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AUSTIN – Texas icon Willie Nelson will lead a benefit concert for Democratic candidate Beto O. Rourke, a candidate for the Texas Senate.
This is not the first time Willie Nelson puts his two cents in politics. In fact, he uses his music career to speak on many issues such as farmers' rights, immigration and the legalization of marijuana.
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Beto Campaign O 'Rourke Engages Willie Nelson For Free Rally In Austin
Nelson played for politicians in the past, the most famous for President Jimmy Carter in 1980.
He has also supported a wide range of political candidates like Bernie Sanders and Republican candidates like Gary Johnson in the 2012 presidential election.
The rally for O & # 39; Rourke will be Nelson's first free public performance on behalf of a political candidate.
Willie Nelson (left) and Beto O. Rourke perform at Willie Nelson's Picnic Concert on July 45th at the Austin360 Amphitheater on July 4, 2018 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Gary Miller / Getty Images for ABA)
Gary Miller
Political analyst Jim Henson of the Politics project at the University of Texas said the concert was unlikely to influence voters.
"I would not expect that to change the game," says Dr. Henson. "It will strengthen people who already love him, but he is unlikely to influence other voters."
Henson said the concert would only reassure voters who already support O & # Rourke and would have little impact on his opponent's campaign, Ted Cruz.
MORE: Beto O 'Rourke hopes to topple Ted Cruz in 2018 at the Texas Senate
"It usually has short-term effects, but it boosts media coverage," said Dr. Henson. "Beto has not yet held statewide elections.
Henson said celebrities generally endorse candidates with their same political views and that it's usually people who share the same values at events.
"It's very consistent with the brand of the campaign," said Dr. Henson. "This will not change attitudes towards the state, it will mainly attract the attention of those who are inclined to vote for it."
According to O 'Rourke's campaign website, the free rally will be held at the Shores Auditorium in Austin on Saturday, September 29th.
It will feature the music of Nelson himself, Joe Ely, Tameca Jones, Carrie Rodriguez and others.
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