Unveiling the Truth: Why I Couldn’t Vote for the Rule 44 Resolution of Censure
Understanding the Violation of Rule 44 and Upholding Integrity
I have been asked, by a few people, why I didn’t vote for the Rule 44 Resolution of Censure of Speaker
Dade Phelan. It is very simple. The censure violated rule 44. Posted below is a section of Rule 44. I
have highlighted the pertinent part of the rule that was violated.
The Censure was passed by the SREC on February 10, of 2024. The sign up for public office began
November 11, 2023. According to Rule 44, the censure should have been passed by the SREC before the
sign up on November 11, 2023 begin. February 10, 2024 is 91 days after the sign-up for the next primary
election. As I told my colleagues at the meeting on the 10th , we cannot twist the rules because we
don’t like someone. We were told that the County’s censure passed before the sign up. It may very well
have but the rules say the SREC has to pass the censure before the sigh-up period begins.
If one watched the YouTube video of the meeting, one will see Committeeman Pickle call a point of order because we had passed the period to pass a censure. The State Chairman said he was out of order. Mr. Pickle called for a vote of the body. 10 or 11 of us voted to override the State Chairman.
Unveiling the Truth: Donnie Wisenbaker's Speech at the SREC Q1 2024 General Session
It is interesting to see that Committeeman Steve Evans, Chairman of SREC Rules committee voted to
override the state chairs ruling. Mr. Evans also abstained form voting for the censure.
After the meeting adjourned, I inquired of the State Parliamentarian if I was correct. He told me I was
correct and he had told both the State Chairman and the Resolution Chairman the censure was out of
order; but, they chose to overrule him.
The vote I made was one of the hardest votes I have had to make since serving in this position. I have
always tried to apply the rules of our party to friend and foe alike. I apply the rules as they are written.
Please notice the highlighted sentence in the below rule. The penalty asked for is to allow the SREC to
pass the censure “with penalty” which is to give the State Chairman authority to spend up to 12% of our
annual budget in the censured official’s district to run ads to educate the voters as to the kind of elected
official the State Executive Committee believes them to be.
Rule No. 44 – Censure Process and Penalties
a. A County or Senatorial District Convention or a County or District Executive Committee
may, after notice and invitation to the officeholder to appear and be provided time to speak
before a County or Senatorial Convention or a County or District Executive Committee, by
a two-thirds (2/3) vote of those present and voting, but in no case by less than a majority of
the County Executive Committee (CEC) in full, adopt a resolution censuring a Republican
public officeholder representing all or a portion of that County or District for three (3) or
more actions taken during the current biennium in opposition to the core principles of the
Republican Party of Texas defined in the Preamble of the Party Platform as described in
Rule No. 43A or to the Legislative Priorities adopted at the most recent State Convention
as described in Rule 34( c ). Any resolution of censure that does not meet those criteria shall
be subject to challenge by a point of order. Such a resolution may include a request, to the
SREC or any State Convention held prior to start of the filing period of a Republican
Primary Election while these rules are in effect, that the named officeholder be penalized.
If any of you have any question about this or any other vote I have made, please call me at 903-439-
4591.
Have a blessed day.
Donnie W. Wisenbaker
SREC SD-1 Committeeman
Donnie Wisenbaker
Texas SD-1 SREC COMMITTEEMANA Texas patriot and seasoned entrepreneur, champions liberty and conservative values. With a rich history of leadership in the Republican Party, Donnie brings unwavering dedication to the cause. His experience and vision make him a strong advocate for freedom, prosperity, and the rule of law.
Christin Bentley, M.S.
Texas SD-1 SREC CommitteewomanA dedicated Christian, constitutionalist, and steadfast conservative hailing from the heart of Texas, Smith County. With a heritage rooted in the Lone Star State for six generations, she carries a deep commitment to safeguarding the constitutional republic her ancestors helped shape.