Trump fuels rumors about James Talarico’s campaign trail absence

President Donald Trump joined Texas Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton in questioning his Democratic opponent James Talarico’s absence from the campaign trail, as the two candidates battle for the seat with less than a month until Election Day.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, upon information and belief, James TalaFREAKo, who is running for the United States Senate in Texas, is MISSING IN ACTION!” Trump said in a post on Truth Social late Wednesday night. “No one has seen him for an extended period of time. Where is he? What is wrong with him? Bad rumors are coming out.”

Trump urged Talarico to debate Paxton, calling the former Texas attorney general “one of the best Attorney Generals in the Country” and saying he would “hopefully” become a senator representing Texas.

“President Trump just said Ken Paxton should debate. I agree. Ball’s in your court [Ken],” Talarico said in response.

Talarico canceled two campaign events after coming down with the flu, which he disclosed during a U.S. Hispanic Business Council forum last week, where he appeared virtually after initially planning to attend in person.

The Democrat, who is seeking to flip the seat held by retiring Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX), said his illness was likely the result of his aggressive campaigning.

“I guess I’ve been shaking too many hands on the campaign trail,” Talarico told the Dallas Morning News.

Talarico was last seen at a campaign event in New York on Sept. 28.

Paxton’s campaign released an ad Wednesday attacking Talarico’s absence, saying, “He was last seen in Texas on Sept. 26. While his campaign continues to lie to Texans, he is nowhere to be seen.”

The attacks come as Paxton faces questions of his own following the release of leaked audio from closed-door fundraisers in Washington.

In one recording released Wednesday, Paxton blamed the Iran war for “dragging” his campaign, adding that higher prices were causing voters to “feel the pinch.”

Talarico calls out sick from campaign trail as Paxton faces new leaked audio

“I’m just trying to figure out ways I can help people. That’s the only way: I can propose legislation,” Paxton said, pointing to his tax plan, which includes deductions for medical expenses and home purchases as well as a child tax credit.

The race has tightened in recent weeks, with Democrats hoping to capitalize on a competitive contest in a state that has not elected a Democratic senator since 1988. Recent polling shows a better picture for Talarico, as Paxton trails narrowly.

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[ H/T Washington Examiner ]