Democratic Senate hopeful touts career

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September 15, 2012

Democratic Senate hopeful touts career

By JOSEPH HAMRICK Herald-Banner Staff The Herald-Banner Sat Sep 15, 2012, 12:47 AM CDT

GREENVILLE — Texas Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate Paul Sadler called Republican candidate Ted Cruz inexperienced and reckless as they vie to replace current Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison.

“My opponent was at the Democratic National Convention enjoying the spotlight as a Republican attack dog,” Sadler said. “Unfortunately, he doesn’t understand that he’s alienating everyone.”

Speaking in the Dairy Manor Bed and Breakfast in Greenville, Sadler spoke on his long service record during his service the Texas House of Representatives.

“I was named in the top 10 best legislatures four times in 10 years,” he said. “And I was voted one of “Six Stellar” legislators by the Dallas Morning News.”

Sadler said he has a history of bipartisanship, which he believes is something Texas needs.

“I passed the largest property tax cut rate and three consecutive teachers pay raises, all with a split house,” he said. “I have a record we can be proud of.”

In a recent interview with Chris Matthews on Fox News, Cruz said he wanted to abolish the Departments of Education, Commerce and Energy, and the TSA and the IRA, and move them to the state level. According to Sadler, that would cost Texas billions.

“If you abolish the Department of Education, it would cost this state $6 billion and we would lose the head start and the student loan program for college,” he said. “This is a reckless, false agenda he has. There is a very stark contrast between my experience and his radical views.”

On energy and cutting the amount of pollution, Sadler said his experience will help unify the two parties and make Texas more efficient.

“It doesn’t matter if you believe in climate change,” he said. “We were all raised to know that pollution is bad. We live here so we need to take care of our home.”

Sadler admitted he is the underdog in the run for the senate, but said he enjoys traveling to small towns to raise funds, comparing his campaign policy to that of his opponents.

“The most important thing we do is understanding the needs of people in small towns like Greenville and Sulphur Springs,” he said. “I don’t want an outside super PAC endorsing me. I don’t want Washington picking our senator. I have a history of bipartisanship which demonstrates my ability to get things done. We need to start electing people who do that.”

The first day of early voting is Monday, Oct. 22.