Top 10 mistakes of Election 2010

We all make mistakes. But in the world of politics, it’s an art form. Here’s our list of favorites from Election 2010, in no particular order, and focused on mistakes that could affect the outcome of a race.

Bill White’s refusal to release old tax returns

Johnny Hanson/Houston Chronicle/AP
Bill White speaks to volunteers in Austin, Texas on Oct. 29.

There was a time when analysts thought Democrat Bill White, former mayor of Houston, had a shot at beating longtime Texas Gov. Rick Perry (R). The trick was getting Governor Perry to agree to a debate, which could boost White’s stature and shake things loose if Perry made a mistake.

In September, Perry said he’d debate, but with a condition: if Mayor White would release his tax returns for three years in the 1990s, before his time as mayor.

White refused on principle; Perry insinuated that White had something to hide. Texas political analysts say White made a mistake in not accepting the deal. He never got his debate, and Perry looks set to get another four years.

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