In season two episode two of the West Wing there is a discussion about pre-empting a candidate and heading to South Carolina ahead of the field. Candidate Bartlett asks when the other candidate drops out if he will get his endorsement? Leo answers "We’re going to get his money, that’s for sure." It seems like this scenario may be playing out in the 2010 Texas race for Governor.
A close race is being waged between incumbent Rick Perry and US Senator Kay Bailey Hutchinson. Today's primary will determine the necessity of a runoff between the candidates. The anti-Perry wave has been running deep into the Republican Party with well over half of all Republicans polling against Rick Perry (in favor of either KBH or Debra Medina).
A lot of Texans are bracing themselves for a Bill White (Democratic candidate currently polling at 85% in the primary) Rick Perry show down in November. The question then becomes not so much whether Bill White gets KBH’s votes but rather will he get her money?
Dave Montgomery of The Fort Worth Star Telegram reports that:
Regardless of the outcome, the contest has already distinguished itself as the most divisive GOP primary since the party became the dominant force in Texas politics, generating hard feelings that may not be repaired in time for the general election.
"I can assure you that I will not be a financial supporter of Rick Perry, and I can assure you that most of the people I talk to are not going to support him either," said Fort Worth oilman Dick Moncrief, Hutchison's financial chairman in North Texas, predicting that Republicans who are "fed up with Perry" may wind up supporting White if Hutchison fails to get the nomination.
"There is absolutely no assurance that Perry can beat White in November," Moncrief said.
Current Rasmussen polling puts Rick Perry 6 points ahead of Bill White where as a Research 2000 Texas Poll puts Bill White back by a mere 4 points. It is playing out as a definite race to watch. In a Republican runoff contributions will immediately stay with the candidates of question. But after that Katy bar the door.
As a Bill White supporter my message to the candidate is a simple three step process:
- Define yourself. Don’t let the Republicans do that for you. It will not be favorable or truthful.
- Target KBH votes (Medina votes are Tea party votes that Bill White will never get).
- Go after her money.
Texas has a real chance here to show the rest of the world that we are more than Dubyah country.
Shameless plug: If you are a Bill White fan please get involved.