Author: bakeyvl

Thank you, Texas: Abbott Victory Speech

By: Victoria Bakey

“Thank you, Texas,” Abbott shouted over the microphone. Republicans roared, his family smiling. It was a good day to be on the Abbott bandwagon. Attorney General Greg Abbott (R) on November 4, 2014, was elected to be governor of Texas, and he is just oh, so thankful.

In an aggressive Lone Star state battle, Mr. Abbott defeated the abortion filibuster star, Wendy Davis (D). As he stood on the stage, with overwhelming Republican Red surrounding him, Abbott was joined by his wife of 33 years, Cecilia Abbott, and his daughter Audrey. NBC reported that he stated, “Tonight Texans sent a message. You voted for hope over fear, for unity over division, for the majesty of what Texas is and what it can be,” Abbott said. “As Texans, the bonds we share transcend our differences.”

As Wendy included in her concession speech, Abbott also reminded those who voted for him, and those who did not, that he would do everything he could for Texas’ best interests. As governor, he plans to keep his promises of securing the border, and keeping first class education in Texas schools.

The new governor did not waste any time before taking to social media, after his victory lap. At 9:24 PM, Abbott tweeted, “Thank you Texas for electing me Governor. With honor and dignity I will fight for you and your future. God Bless Texas.” The following day, Abbott and his team took to his twitter account, to ensure Texans that he is already working on jobs, school and border security. He even pointed out that young conservative women are growing in power in this country.

Abbott defeated Davis in a land slide of 59%-39%. Although, many news outlets remind Texans now that Davis was never even close to defeating Abbott in the gubernatorial race in the first place. However, she was the “most high profile Texas Democrat,” to run. Unfortunately for Camp Davis, the Texas Tribune reported that media outlets already called the race for Abbott, while Davis’ band picked up and played as the early voting numbers came in at her election party.

The Texas Tribune also reported several interesting numbers, that contradicted who Davis claimed to have a strong hold over, such as women. “Exit polls posted on CNN’s website show Abbott beat Davis by lopsided margins with white voters (72-27), men (65-34) and women (52-47). Davis beat Abbott among Latinos (57-42) and African-Americans (93-7).” Camp Davis, and the media did a good job creating the image that she was always on Abbott’s heels. However, even though she had such momentum to start the race, there was one thing missing. The funds.

Abbott started with over $20 million in the bank. He then went on to raise another $45 million. Together, the candidates reportedly raised in the range of $85 million. Abbott became known as running one of the largest donated “warchest” in a state race since modern campaign financing reporting. It turns out Wendy Davis was always a day late, and always and literally a dollar short.

At the end of election day, and Texas’ blessed rain, Greg Abbott rose to the top. And from the look of the numbers now, it looks like he was always there.

Thank you Texas, Thank you Greg Abbott.

Texas Speaks 59-39: An Emotional Davis Loss

Provided by YouTube and Fox 26

By: Victoria Bakey

Texas has a new cowboy in town. It’s conservative, Republican Greg Abbott, who previously served as a Texas Attorney General. He has moved up to his new digs, as the newest governor of Texas in 14 years.

The gubernatorial race between Greg Abbott (R) and Wendy Davis (D) never really was that close. Real Clear Politics depicted at one time an 11 point difference, but it never amount to a single digit difference. However, the Davis Campaign, and select media outlets did a fine job of framing her as the underdog; the woman that would rise from the trenches; the first democrat to win in decades; a woman with personal experience to fight for abortion. However, the numbers don’t lie, and apparently either do the voters. Tradition, numbers and principle prevailed.

Upon losing the race last night, Davis stood next to her two daughters, her mother and her brother and sister. She reportedly called her opponent, Greg Abbott, and congratulated him, in true, traditional, political fashion. She graciously stated that Mr. Abbott did in fact love Texas, in a true polite tone. Although the fight for governor was lost, ABC News reported that Ms. Davis claimed the fight was not over for equal pay and equal work. Throughout the campaign she had accused her opponent Greg Abbott of paying his female employees less in the office, then the men. She ensured her supporters that she would never stop fighting for education, a stump she stood on the entire campaign.

Her concession speech was an emotional one, as she thanked the people who supported and love her over the last year. ABC News quoted her saying, “You lifted me up,” while the crowed roared back that they loved her. Even in the final days of the campaign, Wendy never faltered to the reports of her predictable political demise. She even assured Jon Stewart that she would be governor.

