Williams: Spending, taxes among top issues
Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
July 20, 2009
by Joshua Hull, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
Texas Railroad Commissioner Michael Williams came to Lubbock on Thursday to talk to West Texans about prominent issues facing conservatives and his bid to replace Republican U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison should she abandon her seat to run for governor.
High government spending and new taxes were among topics Williams discussed, as well as his belief that he would be a perfect fit for the U.S. Senate seat if it becomes available.
Williams has decades of public service experience. He served in various capacities for President Ronald Reagan and President George W. Bush and has worked in U.S. Justice and Education departments.
He also worked as a prosecutor in his hometown of Midland.
"It is a record and experience I think is fairly broad and quite deep," Williams said.
Williams is not the only one to have expressed interest in the Hutchison seat, which he said he believes she will give up sometime between October and January 2010.
Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and former Texas secretary of state Roger Williams also are expected to go for the position, which could be appointed by Gov. Rick Perry if Hutchison gives up her seat while running against him for governor.
Williams spoke to the crowd about the Cap and Trade Bill recently passed by the House, which would impose new taxes and sanctions on businesses not meeting the new environmental requirements listed in the act.
Farmers and ranchers could pay more taxes if the bill passes, as agricultural operations are targeted in the proposed law.
"I would argue to you that the science is not settled," Williams said, adding he would like to see the bill scrapped and more focus on creating incentives for clean energy production in West Texas.
His commitment to conservative values make Williams an ideal candidate for the Hub City, said Chris Winn, chair of the Lubbock County Republican Party.
According to federal election reports, Williams raised more than $200,000 by the end of March. His campaign office reports he has raised more than $220,000 since then.
Considering the magnitude of decisions being made in Washington, D.C., Winn said he hopes Hutchison will remain in office until the end of 2009 as her influence could not be easily replaced.
"It's an important time to have a very strong voice and a senior voice," he said. "There's plenty of time to run for governor after the first of the year."
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