Ronnie Earle Meets the Press... Without Rosemary
Retiring Travis County District Attorney Ronnie Earle announced before reporters and at least nine cameras that he was endorsing First Assistant D.A. Rosemary Lehmberg in the race to succeed him. He said glowing things, like that she had the best judgement and experience to be District Attorney. And that even though "it's a little awkward" that he's choosing one of his staff members over the other three who are also running for the job, he felt he "had a duty" to come out and support the person he thought would do the best job.
All the while, Rosemary Lehmberg was nowhere to be seen. Where was this woman who Earle was praising, I asked. Earle didn't really know, he said she was "off from work" in order to campaign, but one would think this was a major campaign event for her. All the cameras were there -- wouldn't Lehmberg want a picture with the man who was annointing her? If not, at least to be present to receive all this attention?
This is a mystery to me. I called political consultant David Butts, who is doing work for Lehmberg.
"I think she was basically busy doing other things," Butts said.
