ENEMY AT THE GATE: COURTING THE DEMO X-OVER VOTE

By Juan Montoya

 Ever since Tony Garza got elected as Cameron County Judge in 1988, Republican candidates have courted the Democratic crossover vote to gain office in this South Texas county, a bastion of the Democratic Party. Garza, the first Republican elected to countywide office in traditionally Democratic south Texas since Reconstruction, served six years as county judge and then went on to hold statewide office culminating in his appointment as U.S. Ambassador to Mexico under the George W. Bush administration.

Republican candidates since have learned that they must court at least 16 to 20 percent of the Democratic vote to win a countywide election. Garza did that as has current incumbent county judge Carlos Cascos. Cascos is going for his third attempt at securing the crossover vote although some voters may think that placing your campaign signs on the Democratic Women's Club headquarters may be a bit much.

Someone spotted Maclovio sporting two Vote for Cascos campaign signs on front door do the headquarters on Boca Chica Blvd. and then placing and leaving them by the front door. 

Maclovio said he asked the clerk at the counter for permission to place them and she graciously acquiesced. We wonder if Cindy Hinojosa, the president of the club and wife of Texas Democratic Party chairman Gilberto Hinojosa would approve?