Austin restaurateur Marc Katz was finally able to toss his hat in the ring for lieutenant governor as a Democrat after being stymied months back by a complete lack of understanding about Texas election laws. He says his campaign “millions” from out-of-state relatives. We can only hope!

Katz is an affable fellow; makes a great deli sandwich, he’s big, happy, loud. Very loud. A few months ago he announced he was filing for lieutenant governor. A willing press corps followed him from state office to state office (snickering all the way, apparently), until the poor guy finally learned filing didn’t start until December.

So he finally got to file, and yesterday let the media know that out-of-state family members will be donating “millions” to his campaign. Seriously, that’s what he said.

This cannot be welcome news to the Democratic establishment’s preferred lite guv candidate.

Rather than this carpet-bagging liberal, it’s probably safe to say the Democratic elites would prefer the safety of crusading liberal, Ronnie Earle. Remember him? He used his previous office, Travis County District Attorney, to harass political opponents — garnering national fame and liberal love for taking down the unlovable Tom Delay.

But it wasn’t just conservative Republicans he used his office to persecute, um, prosecute. He was bipartisan; the Earle of Travis went after conservative Democrats, too.

Katz says he isn’t running against Earle, but against incumbent Republican David Dewhurst. But Katz still has to actually defeat Earle in the primary, so we’ll see how that works out for them both.

Also considering a run, apparently, is national labor activist and Democratic party “super-delegate” (because in the Democratic Party presidential selection process, some animals are more equal than others) Linda Chavez-Thompson. She brings the kind of inconvenient leftist street-cred that will give Earle fits.

Whoever emerges from the expensive, and possibly bloody, Democratic Primary will still have to contend with Mr. Dewhust’s sizeable wallet and strong record.


Katz Tries To File…

Michael Quinn Sullivan

Michael Quinn Sullivan is the publisher of Texas Scorecard. He is a native Texan, a graduate of Texas A&M, and an Eagle Scout. Previously, he has worked as a newspaper reporter, magazine contributor, Capitol Hill staffer, and think tank vice president. Michael and his wife have three adult children, a son-in-law, and a dog. Michael is the author of three books, including "Reflections on Life and Liberty."

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