Joe Chow for U.S. Congress, District 6

Thank You for your support

Joe Chow for U.S. Congress — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 19:26:24 +0000

I would like to thank all the voters that voted for me in Navarro County, Ellis County and Tarrant County. I also want to thank my family, volunteers and friends for their time, money and effort to help me. Even though I came in second, it is time to move forward and look at 2014. I will be visiting with you throughout the next months so you can get to know me better and I can learn more about your issues and concerns.

I am humbled by the overwhelming support, friendships, and most of all your votes. I will be making your priorities my priorities and look forward to visiting with you soon.

Sincerely

Joe Chow

Incumbent Barton Optimistic in CD-6 GOP Primary

Joe Chow for U.S. Congress — Tue, 22 May 2012 17:22:51 +0000

Incumbent Barton Optimistic in CD-6 GOP Primary

by Emily Ramshaw, The Texas Tribune

May 17, 2012

Congressman Joe Barton’s campaign isn’t expecting too much trouble in his re-election bid: At last check, the 28-year incumbent had more than $1.3 million cash on hand, and poll numbers showed him sliding to an easy victory without a runoff in the largely conservative CD-6.

But he’s also got three Republican primary opponents and some rough patches on his resume that some political observers say could open the door for an ouster in the recently redrawn district, which spans Navarro, Ellis and Tarrant counties.

“My real opponent is me, in a sense. I’m a long-term incumbent, there’s a lot of dissatisfaction with the job Congress is or isn’t doing. My record is a central issue in the campaign,” he said. “We never take an election for granted. … The good news is it’s a conservative district, and I have a conservative voting record.”

Barton’s tenure in Washington makes him a heavy hitter; he has chaired the House Committee on Energy and Commerce — where he’s currently the chairman emeritus and senior Republican — and has worked to pass deregulation policies for both the electric and natural gas industries. He also led the bipartisan charge in recent months to protect privacy online, particularly for children.

But his track record has some blemishes, from his effort to block a bipartisan 2006 bill to combat autism — critics alleged it was because he didn’t support research into possible environmental causes — to his notorious apology to BP after the company’s oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. He called a $20 billion fund for spill victims a “shakedown” from the Obama administration and later retracted his apology.

It’s campaign fodder that Barton’s opponents hope they can capitalize on.

Barton’s best-known challenger, Joe Chow, was the mayor of Addison for six years. The Dallas restaurateur, whose campaign slogan is “It’s Chow Time,” is originally from Taiwan, has twin daughters who served in the U.S. Army in Iraq, and says he was the state’s first Asian-American mayor.

But Chow faces an uphill battle. With nearly $29,000 cash on hand and nearly $162,000 in total contributions as of the April filing deadline, his fundraising pales in comparison to Barton’s. He’s banking on making it to a runoff, where he hopes the tides will turn again the incumbent he calls “the most corrupt congressman in the state of Texas.”

“For someone who’s been in Congress for 28 years, you’re not going to take him down all at once,” Chow said. “But how about twice? All I’m aiming at, working so hard at, is to get into a runoff.”

Barton has two other primary opponents: Itamar Gelbman, a private security consultant and search and rescue pilot, started his career in Israel, where he served as an undercover police officer in the Tel Aviv Police Department and a lieutenant in the Israeli Defense Force. As of the last filing deadline, he had $178,000 in cash on hand — but $179,000 in campaign debt. Frank Kuchar is a preacher turned telecommunications businessman turned accountant, who also teaches at the University of Texas at Arlington.

Across the aisle, three Democratic candidates are facing off for a shot at the November general election, despite the district’s conservative makeup.

Brianna Hinojosa-Flores is an intellectual property lawyer and Coppell City Council member. Don Jaquess is a Vietnam veteran, retired iron worker and Arlington businessman. And Kenneth Sanders has worked in manufacturing, accounting and logistics for General Motors, Arthur Andersen and Lockheed Martin.

