Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is campaigning on a platform of tax deductions and appealing to the Washington establishment for financial help in his bid for the US Senate. Paxton, who defeated longtime Sen. John Cornyn in a May runoff, is working to shore up support from Republicans after a divisive primary.

Paxton’s Campaign

Paxton has made significant inroads with Republicans in Austin and Washington, visiting DC recently for a fundraiser attended by Senate Majority Leader John Thune and other members. However, it remains an open question how much outside funding Washington Republicans will provide for the race.

Paxton has warned supporters that his Democratic opponent, James Talarico, has gotten off to an early start in TV advertising. Talarico’s campaign has spent $21 million on ads since the runoff, compared to $100,000 by Paxton’s campaign.

Talarico’s Campaign

Talarico has staked his campaign on a populist economic message that cuts across party lines. He has appealed to Republicans by praising Sen. Cornyn for sending a letter to the Trump administration raising concerns about border wall construction in Big Bend National Park.

Talarico has also questioned why six House Republicans from Texas are still withholding their support for Paxton. The group includes Reps. Michael McCaul, Dan Crenshaw, and Chip Roy, all of whom are leaving the House after this year.

Original reporting: KEYT (Ventura/Santa Barbara) — read the source article.