By J. Lyn Carl, GalleryWatch.com
Austin, TX – - The Texas political world lost another of its longtime giants today with the death of Dallas Morning News political reporter Sam Attlesey.
Attlesey, a reporter with the Dallas newspaper for 28 years, died today after a recent battle with cancer.
The loss of Attlesey and his keen political insight drew comments and praise for the highly respected journalist.
"Sam Attlesey set the standard for political coverage in Texas for decades," said Gov. Rick Perry. "His professionalism and knowledge were second to none, and he used his insight and wonderful sense of humor to bring Texans a little closer to the inner workings of their Capitol. He will be missed, but he also will be remembered as one of the best journalists of our time."
House Speaker Tom Craddick had similar praise. "I knew Sam for many years and enjoyed his column in the Dallas Morning News," said Craddick. "He was always fair to me and was a role model for younger journalists.
"And Sam was a baseball fan. I'm a baseball fan too, and I found it interesting that Sam hung on until opening day. Now he can watch the rest of the baseball season from a more comfortable seat - in heaven."
Texas Democratic Party Chair Molly Beth Malcolm also issued a statement regarding Attlesey's death. "Sam Attlesey was the kind of journalist that they name awards after," said Malcolm. "Sam possessed not only a great understanding, but a true love for Texas politics. He dealt with tough political situations without being mean. A tribute to his fairness and integrity is the respect that both Democrats and Republicans had for him. He was beloved not only by his peers but by the people he covered. He was always fair and he will be missed."
A native of Sulphur Springs, Attlesey was a graduate of Baylor University, where he earned degrees in government and journalism. He began his print media career at the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. His career at the Dallas Morning News began in 1975 covering a county news beat. He began his political writing in 1981 and moved to the newspaper's Austin bureau in 1985. He was named chief of that bureau in 1989.
Funeral services for Attlesey are pending.