Mary Gonzalez Fundraiser

HD 75 front-runner Mary Gonzalez held a fundraiser last night in Socorro. It was held at the indoor rodeo facility where Dora Oaxaca held her campaign kick-off event. I don't know how much money was raised, but it was the first campaign event she's held in the valley that I was able to actually attend and it was impressive.

There was a decent crowd that showed up and it was filled with people from the valley. What was unique about it was the fact that I didn't feel like I was at a campaign fundraiser. It wasn't a stuffy suit and tie affair with wines, cheeses, and small talk. It was beans, brisquit, and abrazos.

It was very Texas, very Socorro.

Cowboy hats, boots, jeans, Spanglish, and an overall good atmosphere.

Beer from a can served through a window that opens to the adjoining bar.

Very down home.

And there was a band that from what I was told was unexpected. They were Los Alegres de Quien-Sabe-Que, I don't remember their real name, but they were good. Played everything from Johnny Cash to Freddy Fender, Little Joe to Dion and the Belmonts.

They were, as we say, ATM.

I didn't get video of her speech or even conduct an interview. I had my gear with me but I felt so comfortable that I forgot it was a campaign event.

I know, you are looking for some substance from me, so I'll give ya what I can. Gonzalez didn't really give a political speech since the event was mostly friends and family. She was pretty ill from what I am told and is still getting over it, so it was meant to be low-key.

Although there was one interesting part. Gonzalez was talking about the events that have transpired lately, and by that I mean the arrest of Willie Gandara Jr, and also about public corruption. She mentioned talking to her younger siblings about running and they asked her “Why, politicians are all corrupt.”

Right on cue, Justice of the Peace Lujan piped up, “Not all of us!”

Which was funny. You remember Lujan right? He's the guy that was the MC for the Quintanilla Pachanga. He is one of the people that gave out cash.

I had a chance to talk with the candidates in attendance as well. Two of the candidates for El Paso County Commissioner Precinct 3 were in attendance Vince Perez and Rudy Loya.

They chatted with one another and spoke with people in the room. They get along very well and I found myself almost forgetting they were opponents as the three of us spoke.

Speaking of chatter, the buzz going around the room at the various tables inevitably led to the arrest of Gandara and whether he would continue to run for HD 75 and continue to be on Commissioner's Court. The people also mentioned Dora Oaxaca in the same breath. 

It wasn't good for either of them.

Final note - The food. Everyone thinks their mom or dad makes the best this or that. That being saind, my mother makes the best chile colorado and tortillas on the planet. 

End of conversation.

A fact that can be verified by a few of my former colleagues over at Noticias 26 and my homeboy Cisco.

Gonzalez has mentioned her families brisket several times. I didn't think it could possibly be as good as she has told me it was. And then I had some. 

It is THAT good. I've had some crappy campaign food in my day, but the plate I had last night was hands down the best campaign food I've ever had. Which is another reason I didn't get video.

I was eating. Constable Bernal had to remind me that I was supposed to be shooting video. So no video. My bad. But its not entirely my fault. If you had that brisket sitting on a plate in front of you, you would be distracted too.