Bolton Gets a Challenger

Paul Workman: "My campaign is about addressing the challenges posed by tremendous growth in the Austin area with a balanced approach"

Getting called the "RECA candidate" can be tough in Austin elections, but Paul Workman is probably hoping that his connection to the Real Estate Council of Austin will be a plus. The former building firm CEO announced Friday that he plans to run for the Republican nomination for House District 47 Democrat – Valinda Bolton's seat.

So what form of Republican is Workman (an important question, considering the nationwide orthodoxy test seemingly underway)? Aside from making his money in building as the CEO of his own firm, Workman spent eight years on the RECA board, and is now on the board of arch-tort reformists Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse-Central Texas. He's now director of development for commercial leasing and development firm T. Stacy & Associates (which, considering his CALA-TX link, makes it interesting to note that his new employers acted as development advisors for the Texas Trial Lawyers Building).

Workman has been a fairly active campaign donor, with small but regular sums to Texans For Rick Perry, as well as some cash into House and Senate races around the state and various builder-industry PACs.

His campaign announcement below:

Paul Workman, a small business owner and 25 year Austinite, today announced his campaign for State Representative District 47. Mr. Workman founded and led Workman Construction for over two decades.

Speaking at a local small business before family and supporters, Mr. Workman commented, “For over three decades, I have been an entrepreneur and job creator. Not only have I put people to work in the construction industry, I have built facilities that house jobs for workers all across our community.”

He added, “My campaign is about addressing the challenges posed by tremendous growth in the Austin area with a balanced approach - one that recognizes the importance of protecting paychecks and jobs, and our environment too.”

Mr. Workman was surrounded at his announcement press conference by his wife Sherry, his two children Kyle and Paula and their families. The event was held at Wattinger Service Company, a local small business located at 114 Ralph Ablanedo in Austin.

Paul served ten years (1973-1983) in the US Army Reserves as an Engineer Officer, retiring, after serving as a Company Commander, at the rank of Captain. Paul earned a BS in Building Construction from Texas A&M University in 1973.

Paul was the Chairman of the Board of Associated General Contractors, Texas Building Branch in 2008 and the Austin Chapter of the Associated General Contractors in 1996. He is a National Director of the Associated General Contractors of America and is on the board of Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse-Central Texas. He has been a Rotarian since 1976 servings as President of the Rotary Club of Austin in 1998. Paul also served on the Board of Directors of the Real Estate Council of Austin for eight years.

Representative Bolton is widely considered one of the most vulnerable incumbent Democrats given her narrow margin in the 2008 election. Given recent polling trends, 2010 is widely expected to be a more favorable electoral environment for Republicans, and Mr. Workman with his message and long standing ties to the community will create a large, broad coalition to win this seat.