The candidates for the open state Senate district 10, a swing district covering a portion of Tarrant County, have responded to an anti-LGBT mailer released by the mysterious group known as the “National Family Council.” I initially posted the responses from late Monday in ongoing updates here. But given both candidates have different takes on it, and other groups have since responded, I feel they warrant reposting. First, here are the mailers in question:
Luke Macias, spokesperson for Republican Konni Burton, of Colleyville: “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.”
Democrat Libby Willis, of Fort Worth, 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.”
Other groups responded as well.
Texas Equity PAC president Eric Johnson, of Dallas, said: “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 from Houston.
Texas Freedom Network President Kathy Miller said in a statement: “These kinds of hateful campaign tactics represent politics at its worst,” Miller said. “To smear a candidate because she supports equality for everyone is shameful and out of step with Texas voters who are leaving that kind of bigotry in the past.”
Texas Freedom Network is “a nonpartisan, grassroots organization of religious and community leaders who support religious freedom, individual liberties and public education” based in Austin.
