Two Democratic members of the Texas House have switched parties in a move that gives Republicans the supermajority needed to further solidify their stronghold.
The Democrats — state Reps. Allan Ritter of Nederland and Aaron Peña of Edinburg — officially announced their defections in a news conference today with Gov. Rick Perry, Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst and Speaker Joe Straus.
The move brings the total number of Republicans in the state House to 101. It gives the ruling party, if voting as a bloc, the ability to establish a quorum even if all the Democrats do not show up, approve a constitutional ammendment, and suspend the rules of the House whenever they choose.
Wondering whether El Paso lawmakers are considering or would consider switching parties? Below are their responses:
State Rep. Joe Pickett: "I'm not considering it. I'm going to finish the dance with those who brought me."
State Rep. Chente Quintanilla: "I would never consider that. I tend to be a little bit more conservative...but I would never defect my party because I still think we are the party of the people and not the party of the rich, which maybe Aaron Peña is rich."
State Rep. Marisa Marquez: "No, no, no, no, no. Ultimately, it's just a matter of communication. I don't think defection is necessarily the answer. You don't throw the baby out with the bath water but if we need to do a better job of communicating with our constituency then we need to do that."
State Rep. Naomi Gonzalez: "No ma'am. I am a Democrat. The Democratic Party is strong in El Paso County. It reflects the views of our community and switching over is not an option."
State Rep. Dee Margo ( responding to whether he would switch to the Democratic Party if they had the same advantage that Republicans now have): " No. They don't represent my values."
I believe sometimes some Hispanics forget that, the Republican party has always been the WORST enemy of the Latino community. Examples?...Look at recent bills or proposals. Arizona SB1070,DREAM ACT; just to mention a couple of things. Now, since mid 80's all ANTI-HISPANICS and ANTI-IMMIGRANTS bills have been promoted by GOP politicians. Look at the bills already filed to be discussed by the Texas 2011 legislature; deny citizenship to children born of illegal immigrants, New Mexico: no driver's license to undocumented people, and rescind those licenses already issued. Names? Rep.Debbie Riddle,R-Tomball, Rep. Leo Berman, R-Taylor. Rep. Lamar Smith-R-San Antonio (For years he has been against immigrants)Do the name Russell Pearce sound familiar? and several others. Lawyer Kris Koback affiliated to the Republican party. Have you people tune in to FOX NEWS? What tendency you think they have, politically wise speaking?
The evidence is ample; the examples are many.
If I am still alive in 2012, I will make the point, I will make sure, to remind the Latino community about "all the favors" done that community by the Republican politicians. Beginning with Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison and Sen. John Cornyn (please, honorable senators, NO excuses)
This all I have to say for now, but I will have more facts soon. Verifiable facts, in any case.
Posted by: Bert Chadwick | December 27, 2010 at 12:06 AM