She empathized with democrat voters, and other supporters knowing how disappointed they were. But Austin American Statesman, quoted Davis saying that while being disappointed is okay, being discouraged is not. The work that Davis did with her supporters was not “in vein,” and they did have to keep fighting. This is only the beginning, work still needs to be done for victims, women and children’s education.

For speculators that predicted Texas was turning purple, it appears to have been a result of misleading polls and inaccurate wishful thinking. The groups that were supposed to rise for Davis, ultimately sided with her opponent; groups such as women and hispanics. It did not help that Greg Abbott, knowing his prestige and advantage, ran a safe campaign, letting Davis take all the risks, and all of the painful falls. She counted herself out the moment she made the empty wheel chair ad. It ruined her credibility, especially among those who were limitedly involved and limitedly interested in the campaign in the first place. It became all they knew about her, that she did not like Greg Abbott, and that she “made fun of his disability.” A majority of uninformed voters receive information from political advertisements. If the attack on his disability (or perceived as least) was all a Texas resident saw, then Davis handed Mr. Abbott the governor’s mansion. Her support continued to falter when she made statements about Abbott’s interracial marriage ban, and his support for a modern day poll tax. The people of Texas rejected her message, and it is not entirely her fault. Texas is, and remains very Republican. Davis was set up for failure. It became a matter of how much.

Texans leaving the polls yesterday, might believe that Democrats in the future will build off of Ms. Davis’ campaign and her filibuster star momentum. We can only wait to see the in the future. Right now, Texas needs impeccable leadership, focus, and commitment from its newly elected governor. Although the party did not switch, there is still hope of the change Abbott is expected to bring.

As for the governor, he claimed, “The people of Texas have spoken, and I am honored to be your next governor. I’m living proof that a young man can be broken in half and still rise up to become governor of this state.”

Texas still bleeds red.

Greg Abbott Tweets Voting Scandal?

Embed from Getty Images

By: Victoria Bakey

Election scandals, people! Or is it just a hoax? Where is Olivia Pope when you need her?

The numbers are rolling in, and the polls are shutting down. Attorney General Greg Abbott is favored to win the Texas gubernatorial election. There is just one problem…his name was not on the ballot.

Breitbart News, and Statesman reported that Greg Abbott may not have been on the ballot machines in Bexar County. It appeared that Lt. Governor Candidate David Dewhurst was listed on the ballot in place of Abbott at one polling location.

However, it is unable to be confirmed by the Texas Secretary of State if this actually took place. Breitbart also report that Logan Churchwell, of the organization True the Vote, claimed that this was not a machine calibration issue. Basically what happened, was that someone in Bexar County who programmed the machine put Dewhurst in the field of “Governor” instead of Greg Abbott. Was this an accident, in a race where the democrat only could have won if people didn’t show up to vote for Greg Abbott? Skeptics are roaring, is this the doing of “empty wheelchair,” “interracial marriage ban,” opponent Wendy Davis?

San Antonio News Express spoke to the voter who originally saw the mishap, Jade Stanford. They quoted her stating, “I am not trying to start an uproar. I just wish none of this would have happened.” Don’t worry Jade, I think Texan Republicans, and any honest voter would agree with you.

Social Media was buzzing after candidate Greg Abbott (R) tweeted about the ballot confusion. The tweet read, “Ballot irregularities omit my name from ballot in Bexar Co. Call secretary of State if you spot other problem,” (The link to the photo is here). However, San Antonio New Express claims that the Bexar County Elections Administrator Jacque Callanen believes it was a photoshopped picture of the ballot. Despite her personal view of the situation and statement, she assured worried voters, and news hungry reporters that she was looking into it.

The machine itself was taken from the precinct, and was later found to have suffered from a “glitch.” The original voter who had taken the viral picture in the first place is upset that the voting site does not believe her story. Apparently the state’s election code prohibits voters from using, “any mechanical or electronic means of recording images or sound within 100 feet of a voting station.” This would rule out any evidence Jade had from the voting site. How convenient a simple little rule is; no phone equals no proof.

This is still a developing story, but expected to die down shortly, considering Greg Abbott’s win despite this little Texas Voting Scandal. Congratulations to both candidates on a long, hard campaign.

Now it is time to get back to work, and do as Abbott states, keep making Texas the best state in the nation. He might want to start with voting fraud.

