DALLAS — The three candidates running for governor in the Republican primary face off for the second and final time Friday night in the Belo Debate.
Look for the dynamics between Rick Perry, Debra Medina and Kay Bailey Hutchison to shift from the first debate.Their respective performances could determine if this race goes into a runoff.
In their first face-off, Perry showed why he does well on the attack—and not so well when attacked.
"The first thing he should do is get the smirk off his face," suggested Paul Burka of Texas Monthly magazine.
Burka has covered Texas politics for more than 30 years, and expects Perry to try to show the command of policy and behavior worthy of a nine-year incumbent.
"Perry is going to have to improve his demeanor, because it was really sending bad messages in the last debate," Burka said.
Look for Hutchison to attempt to build on her solid performance and clear up the abortion question.
Burka says Hutchison might also recognize how Medina can help her own campaign. "Forge an alliance of convenience with Debra Medina so that each of them is going after Perry and not the other one," Burka said.
Medina’s performance is critical.
If she looks solid again articulating her "Tea Party" message, she could attract more angry voters—and those seeing her for the first time.
"I think people just like the fact that this is just an ordinary person who has educated herself about state government and made herself into a force in this race who can drive it into a runoff," Burka said.
The Belo debate will be seen in nearly all of Texas’ 19 media markets, providing these candidates perhaps their deepest reach yet to voters.
It will be broadcast on KHOU-TV Channel 11 and online at khou.com starting at 7 p.m. Friday.
