Want more evidence that State Rep. Richard Raymond is a candidate for Congress in 2006? You got it.
A statehouse resolution opposing President Bush’s plans to privatize a portion of Social Security could be a harbinger to a Democratic primary fight for a South Texas congressional seat.
The entire delegation of Texas Democrats in Congress, except for Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, has signed a letter supporting the resolution by state Rep. Richard Raymond.
It is no coincidence Cuellar withheld support for Raymond, D-Laredo, who is making it clear he is eyeing a run for Congress and possibly challenging Cuellar in the 28th Congressional District of Texas.
“I am interested,” Raymond, 44, told the San Antonio Express-News on Wednesday. “And I certainly won’t run unless I think I can win.”
Raymond said he would wait until after this session of the Texas Legislature to make a decision on a congressional race.
The article also notes that former Rep. Ciro Rodriguez, who lost to Cuellar in a tight and bitterly contested primary in 2004, has already declared his intent to run again. Stace Medellin analyzes the permutations of this potential three-way race.
This bit is music to my ears:
Raymond also is considered a potential candidate for the 23rd Congressional District of Texas if Rep. Henry Bonilla, R-San Antonio, runs for the U.S. Senate.
Bonilla has said he will run if Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas, challenges Gov. Rick Perry in the Republican gubernatorial primary.
“I have been approached by people who have encouraged me to run for both,” Raymond said.
Both the 23rd and 28th congressional districts include Laredo, Raymond’s hometown.
Raymond said he would not rule out a race in the 23rd District, but noted he lives in the 28th Congressional District.
A minor detail that can be easily overcome. I know that the 23rd would be a steep hill to climb, but especially if it’s an open seat it’s doable. Keep those options open, Rep. Raymond.
A good idea would be to have Raymond make all the moves like he’s running in 28 and then at the very last minute run in 23 (kinda like Dan Morales surprised the hell out of everyone in 2002 by running for Gov rather than Sen) and spend a healthy part of the campaign running around Laredo pumping up Ciro. Or he could just run for reelection to the State House and spend all his time shilling for Ciro in Laredo. If he can split Cuellar’s base in Laredo and Ciro can do well in SA, Ciro’s back in.
A Close Look at CD 23
I read Charles Kuffner’s post on the looming primary fight in CD 28 (currently held by Henry Cuellar, previously held by Ciro Rodriguez, and eyed by State Rep. Richard Raymond). Kuff (among others) has pointed out that Richard Raymond should…