Politico: “Donald Trump’s letter to Texas Gov. Greg Abbott demanding he pursue an ‘audit’ of the 2020 election set off a ‘mad dash’ in the governor’s office as aides sought to figure out just how serious the former president was, according to two sources familiar with the situation. In the letter, Trump called on Abbott to hold a ‘Forensic Audit of the 2020 Election’ and pass HB 16, a bill recently filed in the Third Special Session of the Texas legislature, which would allow for an Arizona-style ‘audit’ of the presidential election. Behind the scenes, the Texas governor’s office was caught off guard by Trump, whose letter made no mention of ‘audits’ already underway.”

“There had not been contact between Trump and Abbott ahead of the release, and Abbott’s office was uncertain if they could meet Trump’s demands to pass HB16 without complicating the legislative agenda. One Texas political aide familiar with how the process played out said, ‘The secretary of state‘s decision to call for audits in the four largest counties in Texas was predicated on Trump’s statement mentioning Gov. Abbott.’ ‘There was a mad dash to determine if Trump was actually being serious with his statement and it was decided this was the best route to take without blowing up the special session,’ the aide said. The scramble among Abbott’s team to placate the president illustrated the degree to which Trump and his election conspiracies continue to set the rules of engagement for virtually all other GOP elected officials.”