Texas disaster puts Beto O'Rourke back in business

[liskddksil]

The onetime Democratic sensation has new political life — and, perhaps, hope for the governorship.

While Ted Cruz was getting clobbered for fleeing Texas amid its historic winter storm, the Democrat he defeated in 2018, Beto O’Rourke, was already deep into disaster relief mode — soliciting donations for storm victims, delivering pallets of water from his pickup truck and once again broadcasting his movements on Facebook Live.

It was part of an effort orchestrated by O’Rourke and his organization, Powered by People, in response to the crisis. It was also, to Texas Democrats, a sign that O’Rourke the politician is back.

The former congressman and onetime Democratic sensation acknowledged last month that he’s considering running for governor in 2022, and he has discussed the possibility with Democratic Party officials and other associates. The drubbing that Texas Republicans are taking in the wake of the deadly storm may provide him with an opening — even in his heavily Republican state.

“After all of Texas freezes over because of poor leadership, I think it’s a different state of Texas than it was two weeks ago,” said Mikal Watts, a San Antonio-based lawyer and major Democratic money bundler.

If O’Rourke runs for governor, Watts said, “I think he could catch fire.”

https://www.politico.com/news/2021/02/24/beto-orourke-texas-governor-471254

[Blue Owl]

1. This has to be doing wonders for Beto's future in politics

Times of crisis really show the true nature of people, and he's coming through with flying colors...

[liskddksil]

2. Not the first time either for Beto, as he rose to the moment after the tragedy in El Paso in August

2019.

[dalton99a]

3. +1. He spoke for millions

[Shell_Seas]

4. I'm so conflicted about this.

I like Beto. But I have real questions about whether or not he can win the governor's race. His previous statements on guns are going to be used against him. Texas is purple, almost a 50/50 split state. While I think Beto is a strong candidate for liberals, Republicans will show up just to vote against him.

Whereas, I think that either Castro brother, Joaquim in particular, would be a shoo-in for governor. I think it would be an easy win.

But, Beto has stuck himself out there and has a lot of traction, so it's likely inevitable at this point. I'm just so sick of Greg Abbott.

[liskddksil]

5. The majority of Texans agreed with Beto's gun reform policies according to polls. nt

[Shell_Seas]

10. Do you have a link?

[dalton99a]

6. The Castro brothers are practically unknown outside of their base in San Antonio.

[MagickMuffin]

9. I prefer Julian Castro, I wanted him to run last cycle

But I've had another thought. After seeing Joaquim's performance at the Impeachment trial, I'd love to see him run against CoupCanCruz and Julian run for his brother's seat.

And Beto O'Rourke for Texas Governor.


I could live with that!

[LetMyPeopleVote]

8. I will be happy to support Beto if he runs against Abbott