Hinojosa-Flores said while she knows the district had traditionally been favorable to Republicans, she thinks voters are fed up and embarrassed of Barton, especially after his oil spill apology. “He has offended people on both sides of the fence,” she said. “People are ready for a change, for new leadership.”

While she thinks Barton will win the GOP primary, with new district boundaries, she said, it’s hard to predict the final outcome.

“If anybody has given him a run for his money, it’s Joe Chow,” Hinojosa-Flores said. “I haven’t seen Joe Barton signs in years — and we’re seeing them now.”

Barton said this is the first time “since probably 1998″ that he’s had a “marginally competitive primary.” But he said his polling still puts him at 50 points ahead of his nearest opponent, with a 5-to-1 favorable-to-unfavorable rating.

“The voters are not stupid,” he said. “They understand having somebody who knows his way around, who knows how to get things done… it’s better to have that kind of a person than somebody who, with the best of intentions, is going to be more in a learning mode than anything else for two to four years.”

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This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at http://www.texastribune.org/texas-politics/2012-congressional-election/incumbent-barton-playing-defense-cd-6-gop-primary/.

A Day of Infamy

Joe Chow for U.S. Congress — Mon, 14 May 2012 19:15:46 +0000

A Day of Infamy

The President has made history. On May 9, 2012, Barack Obama endorsed gay marriage.[1] He is the first American president, ever, to take such a position. What a sad day indeed, when our national leader opened the door to infamy!

Should America choose to agree with the President, then God will have to apologize to the ancient citizens of Sodom and Gomorrah![2]

There have been many who have counseled me to dodge this topic. But then, what good would my word be if I waffled at the first hint of
pressure? How would that give you any confidence in sending me to Congress?

Throughout my campaign, I’ve consistently maintained a staunch support for the institution of marriage, which is the legal union between one man and one woman. Now that this view is being challenged by the President, it is the absolutely worst time for me to back away from standing up for what’s right!

Can I even consider the option of silence? No! Since when did being politically correct become the standard by which we should measure the Ten Commandments or the Constitution?

It’s not my charge, nor will it ever be, to appease the crowds.

You want a Congressman who will represent you. When the pressure comes, and it will come hard and heavy, you need peace of mind, knowing that the man you send to Capitol Hill will speak and vote on your behalf. I’ve listened to you…at Town Hall Meetings, on the street, at churches,
in schools, at rallies and community events. You’ve voiced your concerns about the moral decline of our country. You’ve shared your hopes of returning America to the Constitutional and moral standards on which she was founded. Let me reassure you… I’ve heard you. And when you elect me to be your Congressman, I will faithfully represent you and steadfastly fight for all that is right!

Join me in this worthy battle. With your vote, together, we can and must defend marriage!

[1] http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304070304577394332545729926.html

[2]Genesis 19:24-25

TARRANT COUNTY EARLY VOTING

Joe Chow for U.S. Congress — Mon, 07 May 2012 21:52:39 +0000

Inspect What You Expect!

Joe Chow for U.S. Congress — Fri, 04 May 2012 19:28:32 +0000

Inspect What You Expect!
An infuriating story has unfolded on Capitol Hill. Federal employees in the General Services Administration (GSA), though sworn to serve, have been living the life of royalty, instead. Unknowingly, you and I have been footing the bill for their lavish trips and exorbitant conferences.
Caught unaware, the Administration and Congress are reacting with severe crackdowns. Most of Capitol Hill has denounced the excessive spending. The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee have heard from the Acting GSA Administrator Dan Tangherlini and Inspector General Brian Miller as they attempted to explain the squandering of taxpayer’s money by GSA officials. The Justice Department has launched an investigation of Jeff Neely, a regional GSA commissioner.
While all of these steps are necessary and helpful, they don’t return the misappropriated $823,000. To prevent being duped in the future, we must adopt the policy, “Inspect what you expect!”
When I was Mayor of Addison, I kept a close tab on the city’s finances. Not only was I able to consistently reduce tax rates, but I also set aside $11,000,000 in reserve funds.
I will expect of myself, and every other congress person, to faithfully keep our promises of being frugal with your money. And what I expect, I will inspect. As your Congressman, I will keep a watchful eye on taxpayer money. Just as I’ve safely managed millions of dollars for the city of Addison, I will be vigilant in managing and protecting your hard earned tax dollars.

