Express-News endorses partisan politics over meeting district needs
I really wish the San Antonio Express-News would spell out their criteria for endorsing a candidate.
Bonilla, a seven-term congressman, is rightly criticized for putting the interests of his party over the needs of his constituents. That was well-evidenced when he sought to allow GOP House members, such as former Majority Leader Tom DeLay, to maintain their leadership posts even if indicted on felony charges.
But Bonilla sits on the powerful House Appropriations Committee, which is important for Texas and Bexar County.
Seniority is no small matter in Congress. Rodriguez had the potential to build on his seven years in office, but he lost his re-election bid two years ago — exceedingly rare for an incumbent.
So by this rational, the Express-News will never endorse a candidate running against an incumbent because of seniority status. This is pathetic. Never mind that the editorial board had good reason not to support Bonilla in the regular election as stated in it’s “reluctant” endorsement:
Express-News Archives : MySA.com
Congressional District 23 deserves true representation, not political grandstanding. We reluctantly recommend Republican incumbent Henry Bonilla, but encourage him to be more responsive to the needs of his district, including the San Antonio area.
Express-News Archives : MySA.com
Bonilla serves on the important House Appropriations Committee. His seniority is an advantage, if he represents the interests of his district.
It’s unfortunate that none of Bonilla’s opponents exhibits the combination of leadership and preparedness necessary to replace him, but perhaps the seven-term congressman will move closer to the people and away from political partisanship.
So what has happened since the November election? The Democrats now control both houses of Congress. And while seniority as the minority party might mean something in the Senate, it means next to nothing in the House. Look at how many people have been appointed to chair positions over people with more seniority by both parties.
Furthermore, if Bonilla wins the seat this time, what on earth makes the Express-News think he will win it next time when the Democrats have time to really organize and get out the vote? Wouldn’t it be better to get a Democrat in now to build up “seniority” rather than wait two years for the inevitable? Oh that’s right, Bonilla is going to become more responsive to his constituents and less partisan if he is re-elected.
Maybe the San Antonio Express-News would be better off listing what the needs of the district are and how the candidates propose to meet them. But I guess that would require a thoughtful response.
Technorati Tags: Henry Bonilla, Ciro Rodriguez, San Antonio Express-News, Texas District 23, Congressional District 23, Editorial Endorsements
Filed under: Bonilla, Ciro Rodriguez, Congress, Congressional District 23, District 23, Henry Bonilla, Runoff Election - December 12, San Antonio, San Antonio Express News, Texas District 23, politics, redistricting, run-off, runoff, texas, texas politics, voters guide
