Austin Chronicle Endorses Bob Vann

I was shaking my head at the Austin Chronicle's endorsement of every single liberal Democrat on the ballot. Then I found this gem, a perfect example of why Democrats shouldn't vote straight-party. They know how much better Constable Bob Vann is compared to his opponent and so just have to make him their token Republican endorsement:

Travis Co. Constable, Precinct 2: Bob Vann

This is not the first time we've endorsed Vann, a Republican, for this seat, but he has served in this office since 1996, and it would be nice to see a viable Democrat making a run for this seat. The Democratic candidate in this race is Adan Ballesteros, but we couldn't bring ourselves to endorse him (or for that matter his opponent, Paul Labuda) in the Democratic primary, and we find no reason to endorse him now. Voters in this district are better off sticking with a known quantity like Vann.

A lot of comments on the article from Democrats upset about the Vann endorsement. But what the comments don't mention is Ballesteros' questionable past including getting fired for possible corrupt activities:

-The DEA made a call to the DPS in January of 1995 to say that they were investigating activities that occurred in 1991 involving Ballesteros, and wanted the DPS's assistance.

-DPS began investigating, and interviewed Ballesteros in May of 1995. After a year and a half of joint investigation by DPS and DEA, a formal complaint was filed against Ballesteros for five counts of allowing confidential informants to import cocaine without interdiction, accepting cash gifts from a confidential informant, and failing to make accurate and truthful reports to his supervisors regarding his activities.

-In May of 1995, Ballesteros was placed on administrative leave (with pay) pending the results of the full investigation.

-When the investigation concluded, most of the allegations against Ballesteros were sustained, and in October of 1997, the director of DPS decided that Ballesteros was to be terminated. His status was changed to "suspended without pay."

-Ballesteros appealed the termination recommendation, and in August of 1998, a full evidentiary hearing was held before the Public Safety Commission. On September 10, 1998, they determinded that Ballesteros was fired for cause.

... Ballesteros is a man of apparent questionable character. He was fired by the incumbent because of his history. He did not fully disclose his legal past. How can a man who was fired for illegal activities have any hope of challenging the Republican incumbent in November?

Lesson: You know you have a pretty disreputable Democrat candidate when even the Austin Chronicle endorses the Republican! Please, Pct 2, do the right thing and re-elect Bob Vann.