Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s campaign is running ads across the state right now attacking Beto O’Rourke but you haven’t seen push-back from the Democratic challenger so far. UT Tyler-Dallas Morning News Poll co-author, Dr. Mark Owens says there will be push-back from O’Rourke, but it’s going to take away money that would be spent on criticizing Abbott and outlining his own goals for Texas. Other than that, Dr. Owens says the most recent UT Tyler - Dallas Morning News Poll shows this year’s race for Governor may look familiar to some.
“The Governor’s race is shaping up to be one of the more traditional races that we’ve seen in Texas. In South Texas, Abbott and O’Rourke are running exactly neck and neck. There’s 42% for both of them. In Central Texas, this is the only area where Beto O’Rourke has a significant lead. In and around the Austin area he has a 10% lead over Governor Abbott. But in places like West Texas and East Texas, the lead that Governor has over Beto O’Rourke is collectively over 30%.”
Owens said where O’Rourke is campaigning has had an effect on potential voting patterns. But not necessarily the effect the Democrat intended.
“In places like West Texas and East Texas, the lead that Governor has over Beto O’Rourke is collectively over 30% O’Rourke has been traveling to places like Midland or to places like Longview or places near Tyler, not quite going to Tyler. All those visits have made people more likely to vote in the area but it’s not convinced or taken away votes for Abbott in these zones.”
Abbott is leading O’Rourke 47% to 38%. That’s up from Abbott’s seven point lead in the previous poll last month. Hear the full interview with UT Tyler polling expert, Dr. Mark Owens.
Today is National Voter Registration Day. If you haven’t already, you can register at the Tyler and Lindale Public Libraries. Texas College, TJC and UT Tyler will be registering students to vote today. At UT Tyler, you can register at the University Center on campus.
Congratulations to DeKalb Elementary School which has been recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School, the only one in East Texas. Dekalb Elementary is one of 31 schools recognized statewide.
compiled by Mike Landess
edited by Jeff Johnson