Photo by Shawn ArrajjRoughly 350 people gathered at the Tomball candidate meet and greet July 14 where Senate candidates David Dewhurst and Ted Cruz both spoke.
The front lawn of the Tomball Community Center was lined with campaign signs on July 14 as people came from all over the Houston area for a Republican candidate meet and greet leading into runoff elections.
Candidates in attendance included David Dewhurst and Ted Cruz, who are both running for the U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Kay Bailey Hutchison. Carl Pittman and Louis Guthrie—candidates for Harris County sheriff—also made appearances, as well as Christi Craddick for Texas railroad commissioner, Barry Smitherman for railroad commissioner (unexpired term), John Devine for Texas Supreme Court seat 4, Michael Landrum and Chris Gillett for 129th district judge, and Don Self and Janet Townsley for 152nd district judge. The event was organized by the Greater Tomball Pachyderm Club and the Tomball Republican Women's Club.
The event featured each candidate making a brief address to the audience. Cruz and Dewhurst were each asked three questions provided by the audience at the end of their speeches. Questions covered sanctuary cities, Secretary of State Hilary Clinton's Small Arms Treaty and how to balance the budget in the 2013 legislative session.
Cruz and Dewhurst made many similar points, both saying they were dedicated to repealing the Affordable Care Act and cutting back on government spending without raising taxes. Both expressed support for religious freedom and pro-life organizations and both pledged to beef up boarder patrol.
