El Paso Politics

Judge Patrick Garcia, who is pretty much the HVIC (Head Vato in Charge) of the Courts in the County Courthouse has announced his bid for re-election. I'm sure there is a more technical description of the head of the Council of Judges, but I think HVIC pretty much sums it up. Plus, Council of Judges sounds like a title of a Harry Potter book that never got published. Harry Potter and the Council of Judges . Sorry to get off track. My kids have been watching a lot of Harry Potter because of Halloween. Anyway, here is his announcement:

For a couple of reasons, there is going to be more and more buzz around judicial races this year despite the fact that they are usually so boring that even I don't really follow them that closely. But because of questionable acts and convictions of members of the bench, judicial candidates are going to be under more scrutiny than in past years. Plus there will be more hotly contested races this go around. So there is buzz all over the place. For some reason one of the things people have been buzzing about is whether or not Yvonne Rodriquez will stay in the race for the 388th. Despite repeated rumors to the contrary, I spoke with Rodriquez over the weekend and she indicated that she is a candidate for the 388th. There has been talk about her pursuing a Court of Appeals seat, but thats not gonna happen. She has everything printed for the 388th already. She did not completely close the door on pursuing the appeals court job, but she did indicate that it was not likely and that she was...

There is an important round of redistricting hearings set for this week that will play important role in the race for the Congressional race in El Paso. Well, on the Democratic side anyway. On the Republican side it doesn't matter. Whoever the Republicans nominate is going to get beat like they stole somethin'. Here is an article that gives you some background. You may not know it, but redistricting plays a huge role in the El Paso Congressional race. District 16 is one of the districts in question. And the question is whether the Republicans purposely created the maps in such a way as to discriminate against minorities and whether any part of the map diminishes minority representation. (Quick side bar - In my opinion, hell yes the Republicans created the maps to discriminate against minorities and diminish our ability to elect candidates of our choice. Its a big part of the reason why Republicans have such a hard time appealing to minorities. Its also our fault. They know th...

Judge Regina Arditti has announced that she is running for re-election. This is the invitation to her announcement. Analysis to follow later.

Here is the mailer sent out by the O'Rourke campaign that I wrote about earlier in the week.

The Business Professionals of America Club at Mission Early College High School is planning a bon fire and Halloween event for all ages.  Admission is just $2 and there will be live music, food, games, and a haunted house. The campus is located on the campus of Mission College Branch of El Paso Community College. The address is  10700 Gateway East Blvd., El Paso, TX

Beto O'Rourke is already sending mail out to voters. Its really early for mailers and I'm not sure voters are really dialed in for it yet, but it might be helpful to be this early. Which tells me he is going to be campaigning really hard. Which makes sense because he is going after a long-time incumbent. I've asked around and it looks like it was a targeted mailer, meaning it went to certain voters, either in a geographical area (which is most-likely voters on the westside), or based on voting record in key precincts. But it looks like it was a westside mailer. Which makes sense because that is O'Rourke's base. I didn't get the mailer myself but I was told it was a tri-fold piece in letter format. My source's copy was sent to Current Resident, which is a little strange because my sources is a regular voter. I'm told the piece was basically an introductory piece that started to lay out his platform. I'm told O'Rourke mentioned his father in the pi...

This is a blog and therefore largely opinion.  But I do try to get my facts straight and I was wrong about some facts and I want to publicly set it straight. I was told by Don Williams that the Party Chair Danny Anchondo was in fact present at this fundraiser. I got there at 5:40pm and it started at 5:30pm so he must have showed up and left in those 10 minutes.  And Jan Engels, 1st Vice Chair of Tejanos was also there for a short while I was told. So I was wrong with my facts about the Chair being absent and no leadership from Tejanos being in attendance. Don also explained that some judges were out of town due to a judge's conference and that a couple of elected officials had called him to explain why they wouldn't be in attendance. But it was only a couple.  I do stand by my comments and those of others, that say that Don Williams has done more for the Democratic Party in a year than the Chair has in his two terms.  And I also stand by my opinion of the C...

For some reason political rumors tend to swirl around County Commissioner Anna Perez. Every time I turn around, I hear a new alleged political aspiration for Commissioner Perez. But a few people have been curious about Perez and what her future plans are. So I called and checked with Commissioner Perez on Wednesday morning and she confirmed that she is running for re-election and not for the state rep seat. So things are still pretty much the same in terms of candidates in that race, Hector Enriquez has announced and Hector Lopez will likely announce within the next week to 10 days. The reason people are asking is because Perez has had a campaign event but signs have not been posted. Well there are a couple of reasons for that. Number one, its too early. Normally at this stage of the game there have been several candidates announce for a range of seats, but for some reason in this election people tend to be waiting around. I think it will start picking up around mid November. And reaso...

