AUSTIN, Texas — Zac Petkanas, the communications director for Democrat Wendy Davis’ floundering campaign, has been on the front lines defending his candidate from the sharply negative backlash to her ad that uses the image of an empty wheelchair to attack Attorney General Greg Abbott, her Republican opponent in the race to be Texas’ next governor. Petkanas, the former communications director for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, is no stranger to a good Twitter fight, and on Friday he once again took to the microblogging platform to toss some rhetorical bombs for the campaign — including with several Breitbart Texas contributors.
After Breitbart Texas published an article Friday morning summarizing some of the benefits that the Abbott campaign has reaped since Davis’ ad was launched — including increased donations, website and video views, and volunteer sign-ups — Petkanas posted several tweets directed at this author:
@rumpfshaker Ha.
— Zac Petkanas (@Zac_Petkanas) October 17, 2014
@rumpfshaker Your political analysis is fascinating. Tell us more!
— Zac Petkanas (@Zac_Petkanas) October 17, 2014
Breitbart Texas Managing Director Brandon Darby then joined the conversation:
Ok, Mr. Wheelchair ad… ;) “@Zac_Petkanas: @rumpfshaker Your political analysis is fascinating. Tell us more!”
— Brandon Darby (@brandondarby) October 17, 2014
Petkanas replied right back with what appeared to be an attempt at reverse psychology:
.@brandondarby @rumpfshaker Please please please don’t write about this ad anymore. https://t.co/1Bpti2KP0D
— Zac Petkanas (@Zac_Petkanas) October 17, 2014
Then, it got a little weird:
We’d be writing about it had she bitten the head off of a bat as well, doesn’t mean it’s good for her. @Zac_Petkanas @rumpfshaker
— Brandon Darby (@brandondarby) October 17, 2014
@brandondarby @Zac_Petkanas hey, if y’all DO decide to have her bite the head off a bat, I’d love to get an exclusive. ;)
— Sarah Rumpf (@rumpfshaker) October 17, 2014
@rumpfshaker @brandondarby Done.
— Zac Petkanas (@Zac_Petkanas) October 17, 2014
Petkanas also sent similar messages to talk radio host and Breitbart Texas contributor Chad Hasty and another Texas twitter user named Tim Lindstrom:
.@brandondarby @rumpfshaker Please please please don’t write about this ad anymore. https://t.co/1Bpti2KP0D
— Zac Petkanas (@Zac_Petkanas) October 17, 2014
@F2Ford It’s not every day one meets a genius. It’s such an honor.
— Zac Petkanas (@Zac_Petkanas) October 17, 2014
As mentioned, this is far from the first time that Petkanas has taken to Twitter to engage Davis’ opponents. Earlier this month, Twitchy.com cataloged Petkanas’ tweets promoting Davis’ ad in spite of the bipartisan backlash, and characterized the campaign’s messaging regarding the ad as “tone deafness personified.”
Texans interested in their own interactions with Petkanas can find him on Twitter at @Zac_Petkanas. In the meantime, Breitbart Texas will continue to follow interesting personalities like Petkanas and will provide updates if, in fact, Davis does decide to bite the head off of a bat or any other flying rodents.
[Disclaimer: Breitbart Texas is not aware of Davis ever biting the head off of any bats or other animals. We maintain a healthy enjoyment of sarcastic humor, and thank Petkanas for being so entertaining.]
Follow Sarah Rumpf on Twitter at @rumpfshaker.
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