The two candidates in the Republican primary runoff for the new 10th Congressional District seem to be spending most of their efforts right now trying to question each other's party loyalty.
There has been more discussion about Democratic politicians than Republican issues in the GOP runoff between Ben Streusand and Mike McCaul for the 10th Congressional District.Streusand has run ads tying McCaul to Democrats Bill Clinton and Janet Reno.
McCaul has countered with an ad noting that Streusand contributed campaign money to Democrats Bob Krueger and Ken Bentsen. And Streusand didn't vote for President Bush in the 2000 Republican primary, McCaul says.
The spate of Democrat-baiting has both candidates crying foul, each accusing the other of starting mudslinging that forced him to respond in kind.
"I am deeply disappointed that he has chosen to go completely negative," McCaul said. "He's not even running on his record. The voters are tired of this type of campaigning, and I think they will see it for what it is, a distortion of my career."
Streusand said, "He has attacked my Republican credentials. As a result, I attacked his."
Since they won't come out and say much about issues, we voters are left to intuit a choice based on biographies and supporters.
McCaul leads in endorsements from public officials, including former President Bush, Cornyn, Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, Harris County Sheriff Tommy Thomas and Harris County District Attorney Chuck Rosenthal.Streusand has the support of prominent social conservatives, including Cathy Adams of the Texas Eagle Forum and Gary Bauer, president of American Values.
Streusand has picked up the endorsement of the third-place candidate, former state District Judge John Devine. McCaul has been endorsed by the fourth-place finisher, lawyer Dave Phillips.
Streusand's brochures are filling my mailbox and have done so for about a year, which is truly excessive. Every instinct says he's not who I want as my representative.
Posted by Alan at March 28, 2004 08:57 AM