EDINBURG, Texas (AP) – For the first time since 1998, the Republican and Democratic nominees for Texas governor will debate their positions in a South Texas setting.
On Friday, Republican Greg Abbott and Democrat Wendy Davis will participate in a debate to be televised live statewide. The debate will unfold in a special studio set up at an Edinburg hospital in the Lower Rio Grande Valley.
It’s the first gubernatorial debate on the border since 1998, when Gov. George W. Bush began wooing Hispanics for his presidential bid.
Despite a 3-to-1 edge in campaign cash and polling leads over his Democratic opponent, Abbott is courting Republican-snubbing Hispanic voters with efforts reminiscent of Bush’s campaigns.
Another debate is scheduled for later this month in Dallas.