Tag Archives: Leticia Van De Putte

Houston Politics

Texoblogosphere: Week of April 7th

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The Texas Progressive Alliance always comes in ahead of projections as it brings you this week’s roundup.

Off the Kuff analyzes precinct data in Harris County from the Democratic and Republican primary elections.

Libby Shaw at Texas Kaos learns Greg Abbott has not only invited creeps to advise his campaign but he has also brought a Tom DeLay minted crook on board. Abbott campaign pervaded by creeps and crooks.

Too many who need health insurance in Texas are intentionally being kept from getting it. WCNews at Eye on Williamson makes sure everyone know that If You Don’t Have Health Care In Texas Blame Rick Perry & The Texas GOP.

The social policies of Charles Murray, whom the Southern Poverty Law Center has identified as a white nationalist, serve as inspiration for Greg Abbott’s education reform proposal. PDiddie at Brains and Eggs is shocked and awed that Abbott is making so many critical mistakes in his gubernatorial campaign.

Texas Democrats haven’t claimed a statewide elected office in 20 yrs, but after a rousing bus tour, Texas Leftist is convinced now more than ever that pharmacist, State Senator extraordinaire and Lt. Governor candidate Leticia Van de Putte has the prescription to change that.

Neil at All People Have Value offered the view that courtesy & a sense of self-worth without a feeling of superiority is a form of resistance in our society. All People Have Value is part of NeilAquino.com.

Kingwood Area Democrat Karen Menke wrote a timely op-ed in the Kingwood Observer about women’s rights. – EgbertoWillies.com.

Texpatriate releases an April Fool’s day issue of The Houston New Post.

And here are some posts of interest from other Texas blogs.

Texas Redistricting charts the components of population change in 12 Texas counties.

Scott Braddock reports that some legislators are concerned that schools will not have the funds to implement some mandated reforms.

Jason Stanford explains how Texas women can win on equal pay.

Juanita can’t help but see the face of Tom DeLay in today’s Congress.

Dutch Small celebrated at the wedding reception of Houston Mayor Annise Parker and her wife Kathy Hubbard.

Christopher Hooks tries to pierce the conservative persecution complex that surrounds Republican SD02 candidate Bob Hall.

M1EK has a simple suggestion for where to locate a rail line.

Texas Politics

In Lt. Governor’s Race, It’s Time for Leticia

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As the 2014 campaign season begins to pick up steam, it’s becoming clear which candidates hold the momentum. Some are fully engaged in general election fights, like Democrat Wendy Davis and Republican Greg Abbott in the Governors’ race, while others like Dan Patrick and David Dewhurst are forced to vie for the GOP nomination in the upcoming Primary run-offs. The Patrick- Dewhurst brawl has already gotten particularly ugly.

However, one candidate for Lieutenant Governor sees the GOP run-off as a golden opportunity… State Senator Leticia Van de Putte. Though she’s been a known fixture in Austin since the Ann Richards administration, Senator Van de Putte came to international prominence last June alongside Wendy Davis, causing a roar in the Senate chamber when she was disrespected by her male colleagues.

But make no mistake… Senator Van de Putte is not taking her cues from Davis. She is running her own campaign, and talking about the issues that matter to Texans as she sees them. The increased action on the GOP side is certainly an advantage, but in some ways, so is the fact that the Davis- Abbott battle is stealing the spotlight. As a result of these factors, Van de Putte is quietly building a movement for her campaign, and may have a better shot at victory than her  more famous Gubernatorial counterpart. The Senator has tackled the tough issues, and is a strong supporter of common-sense reforms, public investment, and providing healthcare for all Texans.

And this week, Leticia Van de Putte embarked on a bus tour across the state of Texas, giving voters a dose of old-fashioned shoe leather politics. Here’s more about the tour from Van de Putte’s op-ed in the Burnt Orange Report…

Campaigning statewide requires listening to the people in all of these areas, learning what they expect of government, and then unifying them all under the Lone Star flag so that we may move forward together as a single state.

And when I say unify, I don’t just mean Democrats or those who usually agree with me. I mean all the people of Texas. During my 30 years as a pharmacist and legislator, I’ve learned that to really serve people, first you listen – then you talk. That’s why I’ve been able to work with Republicans, Independents and Democrats to solve problems. I’ve worked with Fortune 500 executives, community activists, doctors and nurses, firefighters and financial executives, all sharing the same goal – keeping Texas the best place to live in the country. And I am proud to say I’ve developed friendships and working relationships with all of them.

