Burnt Orange Report

check out the comments on this race on
www.nuecesnews.blogspot.com

under Raymond running for Congress, hmmmm?

On the site el maximo linked to, the only person who stuck up for Henry Cuellar's horrible voting record was someone with the last name Cuellar, calling him a "true demo. of the people" that "we mexicans know who to vote for." If the language in itself is not offensive enough, Cuellar is anything but a true Democrat of the people. Richard Raymond is the real Democrat in this race. He's our only chance to knock off Cuellar

Um..Karl, Aren't you forgetting that Rep. Raymond was one of the few Dems Reps this blog so stridently condemned for voting for both HJR 6 AND the gay adoption ban? Or are we to forgive and forget all that simply because he went to Ardmore and therefore has Martin Frost's endorsement? I'm not sure even Cuellar would have supported something as ridiculous as the adoption ban. Think twice before you start urging your readers to donate money to Raymond. If former Congressman Ciro Rodriguez, a social worker, gets in the race, he would be the only true progressive in the running. Tell your readers to encourage him and other progressive candidates!

As mentioned in the update, though maybe not very well, if Ciro is in the race he's be great as well. It used to be his seat after all. Of course, if Raymond is in Washington then he's not in the Texas House voting on Adoption Bans either then, would he...

henry voted for the real id to keep terrorist out of the country. Democratic officals want to subdue the middle class voter.henry is a moderate demo. that cooperator with both party to pass helpful bill for the people.

Jane,

Not only did Richard go to Ardmore, he was one of the principle architects of the plan.

Richard is a real Democrat. Make no mistake about it. On those two divisive votes that the GOP brought up, he was forced to vote his district. Its a bad situation.

Cuellar introduced a bill when he was in the state house that would privatize underperforming public schools. Raymond introduced a bill this session that would constitutionally outlaw private school vouchers.

Don't let two votes that you disagree with distract from the fact that Richard Raymond is the best candidate and a true Democrat.

David,

If by best candidate you mean the most electable, perhaps you are right. But I am tired of people giving Dem reps a free pass on things, as long as they went to Ardmore. This is a recurring situation.

The idea that Raymond was "forced" to vote his district is ridiculous, especially on the foster ban.

"Richard Raymond and Sylvester Turner represent safe Democratic districts. Raymond is considering a run for congress, and many progressives who would be likely support him in a primary might think twice about it after this vote." -Byron LaMasters, BOR, April 20, 2005

The only thing that forced Raymond to take that vote, in my view, was his desire to run for Congress and be able to not have Cuellar out-homophobe him on the campaign trail.

Far more vulnerable Democrats (based on % Republican in district) voted against the foster care ban. They include Reps. Yvonne Gonzalez Toureilles, Juan Escobar, Pete Laney, Pete Gallego, and Allan Ritter, to name a few. South Texas Reps. Kino Flores, Jim Solis, Rene Oliviera, Abel Herrero, Veronica Gonzales, and 5 or 6 Republicans also found it within their power to vote no. Even Vilma Luna, of all people! Know what the difference between those folks and Raymond is? They aren't running for congress.

That wasn't about being "forced" to votethe district. It wasn't about voting his conscience. It was pure politics.

I'm not defending Henry Cuellar's record in Congress or his character. Ciro Rodriguez was a good congressman, and would make a good candidate, if he can get his campaign act together this time. We need to support progressive candidates and not give Raymond a "Good Democrat for Life" stamp simply because he helped with Ardmore.

I'm with Jane on this one. As a Dem staffer this session, it really sucked to have Rep. Raymond turn his back on equality and justice. Worst thing about was that we all knew he did it because of his campaign. Sure, he's better than Cuellar, but that's not saying much. Hurry up, Ciro, we need you!

thank god voters can see through the evil intent of raymond and his cohorts zariffina ,rubio, balli. henry is a progressive canaidate that changing the demo. party.

Jane,

Raymond isnt getting a free pass just because "he went to Ardmore." As a member of the Redistricting Committee, he stood up and fought against the gerrymandering of 2003. He received a 100% rating from prochoice groups and the Sierra Club. Craddick was so mad at him because Raymond did such a great job at showing the true intent of the Republicans on the Redistricting Committee that Craddick took him off Appropriations for this session. To call Raymond a bad Democrat or even compare him to Henry Cuellar is a joke. You must look at the records. They dont lie. Ciro is a good guy but it is nearly impossible for someone from Bexar county to win this race. Support for Rodriguez might as well be support for Cuellar.

David should used to defending his candidate for not being a true progressive. Who cares if Craddick is mad at him, he should consider how the House Dems feel about him. It's not going to stop. Doesn't he have GLBT constituents? What other wedge issue is he going to vote for on political reasons alone or is it just against gay people? Will he vote to restrict civil rights if he makes it to Congress? He's a real Democrat, except when it comes to upholding equality for ALL people. And the only reason Ciro lost was because of SA's low voter turnout coupled with widespread voter fraud in Laredo.

LOOK AT THE RAYMOND RECORD 6 BILL PASS MAYBE. Look at henry record many bills pass when as a state rep. 15 years. Raymond is a wolf in sheep apparel . a viper that look good outside. But INSIDE many dead bones inside. 15 YEARS AS LAREDO ST. REP. VOTERS SAW THE REAL INTENT.

Cuellar carried school voucher legislation and school privatization legislation three times. He is also heavily, heavily funded by James Leiniger, the right-wing contributor who paid for Grover Norquist, Governor Perry and Speaker Craddick to travel with him to the Bahamas in 2004 to "plan" how to help our public schools.

There's absolutely nothing progressive about that.

Carlos,

In over six months in congress, Henry Cuellar has yet to pass a bill. He has introduced only three pieces of legislation and most of them are resolutions. Thats embarrasing.

Let me take this time to substantiate the rumors of a full Webb County elected official endorsement of Richard Raymond. That having been said, Henry Cuellar's position in South San Antonio is deplorable, and he lacks credibility and resonance in his own Laredo area. His fundraising efforts pale in comparison to other Texas Democratic incumbents, and he still has to retire a rather large debt. Finally, the message of a self-dubbed "pro-gun, pro-business, pro-family" legislator does not fit the 28th Congressional District. Speaking of voting one's district, Cuellar is a proud voter for the REAL ID (one of two Hispanic Dems in House--the other was Salazar's brother in 60% Republican district) and one of four Democrats willing to sponsor DR-CAFTA in the House. The Laredo Morning Times has a lovely editorial written by Cuellar and Cornyn about the benefits of trade-liberalization. Raymond offers a chance for the Democratic Party to have a voice in the 28th. I think that progressives, rural voters, and moderates alike can see the potential...

henry help pass his h.b.anti. gang bill to keep track of domestic and foreign terrorist .Raymond in 4 years has introduce 6 bill. what a go getter for the people.raymond does not get it henry has help all persons regardless of race.demo. party are done put a fork in them.

webb officals are against henry not the voters , like i said henry supports the working peoples.That corrupt bunch of offical are evil they think for their own selfish ways. Power corrupt tell rubio balli arrest for domestic assualt.