As Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico works to brand himself as a "law and order Democrat," Texas Gov.Greg Abbott is rolling out a sweeping public safety agenda that could force the left's rising star to defend parts of his legislative record on crime, bail reform and policing.Abbott, who is pushing to remove so-called "rogue" prosecutors, create a statewide prosecutor and deny bail to illegal immigrants accused of violent crimes, told Fox News Digital the proposals are necessary."Texas Democrats have consistently sided with criminals over the citizens they were elected to protect," Abbott told Fox News Digital, adding, "Keeping dangerous offenders behind bars is one of the most important responsibilities of government."While Abbott's proposals still need approval from lawmakers, they are already shaping a broader debate over crime and public safety in Texas ahead of midterm elections.TRAVIS COUNTY DA FACES RENEWED ‘SOFT ON CRIME’ CRITICISM AFTER CAREER CRIMINAL CHARGED WITH MURDERA collage of three separate news events in Texas, featuring news conferences by Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza and Governor Greg Abbott, alongside a campaign rally by U.S.
Senate candidate James Talarico.(Jay Janner, Ronaldo Schemidt, Brandon Bell / The Austin American-Statesman, AFP, Getty Images)Talarico has highlighted endorsements from law enforcement figures, including former Dallas FBI Special Agent in Charge Matthew DeSarno, to bolster his public safety record, but Abbott's allies argue his voting record and absences from key public safety votes tell a different story.Talarico was absent for a vote on a bill named after slain Houston preteen Jocelyn Nungaray that would have automatically denied bail to illegal immigrants charged with violent crimes.
Talarico's campaign defended the missed vote, telling Fox News Digital Talarico had an excused absence.The bill ultimately failed to pass, but Abbott is seeking to revive the measure.Among the public safety mea...