Leffingwell Still In

On Thursday morning, April 28, City Council Place 1 candidate Lee Leffingwell held a brief press conference outside his home in the Wilshire Woods neighborhood. Following the death of his wife, Mary Lou McLain, on April 22, Leffingwell had temporarily suspended all campaign activities while he considered whether to continue. Leffingwell read a brief prepared statement, announcing that he would indeed continue his campaign, stand for election on May 7, and if elected, serve on the council: "If I am fortunate enough to be elected by the voters, I will serve in honor of her memory."

Following Leffingwell's statement, campaign spokesman Mark Nathan said that Leffingwell would indeed return to campaigning, but with little more than a week left until election day, only a few appearances would be necessary, and that the remaining hard work was largely in the hands of campaign supporters and volunteers.

The following is Lee Leffingwell's statement:

"First I want to say how much I appreciate the support and condolences of many friends, and many strangers, who have reached out to me and to my family over the past six days. Your words of love and concern have helped us immeasurably. I also want to thank you, the press, for allowing us our privacy during this difficult time.

"My wife was a wonderful woman who cared for people and who cared about her community. Losing her is a great tragedy in my life. But it cannot and will not be the end of my life. The easiest thing for me to do now would be to go back inside this house, lock the doors, pull the shades, and mourn for Mary Lou. But I know that is not what she would have wanted, and so it is not what I intend to do.

"My wife, a nurse and a passionate health care advocate, was devoted to serving others. I know in my heart that she would not be pleased if I ended my work to make a difference in our community. So, I will stay in the race for Austin City Council, and if I am fortunate enough to be elected by the voters, I will serve in honor of her memory."