The Democratic runoff for governor is a week away, but incumbent Republican Gov. Greg Abbott has already declared war on the candidate he wants to run against.

In a new website, Greg The Guv is blasting away at Lupe Valdez for being "too liberal for Texas."

Forget that Valdez still has to win the May 22 runoff with Houston entrepreneur Andrew White, in a race that both candidates seem to believe has tightened in recent weeks, if their intensified campaigning is any clue.

Remember that Abbott jumped the shark several weeks ago by picking Valdez to win the runoff, a move that quickly drew cries from White that the guv was short-circuiting the upcoming vote.

Valdez quickly responded to Abbott's latest blast: "I'm right for the new Texas."

Just as Abbott and Valdez aren't playing well together, even before the governor's race for November officially begins, neither are an array of other Texas politicians who are fighting over DACA and getting nasty and personal in congressional runoffs.

Aside from that, a new question has arisen in Austin: Where's Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, an outgoing high-profile guy who's been missing from the public eye in recent weeks. Call in, Dan, and let us know what's up.

Our sponsors this week: Texas Association of Counties and Lone Star Targeting.

With Scott Braddock, editor of the Quorum Report, and Mike Ward, Austin Bureau chief for the Houston Chronicle, with special guest Ryan Poppe, Texas Public Radio's Capitol reporter.

Texas politics are entertaining but never boring, as this edition of the state's leading political podcast, produced in collaboration with partner Texas Public Radio, clearly shows.