What’s the best evidence that you are no longer a fringe candidate? It’s when the once-leading contender can no longer afford to ignore you. And that’s what we see in this statement today from Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison about her Tea Party rival in the primary contest against incumbent Governor Rick Perry:
Austin, TX – Today, at a campaign stop in Carrollton, Kay Bailey Hutchison made the following statement in response to Debra Medina’s 9/11 comments:
“I know exactly who was responsible for the horrific attacks on September 11th – Al Qaeda terrorists who declared war on America. To suggest otherwise is an affront to the men and women who are sacrificing their lives to root out the terrorists in Afghanistan and around globe. Ever since that tragic day, I have fought tirelessly to ensure that we hunted down the Islamic extremists who target our nation. No one stood closer to President Bush and Vice President Cheney in their efforts to defeat the terrorist threat to our freedom.”
It turns out that Medina is making things pretty uncomfortable for Hutchison. One recent poll, in fact, has them virtually tied in the three-way race. Then again, Hutchison has done a lot on her own to diminish her chances in a contest that was once expected to be one of the most interesting anywhere this year. Hilary Hylton explains what is going on in this story for TIME.com.
UPDATE: It would appear the incumbent (and frontrunner) is also feeling the heat from Medina, as evidenced by this statement from Governor Rick Perry:
“Today’s comments were an insult to the thousands of Americans who lost loved ones on 9/11 and the military men and women who are overseas protecting our country. President Bush worked tirelessly to protect our nation from additional terrorist attacks and anyone who would suggest 9/11 is a conspiracy involving the Bush administration should be ashamed.”
Again, that makes the point that Medina can no longer be dismissed (or ignored) as a mere fringe candidate.
UPDATE2: Debra Medina’s response/explanation:
I was asked a question on the Glenn Beck show today regarding my thoughts on the so-called 9/11 truth movement. I have never been involved with the 9/11 truth movement, and there is no doubt in my mind that Muslim terrorists flew planes into those buildings on 9/11. I have not seen any evidence nor have I ever believed that our government was involved or directed those individuals in any way. No one can deny that the events on 9/11 were a tragedy for all Americans and especially those families who lost loved ones.
The question surprised me because it’s not relevant to this race or the issues facing Texans. This campaign has always been about private property rights and state sovereignty. It is focused on the issues facing Texans. It is not a vehicle for the 9-11 truth movement or any other group.
The real underlying question here, though, is whether or not people have the right to question our government. I think the fact that people are even asking questions on this level gets to the incredible distrust career politicians have fostered by so clearly taking their direction from special interests instead of the people, whether it’s Rick Perry and his HPV mandate or Kay Hutchison and voting for the bank bailout. It is absolutely the right and duty of a free people to question their government. Texas does not need another politician who tells you what you want to hear, then violates your liberties and steals your property anyway. I fully expect to be questioned and to be held accountable as Governor, and that’s the underlying issue here: should people be questioning their government. And the answer is yes, they should be.