Those relationships will be key to sway voters if the Senator is to make history in the Lone Star State. April is a critical time for the Van de Putte campaign… a time to get the word out, meet voters and make sure that Texans know there is a credible alternative GOP antics. Given that she’s kicking off the month with a statewide, press-generating bus tour, one has to think she off to a great start. As a business owner, pharmacist, mother of 6, and experienced legislator, Van de Putte brings a wealth of unique experience that her opponent, whomever it is, simply cannot match. It just may be the prescription for victory in November.

If you’d like to learn more about Leticia Van de Putte, check out her Texas Tribune interview with Evan Smith below…

Houston Politics

TexWatch 2014: Forcing the Issues

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As was stated in an earlier post, Texas Democrats are facing some rather long odds to win statewide in this election cycle. Most of this has to do with the long shadow cast by 2 decades of losses for the statewide party. To put it simply, Texas Democrats have to start our game way downfield from the GOP. Aside from meticulously gerrymandered Congressional and legislative seats, the Democrats will be out-numbered on the ground and out-spent everywhere else. This is the reality of 2014 politics in Texas. The only way for Democrats to catch up is to formulate a true Texas message, force the issues, go on the offensive, and hit the GOP hard.

Since the Primary election, it appears that this message is starting to be heard by the Davis campaign. After a somewhat rocky start, Wendy Davis’ organization has launched an all-out assault on Abbott’s stance over the issue of equal pay for women and minorities.

At a Monday morning rally before a packed and pumped-up crowd of about 160 at Sholz Garten, Democratic gubernatorial candidate Wendy Davis pressed the issue of equal pay for equal work, challenging Attorney General Greg Abbott to, “stop hiding behind your staff members, stop hiding behind your surrogates.”

“This Texas gal is calling you out,” declared the Fort Worth Democrat to huge applause on an issue that has energized her campaign for the governorship since the March 4 primary.

Davis faulted Abbott for successfully fighting a 2011 pay discrimination case in court — albeit one based on race and nationality and not gender — and presiding over an office which, according to a recent report in the San Antonio Express-News, most female assistant attorneys general make less on average than men do in the same job.

This is a good start for Davis, and will hopefully provide an example for Leticia Van de Putte, Steve Brown and other statewide Democrats to follow. Any successful campaign in the Lone Star state has to be about issues that resonate with people. Texas is not New York or Los Angeles. We’re not the same type of stereotypical “Liberals” that you find on the East or West Coast. Nor are we the other major part of the Democratic Party… Union-workers like you’d find in Ohio or Michigan. There’s not a large “Democratic Party” identity here. If anything, most Texans would tell you that they are Conservative just because that is what they know and understand. But if you dig a little deeper, and connect with issues they care about– safe schools, fixing roads and bridges, access to fair wages and upward economic mobility, health care for their families– the wellspring of commonality is revealed. For Democrats, the key winning strategy simply about pealing back the layers to find the areas where most voters agree. Equal pay has gained some traction, but the bigger issues like Healthcare expansion for the poor (via the ACA’s Medicaid expansion or otherwise) are out there waiting to be brought to the light.

Along with forcing specific issues, it’s also time for Democrats to call for general election debates. In 2010, Rick Perry was able to get reelected without ever facing Democratic challenger Bill White on the debate stage. As a result, many voters (especially those in a last-minute rush to get informed before going to the ballot box) probably didn’t have sufficient information to consider Bill White a credible alternative. Debates are not only important for the moment they happen, but in the world of online search, they can also prove to be a critical resource for low-information voters. We can’t afford for the GOP to go under the radar like they did in 2010. Texans deserve to hear both sides of the political spectrum, and they deserve to have that information in a face-to-face debate. It’s one thing to toggle back and forth with the press, but having candidates on the debate stage can literally make or break a campaign. This must be demanded by Democrats, otherwise it’s not going to happen.

Even in the face of disadvantage, it appears to have been a good month for Wendy Davis. As she and other Texas Democrats move into the next stage, it’s imperative that the keep the momentum going, and continue to pressure their Republican counterparts. Democrats are definitely the underdogs in 2014, but they can win as long as they’ve got plenty to bark about.

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Buc-ee’s Owners Support Dan Patrick

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I know I know… Say it Ain’t So!!

Here’s the info direct from Lone Star Q…

Democratic Texas Congressman Joaquin Castro says he’ll boycott Buc-ee’s after the popular roadside megastore chain endorsed right-wing Republican Dan Patrick for lieutenant governor.

“Won’t gas up there anymore since they support a fear mongering immigrant basher,” Castro, D-San Antonio, wrote on Twitter on Monday.

“Wonder how Bucees patrons in Freeport, Lake Jackson stores feel abt their endrsmnt of DP who spoke abt immigrants bringing diseases to TX,” Castro added.

