Congressional free-for-alls

The Republicans illegally protected US Representative Henry Bonilla with their redistricting plan. Now, Bonilla has to run in a more heavily Democratic district. Bonilla's spokesman, Phil Rick, tries to make lemonade with this silly quote:

"It's clearly heavily Hispanic, but they haven't had an opportunity to vote for a Republican of Henry Bonilla's caliber"

Oh, please! So, why did the Republicans have to protect Bonilla in the first place? Bonilla has two Democratic challengers, so far - Ciro Rodriquez and Rick Bolanos. A Capitol Blog and Off the Kuff have more on Bolanos.

The congressional district 22 Republicans have abandoned their 'take orders from the top' approach to filling Hot Tub Tom's seat. All challengers were supposed to wait to be annointed by the powers that be. David Wallace announced 'out of line' first. Houston City Councilwoman Shelley Sekula-Gibbs has announced she wants to be annointed. Harris County Tax Collector Paul Bettencourt announced he's waiting to be annointed. Bob Dunn of Fort Bend Now is a must read on this topic as is Juanita's. Juanita's been going through Wallaces finance reports.

Meanwhile, Henry Cuellar is campaigning in Lloyd Doggett's former Valley district.

"[Lloyd Doggett] Set a high standard for me," [Cuellar] told members of the McAllen Chamber of Commerce who gathered at the country club after work to hear his pitch.