Article snippet: DALLAS — The energy and enthusiasm behind Rep. Beto O’Rourke’s (D-Texas) Senate campaign is having a ripple effect down the ballot in deep-red Texas, giving Democrats a much-needed jolt in the battle to pick up seats in the House. While O’Rourke may end up losing to GOP Sen. MORE, who are all fighting for their political lives. Democrats haven’t won a statewide race in Texas since 1994, but O’Rourke, 46, has fueled liberal hopes of unseating Cruz, 47, through massive rallies, record-breaking fundraising and engagement with young voters - a phenomenon that some are calling "Betomania." In doing so, O'Rourke is sparking a level of enthusiasm down the ballot that no other Democratic candidate including gubernatorial nominee Lupe Valdez has been able to generate in Texas. “He creates activity and interest that’s very hard to generate from down-ballot activity alone,” said Matt Angle, a veteran Democratic strategist in Texas and director of the Lone Star Project. The enthusiasm comes even as O'Rourke himself may end up unable to defeat the conservative firebrand. Though O'Rourke raised a record $38 million in the third fundraising quarter, recent polls have shown Cruz consistently building a lead in the statewide race. But an increased turnout could be enough to tip the races in smaller House districts, according to strategists. Mary Beth Rogers, who was campaign manager to the late Ann Richards, the last Democratic Texas governor, said O’Rourke will need to do about... Link to the full article to read more