People were deceived in a brutal way: playing the AIDS card to elicit support, money, connections. That is simply unacceptable. It is morally reprehensible.

People were generous because they thought they were helping an H.I.V.-positive former drug addict, ex-prostitute, who used the hardships of his life to make art.

It's really not per se the color that matters; it's that they're not part of the money networks. People in minority groups typically are lower-income, and they don't' have access to the kinds of corporate funding that white people normally would.

The outpouring of support we've received in Grandview has just been overwhelming. So many people offered to give their money and their time to help.

My campaign has already contributed, and I look forward, if there is money remaining, to continue to support local charities,

I've never seen such great support as you see from the folks in Texas. They really put their money where their mouth is.