QSanAntonio -Local gay candidates face losses after Republican sweep

Rosa M. (Rosie) Gonzalez, Richard Garcia, Jr. and Judge Monica Guerrero

Local gay candidates face losses after Republican sweep
QSanAntonio.com, November 5, 2010

Among the local losses for Democrats in San Antonio were three GLBT candidates who were seeking judgeships. One was an incumbent and the other two were running for the first time.

All three candidates, Rosa M. (Rosie) Gonzalez, Richard Garcia, Jr. and Judge Monica Guerrero, lost their races by a margin of about 30,000 votes, indicating that straight party voting by local Republicans doomed their races as it did for all the local Democrats running for judgeships.

Rosie Gonzales, who faced Lisa K. Jarret for 436th District Court judge, was pragmatic in assessing the vote count. "Bexar County has over 900,000 registered voters, of which only a little over 300,000 voted, and of which I garnered almost 130,000 votes. Oh what a different day it would be if folks only got out to vote."

"Nonetheless, you haven't seen the last of me," Gonzalez said. "I have had a life of public service and I have full intentions of continuing on with zest! I want to thank everyone who voted for me and offered their unconditional support."

Garcia, a criminal lawyer who ran against Republican Scott Roberts for judge of County Court 12, had little to say after the election. A posting on his Facebook page simply read: "Congratulations to all the Republican candidates for their victorious sweep." His immediate plans include a vacation to Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos.

In what turned out to be an acrimonious race, Guerrero lost her bid for a third term as judge of County Court 7 to Republican Eugenia "Genie" Wright. This was the second time Guerrero faced Wright. Four years ago she beat Wright by a margin of 20,000 votes.

"We gave it our all and never ran a negative campaign. We worked hard and we will be back!" said Guerrero.

Guerrero went into the election with baggage that included a public admonishment from the State Commission on Judicial Conduct and an unfortunate connection to the airline ticket scandal that rocked the Bexar County Courthouse last year.

For her part, Wright pounced on Guerrero’s negatives and left no stone unturned in her bid to unseat her rival including running negative campaign ads and bringing the fight directly to the GLBT community.

Wright began attending gay events like the Pride parade and the Stonewall Democrats’ awards banquet. She joined the HRC Federal Club.

Additionally, Wright gave truth to the adage that "politics makes strange bedfellows" by enlisting one of Guerrero’s ex-girlfriends to work on her campaign.

It is hard to assess if any of these machinations had any effect on Wright’s campaign given the dynamic of this election. As one local lawyer told QSanAntonio, "Truth be told, I think Genie's efforts were wasted as each of the Democrats could have been running against a Republican pile of rocks and still lost."

Photos: Election night at the BCUD
Photography by Antonia Padilla, November 3, 2010
The mood was mostly upbeat at the Bexar County United Democrats’ headquarters on Election Night, November 2. However once the early vote totals came in, the festive feeling was quickly drained from the scene, leaving many to wonder what had happened to San Antonio's Democratic machine.

Assessing the election’s impact on the LGBT community
By Dan Graney, President Texas Stonewall Democratic Caucus
QSanAntonio.com, November 6, 2010
Make no mistake about it. Democrats took a major drubbing in the 2010 midterm elections as a wave of anti-LGBT Republican radicals seized control of the U.S. House of Representatives, shrank the Democratic majority in the U.S. Senate and greatly expanded their control of the Texas House of Representatives. The effects of this "red tsunami" were also felt down-ballot here in Bexar County as every Democratic judge, including long-time incumbents, lost to Republicans.

Chavez blockwalks in S.A.
Photos by Elena Guajardo, September 25, 2010
Democratic candidate for Texas Lt. Governor Linda Chavez-Thompson stopped in at the Bexar County United Democrats' headquarters on the morning of September 25 to join a team of about 30 volunteers blockwalking neighborhoods in the central city. Later in the evening, Chavez-Thompson would speak at the Stonewall Democrats of San Antonio's annual awards banquet.

GLBT fundraiser for Congressman Charlie Gonzalez
Photos by Antonia Padilla, QSanAntonio.com, August 28, 2010

Congressman Gonzalez discusses GLBT issues at fundraiser
Photos by Antonia Padilla, QSanAntonio.com, August 28, 2010

Speaking to a group of his GLBT supporters at a fundraiser, Democratic Congressman Charlie Gonzalez gave an upbeat presentation that sought to manage expectations regarding issues important to gay voters.

Gonzalez told the group that starting in September of this year, some members of Congress will become preoccupied by the November election and will be distracted away from many issues, leaving only the interval between the Thanksgiving and Christmas recesses to complete any legislation this year. He said that come next year there may be fewer Democrats in Congress.

The Congressman said that he felt that the elimination of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell was similar to the integration of black troops into the military. "It’s the same principle -- a ‘cousin’ of the issue."

In terms of when DADT might be eliminated, Gonzalez said that after passing in the House, the next move is in the hands of the Senate where 60 votes are need to begin discussion. He said he was hopeful of progress and that "the administration must move forward" on this issue.

When questioned about the military’s survey of service members regarding DADT, Gonzalez explained that the survey was one way for government officials to anticipate problems that may arise when the ban is removed.

In regards to the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, Gonzalez said, "We are so close, yet so far." He said he defers to Congressman Barney Frank and Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin on this issue. He added that he will follow whatever recommendations they might make in their efforts to pass the bill.

Gonzalez made a point of telling his audience that they needed to pay attention to "bottom of ticket" local races especially those for judgeships. "Don’t let the judges get lost in the mix. Educate yourself on these races," he said. "These are people who can impact your life directly."

One of the questions Gonzalez was asked was about his reaction to the announcement that former Republican National Committee Chairman and George W. Bush consultant Ken Mehlman has come out as a gay man.

Gonzalez said he hoped Mehlman was sincere when he said that he would become an advocate for same-sex marriage. "I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt," he said. "I think its ok to have gay Republicans, just like I think its good to have Latino Republicans."

The fundraiser was hosted at the home of Alan Beckstead, Danny Lerma and Steve Annala. Other hosts were George Page, Lynn Armstrong, Olga Hernandez, Dr. Tom De Nappoli, and Mark Walker..

Opening of Bexar County United Democrats Headquarters
August 9, 2010, San Antonio, Texas
Photos copyright by Antonia Padilla

Bexar ‘United Democrats’ to open headquarters
QSanAntonio.com, August 7, 2010

A coalition of Democratic clubs from across San Antonio (including the Stonewall Democrats) have banded together as the Bexar County United Democrats and will open their official headquarters at 1101 Broadway on August 9.

The BCUD offices will have all of the trappings of a campaign headquarters where local candidates can rent an office and take advantage of perks like phone banks, mailing services and a staff of volunteers.

Already, about 41 Democratic candidates have moved into offices in the facility including Nico LaHood, the candidate for District Attorney. Office manager for the new headquarters is former City Councilwoman and Stonewall Democrats Co-chair Elena Guajardo.

"The idea, kind of, is for us to take care of the base vote and allow candidates to go out into persuadable areas and swing voters and convince them," Northwest Democrats Chair Jacob Middleton, one of three people who helped organize the BCUD, told the San Antonio Current last July.

Funding for the BCUD office is coming from the Vote Texas PAC. Democratic campaign veteran Christian Archer told the Current he "predicted a six-figure kitty for this fall’s elections."

The idea for an organization like the BCUD was hatched this Spring after the Bexar County Democratic Party suffered a couple of major setbacks -- the first being the embezzlement of over $200,000 from the party’s back account by its former treasurer. (See related story -- A Troubled Organization -- below.)

The party is now deeply in debt with hardly enough money to pay its bills, much less fund campaign efforts for local Democrats.

A second setback is the rift that immediately developed between party leaders and newly elected Party Chair Dan Ramos, a grassroots organizer who’s expressed little interest in taking direction from party stalwarts. Ramos is the leader of a coalition of South Side community organizers and precinct chairs called the Barrio Boys.

Ramos stunned Democratic honchos last March when he proved victorious against Choco Meza, a longtime party insider and aide to former Mayor Henry Cisneros. With the vigorous endorsement and commitment of support from party leaders, Meza ran on a promise to get the party out of debt.

After Ramos was elected, those same Democratic leaders expressed concern about putting money into party coffers given the new Chair’s promise to clean house, to make changes autocratically and without the counsel of party elders.

In a March 3 interview with the San Antonio Express-News, County Judge Nelson Wolfe said, "I get the feeling that no one is going to be writing checks until there is a damned good sense of where (the incoming chairman) wants to take the party. I know I won't be writing any."

In the same article, Ramos tells the Express-News, "Henry (Cisneros), Nelson Wolff, Leticia (Van de Putte) — all those power players were presuming Choco would take over. Well, I got news for them: Instead of grandstanding, maybe they should do what they said — come up with the money like they said they would."

Although no one with the organization will say as much, by opening a new headquarters office the BCUD circumvents Ramos and the Party’s financial problems and sets about the business getting Democrats elected this November.

The organizations that have signed on to be part of the BCUD represent Democratic constituencies from all parts of the city. They are the Northwest Democrats, the Northeast Democrats, Democratic Women of Bexar County, the Alamo Democrats, the Mission Democrats, the Young Democrats and the Stonewall Democrats.

Middleton told the Current that the BCUD is a "short term alliance." He said the group will deliver updated phone and address lists to the party as well as rosters of newly elected officials. "Hopefully BCUD can serve as a model for the party," Middleton told the Current. ‘This is what the party should be doing every year."

Bexar County United Democrats Grand Opening & Campaign Kickoff, Monday, August 9, 2010 from 5:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. at 1101 Broadway (at Jones). For more information or to volunteer call office manager Elena Guajardo at 210-369-9071.

Primary winners Judge Monica Guerrero and Richard Garcia, Jr.

Victory for two GLBT candidates in primary
QSanAntonio.com, March 4, 2010

Two of the six GLBT candidates running in the March 2 Democratic primary scored decisive victories and will go on to face Republican opponents in the general election in November.

Judge Monica E. Guerrero of County Court 7 successfully fought off a challenge from attorney Deborah Sanheinrich by garnering 69 percent of the vote. Guerrero will go on to face Republican Eugenia "Genie" Wright in November.

Speaking to her supporters at her victory party at an Olmos Park restaurant (see photos below), Guerrero said, "Thank you to all my supporters who made the election win possible. I could not have won without you all. Now on to victory in November."

Criminal attorney Richard Garcia, Jr. staged something of an upset in his run for Judge County Court 12. His opponent, incumbent Judge Michael Mery was the odds-on favorite in the race who garnered numberous endorsements including the Stonewall Democrats of San Antonio and the San Antonio Express-News.

Garcia won with 58 percent of the vote. He will go on to face Republican Scott Roberts in the general election

In a posting on his Facebook page Garcia wrote, "A huge thank you goes out to my family, my friends and my supporters. Your help, friendship, words of encouragement and your vote made the primary election a great success. Now we look to the future of November's general elections. Thank you again!"

A third candidate who's going into the general election is Rosa Maria "Rosie" Gonzalez , running for District Judge 436 Judicial District. Gonzalez ran unopposed in the primary. In the general election she seeks to unseat the Republican incumbent Lisa K. Jarrett.

Three candidates for Justice of the Peace slots lost their bids.

Travis Cox, candidate for Justice of the Peace, Pct 2 Pl 2 lost to Robert "Robbie" Vasquez who garnered 70 percent of the vote.

Mauro E. Garza, owner of the Pegaus bar and candidate for Justice of the Peace, Pct 3, narrowly lost to William Peche by 122 votes.

Albert G. Lopez came in third in a four-way race for Justice of the Peace, Pct 4. The top two vote-getters in that race, Avery D. Walker (27 percent of the vote) and Rogelio "Roger" Lopez (34.5 percent of the vote), will compete in the April runoff.

The Bexar County Democrats held a pot luck dinner on January 4 to mark the filing deadline for the March 2 primary. Louis Hidalgo -- Chair of Precinct 2057, Rosie Gonzalez -- candidate for 436th District Court Judge, Gilbert Casillas -- Chair of Precinct 2114, and Albert G. Lopez -- candidate for Justice of the Peace Precinct 4. Judge Monica Guerrero of County Court 7.

Roberto Flores, Chairman of the Bexar County Democrats, with David Plyar of the Stonewall Democrats. Dan Graney, President of the Texas Stonewall Democratic Caucus with Mauro E. Garza, candidate for Justice of the Peace Precinct 3.

Record number of gay candidates file for March primary
QSanAntonio.com, January 8, 2009

The offices and meeting rooms at the Bexar County Democratic Party headquarters in San Antonio were filled to capacity on the evening of January 4 as local politicos gathered to celebrate the filing deadline for the Democratic primary on March 2. When the party released the official roster of candidates it included six gay contenders -- more than in any previous local election.

"There will be over 100 candidates on the Bexar County Democratic Party Primary Ballot on March 2." said county Chair Roberto Flores. "I am pleased that a number of these candidates are openly GLBT. In the past, we’ve had openly GLBT candidates run for City Council, but having them run in the Democratic Primary is a first for Bexar County."

The list includes one incumbent, Judge Monica E. Guerrero of County Court 7, who is running for her third term. She is being challenged in the primary by Deborah Sanheinrich. The winner of this race will face Republican Eugenia "Genie" Wright.

Lawyer Rosa Maria "Rosie" Gonzalez, candidate for 436th District Court Judge, has no primary challenger. In the general election she seeks to unseat incumbent Lisa K. Jarrett.

Richard Garcia, Jr., candidate for Judge County Court 12. Travis Cox, candidate for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2 Place 2.

Criminal attorney Richard Garcia, Jr. is running for Judge County Court 12. In the primary he is going up against the incumbent Michael Mery. The winner of this race will run against Republican challenger Scott Roberts.

Travis Cox, candidate for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 2 Place 2., is in a three-way primary race with Lauro Bustamante and Roberto A. Vasquez. The winner will face Republican incumbent Bill Donovan.

Albert G. Lopez is running for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 4. Lopez faces four opponents in the primary -- incumbent Rogelio "Roger" Lopez, Deborah Spence, Roberto Vargas, and Avery D. Walker. The winner in the primary will claim a final victory since there is no Republican challenger.

Mauro E. Garza is a candidate for Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3. Garza, who is the owner of the Pegasus Bar, will run against William Peche in the primary. This winner of this race will face the winner in the Republican primary race between incumbent Keith Baker and Bob Behrens.

The emergence of so many local gay candidates appears to be part of a national trend that was described in a recent article in the New York Times. The report stated that according to the Gay and Lesbian Victory Fund, there are currently at least 445 openly gay and lesbian people holding elected office in the United States, up from 257 eight years ago.

The article goes on to say: "One key to victory for gay politicians has been building reputations in their communities as candidates well qualified for the job. Voters who may be uncomfortable with homosexuality in the abstract are often willing to vote for a gay individual they feel they know, political strategists said."