All on good terms, it seems; Hotze and Blakemore wish each other the best; Jeff Yates to direct the Conservative Republicans of Texas
The political action committee funded by firebrand social conservative and top gay marriage foe Dr.Steve Hotze will no longer be run by veteran Houston GOP strategist Allen Blakemore, it was announced on Wednesday.
The Conservative Republicans of Texas PAC will now be under the direction of Jeff Yates, who served as Executive Director of the Harris County Republican Party for about six years. More recently, Yates has been the president of his own political consulting firm, The Yates Company.
“For the past 19 years, Allen Blakemore has directed the growth and the rise in influence of CRT as the pre-eminent Republican PAC in Texas,” Hotze said. “The impact of what he has helped CRT achieve will continue to be felt for years to come. Allen Blakemore has been a trusted friend and ally. My prayer is for his continued success in all his future endeavors.”
“I am particularly pleased to welcome my long-time friend and political ally, Jeff Yates, to serve as director of CRT’s political activities,” Hotze said.
Shortly after it was announced by Hotze, Blakemore confirmed the split and said it was all on good terms.
“It has been a real honor and privilege to work with Dr. Hotze for about 20 years,” Blakemore toldQuorum Report. “He’s not just a client. He’s a very dear friend.” Blakemore, who is traveling the state with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, said Dr. Hotze has “advanced the cause of conservatism like no one else in Texas.”
Blakemore also spoke well of his successor.
“I think the world of Jeff Yates. He’s also a good friend and ally,” he said. “I think he’s going to do great things for CRT.”
“I admire the political accomplishments of Dr. Hotze and Allen Blakemore,” Yates said. “CRT’s winning record is enviable. We are not going to rest on our laurels. We are ready to press forward toward greater successes in 2016.”
In an email to QR, former Harris County Republican Party Chairman Jared Woodfill said Hotzemade the right call hiring Yates.
“As my Executive Director for almost six years, I know Jeff Yates to be a solid social and fiscal conservative who worked to keep Harris County Red,” Woodfill. “His experience, values, and convictions will continue to make CRT a strong conservative voice on both social and economicisssues. CRT is blessed to have him.”