HD 40: Democratic Challenger Charged With DWI

Eddie Saenz, who recently announced he was mounting a challenge to State Rep. Aaron Pena (D-Edinburg) in House District 40 has been charged with Driving While Intoxicated. He was arrested over the weekend and arraigned today. Video from Action 4 news:

What is especially interesting is that Saenz was allowed to go free after being initially arrested on Saturday because police in Mission were evidently swamped with other calls:

Mission police said he would have been charged and booked that night, but the arresting officer found himself inundated with other calls. Given Saenz’s deep community ties, police considered him a low flight risk and officers let him go.

It is unclear if police allowed Saenz to drive himself home.

Saenz’ attorney, Ric Salinas, is no stranger to high-profile cases. Salinas represented Omar Gurrero, the former Hidalgo County District Clerk who was charged with a variety of offenses some time back.

There is no word on what this will do to endorsements Salinas has already received.

It is sure, however, to make this race fall quickly from the radar of top-tier primary contests. Prior to this incident, Pena was likely in for a tough fight against the well-moneyed opponent who enjoys some backing from the Valley political machines. Pena, of course, is one of the so-called “Craddick Democrats” who sided with House Speaker Tom Craddick’s leadership early in the session.

This race was probably among the top five primary contests on either side of the aisle statewide prior to this incident. Since Saenz is still running, and it is still early and other candidates may jump in the race, he has given any future opponents some quality ammunition to work with.

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