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District 21: The Retirement of Senator Judith Zaffirini in 2008. (Exclusive) Report and Commentary by Joe Solis/South Texas Republicans

2/16/2008

We love South Texas politics.  It is rough, mean and totally unpredictable. We also adore stories our friends in the mainstream establishment media refuse to cover.  The William Randolph Hearst Corporation owns both the Laredo Morning Times and the San Antonio Express-News.  "Citizen Kane" does not want you to hear this unique story for some reason.  We are an alternative voice for liberty in South Texas. All pictures from The Walker Report Blog The voice of a candidate on the ballot has not been heard.  Rene Barrientos is challenging State Senator Judith Zaffirini in the upcoming Democratic primary.  He would like her retirement to start in 2008. Why? He believes the district is ready for change after 21 years. These long-term incumbents are dinosaurs in 2008.  21 years!!!  Why don't they understand that we want fresh ideas?  We want a form of leadership that is open and dynamic.  My contacts in WebbCounty and District 21 are tired of living in fear of the powerful state senator.  They want to be liberated once and for all. South Texas Republicans conducted an exclusive interview with Rene Barrientos Wednesday afternoon.  He told us why he is challenging the status quo in Senate District 21. It is not about the state senator as a person.  He wants to bring change the citizens of the district can believe in. This is a voice for reform in Senate District 21. Let me make one prediction before I present his candid remarks. State Senator Judith Zaffirini should be ready for a March surprise.  It will be a political hurricane that will hit when she least expects it.  The whisper campaign in South Texas has already started.  This is what they are saying: The limited number of Republicans in WebbCounty will be voting in the Democratic primary. They have nothing to lose at this point.  They will be voting for Barrientos because they want changes after 21 brutal years. The intellectual community in Laredo is leading the movement.  They feel like political prisoners who want to taste the sweet fruit of liberty.  It is for this reason they are for Barrientos.  They are excited and fired up. After 21 years of serving, folks are saying enough is enough.    The silent majority in the district is tired of living in valley of darkness.  They want light to shine upon their faces in 2008 with the rise of the warm sun.  It has been cold for far too long for citizens of the district.   Word about this challenge is spreading in Laredo and they have one request.  When will Barrientos speak to us?  I say it is coming and it will hit very soon based on what I heard.  The following is the first step in that march.  This long campaign for freedom, liberty and reform in Senate District 21 may not be successful, but revolutions are started by brave souls who are willing to challenge those in power. Will Rene Barrientos retire State Senator Judith Zaffirini in 2008?   That is his goal for the good of the people.         The following "snap shots" are from the interview with Mr. Rene Barrientos, candidate for District 21.  His name is above State Senator Judith Zaffirini on the ballot in the Democratic primary. Mr. Louis Bruni is the Republican general election challenger.  Enjoy! About South Texas Republicans: He described our newsletter as "candid" because we offer "honest criticism."  Mr. Barrientos likes our online publication because it is "issues orientated." He said we are "well read in Austin circles" and we are "inclusive" unlike the GOP.   Manner of Financing Campaigns: This is the core of his campaign for reform.  It his belief that our current system "disenfranchises teachers, small business owners and the youth" of this state since they do not have the ability to make big political donations.  "Mid to lower income" people do not have the "means to contribute."  These individuals have "been excluded" because they "can't afford to have access" to the public officials. You are "naïve to think" that a "$25,000" donation will not allow you to obtain the "cell phone" number of the elected official for "direct" access.   These big donations guarantee that your "calls will get returned" by individuals including he "chief of staff."  These "lobbyists" are "paid in the millions."  Powerful donors in the construction industry are the one responsible for new homes only having a "warranty for 2 years."  You are essentially on your own if the "foundation splits."   Proposal for Political Contributions: Mr. Barrientos believes that elected officials are abusing their campaign accounts to fund "vehicle usage and travel" that is not applicable to their positions.  