The Passing of a Matriarch

I spend a lot of time being critical of Republicans on my blog. But today is a little different. Today I want to acknowledge the passing of an El Paso political icon, the matriarch of the Haggerty family, Eleanor Haggerty.

The Haggerty's have been involved in El Paso politics for many years and from the story I read the other day in the El Paso Times, they clearly were influenced by their mother.

There are more Haggerty's in El Paso politics than there are Gandara's. In fact, they have served in almost every level of local government. A few of them are now Democrats, but they are most known for being the face of the El Paso Republican Party for many years.

I never had the chance to meet "Ma Haggerty", but I wish I had. One look at this vintage campaign commercial featuring the El Paso icon shows the trademark Haggerty streak of toughness that she passed on to all of her sons.



If you've never been to a Democratic Party event, you would be surprised to know that the Haggerty's frequently get more cheers than many of the Democrats. Again, I disagree with some of their politics and Commissioner Haggerty could use a better internal filter before he says things, but one thing is for sure. They Haggerty's are known for being tough and likeable.

A dangerous political combination.

Clearly they got it from Mrs. Haggerty.

As El Paso's most prominent Irish family, I guess its fitting that the news of her passing broke on Saint Patrick's Day.

God Speed Mrs. Haggerty. You leave a void in the El Paso political scene that will never be filled.

Here's an Old Irish Blessing in her honor:

May love and laughter light your days,
and warm your heart and home.
May good and faithful friends be yours,
wherever you may roam.
May peace and plenty bless your world
with joy that long endures.
May all life's passing seasons
bring the best to you and yours!