AUSTIN, Texas (Legal Newsline) - A progressive advocacy group is throwing its support behind Texas state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, D-San Antonio, in the race to become Texas' next lieutenant governor.
Democracy for America, a PAC founded by former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean to support liberal politicians, announced the endorsement via an email to supporters on Wednesday.
"You already know Wendy Davis (the Democratic nominee for governor) for her courageous leadership in resisting Republican efforts to erode a woman's right to choose," the email reads.
"Her campaign for governor is one of the most important races of the year -- but it's just the start of our work to turn Texas around. The lieutenant governor in Texas is an important and powerful position, and Wendy will need an ally in that office if she's going to be successful. Leticia Van de Putte is the right person for the job."
The email goes on to state that Van de Putte is a forward-looking leader who will stand up to the far right, and that she and Davis will support small business, local schools and equality for all Texans.
Van de Putte will have to wait for a May 27 Republican run-off election before finding out who her opponent will be in the general election.
State Sen. Dan Patrick, a Houston conservative radio jockey, walloped incumbent Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst in the March 4 primary, capturing 550,769 votes for 41.45 percent of the total vote - exceeding Dewhurst's 28.31 percent vote total.
DFA was founded on the idea that the grassroots are the key to the Democratic Party's success and is committed to fighting to realize a fairer, more progressive America, according to the group's website.
"We believe that the best way to achieve this America is by electing real progressives to offices up-and-down the ballot, all across the country," the website states. "We recruit and train progressive candidates to run for all levels of public office, and we mobilize citizen organizers to make a real difference on issues."
Reach David Yates at elections@legalnewsline.com
Texas Dem endorsed by Democracy for America in lieutenant governor race
