The Emperor's New Clothes
July 21, 2010
Watkins dapper in $3,000 tuxedo
2:12 PM Tue, Jul 20, 2010
Gromer Jeffers Jr./Reporter
If you're a celebrity lawman like Craig Watkins, it's important to look good. Perhaps that's why in 2007 the Dallas County district attorney paid $3,000 in campaign money for a custom tuxedo and shirts.
According to campaign disclosure reports, Watkins made the purchase on March 30, just a few months after he began his term as district attorney.
He bought the tux from Tom James Custom Suits. A person at the Dallas store said their tuxedos start around $600. Watkins obviously got the premium gear.
Because of his work to exonerate inmates wrongfully convicted of crimes, Watkins became a national figure and has traveled extensively to make speeches and accept awards. In 2009 he billed $23,000 worth of travel to his campaign.
Campaign spokesman Kurt Watkins didn't discuss the specifics of Watkins' expensive suit. He did attack Danny Clancy, Watkins' Republican opponent in the November general election.
"It is comical that Danny Clancy wants to talk about clothing and District Attorney Watkins is talking about his 99.4 percent conviction rate and making Dallas safer," he said via email.
One thing is clear. As he tours the rubber chicken circuit, Watkins doesn't have to worry about encountering someone wearing the same suit.
