This article has been updated with Commissioner George P. Bush’s response.

After Texas Land Commissioner George P. Bush released a string of Twitter posts last week, in which he characterized those that were skeptical of plans to “reimagine” the Alamo as “racist,” Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick has waded into the debate, hammering Bush’s comments as “offensive and inaccurate.”

Bush has long received criticism, largely from conservative Texans, over the General Land Office and the City of San Antonio’s plan to “reimagine” the site of the Alamo—specifically, over plans to relocate the Alamo Cenotaph, a monument commissioned on the centennial anniversary of the Battle of the Alamo that serves as a tombstone for the men who gave their lives in the fight for Texas independence at the storied site.

Comments by Bush made on Twitter last week, after being accused of wanting to place a statue of Santa Anna at the Alamo, have now caused Patrick to speak up and defend the opposition.

“Recently, the GLO Commissioner and a member of his staff have derided anyone who disagrees with the Alamo redesign as a small vocal minority who are liars and racists. This is offensive and inaccurate,” said Patrick.

In his statement, Patrick also cited Senate Bill 1400, a bill that would have made it more difficult to move the Cenotaph; the bill passed the Texas Senate unanimously this past session.

“The 31 members of the Texas Senate represent over 28 million Texans,” Patrick added. “They are not a vocal minority—nor are they liars or racists.”

That legislation, however, never received a hearing in the Texas House.

In a response shortly after, Bush said his remarks were taken “out of context.”

“To twist my words and put out a statement saying I called Honorable State Senators and anyone who opposes me racist is wrong,” said Bush. “It is a very dangerous mistake for an elected official with his power to make.”

Brandon Waltens

Brandon serves as the Senior Editor for Texas Scorecard. After managing successful campaigns for top conservative legislators and serving as a Chief of Staff in the Texas Capitol, Brandon moved outside the dome in order to shine a spotlight on conservative victories and establishment corruption in Austin. @bwaltens

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