In a largely expected move, Republican State Party Chairman Allen West announced he would challenge Gov. Greg Abbott for governor in next March's primary.
He made the announcement at a Carrollton
church on the Fourth of July, after preaching and reading from the Declaration of Independence and evoking the defenders of the Alamo.
Ina rousing video announcement, West compared himself to William Travis and other heroes of the 1836 massacre the inspired the Texas war for Independence, the former Lt. Colonel said he, like Travis, was "picking up the sword" of battle to enter the political campaign realm again after nearly a decade. The Georgia native served in Congress in a Florida district from 2011 to 2013.
West Graduated from the University of Tennessee in 1983. In his campaign video, West noted that key Alamo defenders were from Tennessee and Georgia. Such comparisons are likely going to play a part in his campaign, negating the inevitable "carpetbagger" accusations.
He will face a very well-funded incumbent, Gov. Greg Abbott, and also a well-funded challenger in former state Sen. Don Huffines, who has also already announced.
He has already faced criticism from within the party for using his less than one year as state party chairman to lay the groundwork for his personal political ambition.
He had already tendered his resignation last month, effective July 11, when a new chairman will be elected.
West, like Huffines, has criticized Abbott for a perceived slow response to the immigration crisis at the border.
--------------------------------------------------
** We are dedicated to bringing you Texas Politics, 365 days a year! Tips? texaspolitics365@gmail.com
Advertisement
For advertising opportunities, email us.
.webp)
No comments:
Post a Comment