Greg Abbott’s Election Eve Call

Embed from Getty Images

By: Victoria Bakey

Yesterday, Obama spoke to Texans in a conference call with gubernatorial candidate, Wendy Davis (D). However, Greg Abbott (R), an avid Obamacare fighter, chose to speak to the residents of Texas in his own, “tele townhall,” format, accepting calls for Texans all over the state. Although Abbott is likely favored to win, he framed his message in fear, to Texas voters.

The Texas Tribune reported he said, “We are deeply concerned by the way that we see Barack Obama and the liberal agenda trying to force its way into the state in Texas and hijack this state. The liberal agenda is turning out their vote across the entire state of Texas. If conservatives, if Republicans stay home and don’t go vote, Texas could wind up like California.” It appears as if Abbott is not celebrating just yet. He took the time to set out a warning to fellow Americans yesterday.

This call enforced how important it is to show up and vote, which has been a common theme among both gubernatorial candidates. Abbott warned them yet again, “If you don’t [vote], Barack Obama’s liberal, pro-abortion agenda is going to be crammed down on the state of Texas.” The Tribune was surprised by the tone released by Abbott, because of how successful his campaign has proved to be. After all, Abbott continues to lead in the race by double digits, and has never been surpassed by his opponent Wendy Davis.

Abbott is smart in reminding Republicans that they cannot take this race for granted, even if the GOP has been seated in the governor’s place for decades. Wendy Davis’ campaign has shown what can happen when voters who have not participated in awhile, get involved. If Davis looses by single digit points, the GOP has something to worry about. Republicans cannot act as if they, “have it in the bag.” The rain and bad weather cannot hinder their participation, for they cannot afford it. Breitbart news framed it as a, “concern about Republican voter complacency.”

Mr. Attorney General, has most importantly, at his event in Austin, thanked the people who have supported him throughout this lengthy, enduring election process. By the end of this race, he predicts that Texans will really understand his policies, and his vision for the future, all the while only knowing about his opponent that she, “doesn’t like Greg Abbott.” He is sure that if he wins, he will prove the point that negative, attacking campaigns (referring to Ms. Davis) do not prosper, not in the best State of all, Texas. Abbott has reminded the Lone Star residents that Texas is, and always will be the best state in the nation. They can keep it that way, as long as they show up and vote, and ensure a Republican, Greg Abbott victory.

Hello Texas, It’s the President Calling

Embed from Getty Images

By: Victoria Bakey

Happy Election Day!

The Lone Star state is out of time! It’s time to show up and vote! In the Texas gubernatorial race, candidate Greg Abbott (R) has been continuously favored to win against opponent Wendy Davis (D). However, abortion filibuster star Davis couldn’t go down without a fight. What would the end of an election campaign be without a call from Mr. President?

The call was distributed by Battleground Texas, a liberal voting turnout group, created by former Obama campaign operatives. The Texas Tribune reported that President Obama urged Democrats to vote, while on a conference call with Wendy Davis. The Tribune quoted Mr. Obama saying, “Tomorrow voters head to the polls. They’ve got a chance to make their voices heard on jobs, and education and quality health care and all these issues.” Obama claimed Republicans were only in it for themselves, and Democrats could only make a difference if they actually show up and vote. The President of the United States is calling Texas. Obamacare enforcer is encouraging democrats. Do Texans’ even care? What about the independents and undecided voters, Mr. President?

The call seems to have interesting timing, a somewhat “last call” push for voters. Davis has kept the Obama administration at arms length since the beginning of her campaign, while her opponent AG Greg Abbott (R) has framed her as his “ideological twin.” Undecided and uninformed voters might be confused to her position because this month she said she would welcome Obama to campaign with her. Why so late? Analysts questioned her association to the President when Michelle Obama released a radio advertisement, endorsing Ms. Davis. And now, on Election Eve, Obama finally makes a virtual voice appearance in support of Davis. Interesting timing.

Davis’ expected loss, however, will not be for nothing. Austin Statesman claimed that if she were to lose within a single digit number, the GOP should be worried in future elections. Davis is therefore starting “the conversation,” that she claimed to be ahead of on her appearance on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.

What was Abbott’s response to the President’s call; to him knocking on Texas’ door? Dallas Morning News, reported that Abbott spokesman Matt Hirsch responded to the call stating, “In the final hours of the election, President Obama is going all in for Sen. Davis, making a personal appeal to push their shared agenda of bigger government, more regulations, higher taxes and fewer jobs.”

