Clayton Williams, oilman and colorful candidate for Texas governor, has died
by Ross Ramsey, Texas Tribune
Clayton Williams, a Midland oilman, banker and entrepreneur who spent millions of his own money on a wild 1990 race for governor, has died. He was 88.
The
Midland Reporter-Telegram, quoting close associates, reported that Williams died Friday night from complications of a bout of pneumonia.
Williams, a Republican, lost a nationally watched race for governor to Democrat Ann Richards in 1990, after besting three well-known Republicans in the primary. He did it with a barrage of television ads and a knack for colorful and sometimes off-putting quotes.
In a race pitting two of the most colorful and interesting characters of modern Texas politics, "Claytie" said he wanted to return Texas to the way it used to be, while Richards was touting a New Texas. One set of Williams ads promised to introduce youthful criminals to the joy of busting rocks.
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https://www.texastribune.org/2020/02/15/clayton-williams-oilman-and-colorful-candidate-texas-governor-dies/