TX-31: Democrat Henry Cuellar donates to Republican John Carter

WASHINGTON – A new report has left many Democratic House insiders perplexed and frustrated with one of the most powerful Texas Democrats in Congress: U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo.

Politico reported Tuesday that Cuellar had"invited supporters to a breakfast fundraiser" Tuesday morning for U.S. Rep. John Carter, R-Round Rock. The invitation was "sent from a Cuellar political staffer," according to the report.

“Although I was not a host of the event, I was honored to attend as I typically do for colleagues who visit my district," Cuellar said in a statement. "Judge Carter is a dear friend and trusted colleague with whom I work on Appropriations. He is knowledgeable and supportive of issues important to South Texas. In today’s climate, more than ever, friendship is more powerful than partisanship.”

Cuellar, who has served in the U.S. House since 2005, has long had a reputation as one of the chamber's most conservative Democrats. But in both party's caucuses, actively helping a member of the other party is a highly frowned upon practice.

Carter faces a spirited challenge against veteran MJ Hegar, one of the standout recruits of Democratic House candidates this cycle. This is a deeply Republican district, but Carter has lagged far behind Hegar in fundraising.

Her path to victory involves leveraging her fundraising advantage into a fall television ad blitz against Carter. Even if she does not win this race, she could force Republicans to drag money away from other incumbents in order to save Carter.

All of which to say is that Cuellar's fundraising support for Carter runs counter to the larger Democratic strategy around competing in the 31st District and the larger effort to take back control of the U.S. House. The news left a number of Cuellar's Democratic colleagues privately scratching their heads Tuesday.


https://www.texastribune.org/2018/09/11/democrat-henry-cuellar-fundraising-republican-john-carter/



MJ HEGAR





https://www.mjfortexas.com/