Patrick was the top vote-getter in last Tuesday’s primary, and he is favored to defeat incumbent David Dewhurst in a runoff for the GOP nomination. The winner will face Democrat Leticia Van de Putte, who is Latina, in November.

“To my great delight after our win Tuesday I got a call from the owners of Buc-cees who said they wanted to meet and support me,” Patrick wrote on Facebook on Sunday, above photos of himself with the chain’s beaver mascot and its two owners.

Patrick once said immigrants are bringing “Third World diseases” to the U.S., and he recently called immigration from Mexico an “illegal invasion.” Patrick has challenged Congressman Castro’s brother, San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro, to a debate on the issue. Mayor Castro retweeted his brother’s tweet about Buc-ee’s on Monday.

Buc-ee’s is quickly becoming one of Texas’ most beloved roadside institutions. It’s a must-stop for me any time I pass by one of the flagship stores. Even when I don’t buy a lot of stuff, I love to go in, rest my eyes from the road and just look at all of the quirky items they have on display. And of course, SUCH CLEAN BATHROOMS… I mean it boggles the mind!!

As much as one may love Buc-ee’s, Dan Patrick is reason enough to join Congressman Castro in the boycott. All the Beaver Nuggets in the world can’t make up for the terrible things Patrick says on an almost daily basis. It’s time to send a message to Arch “Beaver” Aplin III and Don Wasek (pictured below with Patrick in the middle) that everyone doesn’t agree with the State Senator’s views. And lest you think that the owners of Buc-ee’s are perhaps naïve of the political sphere, think again. Aplin ran for political office back in 1996 and is a proud Republican, so he knows what he’s getting into. Of course there’s nothing wrong with being a proud Republican, but Patrick’s anti-immigrant, anti-LGBT views are far too extreme.

If you choose to join the boycott, you can also use Buc-ee’s online contact form to let them know why. Let’s find out how much they care about customer feedback.

(photo credit: Dan Patrick Facebook page)

Texas Politics

TexWatch 2014: Vote in the Democratic Primaries!

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First things first, an explanation…

Many readers may be wondering why Texas Leftist has been so mum on the 2014 Primary circuit. It’s due to a combination of factors… Some personal, and some professional. I wanted to sit back and see how the Primaries play out before endorsing particular candidates. I’m still learning about the statewide political landscape, so rather than dive in head-first like in the municipal elections, this is the decision I made for the primary cycle. Once the primary results come in, Texas Leftist will assume a more ‘active’ role, including sending candidate questionnaires to those that make it to the general election.

This decision was certainly NOT because I consider the primaries to be less important… they are absolutely crucial. For the Democrats, it’s even more important that you vote in this Primary election so that statewide political forces (Battleground Texas, etc.) can have a gauge of how their work is going. Remember that in general, a vote to support Democratic candidates is a vote to expand healthcare for our states poorest citizens, to actually invest in the education of our next generation, and to strive for equality of all Texans. These principles are likely to be part of Democratic Party platform.

There a few races however, that I will go ahead and endorse outright… Texas Leftist supports Wendy Davis for Governor, Leticia Van de Putte for Lieutenant Governor and Kim Ogg for Harris County District Attorney. Recent comments made by Lloyd Oliver, Ogg’s opponent, denying the existence of domestic violence against women are inaccurate and misleading. As a result, I have to leave the fence on that race.

As much as it pains me to do so, there is also one anti-endorsement that must be made. Please DO NOT VOTE FOR KESHA ROGERS. She is a “LaRouche Democrat” that openly advocates for the impeachment of President Obama. Rogers is a danger to the entire Texas Democratic party. If any friends ask you about Rogers, tell them to not to voter for her under any circumstances.

Though not covered at Texas Leftist, I highly recommend the following sources to help guide your voting choices for the Democratic Primary…

The Off the Kuff 2014 Elections Page is information central for Houston-area politics. He has a fantastic breakdown of local races, and a few other contests from around the state.

Another trusted resource is the Texpatriate Blog. They have conducted several candidate interviews for the Primaries, kept up with all of the latest developments, and offer insightful analysis of each race and it’s broader implications.

Early Voting is underway now in counties across the Houston area. Please go VOTE!!

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Putting the 2014 Ballot Together

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As the gravitational pull of the 2014 elections weighs ever closer upon Texas, the Republican party’s dominoes seem to be falling in line. Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott is off to pretty massive start, having well over $20 million dollars in the bank for his Gubernatorial campaign. But even all that money hasn’t bought Abbott a flawless start to his campaign, which is good news for Democrats. His only challenger thus far for the GOP Primaries is Tom Pauken.

