Jim Pitts
Jim Pitts is a former Republican member of the Texas House of Representatives, representing District 10 from 1993 to 2015.
On August 22, 2013, Pitts announced that he would not run for re-election and retire from the House after serving 10 terms.[1]
Biography
Pitts is the Director of Citizens National Bank in Waxahachie, Owner of Ellis County Abstract and Title Company, Director of Sims Library, and is an Attorney.
He is on the Board of Trustees of Presbyterian Children's Services, Community Advisory Council - Scottish Rite Learning Center, Sims Library, and Board of Directors of the Waxahachie Chamber of Commerce.
Prior to his election to the House, Pitts served on the Waxahachie School District Board of Trustees from 1978-1992.[2]
Committee assignments
2013-2014
At the beginning of the 2013 legislative session, Pitts served on the following committees:
| Texas committee assignments, 2013 |
|---|
| • Appropriations, Chair |
| • Joint Committee on Oversight of Higher Ed Governance, Excellence & Transparency |
2011-2012
During the 2011-2012 legislative session, Pitts served on the following Texas House of Representatives committees:
| Texas committee assignments, 2011 |
|---|
| • Appropriations, Chair |
Issues
Wallace Hall impeachment
 |
- See also: Wallace Hall impeachment trial
Pitts has pushed for the impeachment of University of Texas Regent Wallace Hall. After he was appointed in 2011, Hall began looking into what he believed to be clout scandals within the University of Texas system. Hall investigated the university's forgivable-loans program, admissions policies and preferential treatment to politically-connected individuals.[3] Hall, as an individual citizen, filed FOIA requests with the University system after his inquiries via his role as a Regent were rebuffed.[4] Hall filed requests of more than 800,000 pages, which some Texas administrators called an unnecessary burden. Hall has been accused of overstepping his authority in making demands on the University of Texas, Austin staff. Specifically, the allegations surround possible mishandling of private student information and providing inadequate information on his application to be a regent. Hall claims to have proof that two legislators sought to influence top officials in the university system regarding admissions.[5][6][7]
On June 24, 2013, Pitts filed a resolution to advance along impeachment proceedings of Hall.[8] However, House Speaker Joe Straus issued a proclamation that expanded the Transparency in State Agency Operations Committee's jurisdiction to allow it to propose articles of impeachment against executive appointees.
In July 2013, University of Texas Chancellor Francisco Cigarroa and Regent Eugene Powell responded to the ongoing investigation and negative remarks against Hall from some elected officials and University of Texas staff. Cigarroa said Hall was not allowed to access anything that was not reviewed by University lawyers to ensure they met federal privacy standards. In a July 15, 2013 letter to Pitts, Powell wrote: "Regent Hall's efforts extend to bringing the U.T. System into a competitive position nationally; especially related to offering blended and online learning opportunities to U.T. students. I would point out Regent Hall's excellent service to the Board in terms of time and energy. I appreciate his Board service and his dedication and hard work designed to fulfill his fiduciary obligations.[9][10]
During October testimony to the committee, Pitts acknowledged that he routinely writes letters to Bill Powers, President of the University of Texas, on behalf of select student applications. Specifically, he wrote a letter on behalf of his son after the University of Texas law school had initially rejected his admittance. "The letter I wrote for my son was pretty much a form letter," Pitts said in an October meeting of the Transparency in State Agency Operations Committee. These letters were sent to both the law school dean and the university president.[11][12][13] In an interview with the National Journal, Pitts did not deny that he sought to influence the admission process at the University of Texas law school to get his son admitted to the school. Speaking about Hall, Pitts said that, "Any parent whose child has ever sought admission at the University of Texas should be deeply concerned that Mr. Hall’s allies would share children’s confidential admissions information with the news media in order to fulfill their insatiable appetite for harassing UT students and employees."[14] Pitts alleged that Hall is undermining the prominence of the University of Texas while trying to bring about the "resignation or firing of President Bill Powers." Pitts has been a central proponent of the impeachment investigation.[15][16] Hall's attorney Van Fleet at the October 22, 2013 meeting alleged that there was evidence Pitts spoke with President Powers' executive assistant about ensuring an unnamed student who had previously been rejected from law school would receive an opportunity to re-apply and interview with the dean.[17]
A National Review article on December 13, 2013 commented on the FERPA allegations in the case and how the author obtained his sources. In the article, the author said he had never spoken with Hall about the case and had discovered his research simply by Googling information. The author wrote, "Given that Representative Pitts not only improperly sought special consideration for his son but then had the audacity to lead impeachment proceedings in a case in which he has a clear and obvious conflict of interest, my read is that the wrong man is on trial in Austin."[18]
