Exiles' leader doesn't shy from a challenge Van de Putte's tenacity earns praise from fellow Senate Democrats 08/11/2003 Associated Press ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – Sen. Leticia Van de Putte of San Antonio had just finished her second legislative session as a state senator when her Democratic colleagues chose her to lead their caucus. Less than two months later, she led 10 of those same lawmakers in a historic boycott of the Senate chamber in protest of a Republican effort to redraw the state's congressional districts. The boycott hits its two-week anniversary on Monday. "They are strong. They are strong," Ms. Van...