A few days before Christmas (which explains why we are only now blogging it) the campaign of Michael L. Williams–the recently re-elected Texas Railroad Commissioner who is now running for U.S. Senate–sent out an email to supporters that was quite shocking.
It wasn’t shocking in a bad way, but shocking in an odd way. Why? Because it showed that a Texas Republican had begrudgingly finally adapted to 2004-era technology and realized that the Internet just might be useful as a campaign tool in ways other than fundraising or just as a static website.
Don’t take this the wrong way: we’re no fan of Michael L. Williams. We just think it is worth noting that his campaign isn’t just taking advantage of the internet but touting its internet-based support.
The email sent by Williams’ campaign (which we’ve included in is entirety at the end of this post) wasn’t just an email touting his website. It was actually touting what bloggers, commenters on his Facebook page, and posters at conservative websites like Free Republic were saying about Williams’ campaign.
Although some of the links, like those from the often nut-laden Free Republic comment section, aren’t links we would have picked if we were a Republican campaign operative, the email was, nonetheless, a clear demonstration of two things:
1.) Williams appears to have early “Rightroots” (that is evidently what the conservative equivalent of the Netroots calls itself) support.
2.) Williams’ campaign isn’t shying away from its online support and is likely to continue to tout the “base” it has online.
That may not make a difference to a lot of GOP operatives but, if they are smart, the campaigns of every other Republican who has announced for Kay Bailey Hutchison’s seat will pay attention to it.
While Texas is so large that even a huge base of internet support alone won’t win a race for you (if it would, Rick Noriega would be preparing to take his place in the U.S. Senate next month), it is an important factor. Although the “rightroots” in Texas is still but a fledgling movement in Texas, Republican candidates for Senate should take note of the impact that a vibrant internet movement behind a campaign can have. (Because, if Williams has such a movement on his side, it will be a thorn in the side of those who don’t.)
For one thing, a vibrant internet movement (in Progressive terms, that would equal “Netroots support”) can raise you money. For another, it can cause a lot of havoc for your opponents (particularly when it comes to having a bunch of bloggers digging around for missteps), as Rick Noriega’s significant Netroots support did for Mikal Watts back in 2007. Finally, it gets you exposure money simply can’t buy when it comes to reaching out to sections of the electorate that are “tuned in” to the Web.
Granted, those are three fairly simplistic things, but they could mean the difference between being the top GOP vote getter and an also-ran in a free-for-all special election.
At any rate, the email from Williams’ campaign is below:
“Out of all of these candidates, Michael Williams should be the clear choice for conservatives. His leadership at the Railroad Commission on energy issues, his experience in the George H.W. Bush cabinet in the Department of Education, his ability to clearly articulate the conservative agenda and bring it home to individuals make him the clear choice to fill Kay Bailey Hutchison’s shoes.
Michael Williams gives me hope for the future of the Republican Party of Texas… Michael Williams will give the Republican Party in Texas a much needed spark of energy and the ability to market our mainstream conservative values and inspire the next generation of Republicans.”
Randy Samuelson, Policy Spotlight blog
We need Michael on the national scene. He is a proven state-wide winner, a respected (and real conservative) and he gets people out of their chairs, screaming with excitement. Our Party needs to generate the kind of interest and passion that Michael gets when he speaks. He’s run very innovative campaigns and we need that in order to talk to younger voters. Plus, do I have to say that as an African American, Michael is living proof that our party can attract a diverse group of individuals. Finally — and this is a big deal — integrity and trust is the most important thing a political party has to offer today. We need someone in Washington who is Mr. Integrity with a tested, proven record AND who has the guts to stand up to our own leadership which doesn’t want to confront our own elected officials and lobbyists. I guess there’s one thing more… Michael has a great sense of humor and knows how to use humor effectively. That’s also an important asset.
Merrie, comment on “Draft Michael Williams” web site
“Railroad Commissioner Michael Williams has sparked the most excitement.”
Eric Dondero, Libertarian Republican blog
“(Michael Williams) would make a good senator and would cause problems for Democrats who run against him. He has a dynamic personality and has been a leader on energy issues.”
Merv Benson-Prairie Pundit blog
“In my previous blog, I said that I wished Michael Williams, the Texas Railroad Chairman, would run for the Senate seat to be vacated by Kay Bailey Hutchison. He’s been elected statewide in Texas a few times, is popular and most importantly he’s a conservative with no hyphens needed.”
Darin_H, RedState.com blog
“Williams is a conservative who believes in lower taxes and less government, and deserves the support of my fellow Texans.”
Brendan Steinhauser, The Conservative Revolution blog
“The best political news from 2008…is that Texas Railroad Commissioner Michael Williams plans on running for the US Senate…Com. Williams is a rock star of a politician…All of you Democrats who recently threw your hat into the ring…have to be hating this news. Today, before the full slate of candidate is even known, I fully endorse and support the candidacy of Michael Williams to become Texas’ next US Senator.”
