El Paso’s Women’s Political Action Committee (WoPAC) berated District 78 candidate Dee Margo (R) and endorsed Joe Moody (D) in response to Margo’s acceptance of $7,500 from Clayton “Claytie” Williams.
Williams had run for Texas Governor in 1990 against Ann Richards (D). At one point during the campaign he compared Richards to cattle and saying he would “drag her through the dirt.” He also compared bad weather to rape saying, “as long as it’s inevitable, you might as well lie back and enjoy it.”
Williams' remarks were aired by Richards in a 1990 campaign ad posted below:
Though the comments were made 18 years ago, they led John McCain to cancel a fundraiser at Williams’ house in June earlier this year. However McCain did not return the money, according the Washington Post.
Margo said, according to the WoPAC press release that he didn’t know Williams had made the comments when he accepted the donation and that the comments were “not germane to my race.”
“This is an incredibly insensitive statement made by a man who seeks to represent a district that includes a community of intelligent and proud women,” said WoPAC.
“I’m appreciative of any donations,” said Margo, who does not know Williams personally. In fact, he thought the donation was from his son because of the Williams’ use of the prefix “Jr.”
“Whatever he said, it was 20 years ago; it’s not germane to my campaign,” said Margo re-iterating his earlier statement on the issue.
WoPAC is a local group which “focuses on issues that are integral to women and families” according to their website. The claimed Joe Moody “shares our humanistic values,” and that in light of the comments, Margo “cannot serve our city with the integrity and vision we deserve.”
Plato
October 31, 2008
Normally, Dee is pretty careful about what he says and who he takes money from. This was a mistake and "not germane to my race" comes off very arrogant. Won't cost him the race, but will be a sound bite and a quote that will follow him for sometime.
former female candidate for office
October 31, 2008
I agree Dee Margo should not have taken money from C. WIlliams. Mr. Williams was very insensitive to women.
However, WoPAC would never have endorsed Margo anyway because it is a group of Democrats. This article sounds like WoPAC was looking for a reason to endorse Mooody, and they don't need one. Moody is qualified, and he will do a great job. He is the best candidate for that office.
However, I ran for office a few years ago and WoPAC endorsed my opponent. WoPAC did not interview candidates. There is no analysis in the selection process by WoPAC. You learn that if you have been a part of this group. Because Senator Shapleigh endorsed my opponent (a male), WoPAC did the same thing. Every other group who endorsed me or my opponent interviewed people and knew the facts. WoPAC had no idea what I had done for women and families or that I am part of the organization in this community that does the most for women and families.
In their endorsement it came out as "women have spoken". As if this group speaks for women. As a women, I know that we do a detailed analysis before choosing a candidate which I have done before choosing to vote for Joe Moody.
I can tell you that I don't think any group who does not try to find out about a candidate and what he or she has done for its cause (women's rights) before making endorsements has credibility.
Not surprised.
October 31, 2008
Why would anyone like swimming in his own or other's black muck?
For a few lousy 7500 dollars?