Texpatriate has done a fantastic job of tracking how the 2014 ballot is shaping up. Here are the basics…

Lieutenant Governor (David Dewhurst) Candidates– David Dewhurst- GOP incumbent Lt. Governor, Jerry Patterson- GOP current Texas Land Commissioner, Todd Staples- GOP current Ag Commissioner, and Dan Patrick- GOP State Senator.

Attorney General (Greg Abbott) Candidates– Dan Branch- GOP State Rep, Barry Smitherman- GOP Railroad Commissioner, and Ken Paxton- GOP State Senator.

Comptroller (Susan Combs- GOP incumbent… retiring) Candidates– Glenn Hegar- GOP State Senator, Debra Medina- GOP/ Libertarian and 2010 Gubernatorial candidate, Raul Torres- GOP and former State Rep., and Mike Collier- Democrat and businessman. Harvey Hildebrand- GOP State Rep is also expected to run.

Land Commissioner (Jerry Patterson) Candidates– George P. Bush- GOP attorney and well named offspring, David Watts- GOP businessman, and John Cook- Democrat former El Paso mayor.

Agriculture Commissioner (Tood Staples) Candidates– Tommy Merritt- GOP former State Rep., Eric Opiela- Former Texas GOP chair, and Brandon Creighton- GOP State Rep.

Railroad Commission (Barry Smitherman- GOP incumbent… running for Lt. Gov.) Candidates– Stefani Carter- GOP State Rep, and Malachi Boyuls- GOP businessman.

With John Cook and Mike Collier (thanks for the tip PDiddie) being the only Democrats in the races thus far, it’s clear that the party is going to have to start far behind the gate. But hopefully not too much longer, as word of Wendy Davis’ decision of what to run for is expected as soon as this week.

Once that big announcement happens though, Texas Democrats have a lot of work to do to get candidates lined up for the remaining 6 statewide offices. Here are some other folks that I hope considering a run…

Joaquin Castro— Though his brother Julian may have pledged to be “Mayor of San Antonio through 2017”, the freshman United States Congressman has made no such pledge to stay in Washington. And given the complete lack of leadership within the House of Representatives, he may just decide that Austin is calling him back. After all he, unlike his brother, spent 10 years in the Texas House of Representatives, and has better name ID than virtually any other Democrat in the state. It would be a big shocker if he were to announce for Attorney General or Lieutenant Governor, and would change the game for Texas Democrats in 2014. Quite interesting how he’s managed to let his brother have so much of the national spotlight. And in the case of a statewide run, that could actually turn out to be a good thing.

Leticia Van De Putte— as Off the Kuff has mentioned, the State Senator is widely considered to be the Democratic frontrunner for the Lieutenant Governer’s race, but she could be a credible candidate for some other races as well. Davis and Van De Putte would be a substantial pair, with both significant name recognition and solid records in the State Senate. Once Davis decides, she’d likely be the next person Democrats will look to.

Ana Hernandez Luna— Another clear and present rising star, the State Representative from Houston is a talented organizer and understands the political game from every side. Hernandez Luna gained national attention for fighting the 2011 sanctuary cities’ bill. She shared her story of being born in Mexico, living as an illegal immigrant, and finally gaining US Citizenship. Her jump to a statewide office would likely help forge new energy among Texas Democrats.

Trey Martinez-Fischer— the State Representative has spearheaded several battles… both within the Legislature and legally against Attorney General Greg Abbott in the Texas Redistricting saga. The skilled politician is known to Texas Democrats as a true fighter, and a statewide office would allow him an even better platform to fight for Texans. His activism has even extended to President Obama, when he attended a private meeting at the White House about the Voting Rights Act.

It’s a risky proposition for any politician, but once they see the flood of money Davis brings in when she announces, I think some brave Texas Democrats will be willing to join the fray.

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Wendy Davis’ Father Passes Away

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Sad news indeed. From the Texas Tribune…

“Jerry Russell, the father of state Sen. Wendy Davis, D-Fort Worth, died Thursday, according to a message she posted on Facebook.

Russell was an icon in North Texas theater circles. He was the founder of Stage West, a non-profit theater company in Fort Worth. Russell died after complications stemming from emergency abdominal surgery. He was 77, according to a story about his death published in online editions of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

Russell’s illness figured into the emerging drama of the 2014 campaign cycle. Davis had been widely expected to announce early this month whether she was running for governor or for re-election to her state Senate seat. But after Russell was hospitalized she pushed back that timetable so she could care for him.”

Condolences have been coming in from Senator Davis’ colleagues as well. Here are thoughts from Senator Leticia Van De Putte, Senator Kirk Watson and US Congressman Marc Veasey, all via Twitter…

Texas Leftist’s thoughts and prayers are with Senator Davis and her family as well.