Ex-congressman and former Texas attorney general Jim Mattox has died.
Mattox was 65.
On Thursday, Mattox's sister said he died at his home in Dripping Springs southwest of Austin. The cause of death is pending.
Mattox, known as the junkyard dog of Texas politics, battled fellow Democrat Ann Richards in a vicious 1990 campaign for governor -- that she won.
Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison said of Mattox's passing, “Ray and I were saddened to learn of the passing of Jim Mattox. Jim was a proud Democrat and he rendered public service in the state legislature, the U.S. Congress and as Attorney General of Texas. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Marta and their children.”
Mattox started his career as the assistant district attorney in Dallas and later won a seat in the Texas House.
Mattox was elected to the U.S. House in 1976 and remained in office until 1982. He was elected attorney general in 1982 and re-elected in 1986.
Mattox sued Mobil Oil -- an action that benefited a campaign donor. Mattox was indicted on commercial bribery charges, but was acquitted in 1985.
Democratic Congressman Chet Edwards of Waco said Mattox was a tireless fighter for average working families in Texas.
Mattox is survived by his wife, Marta, and their two children, Jim and Cissy.
