January 04, 2006
Martinez v. Martinez
By Karl-Thomas Musselman
South Texas politics, gotta love it.
The wife of a state representative filed Monday to run against her husband in a South Texas race that both candidates said coincides with an impending divorce.
Democratic state Rep. Armando "Mando" Martinez, a 13-year incumbent from Weslaco, faces a primary challenge from his wife, Jessica Reyes-Martinez. The District 39 seat covers part of Hidalgo County.
Reyes-Martinez, 28, filed as a candidate in the March 7 primary only 30 minutes before the Monday deadline, The Monitor reported in its Tuesday edition. She's making her first bid for public office and is now a homemaker.
"I'm actually running for office, not against him," Reyes-Martinez told the McAllen newspaper. "It just happens he's in office right now."
The two live in separate houses in Weslaco, and did not speak with one another after making short speeches at the Hidalgo County Democratic Party kick-off on Monday night.
Posted by Karl-Thomas Musselman at January 4, 2006 02:45 PM
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And before anyone jumps on me about being racist or some junk, the headline reads as it does only because it's a bit cathier than Martinez v. Reyes-Martinez. But if someone would like to clarify what the official use would be, do feel free to enlighten me.
He's no 13 year incumbent -- that would have put him in the statehouse at about age 15. Mando was a freshman last year.
Now, this is what we call a Family Feud! I can just see the pollsters at their cubicles jokingly shouting to each other, "Survey says?" LOL
Clarification: What do you mean "official use"? Official use of what? It appears Reyes-Martinez has a hyphenated last name, like many women of different ethnic backgrounds. It's as simple as that. I don't see what that could possibly have to do with race.
Could we (Democrats) look any more immature? Mando and Jessica Reyes-Martinez need to keep their personal drama out of our the public perception of our party.
I went to school with both parties and have know Armando for over 23 years. His former wife, Jessica Ann Reyes Pena Martinez, shows aspects of being mentally ill. I stand behind Mando and only hope that his wife's attempt to ruin his career are twarted by her ignorant public displays and violent outbursts.
