Thanks to McDuff for finding out more on the Juan Garcia for Senate situation. I guess Mr. Garcia has decided to not seek the nomination to take on Kay B. next November. Although Garcia feels the attempt would be “Quixotic” I felt his candidacy would not only have increased Latino turnout during the primary, but the energy could have continued toward November whether he won or lost. Of course, if he did get the nomination, many of us would wonder if he would get “Tony’d” as Tony Sanchez was by Anglo Dems that provided 80% of their vote to Rick Perry. (Yes, I’m still smarting over that fact!)
Let me tell you, the Latino electorate needs more than just stump speeches laced with Spanish. They are demanding Latino candidates–as unscientifically evidenced by many of my readers. A ticket topper would have been great! Nothing has provided more energy to the Latino electorate than having a Latino running (whether good or bad). When Ramsey Muniz ran for Governor under the La Raza Unida Party banner in the 70s, the energy was so great that the LRUP almost caused a Democratic Party loss in the general election and the Dems learned a lesson. Although Danny Morales caused some energy, the more quixotic 1st attempt by the now disliked Victor Morales really added some energy to the electorate–without much Party $input$.
Even though one reader feels Latinos aren’t ready to run statewide, I can only say this: we’ve been running for office a LONG time, including statewide (at least those that have the guts to run at-large). It’s about time for someone to take the plunge–quixotic or not–and get the Latino electorate energized for 2006.
UPDATE: And I’d have to agree with Greg–there are plenty of open statewide seats still open to Democrats and Juan Garcia. Without much movement from anyone else, now’s his chance to get that statewide campaign experience he’ll need for the future.
