Ken Paxton remains front-runner in Texas AG race as Republican primary rivals battle for 2nd place

The Republican race for Texas attorney general is said to be the marquee contest of the primary season, but incumbent Ken Paxton is shying away from contact.

It’s a safe bet that the embattled Paxton will finish first on March 1, so he’s employing a so-called Rose Garden strategy that has him skipping forums and debates, while hoarding critical campaign cash until the primary runoff. Even then, don’t expect Paxton to be a regular on the debate circuit.

Standing on the same stage with his opponents not only elevates them,...