One of the hot button issues during the convention was a proposal to allow the state to set up 40,000 slot machines in 10 locations across Texas. The revenues from the legalized gambling was to be used to help fund education.

The National Committeeman and Committeewoman set up a small petition drive to show the Governor that the people were opposed to this measure. During the course of the convention, a mere 8 individuals managed to garner over 4,000 signatures. This represents nearly one quarter of the total convention attendance.

Rep Jodie Laubenberg (R-Rockwall) called the petition drive "one of the most impressive grassroots efforts I have ever seen at the state convention. Obviously this is an issue that really resonates with activists across the state."

Now according to rumblings from the highest levels of state government, it looks as if this action may be enough to reverse the proposal.

UPDATE: I just went to a press conference with Senator John Cornyn and one reported asked him what he thought about this issue. (A little context: Cornyn was strongly against legalized gambling in this state when he served as Attorney General.) He first admitted that he is not part of the state leadership and is an outsider on the issue. Then added his own opinion with these words:

I fail to see the wisdom in the proliferation of gambling in Texas.

I concur.