UPDATE: Burton and Willis campaigns respond to controversial mailer
I reached out to both the Burton and Willis campaigns regarding the mailer distributed by a group known as “National Family Coalition.”
Konni Burton spokesperson Luke Macias in a statement: “Our campaign is not affiliated with the group that sent this mail piece in any way. Throughout the campaign we have made it clear that the most important issues facing the people of SD 10 are securing the border, providing quality public education, and prioritizing transportation in our budget. We are unaware of who sent the mailer, as the group claiming credit has no website, no telephone number, and only a mailing address. We don’t plan for third-party mailers sent from Virginia to be a distraction in the final week of this race. Our campaign will continue to advocate for the issues the voters of SD 10 care about.”
Libby Willis in a statement: “It’s unfortunate, but not surprising, that Konni Burton would resort to desperate, hateful attacks from out-of-state groups. That might be why the Star-Telegram said ‘it is not clear how well she would or could represent the diverse population of the district.’ I am proud to have the support of the Texas Equity PAC because in the Texas Senate, it will be my priority to work for every Texan.”
I spoke with Eric Johnson with Texas Equity PAC about the mailer. “An out-of-state, anonymous PAC has attacked because of our support. In these remaining days leading up to Election Day, real Texans and real Texas values will stand up for what’s right. They will support equality and shun extremism. The Texas Equity PAC supports Libby Willis because she supports not only LGBT Texans, but all Texans.”
The PAC mistakenly calls out Equality Texas for its support of Willis. Equality Texas does not endorse candidates. Texas Equity PAC does however–including Sarah Davis, a Republican state representative.
ORIGINAL STORY:
The Dallas Voice has learned a group under the name “National Family Coalition” has sent a homophobic mailer blasting Libby Willis, the Democratic opponent candidate for state Senate 10, for having the backing for the Equality Texas PAC.
The only information found about the National Family Coalition is where it was registered.
Her Republican opponent is Konni Burton, a Tea Party Republican from Colleyville.
Burton and Willis are locked in a tight race to replace Wendy Davis, who has represented the district since 2008.
The district is the only swing senate district in Texas.
To ask Burton to denounce the mailer, call her campaign office at 817-228-1805 or post on her Facebook page.
More to follow.
