Tom DeLay's New Best Friend....
Carole Strayhorn? Should Tom DeLay avoid a runoff tonight and secure re-nomination in TX 22, he may have one person to thank more than any other and that's Republican-turned-indie TX GOV candidate Carole Strayhorn.
Those that have been following the DeLay primary closely have probably noticed that the embattled Congressman hasn't run many TV ads. In fact, the ones that have run, have been targeted at outside groups attacking DeLay, but not paid for by DeLay. Why that lack of TV if early polling indicated DeLay was, at one time, polling under 50% in a Republican primary?
Well, because the DeLay folks realize that the lower the turnout, the more they can control the makeup of the electorate. And today's turnout is lower than low around the state because there's no seriously competitive statewide primary driving casual voters to the polls.
Had Strayhorn stayed in the GOP primary race against incumbent Gov. Rick Perry, turnout today would be very different and DeLay would be dealing with a lot more of a hostile electorate.
DeLay has spent a lot of money on this primary, but the money's been spent talking to his supporters, not on persuasion (i.e. TV etc.).
Avoiding a runoff tonight doesn't mean DeLay's out of the woods for November. In fact, failing to crack 60%, or even 65%, would spell major problems in a race against Nick Lampson. But for now, DeLay ought to send Strayhorn a big "thank you" for helping keep turnout low today. [CHUCK TODD]
Strayhorn and Kink y are trying to supress turnout. Because those who vote can't sign their petitions for independent ballot slots.
As Friedman put it: Don't vote in the primary, save yourself for Kink y.