PRESS RELEASE: Dick Morris endorses Natalie, calls her a "rising, young star" in the Republican Party

Natalie Nichols Campaign
Issued:  08/25/2010

BOWIE COUNTY, TX – Republican Nominee for Bowie County Clerk, Natalie Nichols, recently received the endorsement of former White House advisor, award winning author and Fox News commentator, Dick Morris.

“Natalie Nichols is one of the rising, young stars in the Republican Party,” said Dick Morris, President of Vote.com.  “She is struggling to make Bowie County a two-party government with checks and balances.  Right now, it is run by the fiat of the Democratic Party organization.”  Morris explained, “The Clerk's office is the key to releasing the voting records of the Commissioners Court.  The current clerk sits on the records and won't release them without a formal request.  Natalie, not to be deterred, now videotapes their meetings and posts them on her website for all to see.”

Morris worked as a Republican strategist before serving as a White House Advisor under President Clinton, and is credited for helping President Clinton succeed by convincing the President to adopt Conservative Republican policies.  He is an 8 time NYT best-selling author, renowned political strategist, and a regular commentator on Fox News.

“We need the likes of Natalie in politics and, I suspect, the people of Bowie County need her, in particular, as an advocate.  They couldn't get a better one," added Morris.

“I’m honored to receive the endorsement of Dick Morris, and am so grateful for his advice and friendship.  I was deeply humbled when he wrote to offer the endorsement,” said Nichols. “He is one of the strongest voices in the Conservative movement today.  His wisdom and wealth of knowledge is beyond compare.  Public Information has been under lock and key in our county for decades.  I will give our citizens every opportunity to view our elected officials’ voting records, without having to ask for them.  The records in the County Clerk’s office do not belong to the Clerk, they belong to the people.”

TEXARKANA GAZETTE: Nichols questions Texarkana, Texas Mayor's excuse

Brandy S. Chewning
Published: 07/16/2010

Bowie County judge contender Dr. Sterling Lacy asked why TWU Executive Director Bill King was not invited to the forum. Coordinator Dwayne Hall said it had been considered, but Mayo requested employees of the city be excluded.

“I didn’t think it would be appropriate at all,” Mayo said. “We’re talking about his department.”

But Lacy countered that no one on the panel has the experience and history with TWU that King has. Natalie Nichols agreed.

“It is all about having the people have knowledge and that’s what they’re here for. So what is the problem with them having all sides of the issue?” she asked.

Mayo said, “Legally I cannot answer personnel questions, and if a question was called I would not be able to answer it so I did not feel it to be appropriate.”

But Nichols said if King were at the meeting, the audience would be asking him questions instead of the council members.

“I don’t think that’s a great excuse, I’m sorry,” she told Mayo.

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TEXARKANA GAZETTE:Nichols makes the Texas A&M President's List

Published: 06/06/2010

President’s List:

TEXARKANA, Texas—Shane Alexander, Robert Banjavcic, James Berrier, Melinda Brown, Raina Buls, Victor Butler, Ryan Cherry, Melody Cranford, Wendy Crowell, Benjamin Custer, William Darbe, Janice Dixon, Sean Dugan, Michael Dukes, Molly Edwards, Connie Fomby, Therisa Gray, Teresa Hackleman-Morris, Mary Harrington, Josh Hodges, Jean Jarvis, Geoffrey Krieghoff, John Long, Sterlin Lujan, Jayna McKinnon, Sandra McNeely, Dontrel Murphy, Natalie Nichols, Sarah Palmer, Brandon Quaid, Lisa Sangalli, Samantha Schivers, Alan Smith, Callie Stone, Christina Tate, Rosheaka Williams and Samantha Youngblood

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TEXARKANA GAZETTE: Nichols requests online viewing of council meetings, suggests changes to closed session format

Brandy S. Chewning
Published:  05/26/2010

The city is also looking into televising council meetings live. Resident Natalie Nichols requested video of the meetings be posted online so they can be viewed anytime…

Each council meeting convenes in open session at 6 p.m. followed by a one-hour executive session when members eat dinner and discuss very specific items as allowed by state law.

City Manager Larry Sullivan said the council is offered a meal because members may not have time to eat before the meeting. But Nichols said the closed session is a deterrent to residents who want to be at a meeting from its start to finish.

“That turns people off because most people don’t have time to do that in the evenings,” she said.

She recommended conducting a single closed session if necessary after the public comment portion of the meeting. Ward 3 Council Member Tina Veal-Gooch supported reviewing the meeting order to make it more friendly to the public.