I spoke with City Representative Emma Acosta the other day at a fundraiser and I asked her if she was still interesting in running for Mayor. Rep Acosta was pretty hush-hush about it but did confirm that she is still thinking about. "I'm seriously considering it, yes." Rep Acosta did not indicate if she was interested in running in the recall election or for the next regular election.

Republican Businesswoman Barabara Carrasco has announced her candidacy for the Republican nomination for Congress for the 16th District of Texas.  She touts endorsements from State Rep Dee Margo and State Board of Education Rep Charlie Garza.  Carrasco sent this email out: It is with great pleasure to announce that I have filed paperwork to run for the United States Congress in District 16, located in El Paso and I hope to earn your support. The citizens of El Paso need an advocate in Washington.  We need someone who understands the challenges we are facing here at home and someone who is willing to fight to give us a voice, even if it means standing up to the establishment. The American people are losing faith in government.  It’s time to reclaim the American Dream and restore the greatness of our country for our families and our communities.  I am a twenty-one year resident of El Paso and a small business owner and it is my deep love for family and my country ...

After the Don Williams Fundraiser I took a stroll over to the plazita with a few friends to check out the Occupy Movement. A view from inside the Tee Pee that has been erected. They were in their general assembly and it looks like things are starting to get a little more organized there, but after all this time, they are still debating over their big statement. It's been over a week and they still don't have that hashed out. That is a problem. But it appears that they get side-tracked by stupid arguments. Yesterday an attorney and big time community garden activist brought over a bunch of plants so that they can have a community garden. Hell, I think you could argue they aren't even a community yet. That guy isn't one of the over-nighters, but I guess he decided he wanted them to do the community garden thing. Which is complicated because they don't have a way to water the tomato plants that were bestowed upon them. The other big debate of the meeting? Compost. If t...

Easy call this week. Homeboy of the Week is really easy. Lauro Garza who left the GOP because   "There is no place for Latinos in the Republican Party" The Douche Bag of the Week is a tie between all the elected officials who have benefited from one of Don Williams' slide shows of their event and then didn't show up. You guys/gals are all douche bags.  Look in the mirror, waive and say hi to the douche bag waiving...

The Don of the Democratic Party, Don Williams held a fundraiser and campaign kick-off event this evening that was well-attended by several judges, prominent attorneys, a couple of members of El Paso's legislative delegation, and a large number of the Democratic Party leadership. Biggest surprise attendee of the evening was State Democratic Executive Committee Woman Yolanda Clay. The fact that she showed up for the event was important for Williams. Conspicuously (but not at all a surprise) absent was El Paso County Democratic Chair Danny Anchondo. Its a major dis for the Chair of the Party to not show up to an event involving one of the SDEC's. But again its not a surprise given the fact that so many people within the party were supportive of Don Williams to be the next Chair of the El Paso Democratic Party. In fact, many in the part believe Don Williams has done more for the Democratic Party in one year than Anchondo has during his entire tenure as the Chair. There were several...

"There is no place for Latinos in the Republican Party", said Lauro Garza who heads Somos Republicans which is the largest organization of Latino Republicans in Texas. That is a statement people have been making for years but it is of particular note when its a Latino Republican of the largest Latino Republican organization in Texas that makes the remark. Garza sited several reasons for leaving the Republican Party to become an independent, but pointed to current GOP front-runner Herman Cain's recent remarks about electrifying the border fence. Here is an excerpt from an article published in the Huffington Post : "What Cain said contradicts the Constitution and shows how we were infiltrated by nativist ideas highly hostile towards Hispanics and immigrants," said Garza, who made his decision and spoke to The Huffington Post on Friday. "I am not going back to that dump until the party goes back to the principles held under Ronald Reagan." But Garza didn...

Its just a poster for an event, but it shows exactly why O'Rourke losing Morris Pittle of Two Ton Creativity was so dangerous for his campaign. I know you might not think its a big deal, but I'll tell you what it means. This is probably the coolest art the Congressman has ever been on. There is no way the previous firm that was handling the art could've developed something as cool. Its old school meets new school. I don't know if that was intentional, but it looks that way. I know, it seems pretty inconsequential, but the cool factor means a lot, especially when most races don't usually penetrate the top ten things people care about. From a campaign perspective, the thing Congressman Reyes needed most was a refreshed image. With a poster like this, I can only imagine what the rest of the campaign roll-out will look like. A refreshed image will help him be re-introduced to younger voters. But that only goes so far. There still has to be a plan in place to make it hap...

