Former House Appropriations Chairman Talmadge Heflin of Houston is the new executive director of the Texas Republican Party, state GOP Chairman Tina Benkiser announced today.Heflin served in the Legislature from 1983-2004, when he was narrowly unseated by Democrat Hubert Vo.
In his new post, Heflin succeeds Jeff Fisher, who will continue as an advisor to the Texas Republican Party. Heflin will continue to serve as a visiting research fellow on fiscal policy for the conservative Texas Public Policy Foundation.
Today, the Republican Party of Texas announced Talmadge Heflin has been hired as the new executive director. Heflin, a former state representative from Houston, will begin his new position immediately.Posted by Charles Kuffner on July 30, 2007 to Show Business for Ugly People"Talmadge Heflin has over twenty five years of conservative leadership and experience as both a leader in the Texas Legislature and a businessman. This background will be invaluable in helping lead the team of political professionals we have assembled who will lead Republicans to victory in 2008 at the Republican Party of Texas," said Tina Benkiser, Chairman of the Republican Party of Texas.
Heflin served in the Texas Legislature from 1983 to 2004, including a stint as the Chairman of the powerful Texas House of Representatives Appropriations Committee during a period where his leadership helped close a 10 billion budget shortfall without raising taxes. He served as the Chairman of the Texas Conservative Coalition from 1989-92. Heflin will continue to serve as a Visiting Research Fellow at the Center for Fiscal Policy Studies at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. Heflin will take over for Jeff Fisher who will continue as an advisor to the Republican Party of Texas.
"This is an important transition for the RPT. Jeff Fisher has helped lead the Party with great expertise through two very challenging election cycles; I am glad he will continue with my team as a trusted and valued advisor," Benkiser concluded.