This week, citizens all across the great state of Texas are at a critical crossroads, with an important decision to make: do we stay in the past, or move forward with the future?
In some races for this year’s election, a reasonable case can be made for either side. For example, the race for Railroad Commissioner features Democrat Steve Brown and Republican Ryan Sitton– two intelligent young candidates that have run solid, solutions-based campaigns. Even with clear party distinctions, informed voters have a tough choice on their hands for the RRC in 2014.
Sadly, the campaigns for Lieutenant Governor have not yielded the same result. State Senator Dan Patrick, the Republican nominee for Lieutenant Governor, could learn a lot from his younger colleague Ryan Sitton on how to run a statewide campaign. This blog will not being going into the litany of issues with Patrick, but would rather refer readers to previous endorsements in the Lt. Gov. Race.
Check out The Daily Texan, El Paso Times, Corpus Christi Caller-Times, Wichita Falls Times Record News, Beaumont Enterprise, Austin Chronicle, Austin American-Statesman, San Antonio Express-News, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Morning News, and Houston Chronicle to find out just how bad Dan Patrick would be for Texas.
But with or without her opponent, Democrat Leticia Van de Putte is worthy of endorsement all on her own. A long record of proven leadership and public service, Van de Putte stands out as someone that is not afraid to tackle some of the state’s most pressing challenges. One look at the issues page on her website will let you know just how far her commitment to policy solutions extends. She is a legislator that is uniquely gifted in both policy knowledge and political charisma. She is a deal-maker that knows how to find the best in people even when she doesn’t agree with them at all. (Seriously y’all… Leticia Van de Putte is the ‘Ezra Klein’ of Texas)
And those are just Leticia’s gifts on the political side. As a mother of six children, pharmacist and small business owner, she understands what it takes to raise a family and have a career in Texas. And most important… she carries those experiences forward in her legislative ideas. Though Van de Putte has clearly reached the highest levels of success, she also knows the struggles of working Texans as well. As a sixth-generation Tejana, she doesn’t just read about situations on the Texas border, she lives them as part of her own family story. Again, an invaluable experience that she carries with her on to the Senate chamber… one that her opponent doesn’t seem to “get” at all.
Texas Leftist is proud to endorse State Senator Leticia Van de Putte for Lieutenant Governor of Texas. But beyond that simple endorsement, I must urge readers… if no other reason, please go and vote to support Senator Van de Putte. For countless reason, she really does represent the future of Texas, and if elected, we will be a much better state for it.
If you’d like to learn more about State Senator Leticia Van de Putte, check out her recent appearance on Houston Public Media’s Red, White and Blue, where she puts forth common-sense solutions on everything from border security to healthcare and education…
(feature photo is celebrity Eva Longoria, Van de Putte and Henry Munoz at a recent campaign rally)