Races of the week: Willingham vs. Sandlin

Texas's 1st District

At first, the name Noble Willing,ham doesn't conjure up a distinct picture to most people. But then when they learn that, for six seasons, Noble Willingham portrayed retired Ranger C. D. Parker on TV's long-running "Walker, Texas Ranger," most almost immediately respond, "Ali! I know who he is!" Bespectacled, Stetson-wearing C.D., makes chili that is as well known to viewers of the popular series as his sage advice to Ranger Walker (played by Chuck Norris).

But in his hometown of Mineola, Tex., few ask, "Who is Noble Willingham?" Mineola's favorite son, he's the son and grandson of deputy sheriffs, a high school football hero who went on to earn a master's degree from Baylor University and then came home to teach in the public schools. One day, when director Peter Bogdanovich was in East Texas to test actors for his epic Texas film The Last Picture Show, a colleague suggested to Willingham he try out for a part. "Why don't I try to fly to the moon?" was his response.

But, goaded by his students and fellow teachers, Willingham went to, the audition and, to his surprise, got the part. From there, he went on to act in more than 70 different films and television shows, culminating in his starring role in "Walker."

Now, Willing is auditioning for his latest and most challenging role. He's the Republican nominee against two-term Rep._ Max Sandlin (D.) in the Lone Star State's 1st District.

Since he first won the district by a narrow margin in 1996, Sandlin has styled himself a "conservative Democrat" But a close look at his record shows little evidence to support his claim. With a lifetime American Conservative Union rating of only 38%, Sandlin has voted against stopping the administration's scheme for national testing in public schools, has supported funding for the scandal-ridden National Endowment for the Arts and the Legal Services Corp., and has opposed school vouchers and eliminating $475 million of very questionable "debt repayment" to the United Nations.

To former teacher Willingham, who believes family in local control of education, the incumbent's support for national testing and his opposition to school vouchers are fodder for attack. But what is particularly upsetting to the conservative hopeful is Sandlin's vote against impeachment of Bill Clinton, which was followed by his embrace of the President and First Lady on the White House lawn after the historic vote. And Clinton soon said "thank you" to his friend from Texas by appearing at a fundraising dinner in Texarkana for the congressman.

"If I were Max Sandlin, I would be a bit more careful about choosing my friends," said Willingham, who would have voted for all four articles of impeachment against the President. "And as far as inviting Clinton to East Texas to speak, I wouldn't invite him here to bag groceries for me!"

Easily recognized as he traverses from coffee shop to filling station to service clubs across the district, Willingham clearly delineates his differences with Sandlin. But he also talks about the fresh, inventive ideas he plans to push "from the first day" he's in Congress. Among them are his Foreign Aid Accountability Act, to cut off any of the $14 billion in U.S. aid that now goes to nations that oppose America on a majority of votes in the United Nations.

In addition, Willingham draws wild applause from small businessmen, ranchers and property owners throughout the district when he spells out his "bill of rights for property owners." His measure would protect people who wish to hold onto their land when the federal government attempts to buy it or simply-seize it as part of some "War on the West." Willingham also backs a 17% flat tax.

Political cynics (and liberals) dismiss Noble Willingham as a mere actor, an interloper just playing around in politics between acting roles. But most who meet C.D. come away impressed, moved by the way the candidate meshes folksiness with a bright conservative agenda.

And they usually volunteer to help him. Should enough conservatives feel the same way, the man from East Texas will soon be in the role of his life: "Rep. Noble Willingham (R-Tex.)."

(Willingham for Congress, PO. Box 1234, Mineola, TX 75773; website: www.nobL-4congress.com)

Copyright Human Events Publishing, Inc. Sep 15, 2000
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