Schaefer Says Primary Opponent Using Unoriginal Language

The campaign of state Rep. Matt Schaefer, R-Tyler, is highlighting similarities in language in the campaign literature of his GOP primary opponent, Skip Ogle, with those of two other candidates.

The verbiage appears in the Issues sections on the campaign websites of Ogle, San Antonio-area state Senate candidate Mike Novak and North Texas state House candidate Duke Burge. Click here to view the political ad taken out by Schaefer with a side-by-side of the websites.

“Candidates’ beliefs are the indispensable foundation upon which voters decide. Straight talk is required, not canned convictions. So why are Skip Ogle’s positions word-for-word on the websites of other candidates? A basic expectation of the voters is that elected officials communicate personal beliefs, not what someone told them to say, or something copied from someone else’s thoughts,” Schaefer said in a statement.

The Tribune is attempting to contact the other campaigns for comment and will update with reaction when available.