TX HD 77: El Paso Leaders Endorse Paul Moreno Over Likely Craddick Ally
By Vince Leibowitz on Jan 12, 2008 in 2008 Texas Elections
I am very pleased to see people in El Paso stepping up to the plate for the legendary Paul Moreno (D-El Paso). His opponent, Marissa Marquez, is very likely allied to Craddick (we hear she is using a consultant tied to other so-called “Craddick D’s), and even the El Paso Times has noted that the potential for Craddick to interfere in this race is more than high.
Here are some snippets from a Moreno campaign press release on some great endorsements the Dean of the Texas House has received today:
In an overwhelming show of unity and strength, past, present and future community leaders gathered today to endorse State Representative Paul Moreno’s campaign for re-election. A total of 18 current and former El Paso community leaders gathered at Café Mayapan today and pledged their support and hard work to see Moreno return to the State House for his 22nd term.
“Paul Moreno is an individual that is a premier example of what we, as Democrats, are proud to stand for,” stated Congressman Silvestre Reyes. “He is an institution unto himself. Paul has been part of the community for over 40 years now. He has an exemplary record and outstanding credibility.”
The impressive showing serves as a sign to Democratic voters that, even in El Paso’s contentious political atmosphere, bickering is put aside to help a person as respected and accomplished as Paul Moreno.
“I’m honored and humbled today by the outpouring of support that I have received,” declared Paul Moreno. “For over 40 years, I have fought to improve our public schools, expand access to healthcare and make tuition more affordable. It looks like a few people have noticed.”
“For 40 years Paul has fought for us,” added State Senator Eliot Shapleigh. “Now, we need to fight for him. Next session Democrats take back the House- we need Paul more than ever.”
In all, Congressman Silvestre Reyes, State Senator Eliot Shapleigh, State Representatives Joe Pickett and Chente Quintanilla, former El Paso County Judge Alicia Chacon, El Paso County Clerk Delia Briones, El Paso County Attorney Jose Rodriguez, El Paso County Commissioner Veronica Escobar, El Paso Mayor John Cook, two El Paso City Councilpersons, two El Paso ISD School Board trustees, two El Paso Community College District Trustees, two former El Paso County Democratic Party Chairs and one former National President of LULAC endorsed Moreno today.
Here is a full list of the endorsers:
Congressman Silvestre Reyes
State Senator Eliot Shapleigh
State Representative Joe Pickett
State Representative Chente Quintanilla
El Paso County Clerk Delia Briones
El Paso County Attorney Jose Rodriguez
El Paso County Commissioner Veronica Escobar
El Paso Mayor John Cook
El Paso City Councilwoman Susie Byrd
El Paso City Councilman Steve Ortega
El Paso ISD School Board Member Lisa Colquitt-Munoz
El Paso ISD School Board Member Carlos Flores
El Paso Community College Trustee Arturo Huerta
El Paso Community College Trustee Nicolas Dominguez
Former El Paso County Judge Alicia Chacon
Former El Paso Democratic Chair Quieta Fierro
Former El Paso Democratic Chair George McAlmon
Former LULAC National President Belen Robles
Interestingly, Marquez doesn’t have a single endorsement we’re aware of–certainly none of the caliber that Paul has received.
[EDITOR'S NOTE: Capitol Annex, in the interest of allowing free discourse, will not delete this comment, but does note that we believe it to be baseless garbage by allies of Moreno's opponent--VL]
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!
Norma Chavez endorsed Marquez, Morenos opponent. And many of those on the public endorsement list privately want to see Moreno retire. I don’t have an opinion on Marquez, but the fact is that Moreno has not been an effective state rep since the mid-1990’s.