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{{short description|American politician}}
⚫ ]
{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2022}}
⚫ {{Infobox Officeholder
| imagesize = 140 px
⚫ | name = Thomas Charles Merritt
⚫ | state_house = Texas
⚫ | state = Texas
⚫ | district = ]
⚫ | term_start = January 14, 1997
⚫ | term_end = January 11, 2011
⚫ | preceded = Jerry Yost
⚫ | succeeded = ]
⚫ | party = ]
⚫ | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1948|2|27}}
⚫ | birth_place = ], ], USA
⚫ | death_date =
⚫ | death_place =
⚫ | death_cause=
⚫ | resting_place=
⚫ | spouse = Janet Merritt
| children = Missy, Meredith, Thomas
⚫ | residence = ]
⚫ | alma_mater = ], ] (], 1970)
⚫ | occupation =
⚫ | profession = ]
| religion = ]
| website =
⚫ }}
⚫ '''Thomas Charles "Tommy" Merritt''' (born February 27, 1948)<ref name=A> Retrieved on 2009-2-9.</ref> is a former ] member of the ]. Merritt represented District 7 from January 1997<ref name=A/> until January 2011. In March 2010, he lost the Republican nomination to ].<ref name="March 2010">{{cite news|title=Merritt stunned, Simpson wins|publisher=Longview News-Journal|date=2010-03-08|url=http://www.news-journal.com/news/article_a32691b8-2702-11df-a6d7-001cc4c002e0.html|accessdate=2010-03-26}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> On May 29, 2012, Merritt failed in a bid to reclaim the Republican House nomination from Simpson.


⚫ {{Infobox officeholder
⚫ ==Personal life==
⚫ | image = The Honorable Tommy Merritt.jpg
| name = Tommy Merritt
⚫ | state_house = Texas
⚫ | state = Texas
⚫ | district = ]
⚫ | term_start = January 14, 1997
⚫ | term_end = January 11, 2011
⚫ | preceded = Jerry Yost
⚫ | succeeded = ]
⚫ | party = ]
⚫ | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1948|2|27}}
⚫ | birth_name = Thomas Charles Merritt
⚫ | birth_place = ], U.S.
⚫ | death_date =
⚫ | death_place =
⚫ | death_cause =
⚫ | resting_place =
⚫ | spouse = Janet Merritt
| children = 3
⚫ | residence = Kilgore, Texas
| alma_mater = ]<br />
⚫ ] (], 1970)
⚫ | occupation =
⚫ | profession = Businessman
| website = {{URL|tommymerritt.com}}
⚫ }}
⚫ '''Thomas Charles Merritt''' (born February 27, 1948)<ref name=A> Retrieved on February 9, 2009.</ref> is an American businessman from ] and a ] former member of the ]. Merritt represented District 7 from January 1997<ref name=A /> until January 2011. In March 2010, he lost the Republican nomination to ].<ref name="March 2010">{{cite news|title=Merritt stunned, Simpson wins|newspaper=Longview News-Journal|date=March 8, 2010|url=http://www.news-journal.com/news/article_a32691b8-2702-11df-a6d7-001cc4c002e0.html|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130130013933/http://www.news-journal.com/news/article_a32691b8-2702-11df-a6d7-001cc4c002e0.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 30, 2013|accessdate=March 26, 2010}}</ref>


⚫ == Personal life ==
Merritt is a native East Texan born in ] on February 27, 1948.<ref name=B> Retrieved on 2009-2-15</ref> After graduating from high school, he attended ] and then graduated in 1970 with a ] from ] in ].<ref name=B/> He and his wife, Janet, have three children, Missy, Meredith, and Thomas.<ref name=B/> Tommy Merritt is a devout Christian and member of Kilgore First Baptist Church, the Businessmen's Bible Club at First Baptist Church in Longview, Texas and also attends the BarNone Cowboy Church in Tatum.<ref>{{cite web|last=Merritt|first=Tommy|title=About|url=http://www.tommymerritt.com}}</ref> He is a lifelong supporter of Republican candidates, including ] and ]. Merritt is a native East Texan born in ].<ref name=B> Retrieved on February 15, 2009</ref> After graduating from high school, he attended ] and then graduated in 1970 with a ] from ] in ].<ref name=B /> He and his wife, Janet, have three children, Missy, Meredith, and Thomas.<ref name=B /> Tommy Merritt is a devout Christian and member of Kilgore First ] Church, the Businessmen's Bible Club at the First Baptist Church in Longview, and he also attends the BarNone ] in ], Texas.<ref>{{cite web|last=Merritt|first=Tommy|title=About|url=http://www.tommymerritt.com}}</ref>