In February 2015, an independent report by Kroll Associates, commissioned by the Regents Board, confirmed a "pattern of special treatment for well-connected applicants to UT." While the report did not show evidence of any quid pro quo, it did show that "extra acceptances were extended every year to accommodate special cases" and that the "President’s Office ordered applicants admitted over the objection of the Admissions Office." It added that "efforts were made to minimize paper trails and written lists" during the process." The Wall Street Journal wrote that the report should "should put an end" to the concerns over Hall's clout investigations.[19]
University of Texas Law School
Representative Pitts was implicated in a Texas Watchdog December 2013 report on political favoritism at the University of Texas. Pitts' son James Ryan Pitts, along with two other sons of Texas state lawmakers, failed the Texas bar exam repeatedly after graduating from the University of Texas Law School. This was unusual for University of Texas Law School graduates, as less than 10 percent had to retake the exam in the eight years prior to 2013. State Senator John Carona (R) and State Senator Judith Zaffirini (D) were also implicated in the report, as their sons had similar difficulties. The report found that between the three lawmakers' sons, they had taken the bar exam 10 times -- with only two passing the exam. Pitts admitted to writing to University of Texas President Bill Powers on his son's behalf. The report was released following months of investigations into University Regent Wallace Hall and his FOIA requests of the University system. Hall implied that there were issues of clout and corruption within the Texas school system, alleging that legislators were using their political influence to effect law school admissions. The Watchdog report was issued following its investigation, which it said did not include details from Hall's FOIA requests.[20]
In a July 2014 op-ed, the Wall Street Journal commented that Powers' resignation would bring more attention and scrutiny to the political favoritism scandals at the University of Texas. According to a University of Texas investigation, Pitts wrote seven letters to Powers seeking special attention for applicants.[21]
Sponsored legislation
- HB 226 - Relating to prohibiting employers from requiring employees to make certain charitable contributions.
- HB 1482 - Relating to the creation of the offense of assault with bodily fluids, the prosecution and punishment of that offense, and the consequences of a conviction for that offense.
- HB 1483 - Relating to the use of eminent domain authority.
- HB 4584 - Relating to improving efficiency in state government and reducing state government spending.[22]
Elections
2012
Pitts ran in the 2012 election for Texas House of Representatives, District 10. Pitts defeated Linda Bounds, T.J. Fabby, and Matthew Melton in the May 29 primary election. He was unchallenged in the general election, which took place on November 6, 2012.[23]
| Candidate | Vote % | Votes |
|---|---|---|
 Jim Pitts Incumbent |
57.6% | 8,392 |
| T.J. Fabby | 27% | 3,931 |
| Linda Bounds | 12.4% | 1,801 |
| Matthew Melton | 3.1% | 457 |
| Total Votes | 14,581 | |
2010
Pitts won re-election unopposed to the 10th District seat in 2010. He had no opposition in the March 2nd primary, and he had no opposition in the general election, which took place on November 2, 2010.[23]
| Texas House of Representatives, District 10 2010 General election results | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidates | Votes | Percent | ||
| Jim Pitts (R)
|
31,797 | 100% | ||
2008
On November 4, 2008, Pitts won re-election to the Texas House of Representatives from Texas' 10th District, defeating Phil Smart (L). Pitts received 49,401 votes in the election while Smart received 8,366 votes.[23] Pitts raised $325,315 for his campaign.[24]
| Texas House of Representatives, District 10 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Candidates | Votes | Percent | ||
| Jim Pitts (R)
|
49,401 | 85.51% | ||
| Phil Smart (L) | 8,366 | 14.48% | ||
Campaign themes
2012
Pitts' website highlighted the following campaign themes:
Protect the Right to Bear Arms
- Excerpt: "Jim Pitts is a strong supporter of the 2nd Amendment. Jim believes that it is a Constitutional right to be able to own and carry firearms, and will fight to protect this country’s heritage and God-given right to bear arms."
Defend Private Property Rights
- Excerpt: "Jim Pitts has voted to protect citizens from eminent domain abuse. Jim was a strong supporter of the eminent domain bill that passed during the 82nd Legislative Session and understands the value of private property rights."
Stop Illegal Immigration
- Excerpt: "In his role as Chairman of the Committee charged with balancing the state’s budget, Jim has seen firsthand the escalating costs of illegal immigration. To fix it, Jim supports greater penalties for companies that knowingly employ illegal immigrants. Jim amended a key piece of legislation this past session to ensure that only Texas citizens are able to obtain and renew drivers’ licenses."
Create Jobs
- Excerpt: "Since we elected Jim Pitts, Texas has been called the “job creation capital of the nation.” In fact, Texas has created more jobs over the past ten years than all other states combined. Jim will continue the fight to reduce regulations and cut taxes that prevent employers from keeping Texans on the job."
