As mentioned earlier in several diaries, the race for the Texas 19th district is attracting national attention in the wake of controversial and ill-timed remarks on the House floor and a later insincere retraction by Congressman Randy Neugebauer.
Now it seems that the local public reaction in this conservative district, which hosts a very electable Democratic candidate, is running strongly against Mr. Neugebauer, as can be seen from a sampling of the letters from Saturday and Sunday's issues of the Lubbock newspaper, the Avalanche-Journal. Among the responses was a letter from a local rural conservative physician, who although he says he was "disappointed" by the passage of health care reform, condemns Neugebauer for his rude outburst.
Here is a table of the headlines for the most recent 2 days of letters (note the headlines are assigned by the newspaper editors, not the writers, of course):
Date | Support Neugebauer | Oppose Neugebauer |
Mar. 27
| Neugebauer was only one telling the truth about bill
|
Health care reform debate deteriorated to a low level
Neugebauer outburst shines a negative light on Lubbock
Neugebauer criticized for coarseness, rude behavior
Neugebauer showed same incivility as demonstrators
Neugebauer conduct shameful and an embarrassment to Texas
|
Mar. 28
|
Neugebauer commended for sharing constituents' pain
Neugebauer didn't need to apologize for his outburst
Neugebauer voiced the views of many who watched debate
|
Neugebauer is criticized for obnoxious, boorish comment
Neugebauer was out of order, should be voted out of office
Editorial thinly disguised attempt at damage control
Neugebauer's behavior isn't representative of constituency
|
It is very interesting to see an opening emerge for the Democratic candidate, who's name is Andy Wilson. I have already posted a copy of Mr. Wilson's most recently released video statement on "statesmanship" that got a lot of attention. His most recent newsletter and initial public statement on Neugebauer's "baby killer" outburst also make good reading.
If you are interested in more, you can try a Twitter search on "andy wilson," "randy neugebauer" or "baby killer" - which has already made the list of Twitter and Google Trends. Neugebauer also received the distinction of earning Salon magazine's "This Week In Crazy" award. My favorite response so far has been from the blogger "Half Empty," who said: Why not throw in a Hamilton or a Jackson at Andy Wilson’s Stop Randy Neugebauer Act Blue site?
Update: A direct link to his donation page is http://www.istandwithandy.com/... and contains a direct donation form, a Google Checkout link and his main Act Blue donation link.