==Business career== == Business career ==
From 1971 to 1974, Merritt worked as an inspector for the ].<ref name=B/> In 1976, he founded Gregg Industrial Insulators, Inc.<ref name=C></ref> It was admitted to the ], Voluntary Protection Program,<ref name=C/> and is a multi-million dollar company<ref name=D> Retrieved on 2009-2-15</ref> which employs more than five hundred workers.<ref name=C/> From 1986 to 1993 Merritt served as one of the directors of the Gregg County Appraisal Board, which led to his appointment by ] ] to the Sabine River Authority in 1990.<ref name=B/> From 1971 to 1974, Merritt worked as an inspector for the ].<ref name=B /> In 1976, he founded Gregg Industrial Insulators, Inc.<ref name=C></ref> It was admitted to the ], Voluntary Protection Program,<ref name=C /> and is a multi-million dollar company<ref name=D> Retrieved on February 15, 2009</ref> which employs more than five hundred workers.<ref name=C /> From 1986 to 1993 Merritt served as one of the directors of the Gregg County Appraisal Board, which led to his appointment by ] ] to the Sabine River Authority in 1990.<ref name=B />


==Political career== == Political career ==
After Republican Jerry Yost decided not to run for reelection in 1996, Merritt entered the Republican primary and won over 62 percent of the vote.<ref name=Elections>{{cite web | url = http://elections.sos.state.tx.us/elchist.exe | title = 1992 - Current Election History | accessdate = 2009-02-09 | publisher = Office of the Texas Secretary of State}}</ref> Merritt went on to win a seat in the ] after being unopposed in the 1996 general election; in 2008 he was elected to a 7th term.<ref name=NJ>{{cite news|title=Merritt, Hopson get committee chairmanships |publisher=Longview News-Journal|date=2009-02-13|url=http://www.news-journal.com/hp/content/news/stories/2009/02/13/02132009_house_committees.html|accessdate=2009-02-22}} {{Dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> Tommy Merritt co-authored the bill which added "Under God" to the ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Bill: HB 1034|publisher=Texas Legislature|url=http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=80R&Bill=HB1034|accessdate=2009-02-22}}</ref> After Republican Jerry Yost decided not to run for reelection in 1996, Merritt entered the Republican primary and won more than 62 percent of the vote.<ref name=Elections>{{cite web | url = http://elections.sos.state.tx.us/elchist.exe | title = 1992 – Current Election History | accessdate = February 9, 2009 | publisher = Office of the Texas Secretary of State | url-status = dead | archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20140109062336/http://elections.sos.state.tx.us/elchist.exe | archivedate = January 9, 2014 }}</ref> Merritt went on to win a seat in the ] after being unopposed in the 1996 general election; in 2008 he was elected to a seventh term.<ref name=NJ>{{cite news|title=Merritt, Hopson get committee chairmanships |newspaper=]|date=February 13, 2009|url=http://www.news-journal.com/hp/content/news/stories/2009/02/13/02132009_house_committees.html|accessdate=February 22, 2009}} {{dead link|date=October 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref> Tommy Merritt co-authored the bill which added "Under God" to the ].<ref>{{cite web|title=Bill: HB 1034|publisher=Texas Legislature|url=http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=80R&Bill=HB1034|accessdate=February 22, 2009}}</ref>


Merritt served on numerous committees in the House:<ref name=NJ/> Merritt served on numerous committees in the House:<ref name=NJ />
*Committee on Energy Resources (Chair and Vice Chair) * Committee on Energy Resources (Chair and Vice Chair)
*Committee on Public Safety (Chairman) * Committee on Public Safety (Chairman)
*Committee on Local and Consent Calendars (Member) * Committee on Local and Consent Calendars (Member)
*Committee on Redistricting (Member) * Committee on Redistricting (Member)
*Committee on Transportation (Member) * Committee on Transportation (Member)


Throughout his tenure in the House, Merritt built a solid conservative record on issues including opposition to gun control, same-sex marriage, and abortion, as well as lower government spending and taxes. Throughout his tenure in the House, Merritt built a solid conservative record on issues including opposition to gun control, same-sex marriage, and abortion, as well as lower government spending and taxes.