Both candidates have encouraged voters to get out and vote no matter what the weather looks like. Will a little rain in Texas keep residents from voting? Statesman quoted Abbott, “We want rain in this state, this is a blessing, people ought to go out and dance in the rain because we need it,” Abbott said. “But do not let the rain dampen your effort to go out and cast a vote.”

Whose mood is more likely to be “dampened” today, voters?

An Abbott Victory Lap

Embed from Getty Images

By: Victoria Bakey

In the final days of the campaign, Abbott takes a whirlwind around Texas encouraging the lone star residents to get out and vote. Dallas Morning News, who endorsed Abbott earlier in the campaign, reported that the Attorney General is favored to win on Tuesday against Wendy Davis (D). He is leading her in every single poll, and not once this election cycle has she surpassed him. Although he is trying to garner every last vote to win, he told local Dallas News that he would be happy even if he only won by one vote.

While Davis rests on the support of her girl power duo, Michelle Obama and Hillary Clinton, Abbott promotes his Chuck Norris endorsement. He stresses (and jokes) that Norris is critical to his plan to secure Texas’ southern border. Voters enjoy this “less serious” side of Greg Abbott; they like the personable quality, they enjoy laughter, and a good joke to relate to from their “Obama Fighting” Attorney General. Most of all, Texans love Chuck Norris. He and Abbott are finishing up the gubernatorial campaign in a place, oh so familiar to Abbott, Duncanville, his hometown. Abbott said, “There’s no better way to finish the campaign than back where I grew up,” he said. “In quintessential Texas fashion, there’s no better way to end a campaign morning than in a barbecue restaurant.”

Abbott also enjoyed a recent San Antonio Police Officers Association endorsement last Wednesday, when he was in Alamo city. It contributes eloquently to his “tough on crime,” “get the bad guys,” “get the pedophiles,” image. His ties to San Antonio are personal, in that it was where he married his Latina wife Cecilia 31 years ago. Davis earlier this month had tried to tie Abbott to an interracial marriage ban, even though he himself is a part of an interracial marriage. Abbott’s marriage continues to be perceived by communities in Texas as strong.

Although his Democratic opponent will try to convince residents otherwise, KENS5 Eyewitness News reported that Abbott claimed that with him, “Texas will become a top-ranked state for education and business growth, while promising secure border.”

While the Davis campaign might be claiming the opponent Attorney General Greg Abbott might be celebrating too soon, Abbott appears to remain humble in his final lap around Texas; a lap his campaign is sure will lead to victory.

A Michelle Obama Endorsement, #TeamWendy

Embed from Getty Images

By: Victoria Bakey

With two influential, highly political and respected women of America supporting Texas Gubernatorial candidate Wendy Davis (D), why have the polls gotten worse for her?

With a political pact of women for Davis, she shows that she can garner “big name” support, especially in the name of education and Texas’ children. Earlier this month, First Lady Michelle Obama recorded a radio ad for Davis. Her rhetoric consisted of:

“Hi this is Michelle Obama. On Nov. 4 you have a chance to make a real difference for our children by voting for Wendy Davis for governor. Now for Wendy education is a top priority because she wants to give all our kids a chance to build a better life for themselves and for their families. That’s what the American dream is all about. And Wendy knows something about the American Dream.

She was the daughter of a single mother and by age 19 she was a mother herself. But Wendy worked hard. She went on to college and Harvard Law School. So Wendy Davis knows the power of education. That’s why she led the fight against the devastating education cuts in Texas. And it’s why she supports quality, full-day pre-K for Texas children.

Wendy Davis is also fighting to expand Medicaid, raise the minimum wage and create good jobs all across Texas. This is Michelle Obama and I hope you will vote for Wendy Davis for governor on Nov. 4.”

Provided by Wendy Davis’ SoundCloud Account (more…)

A Hillary Clinton Endorsement, #TeamWendy

Embed from Getty Images

By: Victoria Bakey

1 day left until election day, and last minute endorsements appear to be flying in. On October 30th, 8:16 am, the Wendy Davis (D) campaign tweeted and confirmed that Hillary Clinton is #TeamWendy.

Davis’ tweet confirmed Hillary’s supper stating, “I’m Honored to have this incredible woman on my side. Thank you Hillary Clinton for being on #TeamWendy!” The former Secretary of State, Clinton, announced her support in a “robo-call,” below.

Provided by Wendy Davis SoundCloud Account.

