Dallas County District Attorney Craig Watkins and Challenger Danny Clancy: DA Race Turns into Mud Wrestling

The Dallas County District Attorney race has become down right nasty. Incumbent Craig Watkins, a Democrat, is in a bitter battle with Republican challenger Danny Clancy, a former prosecutor and judge, for the upcoming election to determine who will be the Dallas D.A.

Recently, Danny Clancy has had a number of vandalisms occur to his house and vehicle. The most recent one left Clancy's SUV without tires and rims. The SUV was left sitting on cement blocks in his driveway. Clancy made a statement that sent Watkins and his supporters into a tizzy. Clancy said, "It's either somebody with the Watkins campaign, or it's his failed policies that have allowed us to be victims of crime on three separate occasions over the last two weeks." Ouch. Is that a fair statement to make? I think it definitely qualifies as hitting below the belt and would have been better off left unsaid by Clancy.

Watkins was not humored by Clancy's assessment that he was somehow involved in crimes committed against Clancy. Watkins said, "I just think it's a silly... it's somewhat disappointing. Maybe you can't compete with our record, so you make these outrageous claims." The bickering has continued and the Watkins camp is now claiming racism in response to Clancy's statements. Watkins is an African-American and Danny Clancy is Caucasian. Watkins campaign feels that Clancy would not have said his opponent was responsible for vandalism and theft if his opponent were Caucasian. They are probably right.

Craig Watkins was elected in 2006 and took office in 2007. He is better known for the work his office has done to get convictions overturned for people who claim to be innocent. The Dallas District Attorney's office has used DNA evidence to help innocent men be freed from prison; it's a worthy effort. However, the effort has not endured Watkins to many people in Dallas County who feel he should spend more time seeking convictions of criminals in Dallas. Like many, I don't want innocent people sitting in prison either. However, I'd like to be sure that the district attorney is committed to doing his job of going after criminals and putting them in prison.

Craig Watkins and his office have been accused of overspending, not using outside help on an investigation into corruption in the office of Constable Jaime Cortes, and for using the race card in his latest election battle with challenger Danny Clancy. Watkins points out that since he took office, the Dallas district attorney's conviction rate for felonies is 99.4% and the crime rate has dropped 6% in Dallas.

Clancy has experience as a Dallas prosecutor and a Dallas judge and has said that unlike Craig Watkins who does not personally try felony cases, he would. "I'm going to personally handle the toughest cases that come across my desk," Clancy said. He feels that Watkins, who was a defense attorney before being elected as the Dallas County D.A. does not deserve any additional time in office.

Who will win this election? Despite the mud slinging and accusations being thrown around on both sides, the voters will vote for whom they think will do the best job. It would be smart for Watkins and Clancy to start talking about their records and what they offer Dallas County and stop acting like school children. Dallas deserves better.

Source: Author's opinion, WFAA, Dallas Morning News