Cruz and Dewhurst Will Go Head to Head
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Tea party groups across the country were hoping last night would see another one of their favored candidates defeat an establishment Republican. And in the biggest contest in the Texas primaries — the race for the U.S. Senate nomination — they still have a shot at it.
Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst has the most money and the most support from the Texas GOP establishment, including the backing of Governor Rick Perry. And while Dewhurst came in first place last night, he did not win a majority of the votes.
That means he is headed into a runoff election with former state Solicitor General Ted Cruz, a candidate with big Tea party support. Cruz says the runoff means Dewhurst has no choice but to debate him one on one.
“If he wants to make the case to the people of Texas that he thinks I’m an amnesty supporting, China-loving pinko liberal, then I encourage him to do so in person,” Cruz said to his cheering supporters last night.
But Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst barely recognized his opponent’s existence in a speech last night, instead reflecting on his record in the Texas legislature and setting his sights on Washington.
“Tonight, Texans all across the state of Texas said, ‘We’re all going to fight back against President Obama’s trampling on the United States Constitution and the 10th amendment and our religious freedoms,’” Dewhurst said to enthusiastic applause.
Meanwhile, Democrats have a runoff of their own. Paul Sadler will face Grady Yarbrough for the U.S. Senate nomination. The runoffs will take place July 31st.
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