Daily Texan endorses David Van Os

David Van Os (photo)
Attorney General candidate












Daily Texan Endorses David Van Os for Texas Attorney General

"While the attorney general has a responsibility to represent the state in lawsuits and issue advisory opinions to state agencies, we feel that the attorney general has two chief duties to voters: consumer protection and a dedication to keep government open.

"Our incumbent Attorney General Greg Abbott, a Republican that was first elected over former Austin Mayor Kirk Watson in 2002, has been strong on one, open government, but weak on consumer protection.

He should be replaced by the more progressive Democrat David Van Os. "It's too bad Abbott isn't presiding over Mark Foley's home state of Florida, as he has spent much of his time in office working to enhance Internet child protection, including creation of the Cyber Crimes Unit.

"He has also fought hard for child support collection, and to keep government more open. But he has been weak on big business, giving most Texan industries a free pass since 2002.

"Van Os offers change with this regard. He has spent 30 years as an attorney, often representing union interests. He is pledging to get tough in the state of Big Oil and stands to be the blue-collar attorney general to Abbott's white collar.

"He reckons he'd serve in a more pro-active capacity against businesses that tamper with public interests. Realistically, this race is shaping up to mirror the 1998 race for a Texas Supreme Court seat between the two men, in which Abbot won with 60.1 percent of the vote.

"Idealistically, the Democratic challenger is the best man to represent all Texans, and the Texan endorses David Van Os for attorney general. "