NRCC Pulls Out Of CD-17 Race

I knew this was coming and actually had the tip a couple days ago from a DC source and decided not to go with it because I was unsure of this particular source, since it came out of the blue. I thought it might be a plant to deliberately throw us off the trail.

But, it seems the information was correct: The NRCC has cancelled its $1.5 million plus ad buy in CD 17 following a poll showing Taylor very, very unlikely to win, leaving Nicolas Van Campen Taylor twisting away in the wind without any serious support to speak of from the national party establishment. The NRCC is likely diverting its resources to campaigns where they have more of a chance in an election cycle where the control of the House is likely to turn on a hand full of races.
So, unless Taylor, who had only $102,495 cash on hand as of June 30, plunges $3 or $4 million of his own Exxon fortune into the race, he’s pretty much toast.

August 24, 2006: The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) both announce their endorsement of Edwards for re-election. The endorsements represent a blow to the Van Taylor campaign since both nonpartisan organizations generally endorse Republicans, including Edwards’ 2004 opponent, Arlene Wohlgemuth. The Texas Business Association’s political action committee, BACPAC, also announces its endorsement of Edwards.

September 1, 2006: The Texas Farm Bureau Friends of Agriculture Fund (AGFUND) endorses Edwards. Considered a conservative organization, the TFB AGFUND endorsement is highly sought after and is another sign of the momentum and strong local support behind Edwards’ campaign.

September 29, 2006: The National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF) refuses to endorse Taylor over Edwards, despite having endorsed Edwards’ opponents in the last three elections.  The NRA-PVF also awards Edwards a “B” grade for his strong support of the Second Amendment.

October 6, 2006: The Fort Worth Star Telegram endorses Edwards, writing that, “Chet Edwards brings experience, understanding and the closest thing to statesmanship one can find in Washington these days….From championing investments in the nation’s military infrastructure to voicing concerns about healthcare for veterans, Edwards has been a constant advocate for the country’s military personnel.”

October 9, 2006: The Veterans of Foreign Wars’ Political Action Committee endorses Edwards during a district-wide tour to launch Edwards’ “Vets for Chet” group. Vets for Chet includes more than 500 veterans in the 17th District. Three Former Fort Hood and III Corps Commanders and the former State Commanders of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans also endorse Edwards.

October 11, 2006: The Dallas Morning News endorses Edwards, highlighting his “steady, pro-defense record and years of dependable service to constituents” and noting that his “senior position on the House Appropriations Committee gives him muscle in the fight for Waco’s threatened VA center.” The paper also notes that Taylor is a “rookie who’s long on cash and slash-and-burn campaigning but short on answers” and raises concerns about Taylor’s credibility.

October 12, 2006: The Edwards campaign reports that he has a commanding 21-point lead in the race according to a poll of 400 likely voters conducted October 9-10 by the respected Washington, DC polling firm of Bennett, Petts and Blumenthal.  The poll shows Edwards leading Taylor 54% - 33% and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.9%.

October 15, 2006: The Waco Tribune-Herald becomes the third major newspaper serving the district to endorse Edwards over Taylor, saying the election decision was “easy” given Edwards’ record of effective service for the district. The editorial board also points out “Taylor’s campaign has been characterized by attacks that twist the truth into pretzel form.”

October 15, 2006: The Taylor campaign posts a weak October quarterly FEC report, showing just $102,495 cash-on-hand after having raised just $223,147 during the quarter and being propped up by a $100,000 loan by Taylor to his campaign. Edwards’ campaign shows strong momentum with $1,144,692 cash-on-hand after raising $632,935 during the quarter. The Edwards campaign has raised over $2.7 million through September 30th of this year, an increase of over $600,000 at this same point in the last campaign cycle.

October 16, 2005: The National Republican Campaign Committee (NRCC) cancels its planned television ad buy in support of Taylor, worth more than $1.5 million in the DFW media market.