Early voting for the March 1 primaries starts on Monday, and Texas Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller is bracing for a reelection fight.
Texas Tribune political reporter James Barragán tells Texas Standard that Miller is being attack by Republican and Democratic challengers alike over ethics – namely, his relationship with longtime advisor Todd Smith. Smith was recently was indicted on charges of theft and bribery over an alleged pay-to-play scheme for state hemp licenses – licenses that are administered by Miller’s office.
“[Miller’s] saying, ‘Hey, keep me out of this. That’s not me, I had nothing to do with it,’” Barragán said. “His opponents – James White on the Republican side and Susan Hays on the Democratic side – are saying, ‘Hey, he’s your 30-year, longtime political consultant. You must have known something.’”
For more on the week in Texas politics, including U.S. Rep. Troy Nehls’ strange spat with Capitol Police and more, listen in the audio player above.
