1. Raleigh Roper. Texas is flat, right?
2. Surly Ogre. It's not bad but I prefer drop bars.

The Roper's only $1400 (and effectively less if you're an REI member) so you'll have some dough leftover for other expenses - hopefully not more family pizza dinners.

I understand not wanting to go with a used bike, I'm not huge on buying used stuff either, especially for a bike that I ride every day. But if you want to save some more, and it sounds like you're handy enough with your bikes to finish the assembly of one, there's the option of good ol' bikesdirect:

http://www.bikesdirect.com/products/...ane/outlaw.htm

<$900 for a drop bar disc brake 700c bike, delivered. Tiagra/105 mix. Might be sold out in your size by now though.

All depends on the employee discount you can get though.