The Interesting Texas 23rd Congressional District Race
For many years there has been a winning recipe for election for those that sought a U.S. Congressional seat in the districts on the Texas-Mexican border. The candidate must be Hispanic since the areas have some of the highest percentages of Hispanics in the United States. Although members of the Democratic party they are much like other Democrats in the South a bit more fiscally conservative and socially conservative than their northern colleagues. They support the Democratic party line on most issues and in return get good support for infrastructure improvements in their home districts. On free trade, energy, and defense their Southern instincts protected them well. They have supported free trade with Latin America recognizing that is the lifeblood of local economies and been against the border fence and many intrusive immigration measures. Now in one race that recipe may be changing.
The redistricting of Texas divided it into agreed upon mostly Republican and most Democratic districts with very few “swing” districts. This year there is an interesting election for the Texas 23rd Congressional seat between incumbent Ciro Rodriquez and Republican challenger, Lyle Larson for a swing district.
Mr. Rodriquez is one of the few Texas politicians that has been a major labor based candidate since he entered politics in 1997. He has consistently voted against free trade agreements especially those with Latin American countries. As the only Hispanic elected official in the United States to support the SAVE act which calls for electronic employment verification mandates, increased deportation and enforcement of immigration laws, transformation of police into immigration agents, and heavy penalties for employers he has drawn the fire of just about every Hispanic organized group. In the past, Mr. Rodriquez had been one of the most liberal Democrats in the House but now wants to be seen as more moderate according to statements he made to the San Antonio Express. He has consistently voted for pro-labor bills and is rated at 100% by the AFL-CIO as a pro union advocate. He has opposed any bill that calls for increased immigration measures. Unlike other Hispanic Texas congressmen he took the party line on offshore drilling.
Lyle Larson is a businessman who has been involved with the San Antonio city commission for 16 years. He points to his success in lower taxes, advocating child adoption, and helping the city accommodate the large military growth without increased tax load as being representative of his potential. He labels himself as a conservative candidate. I did have a chance to personally speak with Mr. Larson about his ideas when he was a guest on the “John Barnhart Show“. while I have not had a chance to interview Mr. Rodriquez .
Mr. Larson says that in his district which extends from El Paso to San Antonio he recognizes the importance of free trade with Mexico and Latin America. Rather than oppose trade with Mexico he proposes that more cooperation with Mexico is needed. “Border security can be best achieved if we can get the Mexican government to actively control their side of the border. I propose that American and Mexican legislators meet together regularly on border issues” he says. I asked Mr. Larson, what he thinks about the SAVE act and he told me that he agrees with the concept but understands that care must taken to insure that the system functions correctly.
Another issue the Mr. Larson is concerned about is the Rio Grande River. He feels that that the watershed and usage of the Rio Grande River between the United States and Mexico are being ignored. As a part of his cooperation plan, he wants to make sure that pollution and water usage on the Mexican side of the border are in compliance with existing treaties. I asked Mr. Larson about the current controversies about the Homeland Security Department and its railroading the International Boundary and Water Commission and other local agencies. He replied that he agreed that the Federal government needs to do more to work with local agencies in planning and updating the Rio Grande River. He also stated that he supported plans that local authorities had submitted for building levees instead of fencing.
We discussed the current controversy of Veterans often having to travel long distances to get care from the Texas border to the Audie Murphy Hospital in San Antonio. Mr. Larson indicated that Veteran’s healthcare would be a priority if he is elected. He has considered the idea that Veterans should be given an insurance plan similar to that given to those who retire from the Armed Forces after 20 years of services. I pointed out to him that many Veterans complain that private care contracts have in the past resulted in a situation very similar to that of a Health Maintainence Organization where delays and confusion abound. To that Mr. Larson replied that any plan he would approve would have to prove to be without such drawbacks.
Congressman Rodriquez has moved away from the usual successful recipe for Border politics. To some it might seem he is running for office in Detroit rather San Antonio. His challenger Lyle Larson does seem appropriately engaged in those regional issues that have brought political success for other candidates.