Lt. Gov: Chavez-Thompson Grabs Early Lead

Linda Chavez-Thompson has declared victory over Ronnie Earle and Marc Katz in the race for the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor. The winner of that contest will face incumbent Republican David Dewhurst in November.

Chavez-Thompson is a former national labor leader who's making her first run for elective office. Earle is a former Travis County district attorney who famously prosecuted Kay Bailey Hutchison and Tom DeLay, among others. And Katz is the owner of a deli restaurant and an outsized Austin personality; he ran unsuccessfully for mayor before making his first foray into state politics.

From the statement just released by Chavez-Thompson:

"Just over two months ago we started a grassroots campaign to stand up for the next generation, and stand up for Texas? economic future. We've traveled the state, and talked to voters from all walks of life. Over and over again, people told me they're tired of the political leadership in Austin turning their heads as one out of three students walk out of high school without a diploma. Simply put, in an information-based economy they don't take kindly to their children and their state's economic future being written off ... On one hand, I?m humbled to have won the Democratic Primary without a runoff. On the other hand, our job is just beginning as we take our message to independent voters, frustrated voters, and working families  who need to be reminded that one non-traditional candidate is not going to let their voices go unheard. We've won this campaign with a limited budget, for one reason. People are ready to hear the truth, and they're ready to stand up for their children's future."