Texas newspaper catches House candidate in lie, leads to campaign suspension

Philip Hayes suspended his campaign for Texas House District 5 on Friday after the Tyler Morning Telegraph found he did not graduate from Southern Methodist University. Via Philip Hayes Facebook Philip Hayes suspended his campaign for Texas House District 5 on Friday after the Tyler Morning Telegraph found he did not graduate from Southern Methodist University. Via Philip Hayes Facebook Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Texas newspaper catches House candidate in lie, leads to campaign suspension 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

The saying in journalism goes, "If your mother says she loves you, check it out." So, naturally, when Texas House District 5 candidate Philip Hayes insisted he had both a bachelor's and a master's degree from Southern Methodist University, the Tyler Morning Telegraph vetted the statement.

And it didn't check out.

Hayes suspended his campaign Friday after the Texas newspaper obtained official documents detailing Hayes' time at SMU. The documents show that while he did attend school there, he didn't graduate with any degree.

According to the newspaper, when Hayes was confronted with the evidence, he claimed it was clerical error and that he would turn over diplomas and transcripts. Instead of doing that, he suspended his campaign Friday.

"It is with a great sadness and remorse, that I announce that I am suspending my campaign," Hayes posted on his personal Facebook page. "I full heartedly ask that all of those who were supporting me to vote for Jay Misenheimer. Jay is the most capable person in the race for House District 5."

The paper's editorial board, which originally endorsed Hayes, has since retracted its endorsement.