Cornyn Sends Tongue-in-Cheek Letter to Alameel

The primaries are more than a month away, but U.S. Sen. John Cornyn reached out to one of his potential Democratic opponents Thursday in the form of a tongue-in-cheek letter.

David Alameel, one of five Democrats running for the seat currently held by Cornyn, has faced questions from activists and primary challenger Maxey Scherr about his commitment to Democratic Party causes. Alameel is one of the largest donors to Democratic groups and candidates in the country. However, before 2010, his donations were more bipartisan. He donated more than $750,000 to Republican candidates and groups, including $8,000 to Cornyn in 2004.

Last week, Alameel told The Texas Tribune he wanted a refund on past donations he made to Cornyn and other Republicans.

“I want a refund right now because I believe John Cornyn and his Republican friends in Washington work for Wall Street and not Texans,” Alameel said.

On Thursday, Cornyn responded with a personal letter to Alameel declining his request but thanking him for helping support conservatives in Texas and Washington, D.C.

“As with all Texans who stand up and join the fight for conservatism, I thank you for your enthusiastic and generous support of these causes,” Cornyn wrote. “Without your help, conservatives across Texas could not have fought back against the big-spending, big government, pro-choice agenda that Democrats in Washington, D.C. have tried for so long to impose on our state. That fight continues, and, regrettably, it is one for which no dollar can be spared.”

Cornyn is facing seven challengers in the Republican primary.

The full text of the letter is below:

Dear Dr. Alameel,

Though my campaign has not received a formal request, I noticed media reports indicating you would like a refund of the political contributions you gave to my campaign committees in 2004 and 2005. I have always run as a conservative candidate in Texas, so it is unclear why such a refund would suddenly be warranted now.  Just as I was then, I am proud to be a consistent voice for the life of the unborn, those who hold the 2nd amendment so dear, and finally all who believe the federal government has gotten too big. I presume you donated to Governor Rick Perry and Attorney General Greg Abbott for similar reasons.

Thanks in part to your support for Texas conservatives like myself, Gov. Perry, Attorney General Abbott, and others, Texas has implemented a successful pro-growth agenda, marked by prolific job creation thanks to lower government spending, less taxes, and limited regulations. Equally as important, Texas has cultivated a culture that respects life and the right to keep and bear arms.

As with all Texans who stand up and join the fight for conservatism, I thank you for your enthusiastic and generous support of these causes. Without your help, conservatives across Texas could not have fought back against the big-spending, big government, pro-choice agenda that Democrats in Washington, D.C. have tried for so long to impose on our state.

That fight continues, and, regrettably, it is one for which no dollar can be spared. Therefore, I must respectfully decline your request.

I look forward to seeing you on the campaign trail.

For Texas,

John Cornyn