David Dewhurst, Texas Lt. Gov., Expects This Election To Be His Last

Texas Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst (R) said he expects the 2014 election to be his last.

At an event sponsored by the Texas Tribune, Dewhurst said he doesn't "expect to run for reelection in 2018."

"I'm leaner today than when I started in politics. I need to go back and earn some money," Dewhurst told the AP.

At the event, Dewhurst addressed his 2014 competitors, saying he doesn't think Sen. Dan Patrick (R-Houston) -- one of his GOP rivals in the race for lieutenant governor -- is qualified for the position. Dewhurst also commented on state Sen. Leticia van de Putte (D-San Antonio), who is running for the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor.

The Dallas Morning News reports:

Dewhurst complimented her and said she’d be “a tough opponent,” though he said her views are more liberal than the average Texan’s.

Dewhurst, asked by Smith if he would play ethnic politics by underscoring the fact Van de Putte is a Hispanic, said he “wouldn’t even think” of doing so.

“I have tried … to reach out and make sure we’re an inclusive state and party,” Dewhurst said. “I’m proud of the fact that I lived in Mexico and South America, … I speak Spanish [and] that Texas is a melting pot. Our diversity has made Texas stronger. So never in a million years” would he play the race-ethnicity card in politics, he said.

For more on Dewhurst's appearance at the Tribune event, go here.