HUNT VALLEY, Md. (TNND) — Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, the Republican candidate for U.S. Senate, has repelled donors and deterred voters uncomfortable with his legal baggage.
He’s been charged with fraud, impeached by state Republicans and investigated for abuse of office, though he’s never been convicted of any crimes. Oh, and his ex-wife accused him of adultery.
Potential Republican supporters aren’t exactly lining up behind Paxton, but, according to his greatest ally, that’s not his fault. President Donald Trump placed the blame Thursday on Senator John Cornyn, whom Paxton defeated in the primary, and GOP strategist Karl Rove.
“Sadly, and very stupidly, John Cornyn, and his Liddle’ Buddy, Super RINO, Karl Rove, are doing everything possible to make it hard for Ken Paxton, the Greatest Attorney General in the History of Texas, and one of the Best in the United States, to win the upcoming Midterm Election,” Trump said in a Truth Social post.
Cornyn’s stayed on the sidelines of the race, only occasionally speaking critically about Paxton’s chances against state Representative James Talarico, the Democratic nominee. Rove’s acted similarly, pointing out Paxton’s flaws but stopping short of switching sides to support Talarico.
The Republicans warned Trump against rewarding Paxton’s yearslong loyalty with an endorsement, which was sure to put him over the primary finish line and in a worse position than Cornyn for the general election. Surveys showed that, despite MAGA’s support, Paxton would have trouble appealing to moderate Texans concerned about political corruption.
Months later, the GOP’s nominee trails Talarico in most polls and risks becoming the reason why Texas elected a Democrat in a statewide race for the first time in decades. Don’t tell that to Trump though.
“If Ken Paxton loses, it will be because of WEAK and INEFFECTIVE Political Hacks like John Cornyn and Karl Rove, who have ineffectively opposed me for my entire political career,” he added in his post.
The National News Desk requested comment from Cornyn and Rove but hasn’t received any immediate responses.
A Marist University poll conducted last weekend placed Talarico in a two-point lead. Likely voters didn’t show strong support for the Democrat—43 percent of them had a positive opinion of him—but many had a very negative view of Paxton. Fifty-six percent said they dislike the attorney general, including a fifth of Republicans and seven in 10 independents.
High conservative turnout could buoy Paxton’s bid, but he’ll need to convince voters to tune out Cornyn, Rove and other Republican voices speaking out about his scandals.
Do you have questions, concerns or tips? Send them to Ray at rjlewis@sbgtv.com.