September 28, 2014 12:00 PM

Burton and Willis clash in TV debate as they battle to succeed Wendy Davis in the Senate

Democrat Willis portrays herself as independent alternative to conservative Burton in the GOP-leaning swing district; Republican Burton says Willis doesn’t speak for her.

In their only televised debate so far prior to the November election, the two women vying to succeed Sen. Wendy Davis in the Texas Senate on Sunday clashed on topics ranging from abortion to how to lure business to Texas. Though it was a short exchange, about 10 minutes or so, the debate broadcast on WFAA Television in Dallas/Fort Worth highlighted “clear differences” between civic leader Libby Willis, the Democrat, and conservative activist Konni Burton, the Republican.

Neither has held public office previously and they both have reasons to believe voters in the district, anchored in Cowtown, will send them to Austin. As noted by one of the debate moderators Bud Kennedy of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Senate District 10 has sent both Republicans and Democrats to the upper chamber of The Legislature in recent decades.

Sen. Davis, of course, was able to win thanks in large part to her ability to convince enough Republicans that it was ok for them to vote for Mitt Romney then cross over and vote for her down ballot. Voters there chose Romney for president 53 to 45 percent in 2012 while simultaneously choosing Davis 51 to 48 over Republican Mark Shelton.

"People are so tired of the same old same old," Burton said. "I'm listening to the concerns of the voters."

Willis said she chose to run specifically because of the differences between Burton and herself. "My opponent really does answer to Tea Party headquarters,” Willis said and added that as a senator she will not “take orders from” Wendy Davis, President Obama or either political party. "I am going to be somebody who is independent,” she said.

By Scott Braddock