Hot damn! We just learned via QR that Tommy Merritt filed a defamation lawsuit against his primary opponent, Mark Williams. Way. To. Go. Show that ass-hat Jim Leininger that you won't stand for his B.S. We were emailed the statements made by Merritt and his wife, you can read them by clicking permalink (just a slight bit of nit-picking, Tommy, maybe have someone proofread your statements before they go out, there's just a couple grammatical errors).

An excerpt from Mrs. Merritt:

Shame on you Mr Williams for your lies. Shame on you Jim Leininger for funding these lies. Our dignity and integrity are not for sale to such deceit.

And just for fun, go listen to Roy Blake's radio ad against Wayne Christian and Jim Leininger.

COMMENTS FROM REP. MERRITT:

During the past few weeks you may have heard ads on television stations, radio stations and received mailers at your home containing gross distortions and misrepresentations about my voting record.

For example, the lies say: I have only passed 8 bills...this is NOT true...I have passed close to 200 pieces of legislation and brought millions of dollars in state funding to my district.

My opponent has also lied about my record on teacher pay raises and property tax cuts. The truth is I have authored and voted for legislation to increase teacher pay and lower school property taxes.

I work hard to represent the citizens of my district. That is why school superintendent throughout my district have endorsed me. They know the truth and you can ask any on them about my record on education.

And isn't that what our locally elected officials are supposed to do? To represent their districts! Not to sell their vote to a millionaire from San Antonio?

President Abraham Lincoln said Democracy works best when good people offer themselves for public service, but is threatened when falsehoods are used to attack those who serve.

I have filed this defamation lawsuit against my opponent, Mark Williams, because I am taking a stand for democracy, honesty, my family and most importantly my district.

Until my opponent apologizes and stops his lying campaign I will not appear with him for the rest of this campaign. Only cowards hide behind lies. My opponent is both a coward and a liar...and its time for the lies to stop.

COMMENTS FROM JANET MERRIT

My husband, my children and our family have been viciously attacked with lies and distortions.

I know my husband is a conservative who works hard for our district.

These vicious lies about Tommy's voting record are a disgrace to democracy and a vile attack on our family.