#TXLEGE: Huffines' Moscow Trip Doesn't Look Good

"Abstain from all appearance of evil."
1 Thessalonians 5:22 (kjv)

This is...odd:

State Sen. Don Huffines, R-Dallas, met with Russian officials in Moscow on Monday, joining U.S. Sen. Rand Paul, R-Kentucky, on a trip that The Washington Post described as "a bid to increase engagement with the country."

A spokesman for Huffines confirmed the trip, saying the lawmaker regularly hears from Texans who are concerned about the security of elections and "are alarmed by Russia's efforts to undermine our democratic institutions."

“In meetings with Russian officials, Senator Huffines is having frank discussions, relaying Texans’ concerns, and demanding that Russia stop meddling in our elections," said Brent Connett, chief of staff to Huffines. "Don Huffines believes in the power of face-to-face conversations, even with antagonists.”

Here's the thing: If you actually click the link, and you actually read the story, Huffines' response is pretty reasonable.  But most people only read the headline.  "Huffines meets with Russians" is bad optics.

Then there's the fact that Huffines isn't blockwalking.  Given the nature of Dallas County, ANY elected official running for re-election in this climate needs to be constantly on the ground in the district talking to voters.  Any foreign travel, regardless of the destination, distracts from a more important task.

Bottom Line: This was a stupid, unforced, error in a time and location where we could least afford one....