MORE IMPRESSIONS OF THE REPUBLICAN AND DEMOCRAT MEETINGS AS THEY FOCUS ON COUNTY JUDGE RACE

Political operative Mario Saenz and
Cameron County Judge Eddie Trevino

Kip Thrasher, a close high school friend, told me over half century ago:  "Jim, you see through people.  That's why some avoid you.  You see right through them."

Kip and his very buxom girlfriend, died one day after graduation, when his MG crossed the center line on the Old Benson Highway between Kent and Renton.  I didn't see THAT coming.

Intuitive or not, I got distinctly different impressions of the relationship between county party regulars and their respective candidates for county judge.

Carlos Cascos

While Cameron County Democrats support Eddie Trevino, County Republicans revere  Carlos Cascos.

Actually, both groups treated me warmly, even as an outsider who might write unpleasant things.  One Republican lady, who appeared older than me, absolutely demanded I take a seat while she remained standing.  At the Democrat event, light, jocular banter, much of it driven by the loquacious Jeff Duvall, filled out the time as we waited for County Chair Jared Hockema, always fashionably late to events.

Prior to the Democrat meeting at Pepe's Mexican Restaurant, every candidate for constable, BISD trustee or whatever, worked the tables, shaking each hand, all but County Judge Trevino, who simply took a seat.  

County Republicans are making an issue over the fact that while Cascos is reaching across party lines for support, Trevino is trying to control his base, insisting no Democrats cross party lines to vote for Cascos.

Note how Cascos addressed this issue on Facebook:

"Having received numerous calls & messages from people in attendance & some democrat precinct chairs about a meeting that took place Saturday regarding my opponents comments..."if you're voting for my opponent, you have no business being here"....well, that's just wrong. 

When I have addressed Republican groups, I say, don't vote for me or against me because I'm running as a Republican, but rather vote for the candidate that you believe can best represent Cameron County, your philosophy & values. 

My opponent will receive votes from Republicans, just like I will receive votes from Democrats & that's ok...it shows that voters are thinking & not just voting straight ticket, which is what I believe is the right thing to do. 

By the way, straight ticket voting goes away in 2020. Again, I ask for your support in November. 

Thanks."

Duh!!!!  Cascos has to get Democrat votes to win, while Trevino wins with near 100% party loyalty.