Beto O'Rourke to challenge Ted Cruz in Texas' 2018 Senate race

[brooklynite]

Source: Houston Chronicle

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke, a Democrat and ex-punk rocker who pulled a stunning upset to win his House seat six years ago, plans to declare his candidacy on Friday for the Senate seat held by Ted Cruz, according to Democratic sources in Texas.

O'Rourke's fledgling campaign has scheduled an announcement on Friday in El Paso, his hometown. He has traveled heavily in Texas over the last three months making contacts, barely concealing his political plans.

"I'm very moved to do it," O'Rourke, 44, said in an interview earlier this month, adding that he had reached the "emotional decision" about his candidacy.

Campaign aides declined to confirm that he will enter the 2018 Senate race.

Read more: http://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/politics/article/Beto-O-Rourke-to-challenge-Ted-Cruz-in-Texas-11036228.php?t=b4eb45d765438d9cbb&cmpid=twitter-premium&cmpid=twitter-premium

[nycbos]

1. O'Rourke is pretty new in congress.

Why would he give up a relatively safe start for a statewide race he has little chance of winning..

[NCjack]

4. Maybe he senses a Trump/GOP backlash that will remove

Tea Party office holders. Sen. Cruz is now unpopular, and so much that he is licking Trump body parts in hopes of getting on the SCOTUS. Now is the time for the bold to step forward.

[nycbos]

5. Hope your right.

But Jesus himself would have a challenge running in Texas as a Democrat.

[TexasProgresive]

2. Be still my heart, I love me some Beto.

A fine senator Mr. O'Rourke will make representing all Texans.

[hamsterjill]

3. I would love to see both Cruz AND Cornyn ousted!

I'm not sure O'Rourke is the person to oust Cruz only because of his relative newby status and some issues on his platform. I'd be fine with him, but generally, Cruz's constituents are more tight asses and I don't think they will respond well to O'Rourke's past. I'd love to be wrong about that, and sincerely wish Mr. O'Rourke all the best.

As is most imperative, all Dems in Texas need to get their butts to the poles!!!!!!

[TexasBushwhacker]

6. Getting Dems to the polls is what its all about

I couldn't care less about Cruz supporters. They are a lost cause.

I know that Beto was once arrested for burglary and a DUI, but I see no record that he was convicted. I wonder how he managed to beat Sylvestre Reyes in the primary. Reyes seemed to be a stand up guy, and as a retired border patrol agent, his experience is missed.

Does Beto have to give up his seat in the House to run for the Senate?

[hamsterjill]

7. Totally agree as to Cruz supporters, but there are a lot of them, crazy as they may be.

I don't know how that works as far as Beto having to give up his seat in the House to run for the Senate, but I'm guessing that he does. His stance on drugs will get the Cruzies undies all up in a wad and they'll attack. Let them. Our strategy has to be to out number them.

Joaquin Castro put out a statement today saying he is considering a run for either Cruz or Cornyn's seat and is expected to make a decision in the next couple of weeks. He didn't specify which of the two he's expecting to go up against.

I want Dems to get out the vote. Drag everyone we know to the polls and get rid of the nut cases. We have MORE than our share of those nutcases in Texas.

[TexasBushwhacker]

8. I hope Joaquin runs for Senate

I would prefer he run against Cruz, because Cruz is like Trump with religion.

[hamsterjill]

9. I agree.

But will support any Dem who is on the ballot opposite of Cruz-crazy!

[TomCADem]

10. Still, Cruz Is Polarizing.

His negatives could create an opportunity.

[TexasBushwhacker]

11. I agree, and since Cruz is hated in the Senate

that could be a selling point for the Dems.