Incumbent-less Debates and the Straw Poll

Last week an unofficial straw poll was held in Bowie County.  Here were the results:

Ralph Hall 49%

Gene Christensen 33%

Kathy Seei 11%

Kevin George 3%

Joshua Kowart 2%

Democrat candidates combined 41%

The percentages for each Republican candidates mirrors our polling data for the past 4 weeks.  This primary is going to come down to who can best get their voters to the polls.  I am confident that I have the best GOTV plan of any candidate in this race.

We have had a great number of debates during the past 10 days.  Great people, great conversation, still no incumbent to share his visison and/or explain his votes.  Our last mailer revealed his very low 72 rating as published in the National Journal.  100 is the most conservative.  Sam Johnson, Pete Sessiona and Jeb Hensarling are all in the 90’s.  Who is and who is not TRULY a conservative Congressman.  Numbers do not lie.

 The outcry across the district is for change.  Privately a lot of people in northeast Texas will be voting for change.  My cell phone message box has been full everyday as voters call me to actually be able to talk to the candidate.  The Christensen campaign is about changing the way people do business and actually fix problems instead of making empty promises.  I am glad to be able visit with everyone about things that are important to them.  Next week the voters will get my next mail piece with my plan to address illegal immigration and illustrate the incumbents total lack of action on this subject which directly ties into the meth problem in the district.

I want to thank my staff and volunteers for helping all over the district.  I have had representation a nearly all meetings and attended all but one debate myself.  I also want to thank Ron Levitt for the Texas Black Mayors Association endorsement.   We will be at two more debates this weekend and I will spend Saturday at our campaign headquarters in Texarkana.

Have a wonderful week and look for my next post.

Gene 

Signs, Signs, Signs and Great People!

Well, we are almost done placing nearly 1,000 large signs along roadways, on fences and in yards across the district.  I am the only candidate with visibility in all 16 counties.  I love getting calls from supporters excited about seeing our signs and telling their friends to watch out for them.  Voters across the district will receive our next mail piece this week. It gives the details on my position on the important issues of our time.  I you did not get one I will be glad to mail one to you.  Simply email me and ask for a copy.

 All week I have been on the road and talking to the voters in coffee shops and various forums.  weare seeing a coming together of the Republican party across District 4.  The grassroots Republican voters in the 4th district clearly want change.  They also are realizing that Gene Christensen is the only challenger with TRUE Republican credentials and contacts to hit the ground running. 

People have told me over and over that they are tired of career politicans not looking out for the interest of the voters, but merely their own interests and finances.   When I get people calling asking for help I feel honored.  As always I will lend a hand to help anyone that wants to run and has the Republican beliefs to represent our party.   My campaign manager, Rick Neudorff, is helping 3 county chairmen in the district organize and run their primary to be sure everything is legal and cannot be challenged by Democrats.

I enjoy the debates  throughout the district, but share the voters disappointment that the incumbent does not feel the need to explain his votes and positions with the voters.  Several debates have happened on nights that Congress was not in session and he could have been home to face the voters.  His absence i sbeing noticed and not in a good way….for him.
 
I’m a person who will represent the people not have the people represent me.   We face grave economic issues in the next decade and we need to have the right people in office the ones that have worked hard and who have had to forgive their own paycheck to pay their employees.  We need someone who has been to the trenches of business and worked hard to be successful.  We need someone who will have a vision to make district 4 a prosperous district over the next decade.  We must work together to reverse the trend of ZERO economic growth.  We need someonewho will not allow double digit poverty level’s in 15 of 16 counties.  We need someone who will seek to empower the people , to help all people.
 
I believe I am that choice and that I am the only viable and qualified choice to make the generateional change in leadership in the 4th District. I would be honored to have your support and your vote!

 Have a great week!

 Gene

The ballot draws are over. Let the debates begin!

What incredibly busy week we have have.  My wife Cheryl, myself or key campaign workers were on hand for all but 2 of the counties ballot draws during last week.  Luck was on our side and we were able to draw the #1 ballot position in 6 out of the 16 counties. This includes the largest county in the district, Grayson County which is  normally 35-40% of the total vote.  We met a lot of great people and were even treated to a walk through downtown business by three mayors. 

