Let's win 'em all-for Ann, commentary

Gabe Quintanilla (photo)

Let’s win ‘em all—for Ann
By Gabe Quintanilla
Former Bexar County Chair

The past few weeks have been filled with emotions both high and low. The years of scandal are beginning to make mainstream America take note that the self-professed 1994 “Contract with America” in fact was a misnomer—more appropriate was its ideal title “Contract on America.”

Our beautiful Governor Ann Richards faced re-election after reaching national prominence with her keynote address at the 1988 Democratic National Convention.

Her administration, named aptly “New Texas,” was as diverse as our state, with appointments of women and all minorities to commissions, boards, and to the judiciary. Her opponent—the son of the last defeated President.

I remember that well. In 1994, I will never forget the faces of Leo Pacheco our Party Chair, and Oliver Heard. Heard stated the latest internal polls had arrived—and we were heading for a train wreck. Without an immediate infusion of cash, Governor Richards was slated to lose.

The room grew quiet.Never did we feel the governor was vulnerable.
The rest, they say, is history.
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As these final weeks approach, I humbly ask all Democrats to come together. From the top of the ticket to the bottom—both statewide and local races on the line—I ask that we do whatever is necessary to help the Democrats win.
And let us do it in memory of Ann Richards.

When we lost our beloved Governor Richards several weeks ago, it caused a floodgate of memories and emotions to unleash amid our grief and sadness. Personally, I remembered the day Governor Richards came for a downtown political rally. My friend, Judge Karen Crouch, had a special cap designed with the title “Gabe the Hammer Quintanilla.”

Governor Richards loved that cap. When I asked for her autograph, she took my cap off my head and inscribed it with her autograph. That cap has since traveled with me ever since.

As the hours grow late—and as we approach the 2006 election—I urge all citizens to become active.Let us remember the lessons that we learned in 1994. Twelve years ago, we faced a mood of dissatisfaction fostered and encouraged by an alleged “Contract with America.”

Now, it’s our turn. Edmund Burke is known for the quote, “Evil triumphs when good men do nothing.”

I implore all citizens to help the Democrats—statewide, for federal offices, and especially at the local level. And on election night, we can watch Democrats return to power in Congress.

One victim of the 1994 tidal wave, a beautiful silver haired woman named Ann Richards will look down upon us with a twinkle in her eye and a smile as beautiful as heaven itself.
Remember Ann—win ‘em all for her.

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