HD134: The Gov. Greg Abbott campaign released a second television ad attacking Rep. Sarah Davis (R-West University Place) for opposing his agenda. “Davis has sold out conservative values,” says the narrator, focusing on state spending and abortion, before the ad pivots to challenger Susanna Dokupil and Abbott’s endorsement. “Her ad is a disgrace,” Davis said in a statement outlining her objections to the claims made by the ad. “This ad completely distorts my record and is another example of untruths peddled to prop up” Dokupil’s campaign.
Texans View of Trump: A new Gallup poll indicates President Trump’s job performance is viewed unfavorably by a majority of Texans. Thirty-nine percent of Texas respondents approve Trump’s job performance, while 54% disapprove. His net favorability rating of -15 is the lowest for any state he won in 2016, tying Michigan’s 40/55, and even ranks below three states won by Hillary Clinton.
Trump’s net approval rating in the Gallup poll is lower than the one observed in the October 2017 UT/Texas Tribune poll (PDF). In October 45% of respondents approved (27% strongly) of Trump’s job performance while 50% disapproved (42% strongly).
Year-end campaign finance reports are due for federal candidates and officeholders tomorrow. They cover contributions received and expenditures made during the last three months of 2017. Our federal Crib Sheet has been updated to show results from reports that were filed before this evening.
Endorsements
Our Crib Sheets have been updated to include recently released lists of endorsements from the Texas Farm Bureau AGFUND, Texas Society of Anesthesiologists PAC and the Texas State Rifle Assoc. Our Crib Sheets show the endorsements of more than 20 key state business associations, PACs and interest groups, and we will continue to add them as we see or receive them.
AGRIC: The Texas Farm Bureau declined to endorse a candidate for Agriculture Commissioner. In 2014, the group’s endorsed candidate finished fifth in the Republican primary, and the group did not endorse a candidate in the runoff. It was the first time in its 25-year history that it did not back a candidate. Meanwhile, the Kingwood Tea Party endorsed challenger Trey Blocker.
LAND: The Kingwood Tea Party endorsed former Land Comm. Jerry Patterson (R) over incumbent Comm. George P. Bush (R).
RRC: The Kingwood Tea Party endorsed challenger Weston Martinez over incumbent Comm. Christi Craddick (R). Meanwhile, the Dallas Morning News endorsed Craddick and Democrat Roman McAllen in their respective primary races.
CCA: The Dallas Morning News endorsed challenger David Bridges over Presiding Judge Sharon Keller (R) and Jay Brandon for the seat being vacated by Judge Elsa Alcala (R).
CD27 open: Nueces Co. Sheriff Jim Kaelin (R) and Corpus Christi Mayor Joe McComb endorsed Bech Bruun for the seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Blake Farenthold (R-Corpus Christi).
Ads
CD7: The Alex Triantaphyllis campaign released a 15-second ad that focuses on his willingness to fight to “take this country back from Donald Trump.” The ad does not mention U.S. Rep. John Culberson (R-Houston).
CD23: The Jay Hulings campaign released an ad, “Greater Than a Wall,” contrasting his views of “what our families need” with building a border wall. The ad does not mention U.S. Rep. Will Hurd (R-San Antonio).
CD32: The Ed Meier campaign released an ad, “Donald,” named for his father, a pediatric surgeon, focusing on health care and opposing Donald Trump’s efforts to repeal Obamacare. The ad does not mention U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions (R-Dallas).
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