Clinton’s announcement on the “graphic” of support reads, “Wendy Davis is running a tough, strong campaign for Texas Governor. That’s no surprise, because Wendy has shown us time and time again that she never backs down, whether she’s fighting for Texas school children or working to create an economy that works for all Texans. And we all remember Wendy’s immense courage in fighting to protect women’s access to health care, which remains an inspiration to me and so many others.” (more…)

Wendy Davis Radio Ads, Make your voice heard

By: Victoria Bakey

Provided by Wendy Davis’ SoundCloud Account

“Have you heard about ‘this’ guy running for governor?” Wendy Davis’ (D) campaign released a new radio ad on the Davis Campaign SoundCloud account, to encourage the final days of early voting. Summarily, the ad outwardly states that, “Greg Abbott is bad news.”

Just as Davis’ other television ads, her political rallies, interviews on news networks, and her latest appearance on The Daily Show, she lists her main attacks against her opponent. Why not?

The narrator claims Abbott tried to over tun the Voting Rights Act, which Davis already reframed as a modern day poll tax. “Take a guess who he doesn’t want to vote?” This ad was primarily targeting minority voters. It is a minute long advertisement, that has been airing for a few weeks to target African-American Audiences.

The narrator then surfaces Greg Abbott’s campaign relationship with Ted Nugent. Nugent reportedly called President Obama a “chimpanzee, and sub human mongrel.” Looks like the final days of the campaign are getting down right, nasty. Davis clearly associates her opponent with the radical speaker, Nugent. Abbott did the same to Davis throughout he campaign, associating her with Barack Obama, calling her “his protege,” and “identical twin.”

Finally, the ad lists other issues including Greg Abbott’s suggested $5 billion budget cut in education, and Medicaid in Texas.

The narrator’s last goal was to remind those at home to “get out and vote.” He stated that October 20th- October 31st is the latest to get this done.

Make your voice heard. Or on behalf of the narrator, Davis’ voice.

Wendy Davis paid for the ad.

The Camera is always “Rolling”

Provided by YouTube

By: Victoria Bakey

Breitbart, a conservative news and opinion site, reported yesterday that mocking Attorney General Greg Abbott’s disability did not end with the “empty wheelchair ad.” At a stump speech in Pflugervile, Texas, a Wendy Davis (D) surrogate mocked Abbott’s disability, yet again. State Representative Dawna Dukes of Texas, described Abbott as, ” a wheelchair-bound, paraplegic since age 26, and someone who ‘just rolls around.”

In the clip above, Dukes reiterated the notion that Abbott takes tort reform for himself, but closes that door for every other victim in Texas. This statement is not new to the Davis campaign, especially since Davis’ release of an ad meant to attack her opponent’s hypocrisy, and instead was perceived as an attack on disability. The comment went south when she referred to Greg Abbott just “kind of rolling around.” Davis keeps trying to frame Abbott as a hypocrite, but her attacks just aren’t working. The public responded with a double digit poll difference from her front runner opponent. Does the response make the wheelchair off limits?

It is not clear if Davis heard Dukes’ remarks at the rally, but she did however acknowledge the State Representative, when she herself took the stage, all the while thanking her. Davis’ campaign even tweeted Dukes after the rally with a thank you.

The video of the rally was filmed, and shortly after uploaded to YouTube. It appears to be a lesson and concept that both parties all over the state still cannot grasp…the camera is always on, always “rolling.” Candidates have to be ever so careful on who speaks on their behalf, and the comments made, especially in highly public areas. Breitbart is a known conservatively biased news source, making it hard to gage a “non bias” public response on the statement made at the rally. Conservatives are obviously there to watch Davis trip on her way to loosing the governor’s race. However, yet another lesson can be learned here, even from a bias source. This news is out there. All it took was for on individual to capture this moment at the rally, upload it to youtube, and then multiple blogs shared the clip. Just like that, reputations can change, and apologies are expected.

In respect to the “empty wheelchair” ad, it would be unclear how Davis would have reacted if she was seen acknowledging the “rolling around” comment. However, voters and viewers of the tape might come to their own conclusions, considering Davis did not back off her highly contested ad.

Greg Abbott ran a very safe campaign this election. Many analysts claim that all he would have to do is make a big mistake, and Davis would have a chance of winning. Davis naturally took more risks this election; she had a lot to gain, and not much to loose (considering the decades it has been since a Democrat was governor of Texas). As Davis discussed on The Daily Show, she has jump started the conversation in Texas, bringing back the “drop off” voters. However, I’m not sure if experts would find her “week before” attacking surrogates as an effective way to end gracefully.