The Statesman endorses Linda Chavez-Thompson for Lite Gov.
We believe longtime labor leader Linda Chavez-Thompson can do the most for the Democratic ticket, perhaps especially for Bill White, the party’s probable gubernatorial nominee.
Through her inspiring life story — as well as her potential to draw women, Hispanics and labor voters crucial to any Democratic victory — Chavez-Thompson, 65, can be a compelling candidate.
[…]
And nobody in the race — perhaps on the entire ballot — offers a more admirable life story than Chavez-Thompson. At 10, she worked for 30 cents an hour in the West Texas cotton fields. She dropped out of school in the ninth grade — never to return — to help support her family.
In 1967, she became a secretary for a Lubbock laborers union, a post that put her on course to a 40-year career that ended with her service as the first female executive vice president of the national AFL-CIO. She retired from the labor organization in 2007.
Chavez-Thompson also served as vice chairwoman of the Democratic National Committee.
So in the end, that’s three for Linda Chavez-Thompson and two for Ronnie Earle. This was the toughest decision in the statewide races, and you really couldn’t go wrong with either candidate. LCT is my choice, but Ronnie Earle would make a fine candidate as well.