Linda Chavez-Thompson, a national leader within the AFL-CIO and the Democratic Party, plans to enter the Democratic primary for lieutenant governor on Monday, according to a source familiar with her plans.
She is expected to file Monday afternoon at state Democratic Party headquarters.
Her entrance into the race should make the Lietuenant Governor primary the most interesting and exciting for the Democratic ticket.
The governor's race has interesting potential, with Bill White's clout and money combined with Farouk Shami's money. The race for the ticket's #2 is also set to see millions fly around, though, with Marc Katz claiming his family will pour a large cash pile into his candidacy.
But money isn't the only barometer for engaging elections; Katz may even turn into an afterthought. With Ronnie Earle and Linda Chavez-Thompson, I expect a fierce battle for the progressive messaging mantle. Remember, votes aren't bought; votes are corralled with policy ideas and leadership. Chavez-Thomspon, the former AFL-CIO Executive Vice President, and Earle, the former longtime Travis County D.A., each have plenty of that in their own right.
This is just sad, even if it isn't very surprising. Austin Deli Kink Marc Katz wanted to launch his campaign for Lt. Governor today by filing his paperwork. With 4 members of the media in tow, he embarked on a Kay Bailey Hutchisonesque campaign launch. Which of course means it was clumsy and disastrous.
His press conference was to be at a downtown jewelry store that doesn't exist.
He planned to file as a candidate for lieutenant governor, but the filing period doesn't start until December.
He went to the wrong state office.
Oh, if only to be a member of that media entourage, whom I'm going to assume all knew that the candidate filing deadline isn't until December 1. Not exactly a good sign for your campaign when the media are in on the joke, but the candidate isn't. The Statesman's Ken Herman even recorded the whole escapade. It's almost painful to watch, and you almost feel bad for Katz.
I wonder if the first issue on the Katz's Never Kloses Agenda will be a "filing period that never closes".
Marc Katz, the Katz's Deli owner who lost a 2003 bid to be Austin's mayor, announced yesterday he would run for the Democratic nomination for Lt. Governor.
Katz, a New York City native who has lived in Texas since the mid-1970s, becomes the first Democrat to enter the race. The Republican field is not entirely set either, as incumbent David Dewhurst continues to weigh a Senate bid (or await an appointment). If Dewhurst does not run for reelection, Attorney General Greg Abbott is widely expected to run for Lt. Gov.
“I know that I can make a huge difference for Texas,” Katz said. “Being the Pastrami King and lieutenant governor is similar. Decisions should be made on the basis of what’s best for this state. As a small business owner I understand that.
“There’s been enough decisions, and that’s all there’s been. There’s been no action.”
In his campaign, Katz said he intends to stress health care reform, increased teacher pay and lower taxes for smaller businesses.
“This state needs to run like a business” Katz said. “Teachers should be the most elite profession, but they’re not. There are counties in this state without a doctor.
Let’s show a bottom line. If you could show me where you’re making the state better, we could afford you. Otherwise, we can’t.”
Katz also told the Statesman he expected to raise as much as $10 million for the race and would focus primarily on "$50 and $100 donations."
Democrats finally have a candidate for Lt. Governor. Whether it is the one the party will ultimately nominate, however, remains to be seen.
