Democrats turn out for Tejano meeting in numbers

From L: to R: Top to Bottom: Row 1; Judge Barbara Nellermoe and John Courage, candidate for Congressional District 21. Row 2; Charlie Jones, Tejano Chair, Dr. Richard Gambitta, speaker and Tim Ybarra, candidate for County Clerk. Row 3: Carla Vela, Party Chair, and Milton Fagin, candidate for District Judge. Row 4: Former Congressman Ciro Roriguez and District Judge Andy Mireles.

By the Democrat
a.k.a. Steve Walker

Over 40 excited Bexar County Tejano Democrats thronged to Tito’s Mexican Restaurant on South Alamo, Saturday, July 9th to hear UTSA political science professor, Dr. Richard Gambitta speak on the demographics of the rise of minorities in the Democratic Party.

Gambitta noted that for 30 years, Texas Democrats held 29 of 30 statewide. He reminded Democrats that in the last twelve years Democrats have held zero offices with more Latinos joining the ranks of Republicans.

According to Gambitta the next 30 years will see a rise in minority population that will see three of every four Texans will be either Latino, or African-American or other group such as Asian.
Gambitta believes that minorities need to do more than just vote, but support Hispanic candidates that run for office.

He points out the emergence of women candidates as a boon to the Democratic Party as well.

He told the packed room that Republicans have stolen Jesus and portrayed Democrats as ungodly, un-patriotic and un-American. He said, “My Jesus takes care of the poor. My Jesus addresses health care and education”

He also said that “Tejanos can change the world.”

Gambitta called for a new style of leadership. “Not the cosmetic politics of Republicans that spend millions of dollars for their image and no substance on issues,” he added.

The UTSA professor pointed out that Republicans cannot take the White House without Texas. With the burgeoning increase in Latinos in Texas, the votes should be back in the Democratic column, especially on issues of deficit, liberties and health care.

Elected Tejano officials participating included: Philip Ruiz; State Tejano Chair, Carla Vela; Bexar County Democratic Chair and State Vice Chair of the Tejanos, Charlie Jones; Bexar County Tejano Chair, Pete Mireles and Robert Castaneda; Bexar County Tejano Treasurer and Vice Chair, respectively.

Elected officials included: Judges Andy Mireles, Martha Tanner, Barbara Nellermoe, and Paul Canales. Also on hand were Balcones Heights Councilman Steve Walker, and DemVets Chair Larry Romo.

Democratic candidates included: Milton Fagin for District Judge, Tim Ybarra for County Clerk, John Courage for Congressional District 21, Peter Sakai for District Judge and former Congressman Ciro Rodriguez.