Talk about a faux pas…
We sent out an email asking our supporters to call Senator Hutchison’s office to question why she would endorse a “toller” given the following comment by the Senator: “I’m opposed to slapping a toll on a highway that’s already built”–Texas Monthly, November 2004
Today candidate for re-election as State Representative, Carter Casteel, claimed Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison endorsed her in a hotly contested race for the 73rd District which spans Bandera, Comal, Gillespie, and Kendall counties. That’s Boerne, Bulverde, New Braunfels, Fredericksburg, Bandera and other Hill Country towns. Nathan Macias is her opponent and is committed IN WRITING to stop the tolling of existing FREEways. You can contact Senator Hutchison’s office below:
San Antonio office: 210-340-2885
Austin office: 512-916-5834
Washington DC 202-224-5922
Here’s a statement made by the Senator which is on our blog. Note the Senator’s opposition to freeway tolls yet Casteel, who voted to toll existing highways (voted for HB 2702 which proliferated tolls and actually made it legal to toll existing highways), claims Hutchison endorses her!
Excerpt from interview with Kay Bailey Hutchinson:
“Kay Bailey Hutchison”
by Evan Smith
Texas Monthly, November 2004
Q: What’s the problem with transportation? Isn’t the governor already tackling that?
“I think he’s right to prioritize transportation. We have a highway crisis. But we’ve come way too late to the importance of rail in our transit system and our urban areas. I think that rail can be a viable alternative to clogging our highways. Eighty percent of the NAFTA cars and trucks in the U.S. come through Texas. We’re helping at the federal level with the NAFTA corridors, I-69 and I-35. I put a separate fund in the highway bill for border corridors, because this is such a huge issue for us. But I don’t want a cement Texas. We cannot just pave over our urban areas. And I don’t want a toll Texas. I’m opposed to slapping a toll on a highway that’s already built. Now, if people vote a bond issue for a toll road, fine. But to build a highway with taxpayer dollars and then go in and put a toll on it and clog up the rest of the arteries in the city—it’s not right.”
Read Casteel’s press release below…
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Hutchison Endorses Casteel Re-Election
U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison formally endorsed State Representative Carter Casteel (R-New Braunfels) for re-election to the Texas House today. “Carter Casteel is a conservative leader in the Texas House,” Hutchison said. “I salute Carter’s outspoken determination and heartily support her re-election this year.”
Hutchison, herself a former state representative, applauded Casteel’s public service. “Representing the Hill Country with conviction and vigor, Carter’s record demonstrates a commitment to the values that make Texas great,” Hutchison added.
“Senator Hutchison and I have worked together for the Hill Country and Texas. Her leadership in both the Republican Party and the U.S. Senate is invaluable to our state,” Casteel said. “I am honored to have her endorsement and support.”
Casteel has been previously endorsed by House Speaker Tom Craddick (R-Midland), Texas Agriculture Commissioner Susan Combs and the National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund.
Key Campaign Dates
February 6 Voter registration deadline
February 21 Early voting begins
March 7 Primary election
Political advertising paid for by the
Carter Casteel Campaign
Post Office Box 312404
New Braunfels, Texas 78131
830-627-8820 Phone
830-627-8895 Fax
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Read just two of the emails from our supporters who called Senator Hutchison’s office…
I just got off the phone with Senator Hutchinson’s office. They emphatically deny that she is in support of Carter Casteel and reiterated that she is opposed to toll roads. The person with whom I spoke with in her office made me aware that as soon as your email was out, their office has been flooded with calls concerning such. THANKS for all your hard work!
–Ray
Senator Hutchinson’s staff (San Antonio office) denies that Senator Hutchinson has endorsed Carter Casteel. They state that they (San Antonio office) have gotten no confirmation from the Senator regarding the alleged endorsement by Senator Hutchinson. I just spoke with them by phone and that is what they are saying.
–Tim