AUSTIN – If campaigning in the months leading up to the Labor Day has been a drizzle, get ready for a deluge.
Republican strategist Eric Bearse and Democratic strategist Matt Glazer do not agree on much, but they both agree the next 60 days will be full of yard signs, full of campaign phone calls, and full of television ads.
"Labor day is the kick off for voters paying attention,” Bearse said.
"The conversation you're having with the candidates is about to increase precipitously,” Glazer said.
Gov. Rick Perry and Democratic challenger Bill White will go after every vote as the clock winds down.
While Labor Day is marked as the campaign kick-off on calendars here in Texas, it may be more important elsewhere around the country. For example, President Barack Obama laid out a new economic plan on Labor Day, giving House Democrats something to campaign on and House Republicans something to campaign against between now and November.
"People that are truly undecided are going to start paying attention more than they ever have in this election cycle,” Glazer said.
For Texas voters who will chose between a well-known incumbent and a high-profile challenger, there are not many surprises expected over the next two months.
"They're going to get more knocks at the door, probably more phone calls,” Bearse said.
Eight weeks is plenty of time for either candidate to seal the deal on this election. Back in the primary, Republican Debra Medina saw a meteoric rise following her debate appearance just six weeks before the primary.
A debate in the general election is still a question. Perry refuses to debate until White releases certain tax records. White refuses to release those records.
