TX HD 77: It Is A Foolhardy Challenge, But Craddick Has Found A Primary Opponent For Paul Moreno
By Vince Leibowitz on Aug 28, 2007 in 2008 Texas Elections ![[Post to Twitter]](/wp-content/plugins/tweet-this/icons/tt-twitter.png){kind=icon}
Tweet This Post 
Evidently applications are now being accepted for the position of “Craddick D’s” in El Paso.
Marisa Marquez (D-El Paso) has announced she will challenge Rep. Paul Moreno, the state’s senior Hispanic Democrat and the “conscience” of the Texas House.
Marquez claims that Moreno is “ineffective and needs replacing:”
“It’s not an issue of age or experience, it’s about the best decision for my community,” said Marquez, 28, a community relations manager for Texas Community Care and novice to politics.
Moreno, who earlier this year was on the verge of retiring after a string of personal tragedies, said he is ready to fight again for the seat he has held nearly 40 years.
“I’m back in the saddle again, kid,” Moreno said.
The race will be the 76-year-old’s first challenge in more than five years.
Of course, Craddick is likely behind this challenge, and Moreno isn’t afraid to say so:
Moreno said he thought House Speaker Tom Craddick and his allies in El Paso recruited Marquez to run against him. Moreno has been an outspoken Craddick critic.
Marquez said no one recruited her for the race; family and supporters encouraged her.
We shall see, I suppose.
More bile from Marquez:
Marquez said Moreno’s representation isn’t working anymore.
In the ’60s and ’70s, she said, Moreno was a leader. Now, the district has become one of the most dynamic in El Paso with changing landscape and population. Marquez said it’s time for the area’s leader in Austin to change, too.
“People don’t want the status quo,” she said.
Marquez has never held public office, but she said her experience with nonprofit organizations in El Paso shows her commitment to the community. She has worked with ACCION-Texas and the El Paso Empowerment Zone to help small businesses get access to capital.
Some of the problems she said have gone unaddressed in the district include unemployment, low homeownership rates and poverty among many seniors.
“What I can bring to the district is the time and energy to stay effective,” Marquez said.
Look at Moreno’s record. He is effective.
Tweet This Post ![[Post to Ping.fm]](/wp-content/plugins/tweet-this/icons/tt-ping.png){kind=icon}
Ping This Post
Vince! Tell us how you feel, brother. The Rev has no special insights into this race, so my comments are mainly for a little balance. Let’s recall that, as the candidate rightly points out, Rep. Moreno has been a powerful and dynamic leader in the past. However, last session, he filed 2 bills that went no where. He was absent due to health and personal reasons for much of the 80th. And let us not forget that speech he gave on the floor of the House. Alas, that time takes its toll on all of us, and perhaps it is time for Rep. Moreno to allow a successor to his district. No reason to cast the Craddick-stone at her just yet. Wait to see where the money comes from.
Just out of curiousity, Vince, what about Moreno’s record over the last ten years would you consider effective? When was the last time he had a hearing on a bill that he filed? When was the last time he offered a floor amendment?
He was almost completely absent during the 80th, and that hurt the Dems on a lot of close votes. He is never going to be there for the debates that go past midnight. Remember the 66-66 tie vote on giving gaming for the Tiguas? Moreno was absent – his vote would have changed the outcome.
Paul C. Moreno is a Democratic state representative from El Paso, Texas. Born in 1931, grew up in “El Segundo Barrio” of El Paso. After high school, he served six years in the U.S. Marine Corp and saw combat in the Korean War. He then received his BBA from the University of Texas El Paso and his JD from the University of Texas at Austin.
Rep. Moreno first won election to the Texas House in 1967. He is now the longest serving Hispanic elected official in the country, and presides as the Dean of the Texas House. Committed to the beliefs that everyone is entitled to sound legal representation and that all voices should be heard, he is a cofounder of El Paso Legal Assistance and a founding member of the Tejano Democrats.
He has been a passionate and outspoken advocate for the poor, the disabled, the disenfranchised,education and especially his family. In his role as a legislator, he proudly represents constituencies whose voices are not always among the most powerful. Many people consider Mr. Moreno the “Conscience of the House”.
Moreno will go down in history as the Texas State Representative who has stuffed more family members in state government jobs than any other member of the Texas Legislature.
A brother Fred Moreno, got a bone when the Texas Lottery first started in 1992, Fred worked for the Lottery for years, now tends to Paul, compliments of the state. There is Blanche Darley, sister to Paul Moreno who is with the Texas Attorney General’s office. Yolanda Clay, niece to Paul with the Texas Department of Agriculture. Goes on to former son-in-laws, etc. The list is practically endless. We feel everyone should have an “Uncle Paul” in their family.
Is it possible that Moreno has used the Texas State Government as his own personal employment agency for his family or maybe its just a coincidence they all wanted to work for the Great State of Texas…. YEAH RIGHT!
Moreno seeks another term in office. Maybe Moreno just wants another term to get a third generation of Morenos on the state payroll.
Moreno has handed out jobs to family members like some state reps hand out state calendars.
Moreno could just win re-election if his entire “state payrolled family” took a day off from their cushy state jobs and went to vote
As for legislation he has passed since 1967, the total is ZERO… ZILCH.
Paul needs your vote and we need the jobs!