Senator Kirk Watson on the 83rd Session
The Texas Tribune recently published a chart with you listed as the 2nd “most liberal” Democrat in the Texas Senate. Conservatives tend to use the word as a pejorative, but it must be a badge of honor as the Democratic Senator from Austin?
KW: It is what it is. I don’t tend to take much stock in labels — I’ve found the best governing happens when folks are able to throw them away. I’m proud to be Chair of the Democratic Caucus in the Senate and I will say that for more than a year, Senate Democrats have stressed that Texas can do better for people who are here now as well as for future generations. If you mean that, and you govern like you mean that, you’re naturally going to be looking for ways to make progress. If that makes me progressive, then yeah, it is a badge of honor — in Austin or anywhere else.
Democrats are above the crucial 1/3 mark in the Senate, but, to be successful you have work across the aisle, how have you managed to do that as an outspoken progressive?
KW: Being in the Senate probably does make it easier. There are only 31 of us, so, if you are wiling to work at it, you get to know your peers and counterparts pretty well. The better you know folks, the easier it is to work with them. People generally know where we’re coming from and what we’re trying to achieve, and we know the same about them. That usually makes it easier to work toward solutions that everyone can agree on. Besides, because it takes two-thirds of the Senate to pass anything, senators have to seek out coalitions that are broader than political party lines. It really does force us to work together if anything’s going to get done. Continue Reading »
Fired Up And Ready To Serve
Like you, I am a Democrat because of my sense of compassion and responsibility for those in need. As I write this, we are surrounded by the tragic news of the devastation in Oklahoma. We send our thoughts and prayers to the people of Oklahoma and our thanks to the many first responders who are assisting in this very difficult time. I hope that you will join me in making a donation to one of the charities working to help those impacted by this tragedy.
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I am grateful to the TCDP’s County Executive Committee for its confidence and support in electing me by acclamation to follow Andy Brown as party Chair. Andy did a terrific job in his years as Chair, and his hard work strengthened the foundation that his predecessors established. I want to thank Andy for his outstanding stewardship of the party, and I pledge to continue and build upon his important work and that of the many terrific people who have served our party. I am honored to be the first woman elected to serve as County Chair in more than three decades, and I am committed to pave the way for those who will follow me.
We are fortunate to have many exceptional Democratic elected officials in Travis County, and I really appreciate their support and encouragement. I want to thank Congressman Lloyd Doggett and Senator Kirk Watson, both longtime friends, for making a special effort to attend the County Executive Committee meeting at which I was elected. I am very thankful for Senator Watson’s most generous donation to the party to help insure a successful transition.
Please consider joining Senator Watson in supporting our party with a donation today.
