Episode Details

In this wide-ranging October political discussion, hosts Tim and Catherine welcome guest David Morrow of the Burnt Orange Report to assess unfolding races in Texas and Georgia. Morrow explains that in Texas, Governor Rick Perry maintains an edge over Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison in the Republican primary due to the state’s small but deeply conservative primary electorate. Hutchison’s indecision about resigning her Senate seat complicates the political landscape, particularly for strong Democratic Senate hopefuls Bill White and John Sharp, whose race could be delayed until 2012 if she stays put. Morrow notes that Democrats have made surprising legislative gains—nearly tying the Texas House—by focusing limited resources on suburban districts, though they still lack strong statewide candidates.

 The conversation shifts to Georgia, where Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine, the GOP gubernatorial frontrunner, releases a low-budget cartoon attacking former governor Roy Barnes. Catherine and Tim criticize the ad as premature and alienating to primary voters. Oxendine also faces an expanding ethics investigation for accepting illegal contributions from State Mutual Insurance. While Morrow believes the scandal could damage him, he doubts its long-term impact unless Democrats aggressively capitalize. A Cobb County GOP straw poll shows a tight Republican field, with Oxendine leading slightly over Nathan Deal, Eric Johnson, and Karen Handel—raising questions about Handel’s slipping support even in her home region.