Robbie Cooper, Urban Grounds blog
“He’s a lifelong conservative and has my vote also.”
John, comment @ urbangrounds.com
“I think he is a splendid public servant, and a good and decent man.”
No2Liberals, comment @ urbangrounds.com
“Sign me up! I’ve been a Michael Williams fan for years. He’s a real conservative, a proven leader, and a fantastic speaker.”
Philo, comment@ urbangrounds.com
“…Check out this RedState article on Williams and do take the time to watch the video. He’ll knock your socks off.”
Paine in the Neck, comment @ freerepublic.com
“Good man from a good family. Excellent news.”
Jedidah, comment @ freerepublic.com
“He is an absolutely amazing speaker in person.”
Texas Federalist, comment @ freerepublic.com
“Michael Williams is a dynamic leader, engaging spokesman and a good conservative.”
The Travis Monitor blog
“Michael Williams is an amazing candidate and is smart, charismatic and will be a great Senator. He is very firm in his beliefs. I cannot wait to start campaign season once again!”
Post by LL on DMN Trail Blazers blog, Dec. 16, 2008
“I heard Michael Williams speak when I was about twelve years old and considered myself a staunch democrat. To this day, I have never heard a better public speaker. He won my vote then (not that a twelve year old can vote) and he has my vote now and someday when he runs for president (one can hope…), he will have my vote then.”
Post by Maggie on DMN Trail Blazers blog, Dec. 16, 2008
“Michael Williams is the man for the Senate. He’s bright, articulate, well-qualified, and a conservative’s conservative.”
RACE 4 2008 Blog , Dec. 18, 2008
“Commissioner Williams represents the future of the Republican party…Williams is the next generation of strong conservatives, not only socially, but fiscally, who transcend the old Republican template and invigorate new voter groups.”
Post by dgold88 on Houston Chronicle blog Dec. 16, 2008 “Railroad panel chief plans to run for U.S. Senate”
“He knows the issues that Texans of all walks of life care about and is just who we need to represent us in Washington.”
carey2.blogspot.com, Dec. 16, 2008
“Williams’ current post is a powerful one that gives him excellent access to financial support and to the backing of the influential business community. Williams, an African American, is a former prosecutor and also served in both the Reagan Administration and the first Bush Administration.”
Southern Political Report
“We Texans need a leader like you.”
Kabiyesi Yemi, Facebook
“I am with you 100% Michael!”
Lynda Mixon, Facebook
“Terrific news. You will make an excellent Senator.”
Kenneth L. Marcus, Facebook
“Whatever I can do to help, you’ll have my 110% support!!”
Amy Briggs, Facebook
“You already know you have my support! Let’s go to work!”
Joe Dotson, Facebook
“Yay! Full support here. Let me know what I can do.”
Kate Coleman Hopper, Facebook
“great news. you’ve got my support.”
Blake Marvin, Facebook
“you inspire us all.”
Ebenezer Eboh, Facebook
“Conservatives throughout the nation are enthralled with your candidacy. Your convention speech was great and something we desperately need more of.”
Yomin Postelnik, Facebook
“You’ve got my full support! Let me know anything I can do for you and your campaign. I know you’ll make a fantastic U.S. Senator and would be proud to assist your campaign in any way I can.”
Jason Rowe, Facebook
“You’ve got the support of us College Republicans!”
Geoffrey Geiger, Facebook
“TEXAS NEEDS MICHAEL WILLIAMS”
Matthew Hrna, Facebook
“You bring the energy and common sense conservatism that will bring the Republican party back to national prominence. You have my full support!”
Emil Geoffrey Maine, Facebook
“I will do all I can to support you.”
Boom Menine Wilson, Facebook
Read these responses and many more on Michael Williams’ Facebook page. How you can join Michael on Facebook:
-Add him as a Friend “Michael L. Williams”
-Become a Supporter on his Politician Profile “Michael L. Williams”
-Join the “Williams For Texas” Group and the “Draft Michael Williams for U.S. Senate” Group
Also, join Michael on:
Twitter: http://twitter.com/MichaelWilliams
LinkedIn: search “Michael Williams”
Blip.tv: http://williamsfortexas.blip.tv
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/michaellwilliams
January 1, 2009 at 10:34 am
[...] trying to use some of the shiny new tools that one can find here on the Internet. As Capitol Annex notes (a mite grudgingly, and without really linking to the site – hey, Democrats first, advocates for [...]
January 1, 2009 at 11:00 am
[...] trying to use some of the shiny new tools that one can find here on the Internet. As Capitol Annex notes (a mite grudgingly, and without really linking to the site – hey, Democrats first, advocates for [...]