Each day this week, three times per day, Transport Topics reporter Eugene Mulero looks at one of 15 key congressional races that affect transportation interests, and explains Why You Should Care.
Today: Texas' 27th District – Incumbent Republican Blake Farenthold vs. Democratic challenger Wesley Reed.
A member of the 2010 tea party class, Rep. Blake Farenthold favors limiting the federal government’s role, and he is expected to side with colleagues who are looking to expand states’ authority over freight and transportation issues. But when it comes to maintaining ports and waterways, which are vital to Texas’ 27th Congressional District, the incumbent has indicated he supports providing federal aid to state agencies. Farenthold sits on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, where his influence on waterways and freight issues is quickly expanding. The latest redistricting in Texas pretty much ensures a sizable Republican bloc for Farenthold on election day. His Democratic challenger, Wesley Reed, has garnered support from local unions, but he lacks the name recognition to win over swing voters, pollsters say. Reed supports Democrats’ platform of a robust federal transportation system.
Have questions or comments about the 2014 election? Join us at 1 p.m. ET on Monday, Nov. 3, for a LiveOnWeb chat with TT reporter Eugene Mulero.
More races and Why You Should Care:
Next:
* In Virginia, Scott Rigell vs. Suzanne Patrick: (1 p.m. ET)
Previously:
* In Maryland, John Delaney vs. Dan Bongino
* In Pennsylvania, Bill Shuster vs. Alanna Hartzok
* In West Virginia, Nick Rahall vs. Evan Jenkins