Chow edges Barton in Republican Club straw vote 04/30/2012

Joe Chow for U.S. Congress — Wed, 02 May 2012 18:51:24 +0000

The Arlington Republican Club traditionally holds “straw votes” for an assortment of candidates invited to its monthly forums, generally with an emphasis on local candidates, plus the presidential race. Straw votes are taken as a matter of interest only and do not represent endorsement. Partisan races include GOP candidates only.
Here are the results of the straw vote polls.

STRAW-POLL Results For 2012 MAY 12 & 29 PRIMARIES

Local – State – President

Taken from April 26, meeting

Total attendees for 4/26 meeting was 115 with 103 casting votes. Here are Straw-Poll results for Texas House 92, 93, Texas Senate 9, 10 and U.S. House 6; plus Arlington City Council (city wide only) and then AISD.

As always, not everyone voted in every race, including checking the Member-Visitor area, so, although their votes count, the percentage numbers will not balance. All percentages are calculated by the number of votes in that one race and rounded off.

Results are:

Voting by the numbers: Members: 68.93% Visitors: 31.07%

Declared Candidates for TCGOP Chair are:

3/22 poll 4/26 poll

48.10% 42.86% Jennifer Hall

51.89% 57.14% Bob McGrath

(4/26 visitors voted 41.7% Hall to 58.3% McGarth)

(4/26 members voted 43.3% Hall to 56.7% McGrath)

Of all the people who voted in above race, 71.43% were members.

Declared Candidates for Texas House District #93 are:

11.22% Patricia Carlson

44.90% Matt Krause

43.88% Barbara Nash

(visitors voted 19.23% Carlson to 50.0% Krause to 30.77% Nash)

(members voted 8.82% Carlson to 41.18% Krause to 50% Nash)

Of all the people who voted in above race, 72.34% were members.

Declared Candidates for Texas House District #94 are:

25.0% Trina Lanza

75.0% Diane Patrick

(visitors voted 21.43% Lanza to 78.57% Patrick)

(members voted 26.47% Lanza to 73.53% Patrick)

Of all the people who voted in above race, 70.83% were members.

Declared Candidates for Texas Senate District #9 are:

66.67% Kelly Hancock

33.33% Todd Smith

(visitors voted 60.0% Hancock to 40.0% Smith)

(members voted 68.85% Hancock to 31.15% Smith)

Of all the people who voted in above race, 70.93% were members.

Declared Candidates for Texas Senate District #10 are:

87.23% Dr. Mark Shelton

12.77% Derek Cooper

(visitors voted 76.0% Shelton to 24.0% Cooper)

(members voted 92.31% Shelton to 7.69% Cooper)

Of all the people who voted in above race, 72.22% were members.

Declared Candidates for U.S. House District #6 are:

06.80% Frank Kuchar

17.48% Itamar Gelbman

39.81% Joe Chow

35.92% Joe Barton

(visitors voted zero for Kuchar & Gelbman to 61.54% Chow to 38.46% Barton)

(members voted 8.05% Kuchar to 20.69% Gelbman to 35.63% for Chow & Barton)

Of all the people who voted in above race, 87.0% were members.

Declared Candidates for U.S. House District #33 are:

16.0% Charles King

84.0% Chuck Bradley

(visitors voted 5.0% King to 95.0% Bradley)

(members voted 20.69% King to 79.31% Bradley)

Of all the people who voted in above race, 59.18% were members.

