January 13, 2014
(http://www.texastribune.org/2014/01/13/brief/)
by John Reynolds
The Big Conversation
Both Greg Abbott and Wendy Davis are expected to disclose raising more than $10 million in campaign finance filings due this week, according to Peggy Fikac, Austin bureau chief for the San Antonio Express-News/Houston Chronicle.
An eight-figure showing in the upcoming report, which collects campaign finance activity over the final six months of 2013, is significant for both gubernatorial hopefuls. But it is particularly significant for Davis, who, as Fikac notes, started out the election season with a significant cash-on-hand disadvantage to Abbott, who has built up a sizable campaign war chest over his tenure as attorney general.
“Raising eight figures would put Davis closer to the $30 million to $40 million she’s expected to need to compete,” Fikac wrote. “Continued fundraising strength is also important for Abbott. He can’t let her look like she’s taking over momentum on the money front. It looks like they’ll each have something to brag about.”
The Day Ahead
• The Texas Business Roundtable candidate forum kicks off at 9 a.m. at the Four Seasons Hotel in Austin. The all-day event features more than two dozen Republican candidates for statewide and senate seats. Click here for a full list of confirmed participants.
• Lite guv candidates Jerry Patterson and Todd Staples have confirmed their participation in a candidate forum hosted by the Denton County Republican Party at 7 p.m.
• The UT System Board of Regents will hold a telephone conference call at 10 a.m. for “discussion and appropriate action regarding employment contract for Charles R. Strongas Head Football Coach,” according to the meeting’s official notice.
