What They’re Saying About Michael at the 2008 Republican State Convention

June 16, 2008

Mike Hailey-Capitol Inside:
“But as more than 10,000 Republicans huddled Friday on the second day of their biennial gathering in Houston, one of the hottest rumors in the convention hall was that Texas Railroad Commission Chairman Michael Williams might be first in line for an appointment to the U.S. Senate before others would have a chance to run for it if there's an opening between now and 2010.

Speculation about Williams as a possible U.S. Senate appointee began to intensify in the wake of a high-powered state convention speech that he made Thursday on opening day of the event. While Governor Rick Perry has been the state convention's biggest star and most entertaining presence, Williams has been drawing rave reviews for a speech that Republicans at the event were still talking about the day after he delivered it.

Williams sparked roars from the audience through his speech - and at a time when Republicans are worried that voters might punish them for soaring gasoline prices - he tried to turn the tide by arguing that the price at the pump is a product of policies that the Democrats have pushed or opposed in Congress.” 

Chad Weaver, Midland:
"I think I can safely say that I heard many politicians speak at that podium in Houston, but I only heard two leaders speak. One was Newt Gingrich. The other was Michael L. Williams.  The nation--not just Texas-- is in dire need of true, conservative leadership. I know where to find it."
 
Red Ink - Texas:
“After Susan Combs came one of the brightest rising stars in Texas Republican Politics; Michael Williams. This man was on freaking. fire...He gave one of the best, one of the most animated, most passionate speeches of any elected official there today, and probably in the top two of the whole week…This man will go far in Texas (national?)Politics. … Yes, he is that damned good. He is currently serving his second term as railroad commissioner and running for a third term, and even though he is a lawyer, this man knows his stuff about energy policy issues. We could do a helluva lot worse than Michael Williams in whatever office he eventually decides to move on to in the future. The man exudes competence and passion.”

The Jawa Report:
“The highlight of Thursday was Texas Railroad Commissioner Michael Williams, who gave a rousing, inspiring speech in which he was interrupted by applause over 30 times….Those of you outside of Texas who don't know about Michael Williams should get to know him. If [McCain] were to name Williams to be his Veep, I think that might just clinch it.” 

 SouthPark Conservative response on Jawa Report:
"Wow. Great speech. Accurate, and moving. Wish we had more of him on the Conservative aisle. We need them."

Rep J response on Jawa Report:
"That's awesome! I've voted for Michael Williams the past few elections, and now I'm really glad that I did. I'd like to see him in the running for governor!"

Houston Chronicle blog:
“Railroad Commissioner Michael Williams gave a lively speech…he urged his fellow Republicans to ‘get our swagger back."

Statesman blog comments - Larrywp:
“Mr Williams: I salute you, sir. You have put this campaign in succinct perspective.”

Wes Linder:
“I was a delegate to the Republican Party of Texas State Convention this weekend, and after spending 4 days in the front of the George R. Brown listening to speeches, I thought I'd report.  Other than possibly Newt's, the best speech of the convention was given by Michael Williams, Railroad Commissioner.”

Unk Hiram’s blog:
“This was the third speech by Michael Williams that I have heard at the Convention so far and every one of them has been outstanding.”

Chris McClure on Panhandle's Perspective blog: 

"Wow! I wish I had heard this speech in person...It is a little over 20 minutes in length but well worth it. He expresses why I consider myself a Republican...He gets my vote."

Susan on Politics and Christianity blog:

"One of the most talked about speeches was delivered by Chairman Michael Williams of the Texas Railroad Commission."

 Shelly Roszak, Grandview, TX - FWST Letter to the Editor:

"The best speech by far was by Railroad Commissioner Michael Williams. U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison and Rick Perry may be vying for governor, but the man who should be our next governor is Michael Williams."

Kathy Vogelsang on Brazos Cowgirl blog:

"He is a wonderful man that I am proud to say is probably the best speaker every convention I have been to. He truly is what I like about Texas, he is honest, humble with a terrific sense of humor. If he ran for President I would campaign non stop for him in a heartbeat, or for Governor for that matter. He is intelligent and Texas is lucky to have him."

Beth Woodfin, Yeah, Right, Whatever blog:

"He gets it. He really gets it. Finally, we have an articulate, confident representation of conservative ideals."

Texas Fred:

"Michael Williams is the kind of guy Texas NEEDS, and he is a good reason for the Proud Texan to exist..."