Police Report: Former City Rep Limón Allegedly Assaulted Dem Chair

According to a police report, two different current and former elected officials have alleged that former City Rep Lily Limón was involved in an altercation in which she allegedly assaulted them. 

The incident is alleged to have occurred last night during a campaign fundraiser and announcement for County Commissioner Carl Robinson who represents Precinct 4. Robinson's campaign team is Sun Circle, which is run by former City Representative Eddie Holguin and Lily Limón. 

The allegation was made by El Paso County Democratic Party Chairwoman Dora Oaxaca-Rivera and El Paso County Democratic Party Secretary and former EPISD Trustee Isela Castoñon-Williams. 

Typically the El Paso County Democratic Party Chairperson attends fundraisers and campaign events of all the Democratic Candidates seeking office during a primary to help foster unity and send the message that the Party will be neutral in a primary election. That is the likely reason Oaxaca-Rivera was in attendance. 

Robinson appeared to be surprised by the altercation. 

Local media has reported that Limón has not responded to attempts to get comment from her. Limón has a history of issues raised against her regarding her conduct toward other elected officials. She famously feuded with fellow former City Rep Courtney Niland while they sat next to one another on El Paso City Council. It escalated to the point that Niland had to request to be moved from her seating position because of the conflict. 

Former City Rep Ann Morgan Lily switched seats with Niland but eventually went back to her old seat due to similar conflicts with Limón. That fiasco was covered in a Bum Steer article in Texas Monthly. 

It is noteworthy to point out that Limón lost her seat on council when she was defeated by Oaxaca-Rivera's husband who recently won his second term on council but was not present at this event. During that campaign, a very nasty personal attack regarding Oaxaca-Rivera's physical disability was sent out to voters via robocall. 

Campaign Violence & Consulting

Tussles between elected officials and campaign workers isn't a new thing. If you recall a couple years ago a couple of judges threw down (as much as lawyers are capable of doing that) in the garage at the courthouse. The L& J has seen some altercations between elected officials over the years as well. 

But to my knowledge this is the first time I recall hearing about an alleged assault on the Democratic Party Chair. 

Its unclear what the alleged assault actually was, but even if it was a pinch or a poke, unwanted physical contact in politics - particularly at a time when our political climate is so divisive sends a very bad signal. Especially when you consider the aforementioned robocall and Sun Circle's history of negative campaigning. 

Sun Circle is currently representing a few candidates and always trying to take on more candidates. This is probably the first campaign event of the 2022 primary season it already involves an alleged physical altercation. 

Interestingly a long-time ready of the LSB sent me a link to a story that came out today involving one Republican candidate in Florida being recorded on tape threatening to kill an opponent. 

This development will likely affect business for Sun Circle's stable of candidates. Candidates are going to rightfully be concerned about being associated with a campaign that is so clouded in controversy. Eddie Holguin and Sun Circle received nearly $10,000 in funds directly from the Democratic Party - chaired at the time by Iliana Holguin, Eddies wife and current county commissioner. That relationship was so cozy that Sun Circle was officed across the hall from the El Paso County Democratic Party Headquarters. 

The conflict between Limón and Oaxaca-Rivera goes back many years and during that time multiple elected officials have heard Limón shout out insults like "La bruja" and "Vibora"  at Oaxaca-Rivera.

At this point, we almost look as bad as the El Paso GOP. I'm sure Wesley Lawrence feels right at home now.