Fort Worth Star-Telegram endorses Wendy Davis calling her a “Fighter” and a “Leader”

In an effusive editorial endorsement, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram called Wendy Davis “a tough fighter, a conscientious public servant and an able leader.” Davis brings energy, passion and drive to public service and is willing to take political risks, including standing up to powerful statewide Republican leaders and strong Austin-based lobbyists. Her approach has won over the conservative but civic-minded Star-Telegram editorial board. Keep in mind that the Star-Telegram backed Republican Kim Brimer in 2008.

While newspapers are not as influential as several years ago, theFort Worth Star-Telegram is still a very important opinion leader in Tarrant County. Their rejection of Mark Shelton and endorsement of Wendy Davis is significant.

Shelton’s negative attack campaign reflects weakness

Now, both the Star-Telegram and the news department of WFAA Channel 8 – arguably the most influential television news outlet in the Metroplex – have fact checked Mark Shelton’s ad attacking Davis. Channel 8 concludes after their analysis that the Shelton attack ad is untrue. Each claim made against Davis is rejected. The Star-Telegram agrees that Shelton has no proof to back his false claims.

Over the top, negative ads might seem out of character for the weak-willed Shelton. However, Mark Shelton is especially beholden to statewide Republican leaders like Rick Perry and Greg Abbott, and he is entirely dependent upon the financial support of Austin-based anti-civil justice special interest lobbyists at Texans for Lawsuit Reform (TLR). Virtually every dollar spent to air Shelton’s negative ads has come from TLR. So, the fact that Shelton has surrendered his votes to Rick Perry and Greg Abbott, and has joined TLR in launching a series of false, negative attacks is actually consistent with his weak, passive, follow-rather-than-lead personality.