Burnt Orange Report

Van Os Announces For AG

By Vince Leibowitz

San Antonio attorney David Van Os announced Saturday he will be a candidate for Attorney General in the 2006 Democratic Primary. Van Os' announcement came during the annual meeting of the Texas Democratic Progressive Populist Caucus in Houston.

A public announcement is expected early next week.

Van Os' Saturday announcement wasn't entirely unexpected.

In an e-mail sent by Van Os Sunday night, he noted:

To all the price-gougers, rip-off artists, and corporate hustlers, who have been afflicting Texans for too long: You should leave Texas now. It will no longer be a safe place for you after I am sworn in as Attorney General in January 2007. To all the political hustlers of the radical right who've been fooling the people for too long while subverting the Constitution and using government for private power and greed: This is one Democrat who understands you for the con-artists, liars, and power-seekers that you are. You might as well get out of dodge too while the gettin's good. The jig's gonna be up.

Van Os, known across the state for his populist, firey, no-holds-barred style of campaigning and oratory, ran for Texas Supreme Court in 2004 and in 1998.

As an attorney practicing labor law, Van os has served as Associate Counsel for the National Treasury Employees Union; In-house counsel for District 12, Texas, Communications Workers of America; and as General Counsel for the Texas AFL-CIO. Presently, he heads up David Van Os & Associates, P.C. in San Antonio.

In 2003, he sought the unexpired term of Chairman of the Democratic Party of Texas along with former Land Commissioner Gary Muaro, State Rep. Garnett Coleman and Mary Moore when Molly Beth Malcom vacated the seat.

Van Os is the second Democrat to formally announce a 2006 candidacy. Houston attorney Barbara Radnofsky announced earlier this year--after a year-long exploration--that she would seek the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate next year. Also, former U.S. Congressman Chris Bell announced earlier this month an exploratory effort to examine the possibility of running for Texas governor. It is unknown when or if Bell will turn his exploration into an actual candidacy.

With announcements for marquee positions on the 2006 ballot begining so early, it remains to be seen whether or not other Democratic officials who previously sought statewide office will throw their hats into the ring.

Likely contender for governor, John Sharp, has been exceedingly quite over the past few months. Ex-state senator Ted Lyon has also mentioned a possible run for the seat, but has reportedly made no decision.

Ron Kirk, who ran for Senate in 2006 reportedly will not run at all this cycle and it remains unclear if Ken Bentsten, who finished third behind Kirk and Victor Morales in the Democratic Primary, will try to run against fellow Houstonite Radnofsky. Morales, who has almost earned Gene Kelly's "perennial candidate" status has also been mentioned in some circles as a possible candidate again.

Ex-Austin Mayor Kirk Watson is also rumored to be considering another run for statewide office--possibly Lt. Governor or Governor. Tony Sanchez is reported to be leaning against a rematch with Perry in 2006. Former U.S. Congressman Jim Turner of Crockett is also reportedly eyeing the Governor's mansion, but will not be considering a Senate run as many believe. Ex-Congressmen Charlie Stenholm (D-Abilene) and Max Sandlin (D-Marshall) have also been mentioned as possible contenders for statewide office.

Agricultural policy advocate and rancher David Cleavinger of Deaf Smith County announced last summer he may seak the post of Ag Commissioner. East Texan Tom Ramsey may also run for the post again.