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AUSTIN, Texas – Willie Nelson’s (search) name is off the road again.
A state legislator had proposed naming a 49-mile stretch of Texas Highway 130 being built around Austin (search) in honor of the Texas country music singer.
But two Republican senators, Steve Odgen of Bryan and Jeff Wentworth (search) of San Antonio, said they didn’t want Nelson’s name on the road that crosses their districts, citing the musician’s fondness for drinking and smoking, and active campaigning for Democratic candidates.
“It’s frustrating, and sad in a way, but at this point, there is no reason to make this an unpleasant experience for anyone, especially Willie, so I’ll take no further action on the bill,” said state Sen. Gonzalo Barrientos, an Austin Democrat and the bill’s author.
Barrientos said he wanted to honor Nelson “for so much good music and so many good works.”