January 9, 2014 6:08 PM

WAR OF WORDS ERUPTS AS HARRIS COUNTY JUDGE ED EMMETT ENDORSES CHALLENGER PAUL SIMPSON FOR GOP COUNTY CHAIR

Woodfill blasts Emmett as “running away from principles”

Harris County Judge Ed Emmett on Thursday told QR that he is endorsing challenger Paul Simpson in his challenge to unseat six-term incumbent County GOP Chairman Jared Woodfill.

In a candid conversation about the direction of the party, Emmett complained that there isn’t anywhere near enough effort by party leaders to reach out to young people and, frankly, anyone who doesn’t agree with 100 percent of the party line.

He pointed out that President Ronald Regan would say “if you agree with me on 80 percent, then you’re my friend.” Emmett said “Reagan would probably not be welcome in today’s Harris County Republican Party.”

By Scott Braddock