Karl Rove Questions If Ken Paxton Has 'the Guts' to Debate James Talarico
Could the Texas U.S. Senate race come down to a debate between James Talarico and Ken Paxton? Karl Rove says it might.
Republican strategist Karl Rove questioned on Friday if Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has the courage to debate Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico, warning that avoiding a head-to-head matchup could cost the GOP the election. During a discussion at the Economic Club of Chicago, Rove insisted that a debate is essential for Paxton's bid to win the closely watched Senate race.
If Paxton fails to debate, Rove stated, he will lose the election. Rove dismissed suggestions that Paxton has avoided debates due to a lack of skill, emphasizing that the question is whether Paxton has the guts to participate. Talarico has publicly challenged Paxton to a televised debate on Fox News, which the network has indicated is willing to host if both candidates agree.
Paxton's campaign has reportedly declined multiple debate opportunities, including a proposed CNN debate. Recent polls indicate Talarico leading Paxton by a narrow margin, while other surveys show mixed results. Rove's comments follow a series of sharp criticisms from the longtime Republican strategist regarding Paxton's political baggage. Early voting in Texas begins on October 19, with the election set for November 3.
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