Declared Candidates for U.S. Senator from Texas are:

38.75% David Dewhurst

52.50% Ted Cruz

07.50% Craig James

16.25% Tom Leppert

(visitors voted 40.74% Dewhurst & Cruz to 11.11% James to 7.41% Leppert)

(members voter 29.03% Dewhurst to 48.39% Cruz to 4.84% James to 17.74% Leppert)

Of all the people who voted in above race, 69.66% were members.

Declared Candidates for U.S. President are:

25.00% Newt Gingrich

16.07% Ron Paul

58.93% Mitt Romney

(visitors voted 33.33% Gingrich to 22.22% Paul to 44.44% Romney)

(members voted 24.07% Gingrich to 16.67% Paul to 59.26% Romney)

Of all the people who voted in above race, 66.67% were members

For V.P. Running Mate:

73.53% Marco Rubio

And 8-candidates split the rest of the vote…

(visitors voted 66.64% Rubio)

(members voted 78.26% Rubio)

Of all the people who voted in this race, 67.65% were members.

NOTE: Only the CD-6 race received all 103 votes. But, do not try to figure percentages, because not everyone checked the members-visitor box, but their vote did count in the overall total.

Declared Candidates for Arlington City Council District #6:

63.63% Phillip Benge

36.36% Bob Shepard

(visitors voted 33.33% Benge to 66.66% Shepard)

(members voted 69.57% Benge to 30.43% Shepard)

Of all the people who voted in above race, 83.64% were members

Declared Candidates for Arlington City Council District #7:

40.74% Jerry Pikulinski

59.26% Jimmy Bennett

(visitors voted 11.11% Pikulinski to 88.88% Bennett)

(members voted 46.67% Pikulinski to 53.33 Bennett)

Of all the people who voted in above race, 83.33% were members

Declared Candidates for Arlington City Council District #8:

75.00% Charla Hawkes-Vinyard

22.92% Michael Glaspie

(visitors voted 60% Vinyard to 40% Glaspie)

(members voted 76.74 VInyard to 20.93& Glaspie)

(Clark received 2% of the vote to zero for Chatham & Berg)

Of all the people who voted in above race, 89.58% were members

Declared Candidates for AISD Board of Trustees, Place 1 are:

55.10% Gloria Pena

44.90% Kecia Mays

(visitors voted 50-50 split)

(members voted 55.56% Pena to 44.44% Mays)

Of all the people who voted in above race, 91.84% were members

Declared Candidates for AISD Board of Trustees, Place 3 are:

70.45% Reich

29.55% Davis

(visitors voted 50-50 split)

(members voted 72.5% Reich to 27.5% Davis)

Of all the people who voted in above race, 90.91% were members

We did it! Again

Joe Chow for U.S. Congress — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 19:39:13 +0000

STRAW-POLL Results For 2012 MAY 12 & 29 PRIMARIES
Local – State – President
Taken from April 26, meeting

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Total attendees for 4/26 meeting was 115 with 103 casting votes. Here are your Straw-Poll results for Texas House 92, 93, Texas Senate 9, 10 and U.S. House 6; plus Arlington City Council (city wide only) and then AISD.

As always, not everyone voted in every race, including checking the Member – Visitor area, so, although their votes count, the percentage numbers will not balance. All percentages are calculated by the number of votes in that one race and rounded off.