In 2009, Merritt authored "campus carry" legislation allowing concealed handgun license holders to carry their weapons on college campuses,<ref>http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HB1893</ref> while in 2007, Merritt authored legislation waiving or reducing concealed license handgun fees for military members and veterans.<ref>http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=80R&Bill=HB233</ref> In 2009, Merritt authored "campus carry" legislation allowing concealed handgun license holders to carry their weapons on college campuses,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HB1893|title=Texas Legislature Online – 81(R) History for HB 1893}}</ref> while in 2007, Merritt authored legislation waiving or reducing concealed license handgun fees for military members and veterans.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=80R&Bill=HB233|title = Texas Legislature Online – 80(R) History for HB 233}}</ref>


Merritt strongly opposed same-sex marriage. In 2005, he co-authored the state constitutional amendment that defined marriage as a union of one man and one woman.<ref>http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=79R&Bill=HJR6</ref> Merritt also co-authored bills to keep the state from recognizing same-sex civil unions in 2003.<ref name="capitol.state.tx.us">http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=78R&Bill=HB38</ref><ref name="ReferenceA">http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=77R&Bill=HB496</ref> 2001,<ref name="ReferenceA"/> 1999,<ref>http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=76R&Bill=HB383</ref> and 1997.<ref>http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=75R&Bill=HB11</ref> Merritt strongly opposed same-sex marriage. In 2005, he co-authored the state constitutional amendment that defined marriage as a union of one man and one woman.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=79R&Bill=HJR6|title = Texas Legislature Online – 79(R) History for HJR 6}}</ref> Merritt also co-authored bills to keep the state from recognizing same-sex civil unions in 2003.<ref name="capitol.state.tx.us">{{Cite web|url=http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=78R&Bill=HB38|title = Texas Legislature Online – 78(R) History for HB 38}}</ref><ref name="ReferenceA">{{Cite web|url=http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=77R&Bill=HB496|title = Texas Legislature Online – 77(R) History for HB 496}}</ref> 2001,<ref name="ReferenceA" /> 1999,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=76R&Bill=HB383|title = Texas Legislature Online – 76(R) History for HB 383}}</ref> and 1997.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=75R&Bill=HB11|title = Texas Legislature Online – 75(R) History for HB 11}}</ref>


While a member of the Texas House, Merritt also strongly opposed abortion, co-authoring bills to issue ] in 2009,<ref>http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HB109</ref> to institute legal penalties for harm to a fetus in 2003,<ref>http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=78R&Bill=HB246</ref> to ban human cloning in 2007,<ref>http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=79R&Bill=HB864</ref> and to require parental consent for minors to obtain abortions in 2005.<ref>http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=79R&Bill=HB1212</ref> 1999,<ref>http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=76R&Bill=HB5</ref><ref>http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=76R&Bill=HB342</ref><ref>http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=76R&Bill=HB623</ref><ref>http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=76R&Bill=HB3413</ref> and 1997.<ref>http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=75R&Bill=HB276</ref> While a member of the Texas House, Merritt also strongly opposed abortion, co-authoring bills to issue ] in 2009,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HB109|title = Texas Legislature Online – 81(R) History for HB 109}}</ref> to institute legal penalties for harm to a fetus in 2003,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=78R&Bill=HB246|title = Texas Legislature Online – 78(R) History for HB 246}}</ref> to ban human cloning in 2007,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=79R&Bill=HB864|title = Texas Legislature Online – 79(R) History for HB 864}}</ref> and to require parental consent for minors to obtain abortions in 2005.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=79R&Bill=HB1212|title=Texas Legislature Online – 79(R) History for HB 1212}}</ref> 1999,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=76R&Bill=HB5|title=Texas Legislature Online – 76(R) History for HB 5}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=76R&Bill=HB342|title = Texas Legislature Online – 76(R) History for HB 342}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=76R&Bill=HB623|title = Texas Legislature Online – 76(R) History for HB 623}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=76R&Bill=HB3413|title=Texas Legislature Online – 76(R) History for HB 3413}}</ref> and 1997.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=75R&Bill=HB276|title = Texas Legislature Online – 75(R) History for HB 276}}</ref>