They have become "personal piggy banks".  He is recommending that all "political donations" be "taxable at 35%."  "Why get it tax free?"  I asked him about the campaign finances of the senator.  He stopped me here and made it clear:  I will not "digress" and issue "personal attacks" against any candidate.  He "wasn't going to do that."  He was involved in a "career change" so he "gives back to the community."  "I am a candidate." Mr. Barrientos stated that the district is primarily at "rural district."  State Senator Judith Zaffirini "voted for term limits early" in her career but she has "been in there for 20 years."  We "need fresh blood in the legislature. They need to "hold back 5 - 10 % in spending" immediately.  They should also "adopt the principles for the best health care solutions.  His goal is to "distinguish her policies" and "not attack her" in the campaign.     Vocational Training: "Seventy-three percent" of students do not go on to college or higher education.  This is a "tremendous opportunity" to train and grow a new generation of "master welders, master carpenters, master plumbers and diesel mechanics" in Texas.  We "need to spend" on these educational options.  He stated that the university named after Senator Madla was unnecessary.  They should "build a statue" for the senator instead of launching this "memorial" educational institution.  Laredo is the "Capital of South Texas" and money should be "spent" supporting the "health science center" in Laredo. Education: He is against the "testing" of children to "determine funding" for schools.  There is way too much "paperwork" for teachers because everything is "geared to the test."  These students "graduate with no skills."  It is his belief that "school boards micromanage" in an unnecessary manner.  "Too much is going into administration," he believes. He is for teaching "sex education" since the consequences of teenage pregnancy goes "to the taxpayer."  He also believes we should "Consolidate all the schools."   Fiscal Conservative He believes in "personal responsibility" and considers himself to be a "fiscal conservative."  I am a "realist" who believes in the "responsibility of individuals." Mr. Barrientos also believes in "minimal government intervention" in the economy.  He describes himself as an "independent" and a "Democrat by lineage and necessity." He is an "independent minded" and "pro-labor" candidate.   He believes "corporations" are not paying their fair "share of taxes."  Mr. Barrientos is a pro-choice candidate.  "Against Gun Control" Mr. Barrientos is a strong advocate for the gun rights of Texans.  The senator has voted for "gun control" in the past.  He has a "concealed hand gun" permit.   Staying on the ballot: He considers himself to be a "gentleman" and a "private person" who fought to "keep his name on the ballot."  The Texas Democratic Party asked him to sign an affidavit stating that "he did not live in the district."  That would have been a lie since he has been living in LaSalleCounty since 1998.  In fact, he was called to perform "jury duty" in the county recently.  Mr. Barrientos was not willing to "drop $1,000,000 in this campaign." He saw the "media markets" and decided not to "spend a fortune" on advertising.   Mr. Barrientos will not ask people for money in this campaign.  He has spent $1,700 since the beginning of the campaign.   He also did not want to "degrade others" by participating in a negative campaign.  He "did not want to put himself" in that position.  For him, this is a "temporary position" and "no coronation."   Long-term incumbents are "unlikely" to "choose change."  He is opposed to officials who "create far more recognition than accomplishment."  There is a "vacuum of leadership" in Austin.  "What do they really do?" Mr. Barrientos was frustrated because they "don't deal with the big picture." The simple fact is the "people can't afford to property taxes." Rene Barrientos will not be spending money on large billboards, TV ads, newspaper ads or consulting. Based on his recent visits, he has been "well received" in the district.   It is his belief that the Laredo Morning Times is "protecting" the senator since she has friends and former employees who work at the newspaper. State Senator Judith Zaffirini Donors Mr. Barrientos stated that the senator is has received "significant" financial support from "donors" who are trial lawyers and tobacco lawyers." "Trial lawyers can block legislation" in the state senate since she is a dependable vote for them.  These lawyers are "just protecting their turf."  He is not a member of the trial lawyer association in Texas since he believes they are out of touch. Mr. Barrientos considers himself to be a civic litigator who represents individuals and businesses.  