Good morning, 

Should Gov. Greg Abbott use his campaign money to help Republicans in November? We'll take a look at your responses in a moment, but first, here is today's Texas Minute.

– Brandon Waltens 

Wednesday, September 23, 2020
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• A Republican lawmaker says he is withdrawing his support for Gov. Greg Abbott, motivated by Abbott’s handling of the Chinese coronavirus.
   
• In a letter released yesterday, State Rep. Steve Toth (R–The Woodlands) said he was pulling his support for the governor after "“having exhausted every attempt at persuasion."
   
• “By your demonstrated lack of leadership, you have betrayed the trust of conservative Texans across your state. As a former ardent supporter, I must condemn your management of the State’s response and formally announce that I am withdrawing my personal support of your actions." –State Rep. Steve Toth (R–The Woodlands)
   
• Toth has been a vocal opponent to Abbott's unilateral executive orders for months, even joining other Republican lawmakers in suing the governor last month. Still, when you consider that less than one year ago, Abbott said he was "proud" to endorse Toth, you realize how quickly Abbott is losing favor among lawmakers and everyday Texans...

• Later today, Dallas City Council is slated to vote on whether or not to raid $7 million of taxpayers’ money from the police overtime fund to spend on other government programs. Robert Montoya takes a look at a controversial leftist activist involved in this year’s protests-turned-riots which have led to the current "defund the police" movement.
   
• For updates on what the Dallas City Council decides to do, be sure to check TexasScorecard.com!

• In yesterday’s One Click Survey, we asked whether or not Gov. Greg Abbott should dip into his $38 million campaign war chest to help Republicans like Rep. Tony Tinderholt and newcomer Jeff Cason fend off attacks from national Democrat donors. Nearly 97 percent of Texas Minute readers said Abbott should help them, while 3.3 percent said he should not. Here is a sampling of the feedback we received:
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  • “It isn't his responsibility to help other Republicans win their races. However, he would be wise to help them. It might help him in the primary in 2022 if he does.” - David D. of Round Rock
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  • “I say yes, Abbott should help... [But] I am no longer certain we can trust Abbott to defend liberty.” - Roger T. of Lubbock
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  • “[M]oney donated to a candidate was given to elect or re-elect that candidate....once the election is over and ALL campaign debts are paid the left over money should remain with the candidate for possible future campaigns for that designated office or be turned over to the state or local party affiliation office depending on the situation.” - Bob P. of Denton
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  • “It seems to me that Greg Abbott is showing himself to be like former Speaker Joe Straus, that is, a RINO. Therefore I would be hesitant to suggest he spend his millions for Republican candidates in a primary election since he would likely choose fellow RINOs to support. However, in a general election it would seem to me that the governor would want to support fellow party candidates rather than obtaining the legacy on whose shift the opposing party gained a majority in the legislature—or even came close to gaining a majority.” – Philip J. of Bonham

And finally... Michael Sullivan asked me to convey his best birthday greetings to his college pal Nick Luggerio: “Welcome to the 50s!”

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