David Barton Endorses Two for Attorney General

Keen-eyed observers of the Republican primary for attorney general were a bit surprised this week when David Barton, the founder of WallBuilders, an influential evangelical organization, appeared on the list of endorsers for two candidates.

On Facebook, state Sen. Ken Paxton, R-McKinney, announced Tuesday: "We are proud to welcome long-time conservative leader, founder of Wallbuilders, and former Vice-Chairman of the Texas GOP David Barton as a Paxton Patriot!"

But Barton's was also pictured on the website of one of Paxton's opponents, Barry Smitherman, chairman of the Texas Railroad Commission, as having endorsed him. State Rep. Dan Branch, R-Dallas, is also running in the primary.

Given that the race has featured disagreements among the candidates about the veracity of some announced endorsements, some wondered if this duplication was a mistake.

It wasn't.

"I have indeed endorsed them both," Barton said of Smitherman and Paxton. "I had previously endorsed each of them in different races, and their abilities and characters have not changed since then or for this race, so I maintain my endorsement for both of them."