The cavalry is finally coming to try to prop up Republican Sen. Ted Cruz in Texas: Politico reports that the hardline anti-tax Club for Growth plans a "seven-figure" investment in the race on Cruz's behalf. It may have once seemed unthinkable that outside groups would have to spend to defend a GOP incumbent in a state where Democrats haven't won a statewide election in 24 years—the longest such streak in the nation—but Republicans are reportedly becoming increasingly worried about the race tightening in recent weeks, which coincides with both candidates beginning to run TV ads.
And Cruz really does need the help. The conservative Washington Examiner reports that he’s been having a hard time getting donors to cough up money, partly because they're more worried about defending vulnerable House incumbents in the Lone Star State. But that’s not the only reason: Cruz's years of trashing the party establishment have also turned off a lot of would-be contributors. This guy perfectly sums up how everyone feels:
“The bulk of these donors can’t stand Cruz,” said a connected Republican operative in Texas, on condition of anonymity.
Cruz’s struggle to raise funds was already evident in the second quarter of this year, when he raised only $4.1 million compared to the huge $10.4 million haul brought in by Democrat Beto O'Rourke. That left Cruz trailing, with $9.3 million in the bank to $14 million for his opponent.
Thanks to its immense size and numerous media markets, Texas is a very expensive state for outside groups to play in, so it's very telling that they feel compelled to come to Cruz's aid. Polls have consistently found Cruz ahead, but he has averaged only a modest lead in recent weeks. It’s a remarkable thing to behold, but Texas really could be in play this year.
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