the PAAG's recent activities under John Nichols' leadership.

On January 4, volunteers serving on HAR's Fort Bend Political Affairs Advisory Leadership conducted interviews to determine HAR and TREPAC support for House District 26 currently held by Rep. Charlie Howard (R), House District 27 currently held by Rep. Dora Olivo (D), House District 28 currently held by Rep. Glenn Hegar (R), and Senate District 18 currently held by retiring Senator Ken Armbrister (D) of Victoria. Rep. Hegar is now running for Senate District 18 and interviews were conducted for this open seat as well. We were pleased to have Victoria Board of Directors Chair Larry Clark participate in the interviews. The PAAG's recommendation to the Board of Directors was to continue to support incumbent State Legislators Charlie Howard and Dora Olivo for reelection and to support Rep. Hegar for the State Senate. The PAAG recommends that the Board of Directors not recommend a candidate in the House District 28 race in the March 7, 2006, Primary Election. The PAAG will revisit this race after the March 7 election and then present their candidate recommendation between the top two vote-getters in the April 11 runoff election.

On January 5 at HAR's main location, the PAAG interviewed the following incumbent State Legislators: Senator Rodney Ellis (D-District 13), Reps. Gary Elkins (R-District 135), Joe Crabb (R-District 127), and Debbie Riddle (R-District 150). In addition, the following candidates were interviewed: Diane Trautman (D-District 127), Michael Kubosh (D-District 7), and Joe Stunja (R-District 127) was interviewed by telephone. Dot Nelson-Turnier, candidate for House District 150, cancelled her interview. The PAAG's recommendation to the Board of Directors was to continue to support incumbent State Legislators Rodney Ellis, Gary Elkins, Joe Crabb, and Debbie Riddle. The PAAG also recommended to continue to remain neutral in the Senate District 7 election to replace Senator Jon Lindsay who is retiring. Republican candidates in that race are former Houston City Councilman Mark Ellis, State Representatives Peggy Hamric and Joe Nixon, and Dan Patrick. The eventual winner of the Republican Primary will face Democrat Michael Kubosh in the November General Election.

NAR Update February 2
The 2006 Governmental Affairs Advisory Group chaired by Minnette Boesel will convene for a working lunch and legislative update from NAR's Political Representative Ken Wingert on February 2.

Houston City Council Welcome Breakfast February 16 at the Jr. League Building
Following the success of last year's HAR/Houston Intown Chamber of Commerce Houston City Council candidate forum, we have been asked again to partner with the Houston Intown Chamber and co-host a Houston City Council Welcome Breakfast on Thursday, February 16, from 7:30-9:00 a.m. at the Junior League Building. Mayor Bill White, all Council Members, and Controller Annise Parker have been invited to attend. Admission is $20 for members and $25 for non-members. Please mark this date on your calendars as it is important for these elected officials to better know HAR members and our mission statement. Another joint meeting will be held on January 17 at 8:00 a. m. to hammer out the details and your input is welcome!

New Governmental Affairs Mapping Tool
HAR's Web Department has worked for several months to develop a tool for HAR members to more easily find their elected representatives at all levels of government. They have also developed a map of HAR offices by Houston City Council Districts. You will be given a demonstration of these new and exciting political communication tools at the January 16 Board of Directors meeting.