Good article on Dallas' new Sheriff: openly gay, Hispanic, Democrat.

[crispini]

I found this piece absolutely inspirational & actually teared up a couple of times reading it. Give us more ass-kicking deeply sincere amazing Democrats like this woman and we'll take over the world.

Outsider role has always suited Valdez

11:49 PM CST on Saturday, January 1, 2005

By JAMES M. O'NEILL / The Dallas Morning News

(snip)

Immediately after Lupe Valdez's surprising victory in November to become Dallas County's first Democratic sheriff in three decades – and its first-ever Latina sheriff – the Big Question reared. Can she do it? Can Sheriff Valdez, who took office Saturday, win the respect of the Sheriff's Department employees? Can the ultimate outsider with little management experience oversee a $90 million budget, a jail that holds 7,000 prisoners and a 1,700-person department known historically for its fraternal, insider ways?

Those who know Lupe Valdez thought the Big Question a silly one.

"How do you think she survived the past 25 years working in federal law enforcement – you don't think that's a good ol' boy environment?" said longtime friend Kathy Harper. "She's spent her whole life trying to overcome odds.

"People underestimate her."

(snip)



http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/010205dnmetlupevaldez.659a7.html

[tx_dem41]

1. I live in Dallas County, and voted for Lupe...

I'm looking forward to what her election portends for Democrats in Dallas County. The wave is coming, although its not based on any great ideological shift. Its a demographic shift.

[AstronautGirl7]

2. It is a good sign

[Skittles]

3. she is one heck of a lady

I LOVE women like her - the trendsetters, the go-getters, the ones who never let themselves be defined by society. The difference between her and a lot of other gals like her (they exist, believe me) is that Lupe is ULTRA-SUCCESSFUL at it. I wish her the best of luck. Go get 'em LUPE!!! :D