Early voting started for the Socorro mayoral election. After doing some leg work, it looks like there is not a single Mayoral candidate that is in compliance with election code as it relates to signage. I've done so homework on the candidates in that race and will give some more information on the clients tomorrow. I'm looking for some video from a Socorro City Council meeting that I think would be helpful in your decision-making process if you live in Socorro.

Here is some more information regarding the Constitutional Amendment that is on the ballot. BTW, early voting is already open for that election. When Should I File for Office? New Legislation May Trigger Resign-to-Run Provision By Nanette Forbes/ Texas Association of Counties Legislative Staff  Recent changes to the state election laws and a proposed amendment to the state constitution will affect the time for filing for office in the March primary election. A county official who intends to run for a different office in the March primary election should not file as a candidate before Dec. 2, 2011 and until the state canvass of the constitutional amendment election has occurred. As currently written, Article XVI, section 65 of the state constitution (known as the resign-to-run provision) forces a vacancy in office of a county officer who becomes a candidate for an office other than the one he or she currently holds when more than one year remains on the officer’s current term of off...

There's no doubt about what question I get asked the most lately...people are asking what I think about the Occupy Movement. I have refrained from commenting on it because I have been going back and forth on it and have bee waiting to see things develop and how the movement deals with it. I was also waiting to comment until I had spent some time with the people in the movement. So I dropped by a couple of times over the last few days to check it out. There is a big part of me that is skeptical of the movement. Mostly because it lacks a leadership structure. No matter what, somebody has to be in charge to make key decisions or to at least make sure things run smoothly. The fact that from what I have seen there are a lot of hippies who believe in some kind of utopian movement where everyone gets along and no one is in charge is what has made me skeptical. Since I have only been to the El Paso version, I will frame my comments around those folks. There are a couple of groups in...

Great show. I thought Miguel Juarez and Rep Ortega did well. I guess this is a sidebar to the actual conversation but I have one question for Rep Ortega. WTF is up with those socks? Never wear those in public. They look ridiculous.

I wrote this piece about Dame La Mano back in July. As you know, El Paso can be hell's waiting room in July and Dame La Mano has their people collecting donations during the hottest part of the day at various street corners across the city during those times. Canal 26 ran a story about how Representative Niland had a shelter shut down recently allegedly because of the conditions and other allegations that if true, would probably be against the law. From what I gather, I think there is some sort of connection between the shelter and Dame La Mano. Interestingly the very next day, this comment was posted on the piece I wrote in July: Each year Dame La Mano continues to advance its mission of empowering homeless women in crisis become a positive asset in society, by improving the quality of life through meeting the physical, emotional, psychological needs through self- sufficiency. I welcome you to visit the shelter and become aware of the urgent needs, we are happy that last year we...

Who is going to be? I have heard a few names and things just fizzle out. I really had hoped that Don Williams would've ran for chair. He is exactly what the Party needed to mobilize during a general election, but another opportunity came up and he chose to run for another seat. You can't fault a guy for that... Its getting late people, and we really need someone to step up to be the next chair. I have heard a couple of names that seem like pretty good prospects but nothing as some to fruition. I've heard of at least one name that is a complete non-starter and if this person really does try to become chair, I am going to make it my personal mission that people know what they are in for if that person had the balls to try to be the chair. For Pete's sake people, somebody step up. I am about to start a draft-a-chair movement for one particular person I have in mind if somebody doesn't step up to the plate soon.

Vince Perez held a campaign fundraiser last night at La Hacienda on Gateway. During remarks made to the supporters in attendance, Perez struck back at his opponents who have been critical of the upstart leader. Perez laid out a strong, issue-based critique of his opponents and their track records. This video is the portion of the remarks relating to his opponents. I am also including the introduction of Perez. He was introduced by his father, who is a retired law enforcement officer. As a career cop, one assumes they have seen so much over a career that they would develop an emotional callous that would shield them between their life and the world they work in. My dad was the same way. A tough old man. But as you can see in this video, when it comes to one of his kids, he's a little soft and gooey inside. Mr. Perez mentions his son's opponents as well, and like any dad, swells with pride when talking about his son. Looks like he chokes back emotion as he introduced his son. I i...

