2010: Newspaper Endorsements: Statesman for Chavez-Thompson

The Austin American-Statesman is endorsing Linda Chavez-Thompson in the Democratic primary for governor, declining to support its longtime hometown district attorney, Ronnie Earle:

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.

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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.