It all started with a candid tweet from San Antonio Mayor Julián Castro regarding campaign speeches about immigration and the Texas border made by Republican candidate for lieutenant governor Dan Patrick.
Congratulations .@danpatrick You are the most anti-immigrant Republican running for statewide office. You are the Pete Wilson of Texas.
— Julián Castro (@JulianCastro) January 22, 2014
To which Patrick, currently a state senator representing Houston, responded:
.@juliancastro talk is cheap mayor, if you want to debate this in San Antonio, tell me when and I'll be there.
— Dan Patrick (@DanPatrick) January 23, 2014
Patrick then added a poke at Castro's close ties to President Obama.
.@juliancastro yes, I am proud to wear the badge of securing our border bc your buddy Obama created this illegal invasion
— Dan Patrick (@DanPatrick) January 23, 2014
The exchange of tweets quickly resulted in a agreement that the two would face-off for a live debate regarding the subject of immigration.
Let's do that, @DanPatrick . How about it, @evansmith ?
— Julián Castro (@JulianCastro) January 24, 2014
Patrick said he was blindsided by Castro's initial statement.
"For him to inject himself basically in a Republican primary race, I mean that’s his right and that’s fine," Patrick said. "I was very surprised by his tweet, but this is an important issue and this whole idea that if you want a secure border that you are anti-anything is absurd."
Patrick is hoping that his debate with Castro will be streamed live on the internet for all to see, much like his debate against those supporting the online curriculum provider known as CSCOPE.
Both Patrick and Castro have agreed to hold the debate in San Antonio and the Texas Tribune’s Evan Smith has confirmed he has been approached to serve as a moderator. Details on the time and place are still being worked out.
