The Texas Democratic Party hopes to prove at its state convention that though its candidate slate isn't exactly star-studded, it can still be enough to end the party's 20-year losing streak in statewide elections.
Addressing delegates Friday night in Dallas are state Sen. Wendy Davis, the party nominee for governor, and Senate colleague Leticia Van de Putte, who's running for lieutenant governor.
Neither is favored in November, and other Democrats seeking statewide posts face even longer odds. Still, the party hopes to impress independents and young voters with a "more inclusive" platform than the state GOP's. Also by contrast, a leading convention voice will be Houston Mayor Annise Parker, who is gay.
At their convention, Texas Republicans approved a hard-line immigration stance and endorsed therapy to turn gay people straight.
