What do you know about our lieutenant governor candidates?

[muse]

I met Maria Luisa Alvarado tonight. She spoke at a women's political event that I attended. It was a small group and informal. There was some sentiment that we should support her because she is a woman. But, I wonder if Ben Grant is more qualified.

Does anyone have strong opinions about this?

I need some help here.

[PDittie]

1. I have met both

and I'm biased, having spent more time talking with Judge Grant than I have Maria Luisa. Grant has a long list of accomplishments:



-- he served 17 years as Justice of the Sixth Court of Appeals. He was appointed by Gov. Mark White and was elected to the position three times.

-- he also served in the Texas House for ten years, six of those as chairman of the Judiciary committee.

His website is http://www.benzgrant.org



Maria Luisa Alvarado is a veteran with a distinguished military career, and is a social research analyst by profession. Her campaign blog is here.

Alvarado led in the primary on March 7, garnering 39.8% to Grant's 38.4%. The third candidate, Adrian De Leon, a truck stop owner from Carrizo Springs, got 21.8 percent. The runoff election between Grant and Alvarado is April 11. Early voting wil be from April 3-7.

[David Van Os]

2. About Ben Z. Grant

Ben Z. Grant is a populist to the core. On the stump he frequently refers to the current situation as tyranny that has stolen government from the people. He was a fire breathing member of the Dirty Thirty as a young legislator, and his sentiments have not changed a bit. And to this contest he brings the stature of elder statesmanship. I can't imagine it being any better than having him as Lieutenant Governor.

This is in no way a put-down of Maria Alvarado. It is only a positive statement about Ben Grant. Maria has all the right populist values; she only lacks experience. I would be proud to be a ticketmate of either one.

David Van Os

[johncoby2]

3. I like Maria, but we are talking about the most powerful position

in Texas. I would hope that we would want someone with experience in the position.

I think this is a major problem with Maria. God Bless her for running, but this is a very serious position and as much as we cant stand Dewhurst, we have to put someone who can challenge on ability.

[PDittie]

4. A photo of Judge Grant and Lloyd Bentsen:

[efhmc]

5. Thanks for this post. I read about both candidates and it would be better

to go with the person who has more experience. I hope that Ms. Alvarado stays for the long haul, no matter what happens. We (Texas Dems)can certainly use her abilities.

[muse]

6. Thank you, everyone

This is very helpful. And, it confirms what I picked up on from Maria Alvarado's visit. I'm happy to hear that Ben Grant is so qualified.

I am sorry to say that when I voted in the primary I had NO clue how to vote in the lieutenant governor's race. I'm embarrassed, but these candidates are so poorly financed that information on them is practically non-existant. Pity the average voter who is less involved in this election cycle than I am.