In 2003, Merritt co-authored legislation requiring Texas students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance<ref name="ReferenceB">http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=78R&Bill=HB313</ref> as well as a bill to guarantee a daily moment of silence in Texas public schools.<ref name="capitol.state.tx.us"/> In 2007, Merritt co-authored legislation to include the phrase "Under God" in the Texas Pledge of Allegiance<ref>http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=80R&Bill=HB1034</ref> In 2003, Merritt co-authored legislation requiring Texas students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance<ref name="ReferenceB">{{Cite web|url=http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=78R&Bill=HB313|title = Texas Legislature Online – 78(R) History for HB 313}}</ref> as well as a bill to guarantee a daily moment of silence in Texas public schools.<ref name="capitol.state.tx.us" /> In 2007, Merritt co-authored legislation to include the phrase "Under God" in the Texas Pledge of Allegiance<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=80R&Bill=HB1034|title=Texas Legislature Online – 80(R) History for HB 1034}}</ref>


Merritt also had a strong record of fighting for lower spending and lower taxes. Merritt also had a strong record of fighting for lower spending and lower taxes.


In 2009, Merritt co-authored legislation to limit growth in state spending to the rate of population growth plus the rate of inflation.<ref>http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HB994</ref> That same year, he co-authored a proposed constitutional amendment requiring a 2/3 vote of both houses of the Legislature to raise taxes.<ref>http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HJR30</ref> In 2009, Merritt co-authored legislation to limit growth in state spending to the rate of population growth plus the rate of inflation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HB994|title = Texas Legislature Online – 81(R) History for HB 994}}</ref> That same year, he co-authored a proposed constitutional amendment requiring a 2/3 vote of both houses of the Legislature to raise taxes.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HJR30|title = Texas Legislature Online – 81(R) History for HJR 30}}</ref>


Real property tax reform was another of Merritt's priorities in the Texas House. In 1999, he authored a proposed constitutional amendment to cap property taxes. In 2005 he authored both a bill<ref>(http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/Text.aspx?LegSess=792&Bill=HB53</ref> and a proposed constitutional amendment<ref>http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=792&Bill=HJR24</ref> to bring property tax relief to Texans. In 2009, he again authored legislation to reform property tax appraisals<ref>http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/Text.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HB4038</ref> and proposed a constitutional amendment to cap property appraisal increases at the rate of inflation.<ref>http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/Text.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HJR104</ref> Real property tax reform was another of Merritt's priorities in the Texas House. In 1999, he authored a proposed constitutional amendment to cap property taxes. In 2005 he authored both a bill<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/Text.aspx?LegSess=792&Bill=HB53 | title=Texas Legislature Online – 79(2) Text for HB 53 }}</ref> and a proposed constitutional amendment<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=792&Bill=HJR24|title = Texas Legislature Online – 79(2) History for HJR 24}}</ref> to bring property tax relief to Texans. In 2009, he again authored legislation to reform property tax appraisals<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/Text.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HB4038|title=Texas Legislature Online – 81(R) Text for HB 4038}}</ref> and proposed a constitutional amendment to cap property appraisal increases at the rate of inflation.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/Text.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HJR104|title=Texas Legislature Online – 81(R) Text for HJR 104}}</ref>


In 2009, Merritt co-authored legislation to reform the state's franchise tax, exempting more small businesses.<ref>http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HB4765</ref> Merritt also authored or co-authored numerous bills to overturn and subsequently prohibit inheritance taxes in Texas in 2005<ref>http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=79R&Bill=HB2113</ref><ref>http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=79R&Bill=HJR99</ref> and 2003.<ref name="ReferenceB"/><ref>http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=78R&Bill=HJR47</ref> In 2009, Merritt co-authored legislation to reform the state's franchise tax, exempting more small businesses.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=81R&Bill=HB4765|title=Texas Legislature Online – 81(R) History for HB 4765}}</ref> Merritt also authored or co-authored numerous bills to overturn and subsequently prohibit inheritance taxes in Texas in 2005<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=79R&Bill=HB2113|title=Texas Legislature Online – 79(R) History for HB 2113}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=79R&Bill=HJR99|title = Texas Legislature Online – 79(R) History for HJR 99}}</ref> and 2003.<ref name="ReferenceB" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.capitol.state.tx.us/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=78R&Bill=HJR47|title = Texas Legislature Online – 78(R) History for HJR 47}}</ref>


