The Texas Democratic Party is overtly expressing a collective anxiety over the candidacy of LaRouche PAC figurehead Kesha Rogers one day before voters hit the polls. U.S. Senate Democratic Primary Candidate Rogers is currently poised to claim her third consecutive party nomination for federal office according to recent polling.
Despite Rogers’ lack of endorsements and fundraising infrastructure, she leads dentist David Alameel and attorney Maxey Scherr by double digits according to recent University of Texas/Texas Tribune polling. Rogers has raised an estimated $27,000 for the 2014 contest–compared to Dr. Alameel’s $3.5 million and Scherr’s $300K.
Washington-based The Hill reports today a number of efforts undertaken by the Texas Democrats to eradicate any chance Ms. Rogers may have in earning a runoff or clearing the primary. “The party is working very hard to make sure she’s not the nominee,” said former Rep. Martin Frost (D-Texas). Included in the Party’s tactics are direct mail pieces attacking Rogers’ record on policy positions–including the impeachment of President Obama, stopping Obamacare, returning enforcement of the Glass-Steagall Act and fully funding NASA.
Texas Democrats blame Rogers apparent name identification with the Texas Democratic Party electorate thanks to her earning a place on the 22nd Congressional District’s general ballot in 2010 and 2012. Pundits may also look to Rogers’ willingness to promote herself to grassroots camps largely interested in conservative politics. In 2012, she participated in a Houston-based King Street Patriots forum–taking breaks for applause at a number of points in her presentation. Rogers continued her tea party outreach before the NE Tarrant Tea Party group in 2014.
Perhaps most frustrating among establishment Texas Democrats is the apparent lack of crossover appeal Dr. Alameel has despite his membership on the Davis/Van-de-Putte ticket as evidenced in the recent polling. Further, Mr. Scherr enjoys mainstream federal endorsements in Representatives Beto O’Rourke and Silvestre Reyes.
Texas Democratic Primary voters will cast ballots for choice candidates on Tuesday, March 4.
Follow Logan Churchwell on Twitter @LCChurchwell
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