District 1 GOP candidate cites ties to Bush

During a campaign stop in Longview on Monday, state Rep. Wayne Christian said he’s the only Republican candidate for Congressional District 1 who can walk into the White House and pick up on a relationship with the president.

“I am the only person in this race who has been previously endorsed by George Bush,” Christian told a group of about 25 supporters at the East Texas Rifle and Pistol Club.

Christian said his four terms in the Texas House and his numerous awards and accolades can’t be matched by any of his five Republican challengers for the March 9 primaries.

“I’m the only been-there-done-that, born and bred in this district all my life (candidate),” he said.

Christian, who spent Monday visiting five East Texas cities, said he set up the Longview visit at the gun club because he has been endorsed by the National Rifle Association during every election he’s been in.

He said he is the Republican voters’ best chance to defeat incumbent Democrat Max Sandlin of Marshall in November.

The Center resident and owner of an investment company said his endorsements, awards and voting record prove he has conservative values on issues, such as lawsuit reform, abortion and finances.

He has received the “Friend of the Taxpayer Award” by the Citizens for a Sound Economy, the “Fighter for Free Enterprise Award” by the Texas Association of Business and the “Faith and Family Award” by the Texas Eagle Forum, he said.

Grace Shore, a former State Board of Education member from Longview, introduced Christian on Monday, saying he is a supporter of education.

Since Texas congressional lines were redrawn and now show Longview in District 1, Shore said she is excited she can now vote against Sandlin and his liberal ideas.

“I am thrilled I can say that I support a Republican candidate … with conservative values,” Shore said.

Christian, a graduate of Stephen F. Austin State University, is vice chair of the House Committee on Financial Institutions and also is a member of the human services and calendar committees.

He and his wife of 28 years, Lisa, have three daughters.

His Republican opponents include Larry Thornton of Cushing; Longview lawyer John Graves; former appeals court judge Louie Gohmert Jr. of Tyler, San Augustine business consultant Emily Mathews; and Nacogdoches ophthalmologist Dr. Lyle Thorstenson.