Dick Morris withdraws criticism of Steve Womack

Dick Morris made good on his promise to apologize to Rogers Mayor Steve Womack.

Sort of.

The apology was necessary because Morris on April 15 encouraged attendees of Tea Party events in Fayetteville and Fort Smith to vote against Womack for not signing the “Taxpayer Protection Pledge.”

The “Taxpayer Protection Pledge” is managed and promoted by the Americans for Tax Reform and has become somewhat of a requirement for candidates who seek support from Tea Party supporters.

Womack issued a press release late Thursday after Morris’ statements, saying he had sent his signed pledge to ATR. John Kartch, communications director for Americans for Tax Reform, said Womack’s signed pledged was received at 4:35 p.m., Thursday.

Instead of a direct apology, Morris said he would now “withdraw my criticism” of Womack.

“During my recent visit to Fayetteville and Ft. Smith, I harshly criticized Steve Womack for not signing the Americans for Tax Reform pledge to oppose any tax increases. Since then, he has signed the pledge and I welcome him to the fold. I now want to withdraw my criticism and my advice to the Republicans of the district to vote for another candidate. As long has he has given his word, I would be happy to see him, or any of the other fine candidates win the primary.”

Womack is one of eight candidates in the GOP primary for the 3rd Congressional District. Womack, State Sen. Cecile Bledsoe and Fort Smith attorney Gunner DeLay are considered the frontrunners in the 3rd District GOP primary.

DeLay said Womack signed the pledge under the pressure of Morris’s criticism. Womack said he had planned to sign the pledge on the tax-return deadline of April 15.