Stockman’s candidacy ignites Twitter

Rep. Steve Stockman’s (R-Texas) announcement that he would challenge the No. 2 Republican in the Senate, John Cornyn (Texas), ignited Twitter — prompting surprise, intrigue and rebuke.

The freshman congressman has developed a wide social media presence, rankling some while igniting other conservatives with his strong criticism of President Obama.

News of Stockman’s primary challenge broke around 8 p.m. on Monday. Both men were trending in D.C. soon after.

Stockman himself entered the conversation late, sending out a series of links to stories announcing his run.

Tea-party favorite takes on GOP big name http://t.co/oXxZAsF7zu

— Rep. Steve Stockman (@StockmanSenate) December 10, 2013

Stockman started trending as the news first broke around 8 p.m.

‘stockman’ is now trending in #DC http://t.co/Xu9W3gI4lu

— Trendsmap DC (@TrendsDC) December 10, 2013

Cornyn began trending shortly after.

‘cornyn’ is now trending in #DC http://t.co/Xu9W3gI4lu

— Trendsmap DC (@TrendsDC) December 10, 2013

Washington Examiner Online Editor Justin Green noted Stockman’s prolific Twitter presence and his ability to get under some people’s skin.

I love the trolling from @SteveWorks4You, which has reached a new level

— justin green (@JGreenDC) December 10, 2013

BuzzFeed’s Washington Bureau Chief John Stanton harkened back to Stockman’s decision to invite Ted Nugent to be his guest to the State of the Union earlier this year.

Can’t wait for STeve Stockman ads hammering John Cornyn to a Ted Nugent soundtrack

— john r stanton (@dcbigjohn) December 10, 2013

Democratic polling firm Public Policy Polling noted that a poll from last month showed Republican primary voters expressed interest in a more conservative candidate in Texas.

We found last month TX Republicans preferred a ‘more conservative’ alternative over Cornyn 49/33. If Stockman raises money…

— PublicPolicyPolling (@ppppolls) December 10, 2013

However, David Plouffe, President Obama’s campaign manager in 2008, noted the short timeframe for Stockman to launch a serious challenge. The primary is slated for March 4, and early voting begins before that.

@PeterHambyCNN @pkcapitol Early vote starts Feb. 18. Even less time.

— David Plouffe (@davidplouffe) December 10, 2013

National Republican Senatorial Committee spokesman Brad Dayspring said Stockman would be defeated, noting Cornyn’s conservative record.

NRSC: We are proud to support Sen. Cornyn and while this primary challenge is quite the head scratcher, it will be defeated. #TXsen

— Brad Dayspring (@BDayspring) December 10, 2013

Brian Walsh, a former NRSC spokesman, pointed out some of Stockman’s liabilities early.

Stockman fired two congressional staffers after disclosures that both made prohibited contributions to his campaign. http://t.co/6BK24x1zYt

— Brian Walsh (@brianjameswalsh) December 10, 2013

Political Wire’s Taegan Goddard summed it up in blunt terms.

If you’re a Republican, this is a real shit show http://t.co/sbkS9naxPO

— Taegan Goddard (@politicalwire) December 10, 2013

Cornyn’s official office communications director underplayed the news.

In other important TX news tonight, bears v cowboys in chicago

— Megan Mitchell (@MeganMitchell) December 10, 2013

But a spokesman for Cornyn’s campaign did not pull any punches.

When Sen. Cornyn was fighting Obamacare on Christmas Eve 2009, where was Rep. Stockman?

— Drew Brandewie (@DBrandewie) December 10, 2013

FIscal conservative Rep. Stockman’s campaign is $163,000 in debt

— Drew Brandewie (@DBrandewie) December 10, 2013

Fiscal conservative Rep. Steve Stockman has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

— Drew Brandewie (@DBrandewie) December 10, 2013

Open-government champion Rep. Steve Stockman won’t file financial dislcosure forms required by House rules.

— Drew Brandewie (@DBrandewie) December 10, 2013

Govt. transparency advocate Rep. Stockman has refused to “provid[e] details about the business he said was his only source of income.”

— Drew Brandewie (@DBrandewie) December 10, 2013