Rep. Raymond:
Now is the time for UNITY!

The Democratic Party stands poised to make history this year, and elect the first minority candidate President of the United States. In Texas, we can elect the first Hispanic United States Senator and put an end to Tom Craddick and the Republicans' stranglehold on the State House of Representatives.

The time is right for all of these things to happen. And all of these historic accomplishments are well within our grasp. However if we do not stand together with the rest of the Democrats across America, we will let these opportunities slip through our fingers.

I urge you to stand with me and help elect Sen. Barack Obama President of the United States, elect Rep. Rick Noriega to the U.S. Senate, and work diligently to elect a Democratic Majority in the Texas House. We can do it, but only if we unite to do it.

"In God We Trust" now prominently displayed in House of Representatives

The words "In God We Trust" are now permanently inscribed on the archway at the front of the Texas House of Representatives, just beneath the large electronic message board that overlooks the House chamber.

I am proud to have sponsored the House Rule that made this possible.

Every morning of a Legislative session, we begin the day with a prayer. It's the only time all members of the House are together in our mindsand hearts, no matter whom we represent, our party affiliation or our personal beliefs.

This is a constant reminder to us that we in the Legislature are here in Austin to do good for all the people of Texas.

It is also a reminder that we all ultimately answer to a higher authority in our lives and in what we do.