Lewis-West race heats up

There will be no debate between incumbent Buddy West and challenger Tryon Lewis in the runoff for District 81 state representative.

Erin C. Tresner, West's chief of staff, said there's a simple reason for that.

"Because of the last debate in the primary, we refuse to engage in any debate of words with Mr. Lewis after his blatant lies in the debate at OC," Tresner said Thursday morning.

Before Lewis was told of Tresner's verbal barb during a news conference Thursday afternoon at the Presidential Museum, Lewis called on West to participate in public forums.

"It's important for candidates to stand before the public in something other than a managed sound bite or a slick ad," Lewis said. "It's vital that a candidate get in front of the public and allow the public to ask them questions."

Lewis said West's Austin office told UTPB that he would not participate in a candidate forum and that West has not responded to other requests. Lewis noted that he's agreed to all requests for a forum.

Repeated calls Thursday to West were answered by Tresner. She said she was answering questions for the state representative because he was unavailable in Andrews. However, he didn't return calls even later in the day.

Tresner also told the OA that if reporters continued to ask "invasive" questions they would be directed to West's Austin press office.

Questions about West's health seem to particularly rile Tresner. The question of his health was actually brought up by the representative himself during the last legislative session when he took the floor and said he might not return due to health issues.

"Quite frankly, we're tired of defending his health," Tresner said. "He's said numerous times he's healthy enough to run."

Prior to Lewis' news conference, Tresner took issue with the last debate at Odessa College.

Lewis used his final minute in that debate to question West's past leadership and charge him with not filing any significant bills related to public education, illegal immigration, water rights, tax reform or domestic violence.

Lewis said Thursday that he was referring specifically to the last session, and said West did not file any bills regarding those issues. "I think a representative from this area should play a role in those areas," he said.

Lewis also said he was offended at Tresner's accusation.

"It's extraordinary that would happen," he said. "It shouldn't happen."

Meanwhile, Tresner said Thursday morning that she believes Lewis attacked West's record as a representative.

"Outwardly he said Mr. West hasn't done anything for this district, and anyone who's been around knows that's blatantly untrue," Tresner said.

During and after the last debate, West was unable to list what legislation he was responsible for. Following the debate, Tresner pointed out house bills passed during the last legislative session for construction of a student center at University of Texas of the Permian Basin and more than $99 million for UTPB funding was passed during the special session.

Also, she said West supported $100 million appropriated for homeland security, and he authored unpassed legislation to secure health benefits for retired school police officers under the Teacher Retirement System.

"We stand by our record," she reiterated Thursday.

Lewis said Thursday afternoon that he was not attacking West.

"No one runs for this office for personal gain," he said. "It's community service. ... It's not personal. I just feel like I would do a better job."

Lewis also blasted Tresner for speaking on West's behalf.

"We should speak for ourselves. He should not have administrative people to call people names for him," Lewis said. "I'm here, and I'm answering questions."