In response to: Lo, how once-mighty Democrats have fallen, Corpus Christi Caller Times – Feb. 19, 2006

By Maria Luisa Alvarado

The people of Texas, particularly the readership of the Corpus Christi Caller Times, deserve a response to a seemingly rhetorical question about Democratic candidates running for statewide office: “Is this the best the Democratic Party can do?” The Democratic Party supports individuals with a purpose, desire, and conviction to run for elected office. Given such an individual, you will not find him or her running as an Independent or eventually flip-flop out of the idea of running altogether. The Democratic Party consists mostly of individuals that are aware of what candidates must endure to earn the privilege to serve all their constituents. This is likely true for the readership of all the printed media outlets.

As printed in the Caller Times, “Probably one of the most effective eras of state government was when George W. Bush, a Republican, was governor and Bullock, a Democrat, was lieutenant governor. These were two heavyweights who knew their stuff, were true to their political beliefs, but worked to a greater end.” Since George W. Bush was elected Governor without ever holding office, this provides an historical fact that even first-time officeholders can have a short learning curve. Although some might agree that Bush was “effective given true political beliefs,” in retrospect perhaps he might have been more effective if he had heeded the common sense of the people.

As for the statement that, “Dewhurst has emerged as one of the real statesmen in state government. He has learned his craft the old-fashioned way, by doing the grunt work to learn policy, first, as land commissioner, and now as lieutenant governor.” – There is credence to suggest that previous experience of holding office does not equate to effective leadership in a higher elected office. After four years and three special sessions in the legislature, and a court order to legally fund public education, Mr. Dewhurst’s record is hardly one convincing of successful leadership.

There may be in the fantasies of some first-time or long shot candidates that any media entity would endorse him or her. However, in the hearts and minds of candidates with their feet on the ground and their hearts in the right place, the surest endorsement is that of the person that just shook your hand and said, “You’ve got my vote.”