The runoff battle for lieutenant governor took off today with Dan Patrick’s campaign saying incumbent David Dewhurst might as well give up.
Patrick captured 41 percent of the primary vote compared to Dewhurst’s 28 percent.
In a phone conference with reporters, Patrick spokesman Allen Blakemore said the Houston state senator clobbered Dewhurst so badly in urban counties that Dewhurst won’t be able to keep his seat.
“David Dewhurst is clearly better liked by the cattle and farm animals of this state. We’re better liked by the people,” Blakemore said. “With a nearly 14-point lead going into the runoff, I think the position for Mr. Dewhurst is rather hopeless.”
Dewhurst’s campaign responded by saying the lieutenant governor isn’t giving up.
“We look forward to contrasting David Dewhurst’s record of accomplishment as lieutenant governor against Dan Patrick. When all is said and done, voters will have a firm understanding that Texans can trust Lt. Gov. Dewhurst to continue his record of success while in office,” said Travis Considine, a Dewhurst spokesman.
North Texas is among urban areas where Dewhurst will have to significantly increase voter support to win the May 27 runoff. Take a look at Tuesday's primary results:
Dewhurst-Patrick vote in North Texas
Collin County
Dewhurst 18%
Patrick 54%
Dallas County
Dewhurst 25%
Patrick 45%
Denton County
Dewhurst 19%
Patrick 54%
Tarrant County
Dewhurst 26%
Patrick 50%
Statewide
Dewhurst 28%
Patrick 41%
