Campaign News
02/08/2018

Abbott Unloads on Larson and Other News for February 8

TXElects

HD122: Appearing on Trey Ware’s show on KTSA-AM to discuss reducing human trafficking, Gov. Greg Abbott (R) called Rep. Lyle Larson (R-San Antonio) a “repeat failure” when it comes to the Republican Party agenda.“It is offensive that he goes out and claims he is a Republican because he has fought against decreasing property taxes,” ethics reform and reducing government, Abbott said. “He simply must be removed from office,” Abbott said. “He should just call himself the Democrat that he is.” Abbott has endorsed Larson’s primary challenger, Hollywood Park Mayor Chris Fails.

On Ware’s show in a later segment, Larson said it was the first time he’d ever been called a liberal Democrat. “I’ve been accused of being an extremist on the other side,” Larson said, adding that he believed Abbott was misinformed. “The governor is obviously very upset” about Larson’s proposed ethics bill during the last session, he said. “It’s unfortunate the governor has taken the low road on this issue.”

SD30: The Sen. Craig Estes (R-Wichita Falls) campaign released a new negative ad against Rep. Pat Fallon (R-Fallon), accusing him of not being honest with voters.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pzi1D6Hugo

Fallon’s campaign hit Estes for being in Austin instead of campaigning in the district and debating Fallon. Meanwhile, Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick’s (R) latest campaign finance report includes a $17K expenditure for “campaign polling and tracking” to support Fallon.

HD15 open: The Texas Parent PAC endorsed Jackie Waters, who is running against former Rep. Steve Toth (R-The Woodlands), for the seat being vacated by Rep. Mark Keough (R-The Woodlands). Toth was endorsed by the Courier of Montgomery County.

HD62 open: The Texas Parent PAC endorsed Reggie Smith for the seat being vacated by Rep. Larry Phillips (R-Sherman).

HD121 open: The Texas Parent PAC endorsed Steve Allison for the seat being vacated by Speaker Joe Straus (R-San Antonio).

HD126 open: The Texas Parent PAC endorsed Sam Harless for the seat being vacated by Rep. Kevin Roberts (R-Houston). Former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee (R) endorsed Kevin Fulton.

SEN: The National Education Assoc. endorsed U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke (D-El Paso) on the recommendation of the Texas State Teachers Assoc.

CD2 open: The National Rifle Assoc. PAC endorsed Rep. Kevin Roberts (R-Houston) for the seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Ted Poe (R-Humble).

CD5 open: The Dallas Morning News endorsed former Rep. Kenneth Sheets (R-Mesquite) for the seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-Dallas).

CD6 open: The Dallas Morning News endorsed Jake Ellzey (R) and Ruby Faye Woolridge (D) in their respective primaries for the seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Joe Barton (R-Ennis).

CD21 open: National pundit Charlie Cook moved the seat to the “likely Republican” column from the “solid Republican” column. With that update, Cook’s current ratings for Texas seats look like this:

  • Toss-up: CD7 (Culberson)
  • Lean Republican: CD23 (Hurd) and CD32 (Sessions)
  • Likely Republican: SEN (Cruz) and CD21 open (Smith).

The other 32 seats, including all seats currently held by Democrats, are in their respective “solid” columns. Cook sees the governor’s race as “solid Republican.”

Gov. Greg Abbott
Gov. Greg Abbott

©2018 Texas Election Source LLC

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Texas Political Spotlight
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Texas Sen. José Menéndez is defending a 2023 law that lets cities like San Antonio reinvest state tourism and hotel tax revenue into major projects, including a proposed $1.3 billion Spurs arena, saying it keeps the city competitive with others that have used similar funding to spur growth. Democratic U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico, speaking in Fort Worth recently, cast himself as an independent voice challenging both parties and billionaires’ influence, as his tight primary race with Colin Allred gains national attention. Meanwhile, Attorney General Ken Paxton has sued Indiana resident Malcolm Tanner, accusing him of trying to take over Loving County by luring out-of-state residents with false promises of free homes in unsafe desert conditions.

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Texas Political Spotlight
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Austin-based energy startup Base Power announced it has raised $1 billion in new funding to expand its residential battery leasing business, positioning itself at the center of Texas’ fast-growing clean energy sector as demand surges nationwide. Meanwhile, Gov. Greg Abbott has authorized hundreds of Texas National Guard soldiers have been deployed to Illinois to assist federal immigration authorities in Chicago. And in education, Texas selected Odyssey, a national tech firm, to design and administer its new $1 billion school voucher program, the Texas Education Freedom Accounts.

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TXBIZNEWS
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Walmart has announced plans to eliminate synthetic dyes and over 30 other ingredients from its U.S. private brand food products such as Great Value, Marketside, Freshness Guaranteed, and Bettergoods, with a target completion date of January 2027, as outlined in a recent corporate statement.

The Details:

  • The initiative removes 11 synthetic dyes, such as Red No. 40 and Yellow No. 5, along with preservatives and artificial sweeteners, responding to customer demand for simpler ingredients while maintaining taste and value.
  • The move affects all Walmart U.S. food private brands, supporting a more transparent food system and aligning with evolving health-conscious trends.
  • Walmart President and CEO John Furner said, “Our customers want products with familiar ingredients, and we’re delivering on that promise.”
  • The transition will leverage natural alternatives, with the company collaborating with suppliers to meet the 2027 deadline.

“Our customers have told us that they want products made with simpler, more familiar ingredients - and we’ve listened. By eliminating synthetic dyes and other ingredients, we’re reinforcing our promise to deliver affordable food that families can feel good about.”

- John Furner, President and CEO, Walmart U.S.

Why It Matters:
This shift could set a new standard for the U.S. food industry, boosting consumer trust and influencing market trends.

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