Chet’s Evidently Really Got It In The Bag…But Let’s Not Be Hasty…& Keep The Money In Texas
By Vince Leibowitz on Oct 18, 2006 in 2006 Texas Elections, CD-17
One day after the NRCC pulled its support from Van Taylor, the DCCC decided to pull about a million from Chet Edwards, evidently believing that Edwards has the race in the bag and Taylor is, as everyone predicted, toast.
This is good and bad. It’s good because, at the very least, Edwards won’t get last minute negatives from Taylor for having the support of the DCCC. It’s also good because it appears everyone believes Edwards is in no danger.
It’s bad news because the DCCC underestimates the power of Republican millionaires like Texas’ own Bob Perry to pour tons of cash even into races that aren’t destined to win.
So, what will happen? It’ll be much harder for Taylor and other Republicans to tie Edwards to D.C. Liberals—a favorite that is reasonably effective in this close of a district. Of course, a few Republicans who are upset about the NRCC’s pull out may end up pouring in a few thou more. And, of course, there is always the option for Taylor to sell some Exxon stock and self-fund.
The big thing, however, is that the DCCC should seriously consider keeping this money in Texas. There are several races that would benefit from an infusion of a third of what was planned for Edwards in terms of third-party media buys. Sklar, Courage, Harrell and Ankrum come immediately to mind.
Henley, too.
Henley has been opposed to television ads the entire campaign for a couple of reasons: this is one of the most educated districts but more significantly he knows that with the lack of money he has to stay with more grassroots efforts.
A nice check from the DCCC might help change that. Culberson doesn’t have as much cash on hand as usual, either. The extra money would surely help him give some hard, last minute punches to Culberson before November 7. I know I emailed the DCCC asking them to support this campaign and Harrell’s. If we get a nice stroke of luck, then they will follow through.