After the weekend's run-off election for San Antonio Mayor, Texas Democrats can (happily) wave goodbye, for now, to what might be the worst slate of state-wide candidates in recent history.
Taylor claims win in San Antonio Mayoral Runoff. Patrick Svitek. Texas Tribune
It's unclear where Van de Putte goes from here. Much like Wendy (?!?) Davis her trouncing in the 2014 general election has made her fairly unelectable state-wide. Her last hope was to win the Mayor's race in San Antonio and use that to reform her image.
Whether through Democratic apathy or because she's just too far left for the electorate, that's not going to be the case.
Sure, she'll end up OK and will probably get a job as either a lobbyist or working with an advocacy group but, from an elections perspective, I can't help but feel that Van de Putte is finished. Much in the way Davis is done.
It's a stunning end to a ticket that, initially, had some Democrats giddy with anticipation. Hopes that were quickly dashed as it came to be realized that Wendy! Davis was really Wendy (?!?) Davis and that Van de Putte was no match for now Lt. Governor Dan Patrick. (Who is probably among the best politicians in the State when it comes to the nitty-gritty of political strategy and campaigning [and yes, it pains me to say that])
Fielding quality candidates has been an issue for the State Democratic Party for some time now. If you look at the charred remains of their candidate bench, and think about potential spot-holders in the next election cycle, perhaps the leading name for the Dem nominee for Texas Governor is......
Annise Parker.
And there was much wailing and gnashing of teeth.
