TX-Sen: O'Rourke launches $1.2 million 'positive' ad campaign; Cruz focuses on military bases

Texas Senate candidate U.S. Rep. Beto O'Rourke (D) announced this week his plans to spend more than $1.2 million on "positive" TV ads against his Republican opponent.

Meanwhile, incumbent Sen. Ted Cruz (R) announced that he's been spending time visiting military bases across the state.

The El Paso congressman said in a release that he would make a statewide media purchase this week using $1.27 million that he raised over "a single weekend in direct response to negative ads launched by the Ted Cruz campaign." The ads will air across the state's 20 designated media markets.

O'Rourke's grassroots efforts have brought in more than $10.4 million during the second quarter of 2018 and he appears to be inching close to Cruz in some recent polls.

What did O'Rourke say?

O'Rourke has spent much of his time logging thousands of miles as he crisscrosses the state making stops along the way trying to drum up voters and bring in cash.

“Texans in all 254 counties of our state are proving that together, we will be the big, bold, confident answer to the small, petty, negative attacks that are coming our way,” O’Rourke said in a release. “We are going to continue running this campaign the right way — showing up in every community to listen to and learn from those we want to serve and represent, regardless of party or geography or any small differences that might otherwise divide us."

He's about halfway into his most recent trek across the Lone Star State.

What about Cruz?

The senator, whose first campaign ads aired on TV Aug. 3, has also launched a statewide tour dubbed, "Texas Defends America."

He has visited military bases in San Antonio, Houston, Abilene, San Angelo, and Killeen where he spoke with military members and veterans.

Cruz, who believes "peace through strength is best achieved with a strong, well-funded military," backed the $717 billion John S. McCain National Defense Authorization Act, which recently passed. President Donald Trump signed the bill into law on Tuesday.

"In today’s challenging security environment, rebuilding our military continues to be a critical necessity," Cruz said in a release this week. "Getting this bill signed into law today demonstrates the focus that unified Republican government has given to rebuilding our military and providing for our national security."

"By addressing America’s security interests at home and abroad and providing the largest pay raise for service members in 10 years, our military is well funded and able to successfully project strength and promote peace. Furthermore, this bill fortifies Texas’ position as a pillar of America’s defense, strategic capabilities, and deterrence," Cruz continued.

Cruz has recognized the fire in Democrats who want to change Texas' political landscape from red to blue and has called on Republicans to get out and vote.