Congressman Barton considering Senate run

Congressman Joe Barton During a stop at the Buffalo Press on Wednesday, August 5, Congressman Joe Barton said that he was seriously considering seeking the Senate seat of Kay Bailey Hutchinson if she vacates it to seek the Texas Governorship.

Q- The Press interviewer asked Barton if he was going to seek Senator Hutchinson’s seat if she runs for Governor.

A- “It’s possible. That’s the straight answer. If David Dewhurst decides to run then I almost certainly will not do it. But if he doesn’t, there isn’t anyone out there that I couldn’t beat, and I would be better, in my opinion in being a senator,” Congressman Barton said.

Congressman Barton and his aides Dub Maines, Jr. Deputy District Director and Press Secretary Sean Brown visited Buffalo on Wednesday August 5 and stopped by the Buffalo Press office for a visit and an interview. Barton visits Buffalo more often than many more local officials to listen to the views of his constituents and to stay in touch with their issues and problems. He has a Town Hall meeting set for Marquez on August 17 at noon at the Baptist Church.

Q- The next question for Barton was; What did you work at before you were a politician?

A- Barton replied. “I worked for Arco Oil and Gas. Before that I was a White House Fellow for President Reagan, but primarily what I did was be a plant manager and assistant for Ennis Business Forms Printing Co. I was in the printing business from ‘73 to ‘80. Then I was a White House Fellow, and then I worked for Arco from ‘82 to ‘84. I ran the plant in Crockett and I had a little old weekly paper there in Crockett for a while.” Q- The Congressman was then asked; Did you trade in a clunker in the trade-in program?

A- “I have a car that would qualify, but I didn’t. Since I voted for it I thought it would be a little self-serving for me to vote for it.” Congressman Barton said.

Q- Tongue in cheek, Barton was next asked if he thought the Beer Party pulled Obama’s chestnuts out of the fire after his gaffe about the police? A- “I doubt it.” Q- Is there any chance of congress revisiting Future- Gen while the Democratic party holds sway?

A- “Unlikely. But there is a chance to use some of the funds to get a project at the FutureGen site here. We are exploring some ways to do something similar to Future- Gen at this site.”

Q- Did you vote for this drought?

A- “No. I like for it to rain in Texas. A lot.”

Q- What are your thoughts on the economic displacement that will likely be caused by the administration’s climate control policies?

A- “It is the worst economic bill in my tenure in the congress. I think it would deindustrialize America in fifty years, and do it unnecessarily.”