(Community Matters) Doesn’t matter if it’s a company or a politician, competition is a good thing – without it we tend toward complacency and can take stakeholders for granted. Austin American Statesman: Challenge From the Left Exposes Dissatisfaction with Doggett
Lloyd’s got a long history of fierce advocacy for many important liberal principles, though not (regrettably) for LGBT equality. I suppose it’s not surprising that once the heat’s turned down, he’s now refusing to confirm his support for marriage equality (wouldn’t go on the record for this AAS story). In addition to announcing his support for same sex marriage at the University Democrats meeting a few months ago, he also finally agreed to co-sponsor the repeal of the Defense of Marriage Act. Obviously, the competition from Joaquin Castro was incentive to get closer to constituents and better reflect our interests. Many thanks to his major donors and our mutual friends who persuaded him to come around on these two issues.
The AAS reporter also heard about UT System and UT Austin dissatisfaction with Lloyd, who has in the recent past refused to be helpful to these important Central Texas institutions, even refusing to make calls or inquiries on their behalf – ditto for regional hospital systems and road & highway initiatives. While campaigning for Joaquin, the calls from influencers, including elected officials, CEOs & student body presidents, attested to the level of constituency dissatisfaction. Understandable why UT, roads and hospitals couldn’t go on the record; the threats from Lloyd against supporting Joaquin were clear and effectively delivered. Nevertheless, hoping the competition will result in better responsiveness to constituents & our priorities. Lloyd’s an important voice for Central Texas.
Lloyd says I’ve been conducting a smear campaign since his refusal to support Robert Pitman for US Attorney. It’s not a smear; I’ve never misled or lied about the facts cited. I have supported Lloyd Doggett in every previous election since moving to Austin – either financially &/or block walking. Lloyd and I have a 17 year history around LGBT equality advocacy. It’s not personal; it’s business. When he refused to co-sponsor ENDA 15 or 16 years ago, other LGBT leaders and I authored a guest editorial in the AAS about his lack of courage. I expect my congressman to support my constitutional equality – the standards of these expectations have risen over time – absolutely. Previous postings on Lloyd re: Pitman: choices, political acrimony,
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