Texas gubernatorial candidate Debra Medina came to the UT campus Wednesday night in 2-inch heels and a turquoise suit.
“I’m just an average farm girl, really,” she said in her introduction.
In her first visit to a university campus to speak as a candidate, Medina spoke to a crowd of 55 students and older adults in Robert A. Welch Hall. She will speak at Texas State University tonight.
“We’ve seen people who carry the Republican name but have not shown true Republican leadership,” Medina said. “Perry and Hutchison have done a good job so far, but they have forgotten about the average Texan.”
Medina was invited by Students for Debra Medina, an on-campus organization started in November 2008 by UT students Adam Rosen, Tyler Rosen and Ben Kalziqi. The students created the group to push for Medina to announce her intent to run for governor, which she did in February 2009.
“Some politicians go into office saying one thing and end up doing another,” said chemical engineering senior Katherine Maass, a member of the organization. “I get the feeling she wouldn’t do that.”
During her speech, Medina focused on the importance of gun control and eliminating property taxes.
“We should preserve private property ownership first and find another way to fund government services,” she said.
Gov. Rick Perry signed a school finance reform plan that reduced property taxes by $15.7 billion over three years in May 2006.
Medina also spoke about illegal immigration and protecting the Texas-Mexico border.
“This should be the federal government’s duty,” she said. “I did not say close the border. I said secure it.”
Perry and Hutchison hold similar stances on illegal immigration.
During a question-and-answer session after Medina’s speech, psychology freshman Jimmy Martinez Jr. asked the candidate about her stance on gay marriage.
“We’re getting into dangerous territory when we’re talking about rights of groups,” Medina said. “In Texas, people voted overwhelmingly that marriage is a union defined between a man and a woman. That is what I will support.”
Psychology freshman Saul Mendoza attended Medina’s speech to learn more about the candidate.
“I’m going for Kay Bailey [Hutchison], but I’m here to listen to what [Medina] has to say because I have some doubts,” Mendoza said. “Kay Bailey is like a moderate conservative. I want a more conservative politician.”
According to a Rasmussen poll of 790 likely Republican voters released Sept. 16, 2009, just 3 percent of those surveyed said they would vote for Debra Medina. 38 percent selected Gov. Rick Perry, 40 percent Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison and 19 percent said they were not sure.
“This is a David unto Goliath, there’s no question,” Medina said. “I’m stepping into a ring with two political giants.”
Dallas/Fort Worth TV station WFAA plans to host a Republican primary debate in January 2010, Medina said. According to Medina, she may have to meet certain criteria such as garnering 6 to 8 percent of the polls in order to participate.
“We think we’re there already,” she said.
The Republican primary for the governor’s race takes place March 2, 2010.
Gubernatorial candidate vows to represent 'average Texan'
Published: Thursday, October 29, 2009
Updated: Thursday, October 29, 2009
 "Photo: Jordy Wagoner/The Daily Texan")
Jordy Wagoner/The Daily Texan
Republican gubernatorial candidate Debra Medina sits at a meeting of the campus organization Students for Debra Medina after addressing the group in a Welch Hall on Wednesday evening.
7 comments
kd
Come one, Daily Texan....you can do better than this article to describe a campus event involving a candidate for Governor. I was there that night and Ms. Medina gave a very fact filled, thought provoking talk. Where are the details? By the way, a previous poster was correct, Medina is opposed to gun control, not for it. Please get your facts straight. To really find out what Debra Medina is about, check out her website and don't forget to look at her issues page. Her views are clearly spelled out on many issues. I like her views a whole lot more than what Perry and Hutchison have done to Texas. www.medinafortexas.com
Jared
I'm so glad that someone is stepping up to challenge the terrible double-speak norms of the main stream republican party. Go Medina! Everyone check out the student group on facebook too.
Your name
NO THANKS.
phil
I cannot believe the lede describes her _clothing_. This is 2009, not 1979. Ms. Pan, you have a lot to learn. My advice: Don't even _consider_ sending this clip to a professional media organization.
Jim
Greg: Just went to her website and all I can say is WOW! Where has she been all my life!I've already donated money on her website and am now ordering yard signs and bumper stickers. It's now or never!
Your name
To correct one thing, Debra Medina is absolutely opposed to gun control. Debra understands that property rights are essential to a free society and is completely for your right as an individual to own and carry a weapon.
Greg
She's the real deal!!! She's the best hope for Texas and America!! Because where Texas goes the nation follows!! www.medinafortexas.com
