2010: Newspaper Endorsements: Chron for Earle

The Houston Chronicle has endorsed former Travis County D.A. Ronnie Earle in his bid for the Democratic nomination for Lieutenant Governor.

Although Earle is a former state representative, he is best known for his public-integrity prosecutions of high-profile officeholders during his 32 years as the Texas capital's DA. Although some of his most famous cases involved Republicans, including former Houston-area congressman and House Majority Leader Tom DeLay, Earle says his Democratic targets during his career outnumbered GOP officials 3-1. He's proudest of his work to strengthen community justice institutions in Austin and to lower the crime rate.

As lieutenant governor, Earle says, he would be able to work across party lines to reach consensus and avoid paralyzing the legislative process.

“I have a long history of working with anybody who is willing to sit down at the table and work things out,” Earle told the Chronicle editorial board. He says he would relish the collegial give and take in the Senate in shaping policy.