texas

Patrick, Staples Now on Same Side in Lt. Gov. Race

The political arm of the Texas Oil and Gas Association is endorsing Republican lieutenant governor hopeful Dan Patrick -- a move that could be seen as burying the political hatchet.

The association's new president is former Patrick rival Todd Staples.

Staples announced just five days ago that he was quitting his Texas agricultural commissioner post to head the association.

While he was still agriculture commissioner, Staples competed with Patrick in a bitter, four-way GOP lieutenant governor primary.

A tea party-backed state senator from Houston, Patrick prevailed. He's now facing Democrat Leticia Van de Putte in November.

The Texas Oil and Gas Association's Political Action Committee nonetheless endorsed Patrick on Tuesday.

In a statement, it praised Patrick's understanding "that Texas oil and natural gas producers power our state forward."

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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