Former Texas GOP chief dies at 84

DALLAS (AP) — Dallas businessman Fred Meyer, who was a Republican power player back when Texan Republicans had precision little power, died Monday at 84, the Texas Republican Party said.

Meyer served as state party chairman for six years, from 1988 to 1994. His term ended just as the GOP was establishing itself as the top political force in Texas. Four years later, the party swept all statewide races, and Republicans have not lost a statewide race since.

Meyer also served as chairman of the Republican Party in Dallas County. He also served as chairman of George W. Bush's 2000 presidential campaign.

Current Texas GOP chairman Steve Munisteri says in a statement that Meyer had "an excellent reputation for building up the party's infrastructure and taking care of the nuts and bolts of the political operations."

The Dallas Morning News reports that Meyer was a prolific fundraiser who continued to make calls shortly before his death from his hospital room for a nonprofit group.