Here is some info from El Paso Grassroots about a solidarity event planned for this weekend regarding the Occupy El Paso Movement: You are requested to attend our solidarity event on  Saturday, October 22 at 1 PM.    The  Occupy El Paso  movement is growing exponentially, securing the support of various community organizations and unions. Our intent is to express a unified voice that calls for reform and equity in our community, be it in the realms of labor, education, veterans' affairs, environmental issues, and immigration. Many of you have supported our movement through in-kind donations, holding signs, and writing editorial letters. However, the next phase requires us to take more tangible actions that educate our community on how financial decisions affect us. For example, we ask for accountability in the following : When our schools face state budget cuts, escalating student:teacher ratios,culturally diluted curriculum, stagnant salaries; disclosure is nee...

Continuing with the growing trend of utilization of social media, State Democratic Executive Committeeman and former Visiting Judge Don Williams launched his internet push today. Looks like its also the unveiling of his campaign logo and website as well. What's unique about Williams' push is that he is the first judicial candidate in El Paso to have a multifaceted digital roll-out. Only a handful of other candidates (in any race) in El Paso have done the same and Williams is the only judicial candidate to do so. Williams launched a Facebook page, website, Twitter feed, and a YouTube Page. All of which are either free or of a minimal cost. Pay attention candidates, this is how you create a digital campaign presence in the 21st century. Williams website url is www.ElectDonWilliams.com Facebook:    www.facebook.com/pages/Elect- Don-Williams-for-Judge-388th- District-Court/251789201539462 Twitter:  www.twitter.com/electdonald  

In what will likely be the first debate of the Democratic Congressional primary, Congressman Silvestre Reyes and challenger former City Representative Beto O'Rourke will face off at an event hosted by the Westside Democrats. The location is still being determined, along with a few other details. There will be a panel with will ask questions of the candidates. Since the organization is still trying to get commitments from the other panelists its probably too early to mention their names, but I have been asked to be a panelist. The date is November 21st, which is a Monday. The event will be an early morning debate with an early start, which will likely be around 7:00am. More details to follow as they develop...

There are a couple of fundraisers happening today that I thought I would pass on to you. BTW, that reminds me, if you have a fundraiser or something you would like me to pass along, email it to me. thelionstarblog@gmail.com Vince Perez, candidate for County Commissioner's Court Precinct #3 will be having a fundraiser this evening from 5:30 to 7:30 at La Hacienda, 9515 Gateway West (Gateway west approaching Viscount). The other fundraiser tonight is for former Probate Judge Yvonne Rodriguez who is running for the 388th. Her fundraiser starts at 5pm and is at The Garden in the Entertainment District in downtown El Paso.

Just curious to see what support from my readers looks like for the various GOP presidential candidates. Weigh in.

Okay, time for the awards... Douche Bag of the Week - Herman Cain. What an idiot. Calls for an electrified fence on the border. Then tries to say he was joking, then said he didn't want to take the idea off the table. He almost deserves a lifetime achievement Douche Bag award for that one. Homeboy of the Week - Jose Landeros. He gets the award because of the greatest story I will never blog about. But in a word...AWKWARD!

I noticed something at the EPYD meeting. Despite the fact that there was a room full of candidates in the room, none of them had campaign materials to pass out. Frankly, that is a big time rookie mistake. This year's race feels like its Amateur Night at the Apollo! Go to an event, shake hands, pass out materials and give people a reason to take your seriously! Seriously, this is starting to feel like its such a weak field of candidates that I might confuse it for a municipal election!

With all the class of tramp stamp, the clown car that is the Republican Party's presidential candidates took their road show to Vegas. If you missed it, here is a wrap up. Apples and oranges, and all the candidates gunning for Mitt Romney and Mitt Romney was gunning Rick Perry. Oh, and that fossil Ron Paul once again struggled to remain relevant or anything more than a punch line. Honestly he entertains me. He's always pissed. He looks like an old man that keeps yelling kids to stay off of his grass. At several points during the debate they chose to yell over one another and it had all the dignity of a debate in the Lower Valley or a Socorro City Council meeting. Cain might be the flavor of the week, but the other candidates know what time it is. They were all gunning for Romney which shows they know who the Alpha candidate is in this race. Perry is really interesting though. I told my friends long ago that Perry was a Democrats wet-dream of a candidate because we know how weak...

