In the better late than never mode, the The Texas Coalition of Black Democrats last month announced their endorsement of Democratic gubernatorial nominee Tony Sanchez in the November election.

Upon receiving the endorsement, Sanchez said, “I am honored to receive the endorsement of the Texas Coalition of Black Democrats. Your support is extremely important to me and my campaign for governor.” He also might have added “relieved.” Some thought the coalition would have endorsed at the State Democratic Convention in El Paso in June but did not. Although the coalition would not have endorsed Rick Perry, there were whispers that they might not endorse at all.

It’s no secret that the election of Ron Kirk is top priority with the coalition. However, they need to be equally concerned about the race for governor.  Judge Morris Overstreet, president of the coalition, got it right when he said, “From top to bottom, the Democratic candidates offer the best hope for African-Americans in Texas. “Although there are still grumblings that neither the Coordinated Campaign, the Democratic Party or individual campaigns have brought in the resources of enough African-Americans in positions of influence or authority, the African- American community cannot afford to cut off its nose to spite its face by not supporting the whole ticket.  Electing Ron Kirk will be excellent. But while he is D.C., we still have to live in Texas and we should keep that in mind and vote for Sanchez as our next governor.
(Martin is a freelance political columnist living in Austin).