As a progressive in Texas, I often find myself in the position of having to bite my tongue when it comes to some of the not-exactly-progressive positions that a number of my fellow Democrats take. Some do so out of genuine principle, which I generally respect, and some do so out of electoral pragmatism, which I try to understand. I do this, as do many of my fellow progressives, because if we've learned anything in this decade, it's that building a legislative majority is a lot more important than bipartisanship. That may not be the best way to run a government, but it is how things are these days, and wishing for an ideal won't change that. So we smile and look the other way as needed, and wait for the hoped-for payoff of a better agenda with fewer bad bills to kill. That's the operating theory, anyway.

So with all that said, it's a genuine pleasure to give support to the candidates who are with us on issues that we have to fight for and need more than just an operating majority to protect and enhance. Candidates like those who have earned the endorsement of the Planned Parenthood of Houston and Southeast Texas Action Fund, who are some of our best allies on reproductive freedom, health care, and women's issues. From the press release:

"We are excited to provide a redesigned website and more functional web experience," said Peter J. Durkin, President of the PPHSET ACTION FUND. "This is an historic election and we want as many people as possible -- our seasoned supporters and especially all of the newly registered voters -- to learn about and vote for the candidates who support access to affordable reproductive health care and common-sense programs that help women and men stay healthy and avoid an unintended pregnancy."