Buc-ee's owner shifts to reverse; stresses support of LGBT community

In the wake of reports that Buc-ee’s endorsed right-winger Dan Patrick for lieutenant governor, some in the LGBT community have joined Democratic Congressman Joaquin Castro in announcing they’ll no longer patronize the popular chain of 28 roadside megastores.

Meanwhile, some of Patrick’s supporters have responded to the informal boycott by saying they’ll spend more money at Buc-ee’s — citing the owners’ first amendment rights and comparing Castro to Communist dictator Fidel Castro. One newspaper columnist even suggested that conservative backlash to the Buc-ee’s boycott could rival Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day in 2012.

But both sides may want to reconsider their positions in light of one tidbit that has yet to be reported: Buc-ee’s co-owner Arch “Beaver” Aplin gave $12,000 to Democrat Barack Obama’s U.S. Senate campaign in 2004. Here’s a screen grab from the Federal Elections Commission:



Jeff Nadalo, general counsel for Buc-ee’s, told Lone Star Q on Wednesday he isn’t sure why Aplin, who lives in Lake Jackson, where Buc-ee’s is headquartered, would contribute money to Obama — who has become public enemy No. 1 for Patrick and other Texas Republicans.

“Your guess would be as good as mine,” Nadalo said. “I know the media is portraying them [the Buc-ee's owners] as staunch Republicans, but I couldn’t even tell you their political affiliation. I think they’re just smart business guys.”

More at http://www.lonestarq.com/buc-ees-owner-gave-12k-barack-obama-spokesman-says-company-supports-lgbt-community/ .