My campaign director Rick Neudorff had to be dilligent to get three county chairs to legally complete their ballot drawings.  Thank goodness I have an election law expert in charge of the campaign.  As a matter of fact 3 county chairs asked him to be an advisor and help them conduct their primary.  Of course Rick was glad to accept as our campaign is working to strengthen the GOP.  This is what sets us apart from the other campaigns int his race.  With that being said we had two significant events occur in the district.

#1 - A former leader of the GOP in Bowie County has filed a lawsuit against the current County Chairman.  You see she still thinks she runs the part as a Democrat party switcher RINO.  However, the current county chair has done everything legally and by the book.  This is a classic true Republican vs RINO struggle.  Actually, much like our campaign.

#2 - Due to the fact they have no GOP county chairman Morris County will not have a primary on March 4th.  I am disappointed that these voters will not be able to cast their ballots in the primary.

Debates get underway on Monday in Greenville and later in the week in Rains County.  I always enjoy visiting with voters about the issues.  It will be interesting to see if the incumbent appears at these debates as we have not seen him at a single GOP function so far in the campaign.

Look for our campaign signs to start appearing this week.  We will have almost 1,000 large signs around the district along roadways, in yards and on fences.  I am so humbled to have this level of support as we travel around visiting with people.

As always we are working hard to get contributions to help us with expenses and I am glad that we are getting some great contributions to help us deliver our message of CHANGE on the 4th District.  The voters in the district will be getting something special from me in the mail next week.  Please take some time and read over it as it gives you more specifics on my stances for important issues.

Our weekly poll of 1,000 GOP voting households shows this is still clearly a race between me and the incumbent.  He is just under 50% and our support level is still right at 30%.  The remaining  candidates are dividing up the remaining 21%.  I feel good about our position and our ground troops have hit the streets.  We are walking every night and all weekend.  My campaign director Rick Neudorff executed unmatched precint walking while chairman of the GOP in Collin County and he is using the same model for our campaign.  I hope to meet you if I know on your door during the next few weeks.

 My wife Cheryl and I hope you have a wonderful week.

Great Ballot Positions and Great People

The ballot drawing has started.  Either I, or my campaign Director former Collin County Chairman Rick Neudorff, have drawn in each county.  We have drawn either the first or last ballot position in each county.  These are the best places on the ballot and historically have increased vote total by 1% to 1.25%.  In a 5 way race this is important.  Our most recent independent polling indicates that this continues to be a race between the incumbent and me.  The next closest candidate is over 10 points behind me.  Every maile rand group of phone calls we make keeps heading our numbers up and up.

The feedback from our Christmas card mailer has been positive and more and more people are getting on board our campaign.  This is great and I appreciate their support and offers to volunteer their time. 

THursday night Cheryl and I attended the Lamar County Republican Club meeting and had a great time.  As  usual we were also the only DIstrict 4 candidate in attendance.  The people in Lamar County have become great friends as we have been spending a lot of time up here.  I shared my vision for the future of the district and had a long time of Q&A.  They universally said they felt their county has been ignored by the incumbent and are glad to meet a candidate that is going to do soemthing to fight the poverty and drug problem in the county.  Many donated money and signed endorsement forms.  I am glad to have them on board TEAM GENE. 

 Friday morning found Cheryl and I on the coffee shop tour visiting and talking with local voters.  Many were surprised to meet the actual candidate as none of the others, including the incumbent, have visitied here.

Then it was on to Cooper for the ballot drawing.  Again we drew the first ballot position.  We walked along downtown stopping in businesses and visiting with people about their needs and what they expect form their Congressman.  The overwhelming imperssion I received they were tired of being ignored and felt it was time for a change.  Time for someone who would fight for them. 

 Then it was off for Texarkana to visit our campaign headquarters and visiti with our volunteers.  During the next week I will have 4 radio interviews and numerous press visits.  People are realizing that this race will be decided after a run-off.  We are working hard for it to be a run-off between the incumbent and Gene Christensen. 

