Abbott is out for revenge

Aiming for political payback, Gov. Greg Abbott's campaign announced last week that he will spend big this primary season to undercut fellow GOPers who defied him on school voucher legislation last year.

Driving the news: Abbott's campaign raised $19 million between July and December and intends to use it against the largely rural Republicans who opposed him on the issue, the campaign said Wednesday.

• Already, Abbott has endorsed seven primary opponents of incumbent House Republicans, per the Texas Tribune.

What they're saying: "Governor Abbott has the resources needed to back strong conservative candidates who support his bold agenda," Texans for Greg Abbott campaign manager Kim Snyder said in a statement.

The other side: During a November debate, Drew Darby, a San Angelo Republican who is among those being targeted by Abbott, pointed to state estimates that the cost of vouchers would quickly grow to about $2 billion annually by the next budget cycle.

• "Is this the conservative thing to do, to create another entitlement program, in effect to create a third education system?" Darby said, according to the Houston Chronicle.

Catch up quick: Abbott's push to divert some taxpayer money to families for private education and homeschooling failed twice last year in two special sessions devoted to the matter.

• Supporters say these programs would provide more options for families who want learning environments that better align with their values.
• Opponents say voucher programs reduce public school enrollment and funding and can lead to lower-quality education.

The intrigue: In many of the Republican opponents' rural districts, public schools are the chief employer, and officeholders risk local political blowback if they back Abbott's vouchers legislation.

What's next: Primary day is March 5.