Word on the street was that former Probate Judge Yvonne Rodriguez was going to change the judicial race she is pursuing soon. But according to Rodriquez, she is staying in the race for the 388th family court and has already had her materials printed. Rodriguez will be joining several other candidates, most notably the SDEC and former Visiting Judge, Don Williams. Rodriguez will be announcing her candidacy on the 20th of this month.

Congressman Silvestre Reyes sounded like a different man according to several attendees of last night's meeting of the El Paso Young Democrats. In what was the largest turnout ever for an El Paso Young Democrats meeting, Congressman Reyes spoke to the attendees about what he's done in Congress and what his plans are for the future. One long-time political observer noted, "...he was on fire last night. It was a different Reyes. He was funny, he had energy, and he seemed like he was already in campaign mode. I don't think I've ever seen this side of him..." I'm a member of the El Paso Young Democrats but I have taken note of the fact that there is clearly a shift of influence within the Democratic Party. Its early in the campaign season, but so far, the El Paso Young Democrats have had the political event of the season so far in terms of turnout and who was in attendance. Congressman Reyes was introduced by Alejandro Guzman, who is the organization's Vic...

 A Tejano legend teams up with El Paso's flagship band in November for Congressman Silvestre Reyes' campaign announcement. The event will mark the official kick-off of Congressman Reyes' campaign for re-election. The announcement was made at last night's meeting of the El Paso Young Democrats. Photo by Ryan Ramos Congressman Reyes and the Tejano legend go way back. Little Joe played an event celebrating Reyes' appointment as Sector Chief during his Border Patrol days. Reyes was the first Chicano to achieve that position and is also the first Chicano to represent El Paso in Congress. The kick-off event will be November 11, 2011. I wrote down the location and ticket information but left my notes on a table. I tried repeatedly and through multiple sources to reach the Congressman's staff to get the information but they have not responded. *UPDATE- The event will be at the Convention Center downtown and tickets for the announcement/concert/dance are $10 available...

The flavor of the week for the Republicans, Herman Cain said something he is trying his best to walk back now. He said he would have an electrified fence at the border. He also talked about militarizing the border with "real guns with real bullets". Cain is now claiming it was all a big joke and we misunderstood. Republicans will likely start blaming the "liberal media" for the remark any minute now (if they haven't already). And mark my words, there will soon be a counter movement within the Republican Party that will push back and attempt to really make an electrified fence a reality. Here's video of the comment. Whats interesting about the video is the fact that he even defends the remark later in the same speech. It wasn't a joke. You can see with your own eyes. He was dead serious. Pun intended. But for the sake of argument, lets pretend he was actually joking. The joke brings up a very big concern for the Republican Party. How does the "par...

Frankly I am unable to wrap my head around why so many elected officials want to be members of the Paso Del Norte Tejano Democrats at this point. I'd expect them to start distancing themselves as long as Blanche Darley is their chair. From The Lion Star Blog by Jaime Abeytia The latest controversy is once again over email. Apparently an email went out from Chairwoman Blanche Darley to membership announcing the next meeting. Normally thats not a big deal, but Darley included a line about working " to assure that El Paso will once again carry the Straight Democratic Ticket..." and then she went on to mention the re-election of a candidate. Two problems with the statement. #1 she mentions re-election of a local candidate that has a primary challenger. In a contested race I'm sure its against the bylaws of even the Tejano Democrats to endorse a candidate before the endorsement process has taken place. Which is made even funnier by the fact that later in the email Darley ...

I've been keeping on eye on several campaigns and rumored candidates now for a few weeks to observe what their campaign activities look like. If I could, I would try to do that with every candidate, but I just don't have the resources to. Honestly, I am baffled at some of the stuff I see. And don't see. So I thought I would write down some free advice to any candidate out there that is interested. Take it for what its worth. #1- Get off your ass. We are approaching mid-October. If you seriously think you are going to be able to win an election, you should've started by now. If you haven't, what the hell are you waiting for. You are burning daylight... #2 - Make sure you have the right team and money. If you don't have both of these things, it ain't gonna happen. There are only a few people in town that know how to run a campaign. You need someone who knows how to develop and deliver an effective message to voters. But above all you need someone who knows how...

I posted this thought on my Facebook wall today and I thought it would be better if I post it here on my blog.  Okay if you are keeping score at what lines have received applause at Republican presidential events this year, they are a) a hypothetical guy dying because of no insurance, b) the number of people the state of Texas executes every year, c) an electrified fence at the southern border, and d) military at the border with "real guns with real bullets". Oh, and they booed an American soldier.  This is what stupid looks like.