Talarico back on Texas trail after nine days of flu-related absence
Democratic Senate hopeful James Talarico resumed campaigning after a flu-linked absence that drew rumors, some later debunked, from Republican officials and online users.
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What happened
Texas Democratic Senate nominee James Talarico was off the campaign trail for nine days, which he and his campaign said was a bad case of the flu. Republicans seized on his absence, and speculation about his whereabouts spread, including an unfounded claim that he was treated at a mental health facility and another that he was in Ohio. Talarico returned to campaigning on Sunday, dismissed the theories, and challenged Ken Paxton to a debate.
Why it matters
Republicans have pressed the absence as a campaign issue ahead of the midterms, with Rep. Chip Roy criticizing Talarico's voting record and campaign absence.
Timeline
- Oct 11, 5:27 PM ET: Talarico returned to the campaign trail and dismissed theories about his absence, saying he had the flu.
- Oct 11, 5:40 PM ET: The Texas Democratic Party chair said the campaign was moving ahead after Talarico's flu recovery.
- Oct 12, 5:32 PM ET: False claims that Talarico was treated at a mental health facility spread among Republican officials and conservative social media users.
- Oct 12, 7:16 PM ET: A rumor that Talarico was in Ohio, which was debunked after spreading widely, was reported as having been promoted by Republicans.
Coverage
- The Dumbest Week in Texas Politics, a Saga in Five Acts (texasmonthly.com)
- Republicans Promoted a False Rumor That James Talarico Was in Ohio (The New York Times)
- False claims that Talarico was treated at mental health facility spread (AP)
- Texas politics heat up as midterms round corner (Fox News)
- ‘I just had the flu’: James Talarico shoots down conservative speculation about his absence from the trail (NBC News)
- Talarico returns to campaign trail after flu, challenges Paxton to debate (nbcdfw.com)
- Chair of Texas Democratic Party says ‘we’re full steam ahead’ after Talarico’s flu recovery (The Hill)
- ‘I had the flu’: Talarico returns to campaign trail and dismisses theories about absence (CNN)
- Talarico makes first appearance in 13-days at music festival after flu absence (The Hill)
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