Burnt Orange Report

April 06, 2004

Cross Dressing Scandal Hits GOP State Rep. Run-off

By Byron LaMasters

It's hard not to laugh at this one (via Political Wire):

His family made a fortune on men's work clothing. But it's Sam Walls' apparent fondness for women's apparel that is dividing the Johnson County Republican Party.
Walls, 64, is in the April 13 GOP primary runoff against Burleson real estate broker Rob Orr for the House District 58 seat. As a leading businessman, former Republican Party chairman and benefactor of Harris Methodist Walls Regional Hospital, Walls seemed the odds-on favorite to win.

The victor is likely to succeed Arlene Wohlgemuth in the Texas Legislature.

But then pictures of Walls in women's clothing -- several of which were provided to the Star-Telegram -- began circulating late last week around Burleson and Cleburne, rival towns on opposite ends of the district.

That's when several Republicans, including the head of the Johnson County Republican Party, confronted Walls and urged him to withdraw from the race.

But Walls dug in.

After rebuffing Republicans who asked him to pull out Monday, he faxed a statement to the Star-Telegram saying he would not give in to "blackmail" from opponents who are trying to use "very old, personal information" to force him out.

"Through intermediaries, my opponent told me to drop out of the campaign or the private information would be released," Walls said. "Now my opponent is using the private information in an attempt to intimate that I am a homosexual, which I am not."

Walls said his family had "dealt with" the issue and he asked for forgiveness.

"I apologize for any embarrassment caused to supporters by my opponent's disclosure of a small part of my personal past," he said.

Goodness... the issues that come up in Republican primaries never cease to amaze me. Personally, I think it's pretty cool that a crossdresser might get elected to the Texas legislature - even if he's a Republican, and even if he's asked for forgiveness for this terrible sin. Geez.

Posted by Byron LaMasters at April 6, 2004 03:36 PM | TrackBack

Comments

Remember the law that the motorcycle caucus keeps wanting passed, the one that outlaws discrimination based on "clothing." They want it so they can come into court wearing no shirt and a leather vest, etc. (Or G-d forbid, some 300 pound biker in a thong)

Well, here is one Republican who would vote for it I'm sure! :)

Posted by: WhoMe? at April 6, 2004 04:47 PM

My favorite quote from the article:

GOP Treasurer Roy Giddens Jr., an elder statesman in the Johnson County Republican Party, met with Walls last week to discuss the photos and was assured there was nothing more than "cross-dressing" involved.

And as far as Giddens is concerned, wearing earrings, a wig and high-heeled shoes does not preclude Walls from becoming an excellent state representative.

"I don't have a problem with cross-dressing," Giddens said. "There are lots of them. People think J. Edgar Hoover was one of the greatest Americans that ever lived. He was a cross-dresser."

That's right! J. Edgar Hoover was such a great American and should be an icon of virtue to the cross-dressing constituencies of America!

Posted by: WhoMe? at April 6, 2004 04:53 PM

I think Texas Republicans might have even more success among family-values conservatives if they were to start running heterosexual, non-transvestite candidates in gubernatorial and congressional races. I could be wrong, though.

Posted by: BarrettBrown at April 7, 2004 11:53 AM

test

Posted by: test at April 7, 2004 10:43 PM

This is really a sad and sick story.The poor man is 64 years old and from what I understand was actively involvwed in crossdress get togethers just a few years ago not some long ago past mistake as he tried to explain.

This man is in the middle of one of the most conservative areas of Texas. I dont think Johnson county with all of its farmers,cowboys,rednecks and other heros is quite ready for a weirdo like Sam or is it Samantha Walls......thank God!

Whats really strange is that most crossdressers arent gay and most gays dont crossdress so if you want to dress up like a woman but you still *like women*....whats the point??? See as I said we just arent ready for all this....toooo confusing for me.

Sad sad this poor man needs to step down and resist these urges. Pink lipstick doesnt do any thing for him or.....most of us here in these parts.

Posted by: Burlesonite at April 9, 2004 03:40 PM

News, Politics, and Fun From Deep in the Heart of Texas

April 06, 2004

Cross Dressing Scandal Hits GOP State Rep. Run-off

By Byron LaMasters