U.S. Senate campaigns move online in response to virus
U.S. Sen. John Cornyn is suspending all campaign activities — and the Democrats vying to challenge him are only campaigning online — while the nation responds to COVID-19.
“As our nation responds to this unprecedented international crisis, people — not politics — must be our top focus,” Cornyn wrote on his campaign website. “With this in mind I am hearby suspending all campaign-related activities, including fundraising, volunteer efforts and special events.”
Cornyn easily won his Republican primary on March 3 and faces challenge in November from either Texas state Sen. Royce West or former congressional candidate
MJ Hegar, who are squaring off in a Democratic primary runoff on May 26.
Both of the Democrats said on Tuesday they had done away with inperson campaigning and moved online — focusing more on email, social media and other digital outreach.
“Our campaign will use the tools available to safely connect with voters across the state about the challenges they are facing and how we can work together to get everyone access to affordable health care while ensuring they are able to pay their bills and take care of their loved ones,” Hegar said in a statement. “Texans don’t want us to stop doing the work it takes to earn their votes. They want us to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions to the challenges we’re all facing.”
West said his campaign “has converted to a 100 percent virtual and digital operation.”
“We have established protocols for both staff and volunteers to be able to work virtually out of concern for their health and safety,” he said. “My No. 1 priority during this time is public health. We must all do what we can to stop the spread of this disease.”
While neither Hegar nor West called the change a setback, the shift alters the dynamic of the race.
“Certainly in any political campaign, people want to see and connect with the candidate of their choice, and that’s a very powerful connection for voters,” said Vince Leibowitz, a political consultant working for West’s campaign.
“I like to meet and shake hands with the candidate I want to vote for or that I’m investigating voting for. It’s taking what used to be a personal, in-person handshake and turning that into a virtual handshake.”
Both Democrats have taken shots at Cornyn’s response to the pandemic in recent days.
The senator over the weekend tweeted a picture of a Corona beer and wrote “Be smart; don’t panic. We will get us through this.” On Monday, he tweeted “My flight to DC has 35 passengers on a plane that holds 170+,” later adding, “With appropriate social distancing and good hygiene this is a piece of cake.”
“This might be easy for you,
Senator, but you're not a server losing wages, a single mom losing her job to stay home with her kids, or one of 5 million Texans without insurance,” Hegar responded on Monday. “I'm glad you're ending your long weekend and hope you'll pass the legislation they need QUICKLY.”
Speaking on the Senate floor on Tuesday, Cornyn urged a swift vote on sweeping legislation passed by the House offering free testing for the virus, expanding paid sick leave, boosting Medicaid spending and more.
The senator also said he’s “implemented a staffing plan that involves a reduced footprint and telecommuting while ensuring we will be able to serve Texans in this time of need.”