Does Wendy Davis know what state she’s running in for governor? (If you’re reading this, Wendy, it’s Texas.)
On Wednesday, Davis was asked during a press conference whether she had asked President Obama to campaign for her and if she would accept if he did, to which Davis said she would be “thrilled” for that.
“You know, I’d be thrilled if he or the Clintons, anyone who wanted to come and help us,” Davis told Texas Tribune reporter Jay Root. “I’m very pleased that Michelle Obama was willing to record a radio ad for me.”
Appearing with Obama, in a state the president lost by 16 points, probably isn’t the best choice for a candidate also on track to lose by double-digits.
Davis’ opponent, Republican Attorney General Greg Abbott, leads by 16 points among likely voters, according to the latest University of Texas/Texas Tribune poll.
The poll shows Davis is losing among women as well, although barely (2 points), and only two points ahead among Hispanic voters.
Democrats in Texas thought they could use Davis to push the needle and turn Texas a little more blue. This latest poll shows Davis might even be pulling the needle back.
In 2010, Texas Gov. Rick Perry won re-election over Democratic challenger Bill White by 12 points. In 2006, Perry beat out Democratic challenger Chris Bell by 9 points. In 2002, Perry was elected over Democrat Tony Sanchez by 18 points.
The question on Nov. 4 will probably be whether Davis will end up closer to those margins, or to Democrat Garry Mauro, who lost by 37 points in 1998 against Republican Gov. George W. Bush.
