Former chief of terrorism announces plans to run for U.S. House District 10 seat
Date: October 22, 2003
U.S. House District 10, redrawn by state lawmakers, has already drawn one candidate who said he plans to run for the seat.
Michael McCaul, former Chief of Terrorism and National Security in the United States Attorney's Office, said today that he will seek the Republican nomination for District 10.
The 10th District stretches from Austin to Katy and includes all or part of Harris, Travis, Burleson, Lee, Bastrop, Austin, Waller and Washington counties. It is currently represented by Democrat Lloyd Doggett of Austin.
McCaul, an Austin resident and father of five, said his commitment to public service and his record of accomplishments on vital federal issues have prepared him to handle the duties .
"I launch my campaign at a time of political insecurity abroad and economic uncertainty at home. The war on terrorism has only just begun, and the fight to get Texans back to work is not over," said McCaul.
"The last three years have been a time of fear and anxiety for most Texas families -- losses in the stock market, layoffs at our high tech and other manufacturing companies, economic downturns associated with 9-11, and the loss of corporate trust.
"I want the opportunity to restore faith in our nation and integrity to public life by providing a strong voice for economic growth and homeland security."
Before working on terrorism and national security issues for the Justice Department, McCaul was Deputy Attorney General for Criminal Justice under former Texas Attorney General John Cornyn.
As Deputy Attorney General for Criminal Justice, McCaul had substantial management responsibilities and initiated two significant statewide crime-fighting programs:
- Texas Exile, a gun violence reduction initiative, which is now a national program under President Bush, that involves the cooperation of the U.S. Attorneys and District Attorneys across the state.
- Texas Internet Bureau, formed to combat cyber-crime, child pornography, and online fraud statewide.
"My campaign will focus on placing the highest value on Texas families," said McCaul. "My efforts to stop violent felons and to prosecute child predators are part of my overall commitment to this priority.
"Violent criminals and child predators have threatened the sanctity of the home and robbed thousands of Texas children of a hopeful, happy future. Texas families deserve better."
McCaul returned to Texas after serving in the Public Integrity Section of the U.S. Department of Justice headquarters in Washington, D.C. While there he fought public corruption and was the lead prosecutor in the Johnny Chung campaign finance case which led investigators to the Director of Chinese Intelligence.
"I am ready and able to serve the people of Texas in the United States Congress," he said. "My commitment to economic growth, experience with national security issues, and implementation of statewide criminal justice programs in Texas has prepared me to best represent the people of the 10th Congressional District."
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