Local Republicans Continue to Speak Out Against Mabrie Jackson’s Negative, False Campaign Tactics

Posted by Taylor Team - Mon, February 22, 2010 at 05:51 PM

(Plano) - As the Dallas Morning News reported on the Plano Blog Friday, “Candidate Mabrie Jackson has gone on the offensive today, publishing a mudslinging website paid for by her campaign that attacks her foes….” Collin County Republicans today continued to speak out and condemn the negative campaign launched Friday by Mabrie Jackson.

State Rep. Jodie Laubenberg, who represents part of Plano, said “When candidates can’t argue on the issues, they resort to personal attacks.   I’m disappointed in the turn of events in this campaign, and hope the voters will not be subjected to these kinds of tactics in the final week.”

North Texas Tea Party Activist Jim Bright said, “These attacks tell me more about Mabrie’s pettiness than anything else.  She cannot challenge Van’s conservative ideas and positions, so she has resorted to the desperation of mud-slinging.”

Steve Navarre, who is currently listed as a supporter on Mabrie Jackson’s web site, said “I have continually urged all candidates in all races not to go negative. I truly feel like the person that will win this and many other races will be the one that move towards the middle and away from the "us" verse "them" politics dividing the Collin County Republican party. I am very disappointed with Mabrie Jackson's campaign (and all others) for going negative and not sticking to the issues that are important to Plano such as taxes, transportation, education and the most importantly, jobs creation.  Van has done a good job of keeping his campaign positive and focused."

Plano resident Brian Moore wrote in an email to Mabrie Jackson, “My wife and I had been undecided about who we would vote for in the upcoming state house race until this past week ….  we are truly unbiased in terms of supporting any particular individuals.  However, after having received your flyers - the big glossy ones that you use to attack your opponents - we both have now decided to support either of your opponents, but not you.  Your attacks were gratuitous and shameful, not to mention potentially "fraudulent" (by your own established definition) and were misleading in and of themselves.  Maybe those attacks will work for you - attack ads often do.....but it is my hope that you lose.  It is not nearly as important to me which of 3 republicans fills the seat as it is important to me that the person in the seat be a decent and fair individual, and someone that we could encourage our children to look to with respect.  Unfortunately for you, your choice to launch these gratuitous personal attacks is either the mark of a desperate candidate, or simply a very poor choice which reflects very poorly on your decision making process.”

Despite strong public condemnation of what the Texas Tribune called the "Plano Mud Season", and the Dallas Morning News characterized as “Nasty,” the Jackson campaign maintained on Friday "I don't think this qualifies as going negative."