Texas Attorney General primary races over before they began
Jason Barry
Issue date: 2/4/10 Section: News
Even though the voices of Texas' Democratic and Republican voters will not be heard until the March 2 primary election, the power of incumbency already has determined the choices for the Nov. 2 race for Attorney General.
Both incumbent Republican Greg Abbott and Democrat Barbara Ann Radnofsky are unopposed in their respective party's primary.
According to Ray Sandoval, professor of Government at Richland College, incumbency generates larger campaign contributions, which make it extremely difficult for a challenger to defeat an incumbent, especially in a primary election.
"You can take anyone off the street, and with enough money you could win the election," Sandoval said. "Many voters vote on name recognition alone."
Libertarian Jon Roland and independent Rueben D. Torres are expected to join Abbott and Radnofsky in the general election race.
Many Republican pollsters expected more candidates to vie for the Attorney General's race, especially when Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison originally said she planned to resign her seat to campaign full-time for the Republican nomination for Governor. This set off speculation that both Abbott and Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst would run in an special election to fill Hutchison's Senate seat. When Hutchison decided to remain in the Senate while campaigning for governor, Abbott decided to file for re-election as Attorney General.
Consequently, a number of Republicans who had hoped that an Abbott win in a special election would clear the path to winning the Attorney General post, opted instead not to pose what they probably thought would be a futile challenge to Abbott.
Radnofsky cites her experience as an attorney and community service in making her case to voters. She has not held any previous political office but was the Democratic nominee in the 2006 U.S. Senate race against Hutchison.
Roland is not actively campaigning for the job, and also hopes to contend in a special election should Hutchison resign from the Senate. Torres is running for elective office for the first time. A fifth contender, Barry Cooper, also considers himself a Libertarian, but seeks support as a write-in candidate on what he describes as a "Pro-Gun, Pro-Pot, Pro-Family" platform.
No Libertarian or independent currently holds statewide office in Texas.
Demonstrating Sandoval's point about the power of incumbency and money, given the lack of experienced challengers in the primary election, Richland freshman Sara Turner said there really are no alternatives to the incumbent.
"Greg Abbott is not only the obvious choice however he is almost the only choice," Turner said.
Both incumbent Republican Greg Abbott and Democrat Barbara Ann Radnofsky are unopposed in their respective party's primary.
According to Ray Sandoval, professor of Government at Richland College, incumbency generates larger campaign contributions, which make it extremely difficult for a challenger to defeat an incumbent, especially in a primary election.
"You can take anyone off the street, and with enough money you could win the election," Sandoval said. "Many voters vote on name recognition alone."
Libertarian Jon Roland and independent Rueben D. Torres are expected to join Abbott and Radnofsky in the general election race.
Many Republican pollsters expected more candidates to vie for the Attorney General's race, especially when Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison originally said she planned to resign her seat to campaign full-time for the Republican nomination for Governor. This set off speculation that both Abbott and Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst would run in an special election to fill Hutchison's Senate seat. When Hutchison decided to remain in the Senate while campaigning for governor, Abbott decided to file for re-election as Attorney General.
Consequently, a number of Republicans who had hoped that an Abbott win in a special election would clear the path to winning the Attorney General post, opted instead not to pose what they probably thought would be a futile challenge to Abbott.
Radnofsky cites her experience as an attorney and community service in making her case to voters. She has not held any previous political office but was the Democratic nominee in the 2006 U.S. Senate race against Hutchison.
Roland is not actively campaigning for the job, and also hopes to contend in a special election should Hutchison resign from the Senate. Torres is running for elective office for the first time. A fifth contender, Barry Cooper, also considers himself a Libertarian, but seeks support as a write-in candidate on what he describes as a "Pro-Gun, Pro-Pot, Pro-Family" platform.
No Libertarian or independent currently holds statewide office in Texas.
Demonstrating Sandoval's point about the power of incumbency and money, given the lack of experienced challengers in the primary election, Richland freshman Sara Turner said there really are no alternatives to the incumbent.
"Greg Abbott is not only the obvious choice however he is almost the only choice," Turner said.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Cam
posted 2/12/10 @ 11:26 PM CST
I really hope Texans vote the only candidate worth anything in. His name is Barry Cooper. He IS the family man, working man, community man. He is NOT another soulless idiot committed to personal gain. (Continued…)
Kevin
posted 2/17/10 @ 2:51 PM CST
Vote Barry Cooper if u really want change. He should be in the Tea party. His common sense rules will help Texas. Barry u got my vote. I'm tired of the democrates and republicans. (Continued…)
Jerome Wood
posted 2/23/10 @ 9:39 AM CST
My vote is for Barry Cooper and i am so glad he has made the commentment to run.
we need common sence & common people it is the Texan Way, He has my wifes vote & mine. (Continued…)
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