Merritt also authored the first ] in this history of the state.<ref>http://www.legis.state.tx.us/billlookup/History.aspx?LegSess=77R&Bill=HB3428</ref> Merritt also authored the bill establishing the first ] in this history of the state.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.legis.state.tx.us/billlookup/History.aspx?LegSess=77R&Bill=HB3428|title = Texas Legislature Online – 77(R) History for HB 3428}}</ref>


===Candidacy for Speaker of the House=== === Candidacy for Speaker of the House ===
In November 2008, Merritt announced his candidacy for ].<ref> Retrieved 2009-02-16</ref> After a meeting, ten Republicans running for Speaker had decided on ] as the Republican candidate. Merritt stated he was willing to In November 2008, Merritt announced his candidacy for ].<ref> Retrieved February 16, 2009</ref> After a meeting, ten Republicans running for Speaker had decided on ] as the Republican candidate. Merritt stated he was willing to
end his own candidacy to support Straus, who won a unanimous vote for Speaker.<ref name=BOR> Joe Straus's List of 85 Pledged Supporters for Speaker, Written 2009-01-4, Retrieved 2009-02-16</ref> end his own candidacy to support Straus, who won a unanimous vote for Speaker.<ref name=BOR> Joe Straus's List of 85 Pledged Supporters for Speaker, Written 2009-01-4, Retrieved February 16, 2009</ref>


===Loss of Republican nomination=== === Loss of Republican nomination ===
In March 2010, Merritt lost the Republican nomination for District 7 to David Simpson, former mayor of ]. Simpson received 53 percent of the primary vote<ref name="March 2010" /> and was then unopposed in the ]. In March 2010, Merritt lost the Republican nomination for District 7 to David Simpson, former mayor of ]. Simpson received 53 percent of the primary vote<ref name="March 2010" /> and was then unopposed in the ].


Meanwhile, Simpson, who beat back Merritt's attempt in 2012 to return to the House, is a candidate in Januaruy 2013 for ] against ] of ], whom Merritt had supported in 2009, when Straus ousted the previous Republican speaker, ] of ]. Meanwhile, Simpson, who beat back Merritt's attempt in 2012 to return to the House, was a candidate in January 2013 for ] against ] of ], whom Merritt had supported in 2009, when Straus ousted the previous Republican speaker, ] of ].


==Election results== == Election results ==


===2010=== === 2012 ===
{{Election box begin no change {{Election box begin no change
| title=]: ]<ref name=Elections/> | title=]: ]<ref name=Elections />
}} }}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change {{Election box candidate with party link no change
| party= Republican Party (US) | party= Republican Party (US)
| candidate = ] | candidate = David Simpson (])
| votes = 10,258
| percentage = 61.63
⚫ }}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
| party= Republican Party (US)
| candidate = Tommy Merritt
| votes = 6,384
| percentage = 38.36
}}
{{Election box end}}

=== 2010 ===
{{Election box begin no change
| title=]: ]<ref name=Elections />
}}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change
| party= Republican Party (US)
| candidate = ]
| votes = 7,891 | votes = 7,891
| percentage = 52.87 | percentage = 52.87
}} }}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change {{Election box candidate with party link no change
| party= Republican Party (US) | party= Republican Party (US)
| candidate = Tommy Merritt (]) | candidate = Tommy Merritt (])
Line 94: Line 114:
{{Election box end}} {{Election box end}}


===2008=== === 2008 ===
{{Election box begin no change {{Election box begin no change
| title=]: ]<ref name=Elections/> | title=]: ]<ref name=Elections />
}} }}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change {{Election box candidate with party link no change
| party= Republican Party (US) | party= Republican Party (US)
| candidate = Tommy Merritt (]) | candidate = Tommy Merritt (])
Line 104: Line 124:
| percentage = 88.34 | percentage = 88.34
}} }}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change {{Election box candidate with party link no change
| party= Libertarian Party (US) | party= Libertarian Party (US)
| candidate = Joey R. Stroman | candidate = Joey R. Stroman
Line 112: Line 132:
{{Election box end}} {{Election box end}}