“I can easily, if need be, dart through McDonald’s ... and nibble on that on my way here if we could find a reasonable solution (for those in attendance) that do have a life, that’s not elected, that would like to get home,” Veal-Gooch said.

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TEXARKANA GAZETTE: Bridging the Gulf

Kristi Jordan
Published:  05/10/2010

Area resident Natalie Nichols was also moved to start a hair drive after hearing the fibers would be helpful in the Gulf disaster.

Nichols has organized eight of her friends and acquaintances and they are calling area salons to get them involved in the collection of the otherwise virtually useless materials. She said the clippings, which are normally discarded, can now serve a good purpose.

“People either just throw the hair clippings away or they give them to somebody for their gardens or birds’ nests, so to me it was something that from right here we can organize the women in the area to go around to the hair salons and just get (the clippings) so I’m encouraging people to do that,” Nichols said. “I talked to several salons who have committed their hair to the project and I will get with them when they have bags full and will ship them off.”

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TEXARKANA GAZETTE: Commissioners vote to ratify previous votes held in questionable meeting

Kristi Jordan
Published: May 1, 2010

The regular meeting of the Bowie County Commissioners Court on Monday was called into question after a court employee inadvertently failed to post notice of it on the county website, as specified in the Texas Open Meetings Act.

Natalie Nichols, Republican candidate for county clerk, said the meeting was illegal because of the oversight and “respectfully (requested) the Commissioners Court re-hold the meeting.”

While not acknowledging Nichols’ claim was valid, county Judge James Carlow agreed to hold another meeting to ratify the actions taken in Monday’s session.

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TEXARKANA GAZETTE: Nichols calls for a do-over

Kristi Jordan
Published: April 28, 2010

Natalie Nichols, Republican nominee for Bowie County Clerk, made a complaint that Monday’s meeting was illegal based on what she said was a violation of the Texas Open Meetings Act. The act requires that a city, county, school district, or sales tax economic development corporation publish notice of its meetings on its Website, if one exists, at least 72 hours prior to being held. Nichols said the meeting held Monday was not posted as prescribed in the act and upon finding out it had been held, she took action.

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PRESS RELEASE: Bowie County Commissioner’s Court meeting was not legally held

Natalie Nichols Campaign
Issued: April 2, 2010

Nichols said, “I went to the courthouse after I found out that a meeting actually took place today. I spoke with James Carlow, Bowie County Judge to inform him of the situation. I told him that I was respectfully requesting the Commissioner’s Court re-hold the meeting. I also explained to him that our County Clerk should be aware of the requirements under the Texas Open Meetings Act.” Nichols further stated, “Judge Carlow called me later to tell me that Chris Goodsell, the purchasing agent, had mistakenly forgotten to post the meeting online, as the act required. He told me that the current County Clerk, Velma Moore, was not responsible for preparing the Commissioner’s Court agendas or for posting their notices.”

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TEXARKANA GAZETTE: The bid is for records management, not information technology

Greg Bischof
Published: April 13, 2010

Natalie Nichols attended the Bowie County Commissioner's Court meeting where the incumbent County Clerk and the County Attorney were putting forth a proposal to solicit bids for Information Technology services for the Bowie County Clerk's office. Natalie was perplexed because the incumbent clerk has been giving campaign speeches stating, "we have all the latest technologies...faxes, scanners." Nichols questioned the need to seek bids for these services and asked if the clerk had checked to make sure that they weren't going to pay for services that were already offered for free under County Information Resources Agency (CIRA). James Carlow, Bowie County Judge, agreed with Nichols that the services being requested were for records management, not information technology. Carol Dalby, Bowie County Attorney, stated that CIRA didn't provide scanners and computers, and implied that these were actually what would be purchased as a result of the bid.

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TEXARKANA GAZETTE: Republicans rally downtown

Kristi Jordan
Published: April 2, 2010

Natalie Nichols, candidate for Bowie County clerk, said she chose to run for this office because she believes there’s a need for her particular skills there. “The clerk’s office has to be up to date, reliable and out there for people to see, touch and feel. Even the slightest delays cause economic impacts that trickle down to businesses in the community, directly affecting their bottom line. “In researching Texas counties, I’ve found that Bowie County Clerk’s office is not as advanced as other counties our size. But it easily could be.” If elected, transparency and accountability would be priorities, Nichols said.