It his belief that "all punitive damages should be taxed at 30% - 40%."  The proceeds should be shared for the "common good."  This would be a "surcharge to use our system."  This is a unique idea, but "have you heard it from anybody?"  Changes in Texas: There are significant "demographic changes" in Texas right now.  It is probable we will have a "Democratic Governor" in the near future.  Look at Dolph Briscoe, he believed in "less government."  He is against the "professional poverty warriors" who are for the status quo.  Fair Billing: Rene Barrientos is all for "Fair Billing" legislation which would allow individuals to pay fair medical payment rates for "cash for services."  These rates would be the same as amounts as Medicaid.  At the moment, it is on the "shoulders of individuals" to pay inflated medical rates.  He also believes "doctors should be paid on time."  The "6 -9 month delay" is not fair since "insurers have so much power."   He also believes doctors should be able to charge a "finance fee" for past due balances since they also run businesses.       AT&T and phone regulation: Mr. Barrientos believes the industry should be "regulated." This also includes the cell phone industry.  The user fees and the contract modifications need to be reviewed and regulated.   Tuition Deregulation: Tuition has doubled since deregulation.  Former A.G. Dan Morales is one of the "most corrupt" public officials for not "appealing the Hopwood" school funding case many years ago.  The rising tuition is "excluding more and more students since "they can't afford it."  Since State Senator Judith Zaffirini receives generous donations form UT regents, she has not been against deregulation.    Prosecutors should be prosecuted: There is no oversight of prosecutors right now.  If they "display malice, incompetence or negligence," they should be prosecuted and stripped of their law licenses immediately.  There should be consequences.  Mr. Barrientos was a police officer in Dallas many years ago.  Immigration: "Leaders need to take positions" on this issue.  They "cannot be silent" on this pressing issue any longer.  It is his belief that Dennis Nixon of IBC bank has a view of immigration that is relevant.  We need to encourage sane legal reform in the United States.   We are going to need the immigrant labor in the future. Toll Roads: Mr. Barrientos is totally against the toll road plans of Governor Perry.  It is an outrage that "hundreds of thousands of acres" will be taken from farmers.  The Zachry corporation does "wonderful work" but they "we don't have to hire them" to build run and operate them.  It has become an "issue of profit" at this point.  He feels that we should not "turn over public property to private enterprises."  Dedicated highway funds should not be diverted. He believes Lt. Governor Dewhurst has an "unimpressive record" in Austin.  "What has he done?" Mr. Barrientos is against steroid testing since it is a waste of money. "Where doe all this testing stop?"  It is just pandering to the public. He has no "personal agenda" If you want "business as usual" you should vote for Zaffirini. Mr. Barrientos is "offering time" for "change" in Austin. It is his belief the "intellectual community" is behind him since they know he has no "personal agendas" and he is not in this to make a "profit."  He has "fresh ideas" and he is using his personal money for his campaign. He is not doing this for "self promotion." The mood of the country has changed and it is ready for change. We need to get out of this rut in the district because "she is taking up space" in Austin. The death of his father had a major impact on his life.  His family was broke since they had limited income.  His father taught him that it was important to be honest so you could "sleep well at night."  At one point, his father was the District Clerk of Maverick County.  He was in the produce business.  His mother was a kindergarten teacher for 44 years.   CLARIFICATIONS from Rene Barrientos: "Tuition,the Senator is FOR deregulation ( not against) and offered a bill to change the 10% rule to 7%. it failed, what we need is REGULATION to limit the tuition costs."  "Prosecutors,clarification that those who convict INNOCENT CITIZENS should have consequences.  Dan Morales was a crook(convicted) for trying to scam attorneys fees and did not appeal the Hopwood decision.  The money for the unnecessary A&M Campus should go to TAMIU.(nothealthsciencectr)." "I also think we need to explore a surcharge of 5-10% on all judgements and settlements of all kinds in our state system to help alleviate the tax burden on property owners and businesses."

Joe Solis, Founder and Director South Texas Republicans PAC