===2006=== === 2006 ===
{{Election box begin no change {{Election box begin no change
| title=]: ]<ref name=Elections/> | title=]: ]<ref name=Elections />
}} }}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change {{Election box candidate with party link no change
| party= Republican Party (US) | party= Republican Party (US)
| candidate = Tommy Merritt (]) | candidate = Tommy Merritt (])
Line 122: Line 142:
| percentage = 68.43 | percentage = 68.43
}} }}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change {{Election box candidate with party link no change
| party= Democratic Party (US) | party= Democratic Party (US)
| candidate = Patrick Franklin | candidate = Patrick Franklin
Line 128: Line 148:
| percentage = 28.61 | percentage = 28.61
}} }}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change {{Election box candidate with party link no change
| party= Libertarian Party (US) | party= Libertarian Party (US)
| candidate = Jonathan A. Rasco | candidate = Jonathan A. Rasco
Line 137: Line 157:
{{Election box end}} {{Election box end}}


===2004=== === 2004 ===
{{Election box begin no change {{Election box begin no change
| title=]: ]<ref name=Elections/> | title=]: ]<ref name=Elections />
}} }}
{{Election box candidate with party link no change {{Election box candidate with party link no change
| party= Republican Party (US) | party= Republican Party (US)
| candidate = Tommy Merritt (]) | candidate = Tommy Merritt (])
Line 149: Line 169:
{{Election box end}} {{Election box end}}


===2002=== === 2002 ===
{{Election box begin no change {{Election box begin no change
| title=]: ]<ref name=Elections/> | title=]: ]<ref name=Elections />
}} }}
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===1996=== === 1996 ===
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{{Election box candidate with party link no change {{Election box candidate with party link no change
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| votes = 26,351 | votes = 26,351
| percentage = 100 | percentage = 100
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{{Portal|Texas|Politics|Christianity}}
⚫ ==References==

⚫ == References ==
{{reflist}} {{reflist}}


==External links== == External links ==
*{{cite web|url=http://www.house.state.tx.us/members/dist7/merritt.php|title= Representative Tommy Merritt|publisher=Texas State Directory}} * {{cite web|url=http://www.house.state.tx.us/members/dist7/merritt.php|archive-url=https://wayback.archive-it.org/all/20090106225806/http://www.house.state.tx.us/members/dist7/merritt.php|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 6, 2009|title= Representative Tommy Merritt|publisher=Texas State Directory}}
*{{cite web|url=http://tommymerritt.com/|title=Tommy Merritt|publisher=Official Campaign Website}} * {{cite web|url=http://tommymerritt.com/|title=Tommy Merritt|publisher=Official Campaign Website}}
{{CongLinks | congbio = | fec = | opensecrets = | votesmart = 9957 | ontheissuespath = | legistorm = | surge = | govtrack = | findagrave = }} * {{CongLinks | congbio= | votesmart=9957 | fec= | congress= }}


{{s-start}} {{s-start}}
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{{Succession box {{Succession box
|title=] from District 7 | title = ] from ]
|before=] | before = ]
|years=1997-2010 | years = 1997–2010
|after=] | after = ]
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<!-- Metadata: see ] -->
{{Persondata
|NAME= Merritt, Tommy
|ALTERNATIVE NAMES= Merritt, Thomas Charles
|SHORT DESCRIPTION=]
|DATE OF BIRTH=February 27, 1948
|PLACE OF BIRTH=], ]
|DATE OF DEATH=
|PLACE OF DEATH=
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Latest revision as of 00:29, 5 December 2024

American politician

Tommy Merritt
Member of the Texas House of Representatives
from the 7th district
In office
January 14, 1997 – January 11, 2011
Preceded byJerry Yost
Succeeded byDavid Simpson
Personal details
BornThomas Charles Merritt
(1948-02-27) February 27, 1948 (age 76)
Kilgore, Texas, U.S.
Political partyRepublican
SpouseJanet Merritt
Children3
Residence(s)Kilgore, Texas
Alma materKilgore College
Texas Christian University (BBA, 1970)
ProfessionBusinessman
Websitetommymerritt.com

Thomas Charles Merritt (born February 27, 1948) is an American businessman from Longview, Texas and a Republican former member of the Texas House of Representatives. Merritt represented District 7 from January 1997 until January 2011. In March 2010, he lost the Republican nomination to David Simpson.

Personal life

Merritt is a native East Texan born in Kilgore. After graduating from high school, he attended Kilgore College and then graduated in 1970 with a Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas Christian University in Fort Worth. He and his wife, Janet, have three children, Missy, Meredith, and Thomas. Tommy Merritt is a devout Christian and member of Kilgore First Baptist Church, the Businessmen's Bible Club at the First Baptist Church in Longview, and he also attends the BarNone Cowboy Church in Tatum, Texas.

