SAN ANTONIO, Texas —
Texas' 23rd congressional district is huge, sweeping 550 miles from San Antonio to El Paso. Also huge is tonight's debate between Republican incumbent Representative Quico Canseco (R-San Antonio) and Democratic challenger Pete Gallego (Alpine).
It's receiving national attention, partly because the race is one of the most hotly contested in the country, but also because the entire debate will be in Spanish. Sponsored by Univision and AARP of Texas, it will allow the two candidates, both of whom are Mexican-American, to better connect with the majority of the districts' voters, according to AARP's Rafael Ayuso.
"And they will actually be conveying information about Medicare, Social Security, financial security, in the language that you understand best, so for clarity purposes it's helpful. I mean, you don't have to rely on anyone else to interpret what the candidate is saying."
Sixty-six percent of District 23 is Latino, with big majorities in many areas speaking primarily Spanish while at home. The debate will not be broadcast live, but Univision stations throughout the district plan to air it in the near future.
Retired educator Gloria Davila will attend the event tonight at San Antonio's Palo Alto College. She says the candidates' willingness to argue issues in her native language makes her feel valued.
"It means that we are important. It makes us feel closer to our roots. And it helps us to see the candidates being like us, speaking like us. I'm very excited. It just gives me goosebumps."
While Latinos comprise about 17 percent of the U.S. population, they only make up 9 percent of the voting public. Sometimes referred to as a "sleeping giant" in American politics, Latinos are also the most rapidly growing group of voters.
Davila sees tonight's debate as a sign that politicians are noticing the changing demographics.
"Sometime, some way, somehow, they're going to have to start paying attention to our needs: health care; education. And we, as Americans, have worked for our Medicare and Social Security. We want our voices heard."
The national parties and their super PACS are paying attention. They've already invested hundreds of thousands in the District 23 race. Democrats are eager to reclaim the seat from Canseco, who turned the swing district Republican during the Tea Party-dominated 2010 election. Pollsters consider the race a tossup.
Government
Texas All-Spanish Congressional Debate Gets National Attention
- Government
-
-
Texas Gov. Perry courts Conn. gun makers on tour
Texas Gov. Rick Perry has come to Connecticut in search of gun manufacturing and other jobs while talking up the importance of competition.
-
Military plans would put women in most combat jobs
Women may be able to start training as Army Rangers by mid-2015 and as Navy SEALs a year later under plans set to be announced by the Pentagon that would slowly bring women into thousands of combat jobs, including those in elite special operations forces.
-
Meeting cancelled
The City of Orange, City Council, Special Call Meeting on 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 18, has been CANCELED.
-
My five cents…
Did you know that this week was National Flag Week?
-
Gov. Perry Signs Religious Freedoms Bill
Gov. Rick Perry today signed House Bill 308, which allows public school students and staff to use traditional holiday greetings and display religious scenes and symbols on school property.
-
County improving water safety
Swimmers safety and complaints from boaters has the Orange County Commissioners discussing passing an ordinance regulating swimming in and around the public boat ramp located on Highway 87 under the bridge in Bridge City.
-
City, Phelan Investments to meet quarterly
Phelan Investments claims it is as concerned as the city about vacant commercial buildings.
-
City not talking concerning Confederate Park
Orange City Council meet for a closed executive session during the 9 a.m. Tuesday meeting.
-
New regulations adopted for Junior Firefighters
Times and situations change, requiring updating rules and regulations.
-
NYC bomb plot details settle little in NSA debate
The Obama administration declassified a handful of details Tuesday that credited its PRISM Internet spying program with intercepting a key email that unraveled a 2009 terrorist plot in New York.
- More Government Headlines
-
Texas Gov. Perry courts Conn. gun makers on tour
