Democracy for America, a progressive advocacy group founded by former Vermont Gov. Howard Dean (D), broadened its political efforts in Texas as it endorsed state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, who is running in the lieutenant governor's race.
Van de Putte is running alongside Texas state Sen. Wendy Davis, the Democratic nominee in the governor's race.
DFA announced the endorsement in a Wednesday email to supporters:
You already know Wendy Davis for her courageous leadership in resisting Republican efforts to erode a woman's right to choose. Her campaign for governor is one of the most important races of the year -- but it's just the start of our work to turn Texas around. The Lieutenant Governor in Texas is an important and powerful position, and Wendy will need an ally in that office if she's going to be successful. Leticia Van de Putte is the right person for the job.
The DFA email referred to Davis' June 2013 filibuster of anti-abortion legislation and a question Van de Putte raised as Davis' stand wrapped up: "At what point must a female senator raise her hand or her voice to be recognized over her male colleagues?”:
Leticia Van de Putte is a forward-looking leader who will stand up to the far right. When Wendy Davis led the charge against harmful GOP legislation in the People's Filibuster, Van de Putte stood with her and spoke out against the lawmakers who tried to silence the voices of women. Working with Davis as governor, she will support small businesses, local schools, and equality for all Texans.
In the email, DFA highlighted its early endorsement of Davis in October, which was its first of the 2014 election cycle. The group says it has more than 38,500 members in Texas and 1 million members across the country.
In the November general election, Van de Putte will face either Texas Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst (R) or state Sen. Dan Patrick (R), whoever wins the GOP runoff.
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