Democratic ticket underwhelming so far

AUSTIN — As GOP candidates duke it out, debate and switch races to try to get a foothold well ahead of their primary, there's a distinct sound of crickets on the Democratic side as announcements dribble out.

Houston businessman Michael Collier of Houston is campaigning for comptroller. Chirp.

Writer, singer and humorist Kinky Friedman is making another run at agriculture commissioner. Chirp.

Houston lawyer Sam Houston has taken steps to run for attorney general. Chirp. Chirp.

Some had hoped the Democratic ticket would take shape soon after Fort Worth state Sen. Wendy Davis announced for governor, but it's proving to be slow in the making.

There are some explanations.

Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, D-San Antonio, has the best of reasons to take her time in deciding whether to run for lieutenant governor. Her family suffered sad losses this year with the death of her grandbaby, her father and her mother-in-law. She has to be sure that her making the race is right for those she loves at a particularly vulnerable time.

“If my family had not had all these tragedies this year, it would probably be easier, and it would be something we would all relish,” she said.

Sen. Carlos Uresti, D-San Antonio, also must consider his work and family before deciding whether to run for attorney general. While some think Houston's entry makes an Uresti run less likely, Uresti said Saturday that's not the case. He said he simply wants to make a thoughtful decision.

“Some people are saying, 'You have nothing to lose. Put your name on the ballot,'” said Uresti, who like Van de Putte has a four-year Senate term, meaning he wouldn't risk his current office if he runs statewide. But he said that's not the way he would do it: “If I do this, I'm going to do it to win.”

Democrats have time. Filing for office doesn't start until Nov. 9. Those who have put themselves out there so far have their strong points.

Collier has a background in business, including at a big accounting firm, that could be a selling point if the comptroller's race focuses on finances (not a certainty, with opposition to abortion being touted by a top GOP candidate).

Houston, with a name that might entice some voters, got nearly 46 percent of the vote when he ran for Texas Supreme Court in 2008.

Friedman — who ran as a Democrat for agriculture commissioner in 2010 and as an independent for governor in 2006 — isn't unknown. But political scientist Mark Jones of Rice University said the colorful character (whose resume includes the band Kinky Friedman and the Texas Jewboys) is “likely to say or do things that can be utilized by Republicans against the party more generally.” Friedman is running to legalize the medical and personal use of marijuana and hemp.

The ticket-topping race for the seat held by U.S. Sen. John Cornyn so far is gathering cobwebs on the Democratic side.

“We are talking to a number of people who are interested in running for Senate,” Texas Democratic Party spokeswoman Tanene Allison said. “And we believe that we'll have a strong ticket throughout.”

Jones said Democrats who might be considering a U.S. Senate run would have to look at last year's severely underfunded effort by respected former lawmaker Paul Sadler for the seat won by Sen. Ted Cruz.

“If you are thinking of running for U.S. Senate, you just have to look at the case of poor Paul Sadler — 'Do I want to endure that?'” Jones said.

pfikac@express-news.net