The early primaries are showing that people want a big change in how their government is run.  Re-electing an incumbent who has served over 50 years is not change.  The people will be voting for change.  Together we can make that change happen!

Have a wonderful week!

Good Bye Dear Friend Paul Fisher

This weekend we were in the eastern part of the District, Cheryl and myself attented the GOP Christmas party in Bowie county.  As always our incumbent was not there . We are gaining great ground work in Bowie and Cass counties even though we are being neglected by the Cass county GOP chair that works for the incumbent, it is clear to us that he will not give us the information that is needed so we will knock doors and talk to people.   Since he is a GOP County Chair he is breaking some Texas GOP by-laws and my campaign Director (and former Collin County GOP Chairman) Rick Neudorff will be filing ethics charges on him next week.We have a volunteer base that has built since we first started visiting east Texas.  They will make an impact on delivering our message that is resonating.  You see most East Texas counties have been so neglected by the current congressman  Many of those voters are mad and want change, my pledge is to term limit myself and cut the double digit below poverty level in half.  The voters we have been talking to are excited that someone cares about the whole district not just Rockwall County.

Unfortunately  we lost a great friend and supporter on December 8th he was doing God’s work and was killed by a drunk driver.  We attend his services Saturday andCheryl and I will miss Paul, he became a friend the first time we met and we are in sadness for our countries lost.  He was a soldier and Christian and a great family man.  He touched so many people in the district and all over the  country with a positive message of love and passion . He helped advise me on our military capability and if elected I made a pledge to him that I would work hard on veterans issues.   He was an amazing person and he will be missed, but I know he will watch over me and guide me through this campaign.

This will be my final post until after Christmas.  May you and your family have a blessed season. 

Busy Campaign Trail and Crazy Weather!

My wife Cheryl nd I have been on the road throughout the district talking to doctors about Medicaid and Medicare reform.  While talking to them I have realized a whole list of new issues, on top of the ones I already had identified.  They are frustrated that the current Congressman had done ZERO on this issue.  They are anxious to have a Congressman who will listen to them and work on their behalf to reform the system.  I am grateful to have their support!

During the past two weeks Cheryl and I have  attended Christmas parades in Denison, Sherman, Pittsburg, Royse City and others.  It has been great visiting with these wonderful people, sharing candy with the kids and talking about our campaign for new energy in the 4th District. 

Once thing that has been funny to me is the reaction people have when they call my cell phone and I answer it.  They cannot beleive it is me.  I laugh with them everytime and then we talk about their concerns.  The constituents have  been ignored too long in this district and it is time for a change.

 Two of the biggest issues plaguing the rural towns in East Texas are illegal immigration and the horrible meth and cheese drug problem.  Much of the meth in East Texas is coming across the border from Mexico.  Cheryl and I are helping as many people as we can but we need everyone’s help.  Mostly we need a Congressman who is goign to do something about this problem. 

Current there are 31 billing sitting on the shelf to help veterans.These men and women deserve our help and they want a Congressman who is going to do something and not just talk about it. 

Look for our Christmas grreting to you in your mail next week.  I welcome your comments dna input.  Please call on me anytime.

A Busy Week & Great Poll Numbers

Hello:

The pace continues to increase as we near the end of the year.  Everything is getting so exciting and I just love meeting and talking to all of the new friends throughout the district!.  This past week was non-stop.

 On Monday my wife Cheryl and I made lots of lots of calls to Republican primary voters.  The messages and conversations from them have been pretty constant.  They think the incumbent is a nice guy, but believe we need change and more active leadership for the district.  I am glad to be able to talk to them and share my plan and vision for the future.  Monday night Cheryl and I, along with our Campaign Director Rick Neudorff, attended the Grayson County monthly Executive Committee meeting in Denison.  Top issues continue to be war on terror, immigration and drug abuse.  They gave me a very warm reception and it was a pleasure ot visit with them.

