Karl Rove Says Texas Senate Race May Hinge on Trump Spending War Chest: ‘Could Be a Really Bad Night for Republicans’

If President Donald Trump doesn’t open up the political purse strings soon, Republicans could find themselves having a “bad night” come Election Day, Karl Rove predicted.

The Senate race between James Talarico (D) and Texas State Attorney Ken Paxton (R) could hinge on Trump’s willingness to spend, Rove declared Tuesday during an appearance on Fox News’ America’s Newsroom with Bill Hemmer and Dana Perino.

After first discussing the Michigan Senate race between progressive Abdul El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers, Perino asked Rove his thoughts on the race in the Lone Star State.

The anchor noted Paxton so far hasn’t made a splash in the contest:

DANA PERINO: Most people would say this makes sense. El-sayed way extreme and maybe for Michigan they will say tap the brakes. But let’s go to Texas, a state you know well.

James Talarico making this concentrated effort against Ken Paxton. Ken Paxton not, as I understand it, raising as much money as he should. Maybe not on the campaign trail as much as he could be and pummeled by negative ads. So is that a true toss-up?

KARL ROVE: I think it is. The state is Republican in nature. But this is an unusual race.

You are right. Talarico I think had over $70 million raised and Paxton had $9 million plus. And you are right.

The week before the Fourth of July he was in Iceland with his new girlfriend. On July 4th, a day where he could be campaigning at Fourth of July celebrations all across Texas, he was in London.

So he needs to get out on the campaign trail and he is not going to change as a fundraiser.

So this is going to be one that will depend mightily upon the decision of President Trump to spend or not spend the half a billion plus dollars that he has in his two super PACS Maga, Inc. And Never Surrender.

If he does spend he can even it up. If he doesn’t spend this could be a really bad night for Republicans in Texas.

Watch above via Fox.

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