What Governor’s Race?

With three months to go until the general election, there isn’t much reason to talk about the governor’s race. It’s over. In fact, there was no governor’s race. The only good day Wendy Davis had was the contretemps with Abbott over his keeping the location of dangerous chemicals secret, an exchange that Davis clearly won. Otherwise she has little to show for her efforts.

It’s not entirely her fault. The larger problem is that the Democratic brand in this state is so damaged. The party lacks the infrastructure to win an election. The idea of turning Texas blue this year is a pipe dream. Greg Abbott is no ball of fire, but Republicans have figured out a simple formula to winning the race: just mention Barack Obama’s name at every opportunity. It’s the only strategy they need.