Jeffrey Payne announces run for Texas governor

[TexasTowelie]

Dallas businessman Jeffery Payne on Friday, July 14, announced that he is running for governor of Texas, challenging Republican incumbent Greg Abbott, who he characterizes as a “disaster for Texans” and a governor who “offers nothing in the way of new ideas.”

“Texas needs a governor who believes in real Texas values, like integrity, honesty, freedom and independence,” Payne said in a statement announcing his candidacy. “It’s time we stopped wasting our time and money on silly legislation and start investing our time finding ways to help Texans, their families and businesses prosper.”

Payne pointed to his history of success as a businessman — from his respected court reporting firm, to his real estate dealings and his thriving nightclub, The Dallas Eagle. The candidate said he makes no secret of his active involvement in the Dallas LGBT community or his history as a former International Mr. Leather, a title that gave him a platform to promote many charity events.

He also said that his philanthropic work reflects his commitment to helping others not just in the LGBT community, but the greater Texas community, as well. He founded the Sharon St. Cyr Fund, an organization that assists people in obtaining hearing aids and provides grants for sign language interpreters at public events.

Read more: http://www.dallasvoice.com/jeffrey-payne-announces-run-texas-governor-10239490.html

______________________


Another article:

Gov. Abbott Begins Re-Election Bid As Democratic Candidate Emerges


DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) – Hours before Abbott’s announcement, Payne filed his paperwork at the Secretary of State’s Office in Austin. He’s a political newcomer who owns five small businesses, and says he will loan his campaign $2.5 million.

Payne says the state is too divided on the issues, and that he’s running to bring Texans together. “If we don’t have compromise, and compassion for one another, we’re never going to reach a resolution, and we’re just going to keep talking about it and kicking the can down the road.”

He says he’s in a same-sex marriage, but doesn’t believe people will focus on that — and instead, thinks they will consider whether he can solve the state’s problems.

Payne says the state doesn’t fund education adequately and believes the state should expand Medicaid, the healthcare program for the poor, and he also opposes the new state law banning sanctuary cities.

Read more: http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2017/07/14/abbott-begins-re-election-democratic-candidate-emerges/

[hamsterjill]

1. While I would be fine with Mr. Payne as Governor, and I'll vote for anyone running against Abbott.

In reality, I just don't think someone who is in a same sex marriage is going to win in Texas. Not at this point in time. Now, hear me out before the flames start. I wish I were wrong and I'll hope and pray that I am.

My argument is simply that there are still too many right wingers in Texas at this point in time. While I'd love to see Texas swing far left, I think realistically, the swing must occur in increments. I don't see Mr. Payne being a viable candidate against Abbott.

I wish the Democratic party would put forth another candidate.

[LeftInTX]

2. He's a former Mr. Leather International which caters to the BDSM crowd

I think I would stand a better chance against Abbott.

I could run as a Democratic Mom/Grandma.

[TexasTowelie]

3. Yes, I read about him being a former Mr. Leather International.

Think about the fun times he could have with Dan Patrick.