Awkard Cruz, David Dewhurst and 31 debates

I’m not sure that this rises to the level of “rigging” the debate, but it’s not a bright move.

Here’s what happened: James received a text message on his personal phone from Cruz ahead of a televised debate scheduled for April 13. In the message, Cruz asks James to consider bringing up the absence of lieutenant governor David Dewhurst, a fellow Republican Senate candidate, from past debates.

“Craig–hope you’re well. See you Friday. For what it’s worth, since you’re asking me a Q, it might be worth asking me something about Dew skipping 31 debates (or something else related to his record). Just an idea… Ted,” the message read.

James released the text message and a message blasting Cruz. “Today I was put in an awkward position by Ted Cruz, a man I’ve come to know and respect. Ted sent me a text suggesting I ask him a set-up question for Friday’s United States Senate debate. In my mind, this is nothing more than an attempt to rig the system,” James said in an emailed statement.

Well, at least we know that he’s willing to make alliances for the right goal. But this is even lower than saying that Dewhurst is too old to make a difference at 67 years of age or that he supported a State income tax for Texas.

Seriously: 31 debates? Lieutenant Governor Dewhurst has a day job! 31 debates is unreasonable and not helpful.

I’m a huge advocate for meeting and talking to the voters and have attended nearly every “debate” here in Comal County. However, not all of them are debates. At most events, there were too many people speaking, with far too little time for meaty questions — virtually none planned for back and forth between the candidates.