Business career

From 1971 to 1974, Merritt worked as an inspector for the United States Postal Service. In 1976, he founded Gregg Industrial Insulators, Inc. It was admitted to the OSHA, Voluntary Protection Program, and is a multi-million dollar company which employs more than five hundred workers. From 1986 to 1993 Merritt served as one of the directors of the Gregg County Appraisal Board, which led to his appointment by Governor Bill Clements to the Sabine River Authority in 1990.

Political career

After Republican Jerry Yost decided not to run for reelection in 1996, Merritt entered the Republican primary and won more than 62 percent of the vote. Merritt went on to win a seat in the Texas House of Representatives after being unopposed in the 1996 general election; in 2008 he was elected to a seventh term. Tommy Merritt co-authored the bill which added "Under God" to the Texas Pledge.

Merritt served on numerous committees in the House:

  • Committee on Energy Resources (Chair and Vice Chair)
  • Committee on Public Safety (Chairman)
  • Committee on Local and Consent Calendars (Member)
  • Committee on Redistricting (Member)
  • Committee on Transportation (Member)

Throughout his tenure in the House, Merritt built a solid conservative record on issues including opposition to gun control, same-sex marriage, and abortion, as well as lower government spending and taxes.

In 2009, Merritt authored "campus carry" legislation allowing concealed handgun license holders to carry their weapons on college campuses, while in 2007, Merritt authored legislation waiving or reducing concealed license handgun fees for military members and veterans.

Merritt strongly opposed same-sex marriage. In 2005, he co-authored the state constitutional amendment that defined marriage as a union of one man and one woman. Merritt also co-authored bills to keep the state from recognizing same-sex civil unions in 2003. 2001, 1999, and 1997.

While a member of the Texas House, Merritt also strongly opposed abortion, co-authoring bills to issue Choose Life license plates in 2009, to institute legal penalties for harm to a fetus in 2003, to ban human cloning in 2007, and to require parental consent for minors to obtain abortions in 2005. 1999, and 1997.

In 2003, Merritt co-authored legislation requiring Texas students to recite the Pledge of Allegiance as well as a bill to guarantee a daily moment of silence in Texas public schools. In 2007, Merritt co-authored legislation to include the phrase "Under God" in the Texas Pledge of Allegiance

Merritt also had a strong record of fighting for lower spending and lower taxes.

In 2009, Merritt co-authored legislation to limit growth in state spending to the rate of population growth plus the rate of inflation. That same year, he co-authored a proposed constitutional amendment requiring a 2/3 vote of both houses of the Legislature to raise taxes.

Real property tax reform was another of Merritt's priorities in the Texas House. In 1999, he authored a proposed constitutional amendment to cap property taxes. In 2005 he authored both a bill and a proposed constitutional amendment to bring property tax relief to Texans. In 2009, he again authored legislation to reform property tax appraisals and proposed a constitutional amendment to cap property appraisal increases at the rate of inflation.

In 2009, Merritt co-authored legislation to reform the state's franchise tax, exempting more small businesses. Merritt also authored or co-authored numerous bills to overturn and subsequently prohibit inheritance taxes in Texas in 2005 and 2003.

Merritt also authored the bill establishing the first Texas Legislative Medal of Honor in this history of the state.

Candidacy for Speaker of the House

In November 2008, Merritt announced his candidacy for Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives. After a meeting, ten Republicans running for Speaker had decided on Joe Straus as the Republican candidate. Merritt stated he was willing to end his own candidacy to support Straus, who won a unanimous vote for Speaker.

Loss of Republican nomination

In March 2010, Merritt lost the Republican nomination for District 7 to David Simpson, former mayor of Avinger. Simpson received 53 percent of the primary vote and was then unopposed in the general election.

Meanwhile, Simpson, who beat back Merritt's attempt in 2012 to return to the House, was a candidate in January 2013 for Speaker of the Texas House of Representatives against Joe Straus of San Antionio, whom Merritt had supported in 2009, when Straus ousted the previous Republican speaker, Tom Craddick of Midland.

