Rep. Lon Burnam Endorses Thompson, Walle and Rodriguez in Primary

by: Matt Glazer

Thu Jan 10, 2008 at 10:45 AM CST

Today, Lon Burnam made an announcement few elected officials have the courage to make, he endorsed three Democratic Primary challengers and made a clear statement that a vote for Tom Craddick is not only bad for your district but it is also undemocratic.

"I am proud to publicly endorse Brian Thompson (HD 46 - Austin), Armando Walle (HD 140 - Houston), and Sandra Rodriguez (HD 36 - Hidalgo County)," said State Rep. Lon Burnam, "all of whom have shown remarkable courage by challenging Craddick Democrats.  Each of these candidates is extremely viable.  I hope to welcome each of them into the State Legislature next year and take three more votes away from the Republican Speaker."

In 2003, Rep. Burnam was the only Representative to vote against Republican Speaker Tom Craddick.  At the time, Burnam suggested Craddick was ethically challenged.  Many of the Craddick D's share Craddick's ethical lapses.

"Since 2003, the single biggest obstacle to responsible public policy in the state of Texas has been Tom 'absolute power' Craddick," said Burnam.  "Unfortunately, some of my colleagues continue to support the Republican Speaker and enable his failed Republican ideology of starving public education, harming the environment, denying children health care, and making a mockery of our ethics laws."

Rep. Burnam put the March 4th primary into simple terms. "Democrats can vote for the status quo and help re-elect Craddick Democrats, or they can vote for change and send a clear message that Tom Craddick and his right-wing cronies are taking our state in the wrong direction."

"I represent the Democratic wing of the Democratic Party, not the Craddick wing of the Democratic Party, and so do the three Democrats I am endorsing today," said Burnam.  

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In addition to endorsing these three Democratic challengers today, Rep. Burnam has also committed to help each of them raise the funds they will need to be successful on March 4.  Next week, Rep. Burnam will unveil details about a political action committee called "Too Close to Craddick" that he is supporting.