 Tuesday found us in Greenvile participating in a meth. seminar and since then our phones have not stopped ringing with people asking for help.  Unfortunately we have not seen the incumbent at any youth issues forums, nor have we been able to find anything he has done to help the drug abuse problem in the district.  WE will be able to change that when I am elected.

Thursday night found us a the debate in Texarkana.  Once again the incumbent is a no show, but all other candidates did participate.  His lack of appearances is starting to put questions into the minds of voters.  More on that in subsequent posts.

Friday was a fun day going through coffee shops and small restaurants.  What great fun meeting tons of new people.  Clearly more than half feel the incumbent is a nice guy but they want change as it takes more than just being a nice guy to be an effective conrgessman.

Saturday I was a featured speaker at the Princeton Veterans Day ceremony.  It was an honor to be able to thank our troops and give encouragement to them and their famailies.  Their sacrifies have given us the freedoms that many take for granted.  It was an emotional speech for me and I was so honroed to spend the time talking to lots of fantastic veterans after the ceremony!

 I am glad to have my campaign manager, Rick Neudorff, back.  I loaned him to the CItizens for Collin COunty to help promote and ultimately pass the Collin County Bond proposals.   Aa the former Collin County GOP Chairman, his get out the vote experience helped them drive home the numbers.  Great job to everyone by maximizing tax dollars.

 We received great news from our pollsters this week.  Our numbers have increased 1.75 points since the first of November.  This is great news considering we are just getting started with our mail and advertising campaign!

If you are traveling for Thanksgiving please be safe.  I am thankful for your support!

A Beautiful Weekend in East Texas

My, wife Cheryl and I spent a wonderful weekend  in East Texas.  We drove to Mt. Pleasant Friday night and after attending the Celina Bobcat Homecoming Parade.  Congratulations to these kids (and the parents), the floats we really incredible.
We arrived in Mt. Pleasant around dinner time and immediately decided to find a place to eat.  And what a place we found.  Luigi’s Restaurant is the place we dined.  The food and service was fantastic.  I’m talking “real” Italian!
Saturday Morning we attended the monthly GOP meeting at a local Pizza Inn (Yes, I said Pizza Inn, and yes is was 9:00am  - by the way they do a great breakfast.  who knew?).  It’s no secret that my initial motivation to going to the GOP meeting was to let my constiuents know who  I am and my beliefs.  Right or wrong, that has changed.  I now believe my purpose in going is to hear the voices of District Four.  I must know what the issues are in our district from you.  I am not running for office so Washington can hear what Gene Chirstensen wants to do.  I am running to be the voice of District Four and to fight for our voice to be heard and acted upon.
We left Camp County about 11 am and traveled to Cooper in Delta County to attend the Chigger Fest.  For those of you who don’t know ( I was one of you) the Chigger Fest is a celebration in honor of the last day of Chigger Season.  If you ever had chiggers on you, you can appreciate why this is something to be celebrated.  If you have never had chiggers eating on you, please just trust me on this.  What a ceebration!  Live bands, booths with everything from t-shirts to Frito Pies and Tornado Taters to rafle item.  My wife is hoping to win a four wheeler.  This is somewhat scary considering by her own admission she doesn’t  even drive  a car very well.  Having said all of this, the best part was the people we met.  No matter what their politcal orientation each person was kind to us and trusting enough to express their personal concerns for District Four.  Thanks to each and every one of you.  Your words did not fall on deaf ears.  I WILL TAKE YOUR VOICE TO CONGRESS.  I WILL FIGHT FOR WHAT IS RIGHT IN DISTRICT FOUR.
 