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TEXARKANA GAZETTE: 20 percent of Bowie County voters participated in this year’s primary

Greg Bischof
Published:  03/15/2010

Besides the voter turnout, which Bowie County Elections Administrator George Stegall cited as relatively good, he added that Republican voter turnout appeared to be the highest since he came aboard as elections administrator in 2005.

Of the 11,881 voters, more than half—6,825—came in as GOP party votes while Democratic votes accounted for 5,056, office statistics show.

Although three county office races along party lines won’t be contested until November’s general election, the primary results in the unopposed candidate category show higher GOP participation.

The three upcoming party contested county races include the county judge’sjudges office, clerk’s office and treasurer’s office.

As for the two unopposed candidates in the judge’s primary race, incumbent Democrat James Carlow received 3,533 votes while his expected GOP opponent, Dr. Sterling E. Lacy, took 4,750 votes in his unopposed ballot spot.

Bowie County Clerk incumbent Democrat Velma Moore received 3,851 votes in her unchallenged primary race, while her expected Republican opponent in the November race, Natalie D. Nichols, garnered 4,662 ballots.

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BOWIE COUNTY CITIZENS TRIBUNE: Voters turnout surprising results

Robin Aaron
Published: March 7, 2010

With the March 2 Primary election wrapped up this week, candidates look forward to continuing their campaigns for office, provided they were able to make the cut with local voters.
Overall, Republican voters outnumbered Democrats in the elections, casting some question on what that may mean in November. Republicans cast 6,825 ballots to Democrats’ 5,056…
In the County Judge race, the 24-year veteran judge James Carlow received 3,533 votes. He was unopposed in the primary, but will face Dr. Sterling Lacy in November. In the primary, Lacy took 4,750 votes.
Were these numbers repeated in Nov., the county could potentially see a new face in the Judge’s seat.
The same is the case with the County Clerk’s office. Incumbent Velma Moore received 3851 votes in the Democratic primary. She ran unopposed for the Dem. nomination, but Republican candidate Natalie Nichols garnered 4,662 votes.

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BOWIE COUNTY CITIZENS TRIBUNE: Saturday TEA Party 'not a protest'

Robin Aaron
Published: February 21, 2010

Those involved in a TEA Party gathering planned for this weekend said there are major misconceptions over the intent of that event…

“This is not a protest of any sort,” Natalie Nichols said. “Instead, it is a showing of solidarity. It is a way for those who have been gathering in the streets to voice their concern, to actually have their physical person seen by those powers that be in local government. There is no intention of any boisterous activity, not even any signs, just people,” Nichols-R, who is also running for Bowie County Clerk and will face incumbent Velma Moore-D in that race. Moore declined to comment on the issue.

“We are simply a group of citizens that plans to be present at the event,” Nichols said. “Just as those in support for the establishment are always present every election cycle, even those that I'm told are bussed in. There is not any organization for this event. This movement is truly a grassroots effort. All I have done is to inform those who might be aware of the Straw Poll, and ask that they show up. The most work that will go into ‘planning’ the Tea Party is that I will create a flyer to distribute to people who would like to print them out to advertise.

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BOWIE COUNTY CITIZENS TRIBUNE: Transparency, policy change the focus of newcomers to the local political stage

Kenny Mitchell
Published: February 17, 2010

Transparency, policy change the focus of new comers to the local political stage. Natalie Nichols, a member of the Bowie County Patriots along with Cooper and Lacy, continued their views calling for transparency in government. She called for technology advances in the office including putting the email addresses of all county officials on the internet and a customer feedback section as well. Nichols stated that she would also post the minutes of all county commissioner meetings online.

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BOWIE COUNTY CITIZENS TRIBUNE: ‘There is no corruption in Bowie County’

Woody Morgan
Published: February 10, 2010

"There is no corruption in the district attorney’s office," Rochelle said. "That word is slung around like it’s a weapon in this race by the opposition. It has been brought to my attention that some allegations being made about, corruption, using the term restore integrity, using the phrase restoring trust to our judicial system. It aggravates me to have those allegations kind of just thrown out there as part of an ad campaign."...County Judge James Carlow said he agreed with Rochelle and reiterated that there is no corruption in Bowie County.

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A-L-T MAGAZINE: Nichols was voted 1 of 3 ‘Most Beautiful Women in the Ark-La-Tex’

Jane Bouterse
Published: 01/01/2010

Natalie writes, “I do not regret the choices that I made, because fortunately God has a plan for all of us, and the mistakes that I made have helped me find the right path in life…There is a reason for everything, and we have to have our blinders off and see what plan He has in store for us… God doesn’t give us more than we can handle. That doesn’t mean that we won’t face many struggles, but those hard times are building blocks that ultimately make us better people.”

