Vote for The True Courage Awards Recipients

Senator Rodney Ellis (Houston): Leading the fight in the Senate against voter repression efforts. Stands up for immigrants and minorities without apology.
Senator Mario Gallegos (Houston): Stands ready to return to Austin to fight the voter ID bill despite still recovering from liver transplant surgery.
Senator Eliot Shapleigh (El Paso): His "Texas on the Brink" report every year and his constant devotion to "the least of those" are example of his ongoing efforts to make government truly represent and serve the people.
Senator Kirk Watson (Austin): Represents what Texas should be! Jumped out front on lots of issues.
Senator Jeff Wentworth (San Antonio). Authored sensible redistricting bill, as he has been doing every session since he was elected a decade and a half ago.

Rep. Rafael Anchia (Dallas). Did a fabulous defense job against both HB 218 and HB 626 in the House. Showed leadership in convincing the Lege to stay out of federal immigration issues. Opens his doors and listens to people. Doesn't concern himself with political calculations.
Rep. Valinda Bolton (Austin). Because she represents what Texas should be! Has demonstrated extraordinary courage in the House. Spoke eloquently on the voter ID bills. Reminded us all that the people affected by the Texas Youth Commission scandal are "our kids."
Rep. Lon Burnam (Fort Worth). Fought effectively to give the Texas Ethics Commission some teeth and make them use it. Always does the right thing no matter the political consequences.
Rep. Senfronia Thompson (Houston). Stood up to the so-called "big dogs" to give a voice to the "little dogs." Never wavered or backed down in trying to get justice. Insists that the rules of the House be followed consistently and enforced fairly. One of the few in Austin who realize she is a spokesperson and protector of the people.
Rep. Mike Villarreal (San Antonio). Filed legislation to limit campaign contributions and create an independent redistricting commission. One of the shining stars this session! He showed tremendous courage when the house was considering suspending the constitution by proposing a compromise measure.

American Civil Liberties Union of Texas Executive Director Will Harrell took an effective bipartisan approach on many issues during this legislative session. ACLU citizen advocate Sonia Santana has given strongly persuasive testimony in support of voters and improved voting systems in Texas. The depth of her knowledge of voting rights is matched only by the depth of her generosity. She's a role model in so many ways.
Advocacy, Inc Laurie Vanhoose testified on more election reform and disability-related bills than anyone and was a leader among those challenging bad legislation in the Legislature.
People for the American Way Joy Authur picked up the reins for PFAW and has done an incredible job of lobbying against Voter ID and for better voting systems. She has exhibited true courage in her passion for getting out the truth.
Texas Election Reform Coalition A tremendous amount of work and heart were demonstrated by all of the groups participating in this collaborative effort to defend voters' rights and make elections generally more accessible, fairer, and more accurate.
Texas Progressive Bloggers These writers and activists have worked tirelessly all session to educate the public about the issues and the political backdrop surrounding our legislators' failings as well as their acts of true heroism. They have been especially attentive to voting rights and ethics issues, often beating the mainstream media to the punch.

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