Texas gubernatorial candidate Greg Abbott (R) was happy to campaign with conservative troll Ted Nugent this week, despite the fact the rocker once called President Obama a “chimpanzee” and a “subhuman mongrel.”

Asked repeatedly by CNN’s Ed Lavandera whether he thought it was appropriate to associate himself with someone with such a history of vitriolic and racist remarks, Abbott deflected by saying Nugent was instrumental in going after his opponent.

“Ted Nugent was a way to expose Wendy Davis for her flip-flopping on gun related issues,” he explained about the Democrat’s support of an “open carry” gun law.

At one point in the video, Abbott’s communications director tries to cut off the reporter in front of the camera.

Watch below: