As the Nov. 4 election date approaches, residents have been captivated by the race for Governor in Texas. Barbs thrown back and forth between Wendy Davis and Greg Abbott have kept the public watching closely, and they have been thrust into the spotlight more so than any other candidate for any other seat. This is the first time in awhile that a Democratic nominee for the governor’s seat has been vocal.
The race for governor is not the only race going on and isn’t the only one that holds significant weight. The battle between Leticia Van de Putte and Dan Patrick for Lt. Governor features candidates who have differing views.
Dan Patrick is the Republican candidate for the seat. Patrick beat out the incumbent Lt. Governor, David Dewhurst, in the Republican primaries. According to Patrick’s website, he is one of the leading conservatives in Austin.
He is credited with placing “In God We Trust” permanently in the Senate chamber and also placing “Under God” in the state pledge. He is also one of the leading pro-life activists in the state, and has won the Pro Life Champion Award. He also wrote and passed the Sonogram Bill in 2011.
Dewhurst tweeted on Oct. 6, “The federal appeals court ruling was a major victory for women’s health and the unborn #txlege #dpltg.”
Patrick’s opponent, Democrat Leticia Van de Putte, is a senator from San Antonio. She has been in Austin since 1991. Van de Putte’s issues range from immigration reform, to healthcare, to education, and to human trafficking. She is a huge supporter for women rights and is also a supporter of benefits for veterans. She also recommends improving our infrastructure.
Over the years, Van de Putte has been known for extensively working across the aisle, forming relationships with both Democratic and Republican representatives to get bills she believes are best for Texans passed. She has been one of the most vocal female senators in recent years, notably backing Wendy Davis during her 11 hour filibuster in 2011.
“At what point must a female senator raise her hand or her voice to be recognized over the male colleagues in the room?” Van de Putte asked during the filibuster.