GOP Runoff Quick Takes: Basically A Muddle

"Moreover you shall select from all the people able men, such as fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness; and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens."
Exodus 18:21

[Note: We didn't really do that...but what else is new.]

We don't really feel like doing a long analysis of what happened, but some thoughts:

• Abbott had an ok night.  But it wasn't anything special.  He's not really an asset, but neither is he toxic.  Long-term fate remains TBD.

• Dan Flynn and J.D. Sheffield prove that incumbents with really bad records can still get popped.

• Justin Berry and Glen Rodgers prove that, in open seat races where you can pretend to be all things to all people, good ol' boy cash can get you across the finish line.

• Speaking of those two, it's going to be fascinating to see what happens to their districts after redistricting...but we suspect both will have to introduce themselves to a lot of new voters in two years.

• Carrie Isaac and Shelby Slawson prove that good candidates win.

• Kathleen Wall proves that, no matter how much of your own money you light on fire, baseless, over-the-top accusations rarely stick.  Such a waste.  Congratulations Kathleen, you're the new David Dewhurst.

Bottom Line: A bunch of stuff we already knew got proven all over again.

#TXLEGE: Shelby Slawson Shows How It's Done

"When the righteous [a]are in authority, the people rejoice;
But when a wicked man rules, the people groan."
Proverbs 29:2

[Note: Shelby Slawson is J.D. Sheffield's runoff opponent.]

This is, easily and by far, the best piece of political communication we've seen in ages:

Highlights:

• For eight years, one of the most conservative state rep districts in the country has been represented by "the most liberal Republican in Texas."

• "How can this have happened?!?"

• Discussion of Sheffield's relationships with campaign consultants and lobbyists.
• Note: It's too long to type, but it flows really well in the video.

• J.D Sheffield, lobbyists, and campaign consultants are basically a giant money laundering operation.

• "You don't really have to be pro-Life, you just have to send a mailer with a beautiful mother and a cute baby...that's what J.D. Sheffield does."

• Sheffield's new strategy: Ignore his record and overhype the fact that he's a doctor...even though it's irrelevant to the job of state rep.

• J.D. Sheffield is a Doctor...Doctor Democrat.

Bottom Line: Well done, there needs to be a lot more communication like this.