Election results

2012

Texas Republican primary election, 2012: House District 7
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican David Simpson (Incumbent) 10,258 61.63
Republican Tommy Merritt 6,384 38.36

2010

Texas Republican primary election, 2010: House District 7
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican David Simpson 7,891 52.87
Republican Tommy Merritt (Incumbent) 7,032 47.12

2008

Texas general election, 2008: House District 7
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Tommy Merritt (Incumbent) 40,671 88.34
Libertarian Joey R. Stroman 5,368 11.65

2006

Texas general election, 2006: House District 7
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Tommy Merritt (Incumbent) 20,810 68.43
Democratic Patrick Franklin 8,701 28.61
Libertarian Jonathan A. Rasco 897 2.94

2004

Texas general election, 2004: House District 7
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Tommy Merritt (Incumbent) 40,787 100

2002

Texas general election, 2002: House District 7
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Tommy Merritt (Incumbent) 26,265 100

2000

Texas general election, 2000: House District 7
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Tommy Merritt (Incumbent) 29,574 100

1998

Texas general election, 1998: House District 7
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Tommy Merritt (Incumbent) 18,395 100

1996

Texas general election, 1996: House District 7
Party Candidate Votes %
Republican Tommy Merritt 26,351 100

References

  1. ^ "Rep. Tommy Merritt – Texas State Directory Online" Retrieved on February 9, 2009.
  2. ^ "Merritt stunned, Simpson wins". Longview News-Journal. March 8, 2010. Archived from the original on January 30, 2013. Retrieved March 26, 2010.
  3. ^ Texas House of Representatives, Members Biography – "Rep. Tommy Merritt" Retrieved on February 15, 2009
  4. Merritt, Tommy. "About".
  5. ^ Gregg Industrial Insulators Website
  6. Gregg Industrial Insulatiors, Inc. – Company Profile Retrieved on February 15, 2009
  7. ^ "1992 – Current Election History". Office of the Texas Secretary of State. Archived from the original on January 9, 2014. Retrieved February 9, 2009.
  8. ^ "Merritt, Hopson get committee chairmanships". Longview News-Journal. February 13, 2009. Retrieved February 22, 2009.
  9. "Bill: HB 1034". Texas Legislature. Retrieved February 22, 2009.
  10. "Texas Legislature Online – 81(R) History for HB 1893".
  11. "Texas Legislature Online – 80(R) History for HB 233".
  12. "Texas Legislature Online – 79(R) History for HJR 6".
  13. ^ "Texas Legislature Online – 78(R) History for HB 38".
  14. ^ "Texas Legislature Online – 77(R) History for HB 496".
  15. "Texas Legislature Online – 76(R) History for HB 383".
  16. "Texas Legislature Online – 75(R) History for HB 11".
  17. "Texas Legislature Online – 81(R) History for HB 109".
  18. "Texas Legislature Online – 78(R) History for HB 246".
  19. "Texas Legislature Online – 79(R) History for HB 864".
  20. "Texas Legislature Online – 79(R) History for HB 1212".
  21. "Texas Legislature Online – 76(R) History for HB 5".
  22. "Texas Legislature Online – 76(R) History for HB 342".
  23. "Texas Legislature Online – 76(R) History for HB 623".
  24. "Texas Legislature Online – 76(R) History for HB 3413".
  25. "Texas Legislature Online – 75(R) History for HB 276".
  26. ^ "Texas Legislature Online – 78(R) History for HB 313".
  27. "Texas Legislature Online – 80(R) History for HB 1034".
  28. "Texas Legislature Online – 81(R) History for HB 994".
  29. "Texas Legislature Online – 81(R) History for HJR 30".
  30. "Texas Legislature Online – 79(2) Text for HB 53".
  31. "Texas Legislature Online – 79(2) History for HJR 24".
  32. "Texas Legislature Online – 81(R) Text for HB 4038".
  33. "Texas Legislature Online – 81(R) Text for HJR 104".
  34. "Texas Legislature Online – 81(R) History for HB 4765".
  35. "Texas Legislature Online – 79(R) History for HB 2113".
  36. "Texas Legislature Online – 79(R) History for HJR 99".
  37. "Texas Legislature Online – 78(R) History for HJR 47".
  38. "Texas Legislature Online – 77(R) History for HB 3428".
  39. Gregg County GOP Retrieved February 16, 2009
  40. Burn Orange Report Joe Straus's List of 85 Pledged Supporters for Speaker, Written 2009-01-4, Retrieved February 16, 2009

External links

Texas House of Representatives
Preceded byJerry Yost Texas State Representative from District 7
1997–2010 		Succeeded byDavid Simpson
Categories: