The Texas Republican Primary Electorate

Posted on March 3rd, 2010 by Neil Aquino

Incumbent Republican Texas Railroad Commission member Victor Carrillo blames his Hispanic surname for his defeat in the recent Texas Republican primary.

Here is some of what Mr. Carrillo said in an e-mail message to supporters–

“As you now surely know, last night I was defeated (61% / 39%) in my statewide Republican Primary by my opponent, David Porter. Porter, an unknown, no-campaign, no-qualification CPA from Midland residing in Giddings filed on the last day that he could file while I was waiting in Abilene to bury my dad. He has never held any elected office, has no geoscience, industry, or legal experience other than doing tax returns for oil and gas companies.”

Here is the full message.

As the Marshall (Texas) News Messenger reported, there is precedent for Hispanic last names costing Republicans in Texas primary elections.

I have nothing but the back of my hand and a hearty good riddance for Mr. Carrillo. What did he expect from the Republican primary electorate?

If you’re a fair-minded Texan—or a fair-minded person from any place— you see here the nature of the Texas Republican party.

This November, Jeff Weems is the candidate for Texas Railroad Commission who is running on experience instead of on his last name.

Tags: Elections // 2 Comments »

  • ecthompson

    Clearly he wasn’t part of the Republican insiders. If he was he would have been protected. He needed to be on the W-Perry train. Dubya still has a lot of power and influence in Texas. As a matter of fact, I would say that Kay Bailey did something to piss him off which is why she didn’t get his endorsement. 

    Finally, I would say that Alberto Gonzales has Hispanic sounding name. he has done pretty well on Dubya’s train. 

    Thanks for the post. 

  • Neil Aquino

    President Bush # 2 stayed out of it, but his father endorsed Hutchinson. As did VP Cheney. The guy who lost was an insider, but that did not make a difference with primary voters. if anything, the official support for Hutchinson weakened here against Perry. Republicans down here have moved even further to the right then they were when G.W. Bush was being elected. The good news is that the Democrat running for Governor, former Houston mayor Bill White, seems to have a chance.

    G.W. Bush did make efforts to win Hispanic votes. And in fact Perry often keeps quiet on immigration issues. as for the voters however, that is a different question.  

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