Aug
25
Written by:
Mark Lavergne
8/25/2009 1:36 PM
Texas Railroad Commissioner Michael Williams has gotten an endorsement from former U.S. House Speaker and conservative firebrand Newt Gingrich. Williams' campaign website has published a glowing column by Gingrich, touting Williams' extensive resume and conservative bona fides, and, of course, asking for money for Williams' campaign.
An excerpt from Gingrich's endorsement:
As someone who has been elected statewide in Texas three times, Michael caught my eye by advocating the right energy policies for America’s future. Unlike the liberals who want to bring fossil fuel exploration to a grinding halt and worsen the economic crisis, Michael wants to expand domestic exploration of both traditional fossil fuels as well as clean, renewable sources.
Gingrich spearheaded a movement during the presidential campaign last year to allow for more oil-drilling on American soil. Its slogan: "Drill Here. Drill Now. Pay Less." His endorsement of Williams makes sense in this light. He also acclaims Williams' experience as Education Secretary under President George H.W. Bush, and his work at the U.S. Department of Justice.
Obviously, the field for Kay Bailey Hutchison's seat is already crowded, but an endorsement from a conservative stalwart like Gingrich is a valuable card for Williams, especially if he really does want Gov. Rick Perry's appointment to the Senate after Hutchison resigns. Perry is looking to cast himself as the true conservative in the primary and a widely-considered-to-be-true conservative in Gingrich has now endorsed Williams.
Republican former Texas Governor Bill Clements has endorsed Railroad Commission member Elizabeth Ames Jones for the seat. The biggest name on Texas Sen. Florence Shapiro's (R-Plano) website is former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach.