CD 23: The Perfect Storm?

There are those who say that CD 23 will not be won by a Democrat this cycle, but that this cycle will crash enough gates and bloody Henry Bonillia (R-San Antonio) enough to make it more than just a possibility next cycle.

To borrow from a phrase that Libertarian bloggers have used in reference to CD-22 lately, I believe that Redistricting has, perhaps, created the “perfect storm” in that district that could well result in an early retirement for Bonillia.

First of all, there are at least two candidates in CD-23 right now who will (and, by all accounts, should) give Bonillia a run for his money this cycle.

Obviously, Ciro Rodriguez is still tops on many people’s list. Although there are some negative rumblings about his candidacy, Rodriguez is a former Congressman with an active political machine and a lot of support—and name recognition. Some polling numbers that came across my desk the other day had Rodriguez polling ahead of a number of potential Democratic opponents—including Albert Uresti. Of course, that poll was done before filing so a complete roster wasn’t tested with voters.

Next is Lunkin Gilliland, also of San Antonio. While he’s not held elective office (though he was an appointed member of the Texas Racing Commission), Gilliland does have impressive credentials. He is a longtime party fund-raiser, and was considered as a possible replacement for Molly Beth Malcom  as state party chairwoman after the 2002 election cycle. He was also active in 21st Century Democrats during its early years when the group was backed in Texas by Bob Bullock, Dan Morales, Pete Laney, John Sharp, Martha Whitehead and Garry Mauro.

There is also Albert Uresti, who has the name recognition and potential to be a major Democratic player in the district.

However, because of the difficult choices Democrats will have to face in this race, I think a runoff is almost unavoidable. But, this fact is one reason I think this year doesn’t look bad for retaking this district.