Natalie Nichols is, indeed, a Beautiful Woman. Her life exemplifies how to live not only for her children but for all of those with whom she comes in contact. The “Ps” in her life: Pride, Passion, Perseverance, Public Spirit, Perfection, and, yes, Pain and Prayer can be guideposts for all of us.

Her favorite quotation: “If not you, Who? If not now, When?” ~Unknown

There is no doubting the Why? Of her choice. Congratulations!

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TEXARKANA REPUBLICAN EXAMINER: To Glen Beck, Thank you for doing Black America and the rest of us a favor

Natalie Nichols
Published: January 21, 2010

FOX News host, Glenn Beck, hosted a series called "A Time to be Heard." This was a look into Black Conservatism in America, and shattered many of the myths that Conservatives are only old, white men. Natalie wrote a letter to Glenn Beck, requesting that black conservative author, Kevin Jackson, be given his own show to host.

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TEXARKANA GAZETTE: Local woman files GOP ticket to run for Bowie County Clerk

Greg Bischof
Published: January 11, 2010

Texarkana Gazette, the largest local newspaper, reports on Natalie's announcement of her candidacy for Bowie County Clerk. Natalie plans to make the clerk's office a portal of information for the people of Bowie County. She plans to put technology to work and to bring a level of accountability and accessibility to the office that area residents have never had.

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TEXARKANA GAZETTE: Nichols makes the Texarkana College President's List

Published: 01/09/2010

President’s List:

TEXARKANA, Texas—Michael Blue, Brittiany Brown, Jared Carrell, Nathan Carrell, Randi Clary, Taylor Coleman, Michael Cottrell, Melody Cranford, Malen Cross, Anna Douglas, Brandon Dumdei, Hunter Durham, Rebecca Durham, Wehmeyer Ferreira, Ana Gabriel, Noah Gilliam, Sarah Guy, Jungwon Heo, Francesca Invernizzi, Ashlee Johnson, Connie Kennedy, Kelli Kent, Jennifer Landers, Alyssa Lucas, Michael Luckett, Maegan Martin, Samantha McCallister, Mason McCloud, Ariel McDowell, Melina Montes, Lucinda Moore, Natalie Nichols, Tiffany Parks, Jennifer Phillips, Brett Roberts, Michael Robertson, Jarrod Rudledge, Caitlin Sheets, Tenzing Sherpa, Leslie Smith, Samuel Tirrito, Jayme Vaughan, Kamrin Vega, Shawnte Ware, Anthony Watts and Sifan Xu

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PRESS RELEASE: Natalie officially announces her candidacy

Natalie Nichols Campaign
Issued: January 5, 2010

Christian, Conservative, Wife, and Mother of Four - Natalie Nichols officially announced the filing of her application for a place on the Republican ticket for Bowie County Clerk in 2010.

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FT. WORTH STAR TELEGRAM: Natalie discusses Sarah Palin

ANNA M. TINSLEY
Published: December 5, 2009

Natalie was interviewed by a reporter with Ft. Worth Star Telegram during Sarah Palin's book signing stop in Plano, TX. Natalie had written to Palin just days after she and McCain were defeated in the 2008 election. Natalie thanked Palin for being an inspiration to Christian Conservatives and for being the reason behind her first vote. Sarah Palin wrote back to Natalie on the back of Trig's birth announcement. Natalie made a shirt to wear to the signing to show Palin how much of an impact the note had on her life.

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THE CW 33TV: Sarah Palin stops in Plano

Havonnah Johnson
Published: December 4, 2009

Natalie drove to Plano and slept in her car in the parking garage of The Legacy bookstore, in freezing temperatures, for her chance to meet Sarah Palin. She discusses how she was inspired by the former Governor of Alaska to stand up and get involved.

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THE WASHINGTON POST: Natalie discusses her dedication to help curb teen pregnancy.

Bryan Reid
Published: June 30, 2008

Natalie discusses her dedication to help curb teen pregnancy. She talks about her experience and her decision to take part in NBC's The Baby Borrowers. The Baby Borrowers is a series that took 6 teen couples who wanted to have babies immediately and gave them a glimpse of their lives in fast forward. It was a way to show them that children are not the latest fashion accessory and that they might want to focus on building a strong foundation before they take the risks that could lead to becoming teen parents.

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