Controversy over quote in campaign material

(10/10/06 - KTRK/HOUSTON) (KTRK) -- It's one of the hottest races in the state, going on right here in Houston. There's some confusion about who's supporting who -- and it could mean trouble for one candidate.

In any heated election, there are commercials and mail pieces that fly from both sides. But in what the Houston Independent School District says is a first, its superintendent has issued a statement debunking an alleged endorsement found in the campaign materials of State Representative Martha Wong.

There is a piece of mail at the center of the debate. Inside the brochure touting Martha Wong's support for education is a quote from HISD Superintendent Abe Saavedra stating "Martha has always been supportive of our needs in HISD and an advocate for us."

Wong says it's perfectly appropriate.

"We didn't ask for an endorsement," she said. "He stands by his quote."

But last week, after the brochure hit mailboxes Dr. Saavedra issued a statement to the contrary, saying, in part, "it is unfortunate that a misunderstanding may have occurred, but I have not authorized my name to be used in campaign materials. I have not endorsed a candidate."

Wong says the mailer simply used a quote, not an endorsement.

"We have worked with Dr. Saavedra. He knows us," Wong said.

When asked if it is a misunderstanding, Wong answered, "That's something you should ask Dr. Saavedra."

The president of the HISD board, Diana Davilla, would not talk on camera about the Wong Saavedra controversy, and the HISD press department would not allow us to interview the superintendent in person.

Wong's opponent was quick to criticize.

"The fact that Martha sent the piece out that quoted the superintendent is at the very least disingenuous," said democratic candidate Ellen Cohen.

Political science professor Michelle Carnahan says while one brochure may not mean the difference between winning and losing, Wong's campaign staff should not have made such a rookie mistake.

"Ellen Cohen's campaign, part of her being not being the incumbent is that she doesn't have a record to stand on, but Martha Wong does," Carnahan said. "She's defending her record, and this is something she should've known."

Martha Wong and Ellen Cohen are embroiled in one of the most expensive races in the state. They could spend a combined one million dollars for a job that just pays a few thousand dollars a year.
(Copyright © 2006, KTRK-TV)

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