BELTON — Governor Abbott is working to reinforce republican allies as they enter the last stretch of campaign season. Abbott stopped at Schoepf's Old Time Bar-B-Que in Belton Tuesday to stump for Central Texas candidates, and focused on two in particular.
A New York Times Poll shows Democratic Candidate M.J. Hegar hanging on in her race against Republican incumbent John Carter in U.S. District 31. Greg Abbott mentioned the race several times in his Belton visit.
"When you think of all the good things going on out there, you would think there should be no reason whatsoever that republicans could even be challenged by democrats," Abbott said. "But the fact is, there are challenges out there. You've seen it in the United States Senate... You've seen some concerns raised even in Congressman Carters race,"
Abbott didn't attack Hegar, but did speak on behalf of Carter.
"Listen, he's a good man, a good friend, he's done a good job in Washington D.C.," Abbott said. "We can not loose him, but we cannot lose any republican running for the U.S. Congress."
Abbott did go on the offensive against Beto O'Rourke however. Another New York Times poll puts O'Rourke in striking distance of Senator Ted Cruz.
"Beto O'Rourke is hostile to Texas values," Abbott said. "He wants to increase your taxes. He wants to increase regulations, he wants to spend more of your money, and he wants to open our borders to caravans like we are seeing coming down towards Texas."
Both Governor Abbott and Congressman John Carter urged people at the rally to get out ever vote they can.
"If republican's turn out, we have the votes to win this state and keep it red," Carter said. "It's our job as red-blooded Texans, to turn out our friends and neighbors across the state."
Carter left the event during Abbott's press interview and campaign staff said he was not available for interview Tuesday.