Fast forward to Sunday.  Cheryl and I attended church.  I’m not telling you this to get brownie points for going to church.  I mentioned it because of what I heard.  The sermon was on serving vs. self-serving .  I was reminded of the story of Jesus washing the apostles feet.  I was reminded that the reason Jesus did this was simply because their feet were dirty.  I realize that no matter how hard I may try to keep my feet clean throughout the day, at the end of the day my feet will have dirt on them.  Some days there is more dirt than others, but there is always dirt.  No big deal,  I shower, soap up my feet and crawl in bed.  Here’s the question though?  Am I, Gene Christensen willing to roll up my sleeves, soap up my hands, get down on my knees and wash the dirt away in district four on a daily basis?  The answer is YES.  I would like to say that once I posed this question to myself that the answer came quickly and without hesitation.  If I did, I would be lying.  It didn’t.  I had to do some soul searching.  The part that I struggled with is  “on a daily basis”.  Am I willing to do it on a daily basis?  I AM.  I WILL.  I AM WILLING. If elected I will on a daily basis, to the
best of my ability, scrub dirt in District Four.  I will SERVE District Four.
After church, Cheryl and I attended the Am Vet Fish Fry.  I was truly honored to share a meal with these men and women that fought for our country.  Then I was heartbroken. I looked around the room and saw men and women who went to war on my behalf and now live every single day in mental and or physical pain and do not receive the appropriate medical care that they so deserve.  This is just  wrong. I will, not just as a Congressional Candidate, but as a grateful American do all I can do change this.

Working to Fight Drug Abuse in the 4th District

District 4 Constituents:
 
 On Thursday October 12th I spent the day on the road again going to DeKalb and presenting awards to the essay contest holders It was very exciting helping children to have a financial advantage for college because of there concern’s for the community.
 
In addition we talked about a rehab center with city officials it will be the first of its kind in our district we will make it self funding , as it has been told that there will be major cuts to these programs, I won’t allow it from Washington that I guarantee it.  Local law enforcement has been very grateful that someone has gotten involved to help them.  They have seen no involvement by their current Congressman on this important issue that is killing out young people.
 
 
These children could very well be our future State or Federal  Representatives one day it was a great feeling to be able to help. I hope all voters see where my concerns are that is the next generation and beyond.  This is one of the many reasons that we need change in Washington DC .
 
 Thanks to all Vote Gene March 4th lets change our district and help it’s citizens be in a prosperous area.

Three Events in 1 Day, what a Weekend!

I did not think that we could get more busy on the weekends, however this past weekend proved me wrong! With three events in three different cities we were stretched thin but had the most wonderful opportunities to meet with a consort of people throughout the 4^th Congressional District.The weekend began Friday night in Pittsburg at ChickFest. My son Shaun and I drove down that evening and were given the opportunity meet the GOP Chairwoman Maggie Boerner and her husband Dennis. What great people and ever so helpful! Maggie and Dennis were also gracious enough to allow Shaun and I to accompany them to the Pilgrims Pride BBQ. The food was nothing short of amazing and the occasion opened the door for a chance to meet with more people of Camp County. Whom all seemingly had similar responses regarding their district, “there is most assuredly a need for new direction in the district,” which I intend to bring full on.

Saturday morning then granted me another great moment when I rode in the Chick Fest parade. I rode in a WWII Army Jeep! What a awesome chance that was to ride in such a time piece. Shaun and I then proceeded to greet those who came to the parade as well as hand out T-Shirts, pens, hats, and the like. Again I found people asking for a change.

The campaigning was also taking place Saturday morning in Texarkana where Ashli and Kelli were in the Four States Parade. There was a great recognition of my name from those who came to watch the parade, which makes me very excited about the future possibilities! The truck they drove was decorated by the girls with signs supporting my Congressional campaign as well as small touches of detail they added themselves. The parade lasted almost an hour with the route driven started in Arkansas and ended in Texas! They both reported great fun.

Also Saturday Rick, my campaign manager and two helpers held down the booth at Celina Fun Day. A great crowd and Rick has sponsored a booth every year while he was Chairman of the Collin County GOP, so we knew it would be a great day! There was a similar report that came from the voters, a need for new direction! I was able to also be a part of the Fun Day on the Celina Square as Shaun and I arrived back in town late Saturday afternoon. We met up with Rick and shared in the festivities. It was in essence an ample opportunity we were able to learn from and meet those who are interested in making a change in the 4th Congressional District. I am looking forward to our continued journey into the campaign season.