The quote in the title above is from Ernie L. Hernandez, Jr. in 2003 when asked about the use of politiqueras in his campaign for mayor. Interestingly, Robert Uresti, also a candidate for mayor at the time was asked the same question: "Hell no! I think it's wrong to pay somebody money to bring in votes,'' Uresti said. The lady pictured above with the Erin H. Garcia for J.P. badge is Dona Herminia Becerra, probably Brownsville's most notorious politiquera. In a 2003 interview with the Brownsville Herald, Ms. Becerra claimed that she and Doa Lochita Hinojosa, another politiquera, were responsible for at least 2000 votes.
Politiqueras would as soon reveal their methods as a magician would explain his tricks. It is known that they visit nursing homes, prevailing upon the elderly, infirm ones to vote for their candidates. They also have many "regulars" in the community who appreciate their "kindnesses" during the year and are most cooperative come election time. Politiqueras are not as candidate-oriented as they are survival-oriented. They frequently play one candidate against another to up the ante for their services.
How can you tell who is using politiqueras? Without an eyewitness, the best barometer is the number of write-in votes received. For example in the last run-off election for city commissioner district 4 both candidates, John Villarreal and Tony Zavaleta claimed they did not use politiqueras. Villarreal won the election, but Zavaleta had nearly ten times the write-in votes, 97-10.
Interesting that you do not take note of Cris Valadez in the photo. He's Judge Cascos' chief assistant.
ReplyDeleteThank you for pointing that out. That might look good framed on his office wall. Actually, there was a pretty good cross section of folks there; the city manager, city attorney, county sheriff, several from Brownsville Cheezmeh, and, of course Nena and I.
ReplyDeleteJim