From the Inbox:
State Representatives from across Texas have endorsed Mayor Bill White as the best choice for U.S. Senator, putting White in the endorsement lead for all Senate candidates.
The Representatives’ districts span from El Paso to Dallas and from Brownsville to Wichita Falls. These important state leaders – legislators fighting every day for ordinary Texas families – say Bill White will fight for Texas in Washington. To see the full list of endorsements from State Representatives, visit www.billwhitefortexas.com/statereps.
Thirty-one of the seventy-four Democratic State Reps gave White their endorsement, including seven of the fourteen from Harris County. Not too shabby. The full release is beneath the fold.
For Immediate Release
Thursday Sept. 10, 2009 State Representatives from across Texas endorse Mayor Bill White for U.S. Senate
Legislators emphasize White’s strong leadership and focus on the future
HOUSTON, TEXAS — State Representatives from across Texas have endorsed Mayor Bill White as the best choice for U.S. Senator, putting White in the endorsement lead for all Senate candidates.The Representatives’ districts span from El Paso to Dallas and from Brownsville to Wichita Falls.
These important state leaders – legislators fighting every day for ordinary Texas families – say Bill White will fight for Texas in Washington. To see the full list of endorsements from State Representatives, visit www.billwhitefortexas.com/statereps.State Rep. Rafael Anchia (D – Dallas) said he supports White because of the candidate’s approach to Texas’ future.
Anchia stated, “It’s time to unite behind Bill White as the best choice for U.S. Senate because he understands what’s important to our state’s future. From the beginning of his career, registering voters after the Voting Rights Act in the sixties, and throughout his successful terms as Houston’s mayor, Bill has worked to include Texans of all stripes in politics and policy making. This is the approach we need in Washington now.”
State Reps. Pete Gallego (D – Alpine) and Garnet Coleman (D – Houston) emphasized White’s proven record of strong leadership and character.
“At this critical time in our nation, Texas needs a strong, determined leader at the national level,” Gallego said. “Bill White is focused on the issues that impact our state the most, and committed to making Texas a better place for our children and families. Bill White is a proven leader who will fight for all Texans in the U.S. Senate.”
Coleman added, “Bill White has proven that he knows how to govern, and Texans deserve the best representation available. We need a person of intelligence and compassion to serve us in the U.S. Senate. Simply said, Bill White is the best representation available.”
State Rep. Paula Pierson (D – Arlington) emphasized White’s vision and focus on what matters to Texans.
“I am supporting Bill White because he is without a doubt the best qualified person to serve as Texas’ next Senator,” Pierson sad. “Bill White has repeatedly demonstrated true leadership and vision to get Houston safely through both economic and environmental disasters. Under Bill’s stewardship, Houston led the nation’s cities in job growth. His work resulted in safer neighborhoods, lower property taxes and a better quality of life for everyone in Houston. Texas, and America, will be better off with Bill White in the United States Senate.”
State Rep. David Farabee (D – Wichita Falls) cited White’s energy expertise, fiscal responsibility and support for Second Amendment Rights as reasons for his endorsement.“With decades in the energy industry before he held elected office, Bill White understands how to reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil,” Farabee said. “He’s fiscally sensible because of his upbringing and his years in business. Finally, Bill White is a strong supporter of the Second Amendment and has my trust in protecting our rights.”
State Rep. Rene Oliveira (D – Brownsville) said he supports White because he can win a statewide office.
“Bill White is a good friend and a proven winner,” Oliveira said. “It’s time to elect a Democrat who will not just win a primary but who will be able to win in a general election as well. Bill White will have the support of Independents and even some Republicans, and he will represent all Texans.”
The endorsements for White’s U.S. Senate campaign come on the eve of the Democratic National Committee meeting in Austin, Sept. 10-12. Following the DNC’s meeting, State Representatives Carol Alvarado, Rafael Anchia, Garnet Coleman, Dawnna Dukes, Pete Gallego, Patrick Rose and Mark Strama are hosting a Liftoff Party for White at the Belmont in Austin on Sept. 12 at 8 p.m. For more information and to purchase tickets, see www.bw4tx.com/liftoffparty.Since announcing his candidacy in December, White has spent nights and weekends traveling across the state, listening to Texans’ hopes, expectations, and concerns. As of July 15, the end of the last financial reporting period, more than 3,000 supporters had contributed more than $4.4 million to White’s campaign for U.S. Senate, putting him in the fundraising lead for all candidates in the race.
The son of San Antonio school teachers, White helped build a law firm and managed a successful business before being elected Houston’s mayor in 2003. Since then, he’s been re-elected twice with 86% and 91% of the vote. During White’s administration, Houston led the nation’s cities in job growth, adding more jobs than sixteen states combined. At the same time, he cut property taxes five years in a row and helped seniors with tax relief. White also started a special initiative that gives returning veterans the welcome they deserve with coordinated social services, reductions in red tape, and employment opportunities. After Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Ike, Bill White mobilized an effective disaster response including first responders, businesses and churches. For the compassionate, hands-on leadership after Katrina, White received the John F. Kennedy Profile in Courage Award in 2007. Previously, he served as Deputy Secretary of Energy of the United States.
For more information, please visit www.billwhitefortexas.com. To be added to the press list, please email press@billwhitefortexas.com.Contact:
Katy Bacon
katy@billwhitefortexas.com
713.501.3991State Representatives (District Number – District Office)
Dr. Alma Allen (District 131 – Houston)
Carol Alvarado (District 145 – Houston)
Rafael Anchia (District 103 – Dallas)
Barbara Mallory Caraway (District 110 – Dallas)
Joaquin Castro (District 125 – San Antonio)
Ellen Cohen (District 134 – Houston)
Garnet Coleman (District 147 – Houston)
Dawnna Dukes (District 46 – Austin)
David Farabee (District 69 – Wichita Falls)
Joe Farias (District 118 – San Antonio)
Jessica Farrar (District 148 – Houston)
Pete Gallego (District 74 – Alpine)
Ana Hernandez (District 143 – Houston)
Abel Herrero (District 34 – Robstown)
Scott Hochberg (District 137 – Houston)
Eddie Lucio III (District 38 – Brownsville)
Marisa Marquez (District 77 – El Paso)
Armando “Mando” Martinez (District 39 – Weslaco)
Ruth McClendon (District 120 – San Antonio)
Jose Menendez (District 124 – San Antonio)
Joseph E. Moody (District 78 – El Paso)
Rene Oliveira (District 37 – Brownsville)
Solomon Ortiz Jr. (District 33 – Corpus Christi)
Aaron Pena (District 40 – Edinburg)
Paula Pierson (District 93 – Arlington)
Chente Quintanilla (District 75 – El Paso)
Richard Pena Raymond (District 42 – Laredo)
Patrick Rose (District 45 – Dripping Springs)
Mark Strama (District 50 – Austin)
Chris Turner (District 96 – Burleson)
Michael Villarreal (District 123 – San Antonio)