U.S Sen. John Cornyn’s weekly discussion with Texas reporters gave clear warning that the silly season is upon us.

Speaking via conference call from Washington, D.C., Cornyn floated for possible discussion the legacy of former U.S. Sen. John McCain, the anniversary of Hurricane and Tropical Storm Harvey, and an imperiled North America Free Trade Agreement. All matter to Texans.

But most reporters — the big city guys were on the line — would have none of it. Labor Day traditionally launches the General Election season, when party nominees ramp up political campaigns. So with Cornyn, the second-most powerful figure in the Senate, on the line, reporter after reporter asked about his fellow Texan and incumbent Sen. Ted Cruz. How did Cornyn size things up? Why is Cruz skipping Senate business to campaign? What’s with Cruz’s fund raising?

We’d never downplay the importance of the Nov. 6 General Election for Cruz, Republicans and the fate of President Trump’s agenda. The margin of error is razor-thin for Republicans in the Senate; losing the Senate seat in Texas would be a blow.

Nor would we be cynical about how campaigns are conducted — not much. Will Cruz lean on the national Political Action Committees to boost his funding? Will Democrats go to the polls? Would Trump come to Texas to campaign for Cruz? Does anyone on your street care?

There is plenty of buzz around campaigns but the U.S. would be much smarter to shorten the political season and get to the point. Cruz and his General Election opponent, U.S. Rep. Robert O’Rourke, D-El Paso, are known commodities. Both have clear political records, distinct political philosophies and they represent opposite ends of a political spectrum. Look ‘em up.

Here’s how the American Conservative Union rates both men — Cruz, who has held federal office for six years, O’Rourke, who has held federal office for four. Cruz’s conservative rating was 96 of 100 in 2017, and is 99 for his career. O’Rourke’s conservative rating is 4 of 100 for 2017, 8.9 for his career. There’s little mystery here. It’s been more than two decades since a Democrat won statewide in Texas. Why would this be the year?

Cornyn, who knows his way around Texas elections, made things clear for reporters who can’t get enough campaign chatter. “To the untrained eye,” he said, it looks like a close race. All polls point to Cruz, though the margin is not wide.

When you consider likely voters, those who will make it to the polls, Cruz wins “significantly,” Cornyn said.

O’Rourke, he said, is a “charming guy.” Cruz doesn’t charm many folks.

But if positions matter — they may — O’Rourke may find himself out of step with Texas. And out of his Washington gig.

Next question. Please.