Texas Conservative Coalition Research Institute

The Texas Conservative Coalition Research Institute (TCCRI) is strengthening the next generation of conservative leaders through a legislative study program at the State Capitol. Interns will serve as full-time legislative assistants to members of the Texas Conservative Coalition (TCC) during the 82nd Legislative Session, beginning in January 2011. Each Governor William P. Clements, Jr. Scholar will work in the office of a state legislator to help prepare bill research summaries, bill tracking, constituent correspondence, and other office assignments. Clements Scholars will also work directly with TCCRI.

Clements Scholars Program Legislative Co-Chairmen: State Senator Dan Patrick and State Representative Bryan Hughes

Clements Scholars Program Private Sector Chairman: Rossanna Salazar, Ross Communications

Source: Texas State Library & Archives Commission

William P. Clements

Born: April 17, 1917, in Dallas

Early Career: After his family lost their farm in the Depression, Clements worked as an oil-field roughneck before attending college. The oil fields interested him more than school and he began a career in drilling. In 1947, he and two partners borrowed the money to buy two oil drilling rigs, a venture that grew into SEDCO, the world's largest offshore drilling company. Clements served as deputy U.S. secretary of defense in the Nixon and Ford administrations.

Accomplishments: Clements stunned political observers when he won an upset victory to become the state's first Republican governor since Reconstruction. He brought his business acumen to state government, insisting on sound budgeting and management policies. He also worked for tough anti-crime measures and improvements in the teaching of basics in the public schools, and made strides in improving Texas relations with Mexico. The beginnings of a severe economic downturn led to Clements' defeat for reelection in 1982.

	Adrian Matthew Resendez Office of State Representative Dan Flynn I was born in Houston and grew up in the Cypress area. My dad is a petroleum engineer and we moved to Mexico for eight months and then Venezuela for eight more when I was seven. I was able to learn Spanish at that time and also fell in love with traveling. I love learning about different cultures and the different perspectives people have to offer.

	Ashley Kim Office of State Representative Ken Paxton My name is Ashley Kim and I am currently a junior at The University of Texas at Austin with a major in Government and a minor in Korean. I am originally from McKinney, TX and will be interning for my state representative Ken Paxton, who represents District 70.

	Ashley Westenhover Office of State Representative Phil King I was born and raised in Weatherford, Texas. Serving as an officer in the Kappa Delta sorority, and also completing the UT Bridging Disciplines program, has given me a unique opportunity to develop the leadership skills I will need to make a real difference in my community and for my state.

	Désirée Smith Office of State Representative Bryan Hughes I am from Tyler, Texas and after high school, I started at the University of Texas at Tyler to pursue a degree in marketing. I am a member and former officer of the international organization, Students In Free Enterprise, also known as SIFE. I have a predilection for both business and government, so I look forward to participating in the Economic Development Committee during the 82nd Legislative Session.

	John Ruff Office of State Representative Lois Kolkhorst I am a junior at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, Texas, where I major in Political Science and Communications. I am also a member of the University’s Men’s Soccer Team. I am originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota; but as soon as I received the opening to come to Texas, I took it. I am excited for this chance.

	Tim Ross Office of State Representative Geanie Morrison A native of the Fort Worth area, I am currently in my second year of a graduate program in public affairs at the University of Texas at Austin. I plan to attend law school and work in the field of defense or intelligence policy.

	Travis McCormick Office of State Representative Wayne Christian I am a 3rd year Government/ Radio, Television, Film major at The University of Texas with plans to attend law school upon graduation. I am from Deep South Texas in the city of Harlingen, giving me personal experience with problems associated with border security and illegal immigration. I am excited for an opportunity to participate in the legislative process first hand.

To sponsor a Clements Scholar or to contribute to the Clements Scholar Program, please consider making a secure online contribution by clicking “Make a Donation” below.

Or feel free to contribute by check. Please make checks payable to Texas Conservative Coalition Research Institute. Please send your contributions to:
P.O. Box 2659 Austin, Texas 78768

The Texas Conservative Coalition Research Institute is a non-profit educational charity, exempt from federal taxation under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Individual, corporate, foundation and PAC contributions are accepted. Individual, foundation and corporate contributions to TCCRI may be tax-deductible. Please check with your tax advisor.