Here we go:
Voting by the numbers: Members: 68.93% Visitors: 31.07%
Declared Candidates for U.S. House District #6 are:
06.80% Frank Kuchar
17.48% Itamar Gelbman
39.81% Joe Chow
35.92% Joe Barton
(visitors voted zero for Kuchar & Gelbman to 61.54% Chow to 38.46% Barton)
(members voted 8.05% Kuchar to 20.69% Gelbman to 35.63% for Chow & Barton)
Of all the people who voted in above race, 87.0% were members.

http://www.arlingtonrepublicanclub.com/

http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=sxhm8ccab&v=001vAT3y6bgAL76QUXeViI6f39YWWVvrOD8td9rlRxtU0wort9QhaWvEo5I3Gt3uzUXQ9vsk4upUtJ8guNh4QTVTSpA-JeFjeK95CNX4GHxOWxbXPevKpQizchCtwjuEbBtjGnQC9M6NN4%3D

Barnett Shale and EPA Regulation

Joe Chow for U.S. Congress — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 04:03:10 +0000

My family, probably like yours, just celebrated Earth Day. And what’s not to celebrate? With spring in full bloom, the world around us is
teeming with new life.

As we observe all the beauty and blessings we have on earth, we are each reminded the importance of caring for our planet. The EPA is
America’s governmental agency assigned with the responsibility to guide us in the management of our natural resources.

Lately, the issue of emissions has drawn the EPA’s attention to the drilling of the Barnett Shale here in North Texas. According to the
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, the volatile organic compounds (VOC) which are being emitted from our region’s gas operations is roughly equivalent to that of all the emissions from cars, trucks and buses in North Texas.

“On April 17, 2012, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued cost-effective regulations,required by the Clean Air Act, to reduce harmful air pollution from the oil and natural gas industry while allowing continued, responsible growth in U.S. oil and natural gas production.” [i]

While the EPA is steadfast in its purpose to protect and preserve our environment, they are also aware of the potentially dire ramifications to our
economy this new rule presents. That is why they have revised the implementation deadline from 60 days to January 1, 2015.

I appreciate their moderating of the timeline. The EPA has now provided ample time for gas companies to discover and utilize environmentally friendly methods of drilling. By tapping into our own natural resources, America is becoming less dependent on other countries. And the
increased oil and natural gas production continues to bolster our economy.

When I was Mayor, my principles of governing were always designed to benefit the people. Then and now, I understand the value of rules. Their purpose is to preserve and protect, while also guiding and empowering. When I’m your Congressman, I will endeavor to make sure the rules that are generated on Capitol Hill will be drafted with your best interest in mind.

[i] http://www.epa.gov/airquality/oilandgas/

The only endorsement I want is your VOTE!

Joe Chow for U.S. Congress — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 06:18:11 +0000

Promise and Proof

Joe Chow for U.S. Congress — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 19:13:01 +0000

I’ve traveled throughout the district. I’ve heard many voice their concerns. The strongest have been regarding our national economy. This is
something I’m passionate about…bringing America into financial stability through fiscal responsibility.

Political campaigns are often filled with an abundance of promises. What sets my campaign apart? Proof.

For the past 25 years, I’ve owned and operated one of Addison’s top ranked restaurants. And I’ve done it without the added burden of debt. How was I able to accomplish this feat in such a challenged economy? The power of cash and self discipline. I wasn’t afraid of hard work. Fueled with a vision, my determination drove me to save half of every paycheck. That’s how I was able to generate enough capital to purchase my restaurant. And it’s this same mentality which has not only maintained but propelled my restaurant into the solid, financially stable business it is today.

Self discipline, vision and responsibility have been the principles which have guided me to success. With the steady growth of my restaurant, I’ve been able to hire more employees. The prosperity of my business has provided stability so these employees can have security during a troubled economy.

When I was the Mayor of Addison, I was able to help reduce the tax rate to one of the lowest in all of Texas. I not only cut the property tax rate in 2006 and 2007, but I also helped Addison to achieve its first ever AAA bond rating. Only 5 out of 1,215 Texas cities have ever achieved this rating. And when the recession hit, Addison was well prepared. Under my leadership, Addison had $11 million in reserve funds.

As your congressman, I will deliver on the promises I’ve made…lower taxes, fiscal responsibility and a balanced budget. I will follow the same principles which have provided financial stability and prosperity to my business as well as to the city of Addison. You can be confident when you place your trust in me. My promises are backed by proof.