Protect Life
- Excerpt: "Jim Pitts is 100% pro-life. He was endorsed by Texas Right to life and has a very strong record on Pro-Life votes from the 82nd Legislative Session and before."
Campaign finance summary
Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.
Scorecards
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2014
In 2014, the Texas State Legislature did not hold a regular session.
2013
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2013, click [show]. |
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In 2013, the Texas State Legislature was in its 83rd legislative session from January 8 through May 27. Thirty minutes after the regular session ended, Governor Rick Perry called legislators back for a special session starting that evening.[25] Two additional called sessions were held from July 1 through July 30 and July 30 through August 5.[26]
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2012
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2012, click [show]. |
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In 2012, the Texas State Legislature did not hold a regular session. |
2011
| To view all the scorecards we found for this legislator in 2011, click [show]. |
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In 2011, the Texas State Legislature was in its 82nd legislative session from January 11 through May 30. A special session was called for May 31 through June 29.[26]
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Recent news
This section links to a Google news search for the term Jim + Pitts + Texas + House
- All stories may not be relevant to this legislator due to the nature of the search engine.
See also
- Texas State Legislature
- Texas House of Representatives
- Texas House of Representatives Committees
- Texas Joint Committees
- Texas state legislative districts
External links
- Jim Pitts campaign website
- Profile from Open States
- Legislative profile from Project Vote Smart
- Biography from Project Vote Smart
- Campaign Contributions: 2012, 2010, 2008, 2006, 2004, 2002, 2000, 1998
- Texas State Directory profile
- Texas Political Almanac HD 10 page
- Texas Tribune profile & bio
- Vote-TX.org profile
- State Surge profile
- Jim Pitts on Facebook
Footnotes
- ↑ The Dallas Morning News, "Rep. Jim Pitts, head of powerful House budget-writing committee, to retire from Texas Legislature," August 22, 2013
- ↑ Project Vote Smart, "Biography," accessed May 24, 2014
- ↑ American Spectator, "Transparency for Thee," October 25, 2013
- ↑ Daily Texas Online, "Facing impeachment, Regent Wallace Hall defends actions in debate with Sen. Kirk Watson," September 28, 2013
- ↑ Daily Texas Online, "Former UT System vice chancellor alleges Regent Wallace Hall’s ‘clear intent to get rid of Bill Powers’," October 24, 2013
- ↑ Dallas Morning News, "UT regent sought 800,000 documents, official says in impeachment hearing," October 22, 2013
- ↑ Texas Tribune, "Pitts: Enough Evidence to Impeach UT Regent Hall," October 22, 2013
- ↑ Alcalde, "Pitts Files Resolution to Impeach UT Regent Wallace Hall," June 24, 2013
- ↑ Texas Tribune, "UT System Pushes Back Against Criticism of Regent Hall," July 16, 2013
- ↑ University of Texas System, "Letter from Eugene Powell to Jim Pitts," July 15, 2013
- ↑ National Review, "The Ongoing Texas Travesty," October 23, 2013
- ↑ Watchdog, "Lawmaker admits pulling strings on UT admissions," October 23, 2013
- ↑ National Review, "The Curious and Curiouser Case of Wallace Hall," August 21, 2013
- ↑ Watchdog.org, "Texas’ Rep. Pitts announces retirement after improper influence story," August 22, 2013
- ↑ My West Texas, "Opinion: Texas politicians guilty of clout abuse," accessed November 22, 2013
- ↑ Dallas Morning News, "Texas House budget chief says Dallas Regent Wallace Hall attacking UT, its president," October 22, 2013
- ↑ Dallas Morning News, "UT, Powers under fire, according to early testimony during regent investigation," October 22, 2013
- ↑ National Review, "The Texas Travesty, Again," December 13, 2013
- ↑ Wall Street Journal, "Texas Admissions Rumble," February 12, 2015
- ↑ Texas Watchdog, "Children of Texas lawmakers get into UT School of Law, but struggle to pass bar exam," December 18, 2013
- ↑ Wall Street Journal, "Texas Admissions Brawl," July 9, 2014
- ↑ Texas Legislature, "Bills Authored/Joint Authored by Rep. Pitts," accessed May 24, 2014
- ↑ 23.0 23.1 23.2 Texas Secretary of State, "1992 - Current Election History," accessed February 17, 2014
- ↑ Follow the Money, "2008 Candidate funds," accessed May 24, 2014
- ↑ kten.com, "Texas Lawmakers To Tackle Redistricting In Special Session," May 29, 2013
- ↑ 26.0 26.1 Legislative reference Library of Texas, "Texas Legislative Sessions and Years," accessed June 13, 2014
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by - |
Texas House District 10 1993–2015 |
Succeeded by John Wray (R) |
| |||||||||||||||||||
