San Antonio Smackdown
By Jim Dallas
There's just no love for Henry Cuellar on Capitol Hill these days (from the San Antonio Express-News):
WASHINGTON — Hispanic Democrats in Congress pulled their support for Laredo lawyer Henry Cuellar today and endorsed Rep. Ciro Rodriguez in a race that is expected to explode into an ugly grudge match.
Rodriguez was instrumental in 2002 in helping Cuellar win endorsements and contributions from Democratic Hispanic lawmakers in Washington, who saw no harm in trying to unseat Republican Rep. Henry Bonilla of San Antonio.
That one-time support turned into harsh rejection today when congressional Hispanic Democrats voted unanimously to endorse Rodriguez, who faces a primary challenge from Cuellar after the Texas Legislature redrew congressional lines.
Some Hispanic lawmakers were angry with Cuellar for turning coat and running against Rodriguez, his former benefactor.
“I was offended,” said Rep. Solomon Ortiz, D-Corpus Christi. “Ciro worked hard for him. Where is the loyalty?”
Frankly, I'm surprised that a primary contest would even be close - Rodriguez is the incumbent, Cullar blew a race he should have won last year, and after kissing GOP butt for years, has made more than enough enemies among Democratic primary-goers. Still, there's a subtle logic to South Texas politics that always eludes me. But there does seem to be an ugly match-up ahead.
In other news, Bill Ratliff has announced his resignation (as expected).
Posted by Jim Dallas at November 20, 2003 06:12 PM
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Yeah, I support Rodriguez. It's an easy choice. Cuellar sucked up to Perry to be appointed Sect. of State, and got into a hissy fit with Tony Sanchez over stupid stuff. Yeah, I supported him last year against Henry Bonilla and would again if he's the Democratic nominee, but Ciro Rodrieguez is one of the best congressmen in our delegation, and I'd oppose any challenge to him.
