What about me? So many events of significant impact have occurred in the last ten years. Those significant events required the values that I believe most of us share—compassion, accountability, perseverance, and a belief in the common good. These values are not partisan. They are the innate impulses behind every act of courage, every step toward progress that inspires us to rise together rather than fall apart.

This is the DNA of Texans. Those that are not born and raised here, they adapt or they move on or move back from where they came. You know Texas is your home when someone says they drove to Palo Duro Canyon and you know the towns around there. You know, not because you’ve been to the canyon recently but, because your kin lived in small Texas towns like Hart, Dimmit, or Plainview. You lived to tell stories about the west Texas dust storms, and hunkering down in a storm shelter during tornado season.

In 2006 I traveled extensively. I was reminded of my childhood experiences in west Texas. The hospitality of family and friends in Hart, Lubbock, and San Angelo was as I recall growing up. Life was predictable in those days. You were always welcomed and you always minded your p’s and q’s. To be honest, though, this was the back-in-the-day culture in communities all around Texas. As I traveled those days, I stopped and spoke with folks that were not shy about sharing their struggles. There was no shame, no judgement. After the campaign came to an end, these conversations were what I would remember and miss the most.

So. What about me? Well, I can add more public service related experiences to my biography. More importantly, my commitment to serve the people of Texas remains unwavering, and my work and leadership experiences will provide a balance of caring and can-do, uniquely qualifying me to serve Texans.

For the record, my experience in political campaigns began in 2002 as Campaign Manager for a US Congressional candidate in North Texas. In 2006, I won two Democratic primary elections to become the nominee for Texas Lt. Governor. After 15 months of campaigning, I lost the general election on November 7, 2006. In 2012, I ran unsuccessfully for the U.S. House to represent the 35th Congressional District (TX).

Let’s meet again, or meet for the first time. Let’s have that conversation about your voice, your choice, your Texas. CONTACT me, if I don’t see you first.