The Lion’s Den: Why Does Joe Muench Have a Column?
Posted on November 23, 2009
I've been asking myself for quite a while now why it is that Joe Muench has the Sunday political column in the El Paso Times. Aside from demonstrating themselves to be out of touch more often than not, Muench seems to almost be on another planet.
Shapleigh Ever After
Posted on November 16, 2009
Shapleigh said last month he would not run for reelection to the Texas Senate. He hasn’t revealed his statewide ambitions, but his public and private remarks leave little doubt the longtime El Paso legislator is seriously considering a gubernatorial bid.
The Lion’s Den: A New Alliance?
Posted on November 9, 2009
Keep watching this race because in the words of the great Yogi Berra, “It ain't over til it's over.”
Who has the Playboy? We're reading it for the EP article with Byrd and Escobar, of course.
Posted on October 20, 2009
Oh oh, the radio hosts fret and churn, will their loose, unmanicured quotes be the end of them?
The Lion's Den: The Acosta recall effort
Posted on September 25, 2009
Mystery Lady and the recall people have to target the 30 percent that didn’t vote for Acosta. Hate to break it to them, but that math isn’t there and it’s not enough to force a recall.
Reyes the Rainmaker: Electronics and earmarks on the border
Posted on September 17, 2009
Earmarked projects are not associated with any integral military strategy or Pentagon review but are an arrangement solely between the congressional representative and the earmarked project, which is often a corporation doing business in the congressional district.
Reyes and the Aerospace Missions Corporation earmark
Posted on September 17, 2009
In 2005, Reyes announced in that Aerospace Missions Corporation had picked El Paso as its “new research and development center, which will create 150 high-paying jobs and inject $35 million annually into our local economy.”
The Lion's Den: Yeah, she's the People's Rep. Y que?
Posted on September 15, 2009
There’s a lot of criticism about Chavez when it comes to money, but one thing is for sure, she makes sure she supports her local community by spending money with people who need the business.
Reyes the Rainmaker: Contributions and contracts
Posted on September 9, 2009
Reyes and his staff have repeatedly denied that there is any connection between contributions and his congressional actions.
Excerpts from tonight's Obama speech
Posted on September 9, 2009
"I will not waste time with those who have made the calculation that it’s better politics to kill this plan than improve it. I will not stand by while the special interests use the same old tactics to keep things exactly the way they are. If you misrepresent what’s in the plan, we will call you out." -- President Barack Obama.
We're in the stretch run of the health care debate, but there's still time to learn more
Posted on September 9, 2009
Throughout the discussion, the final slide from Valenti's presentation remained lit, reading: "Take a deep breath." How likely is that, as we enter the final push in the health care debate?
Reyes the Rainmaker: Building the Paso del Norte security system, from academics to economics
Posted on September 8, 2009
Since Sept. 11, 2001, the emergence of homeland security as a major governmental and industrial focus has played a transformative role in the increased integration of the military, security, and intelligence sectors, especially at the border. El Paso, and U.S. Rep. Silvestre Reyes, are at the nexus.
The Lion's Den Pt. 2: Labor Day breakfast showcases candidates
Posted on September 8, 2009
Black El Paso Democrats Chair Don Williams attempted to put the local divisions to rest, exclaiming, ”What is it that keeps us from getting together? Get over it!” Everyone clapped, but time will tell how many of them actually take that message to heart.
The Lion's Den Pt. 1: David and the CAD Goliath
Posted on September 8, 2009
Consider this piece a nod to the Thomas Dormans, Lisa Turners, Carl Starrs, and Ray Gilberts of El Paso. If it wasn’t for people like them holding government’s feet to the fire, we might one day find ourselves under government’s feet.
The Lion's Den: The race for district clerk
Posted on September 1, 2009
Much like the world was different in terms of security in a pre 9-11 world, the political climate is much different in a post-FBI raid-on-the-county-courthouse world we now live in. That’s what makes the race for District Clerk so interesting.
The Lion's Den: Handicapping the county judge race
Posted on August 24, 2009
Only one person has announced, but it's already a crowded field of candidates. Here's an early run-down, and a question: With whom does does Chavez dance this time?
The Lion's Den: NAACP, domestic partners, health care and Bill White
Posted on August 18, 2009
The Democrats’ best chance to win the seat in the U.S. Senate will be to unite behind one candidate and not split the Democratic vote. Will it be White or Sharp?
The Lion's Den: About Houston mayor and U.S. Senate candidate Bill White and the 287(g)
Posted on August 10, 2009
It will be interesting to see if the El Paso County Democratic Party holds White accountable for a 287(g) in Houston. And there are some other local considerations as well.
The Lion's Den: Electioneering, unifying and awarding
Posted on July 29, 2009
Names are tossed around, factions should be dissolved, and giving an award called the Conquistador Award to someone who advocates for Native Americans would be a disgrace.
The Lion's Den: Obama's grassroots effort and El Paso Girl Power
Posted on July 26, 2009
Even on the Republican side of politics, the key figure behind the conservative grassroots movement in El Paso who organized the Tea Party Event was another woman.
The Lion's Den: Tacos de Chapulin, John Sharp and a room full of candidates
Posted on July 21, 2009
John Sharp running for U.S. Senate, and El Pasoans jockeying already for electoral position. And eating tacos de chapulin.
The Lion's Den: Black Power in El Paso
Posted on July 19, 2009
In the very near future, though small in numbers, the Black El Paso Democrats will be able to shift the balance of power to the faction of their choosing.
The Lion's Den: The Progressives
Posted on July 14, 2009
The signage issue is a red herring. Sure, too much signage is an eyesore and one can make the argument that it portrays El Paso in a negative light for passers-by. But is that really the case?
The Lion's Den: Gay is the New Black
Posted on July 9, 2009
The fight for social justice is far from being over. Our own Socorro Bulldogs dealt with it during the playoffs for the state championship in baseball. Now, we have a high-profile example of discrimination in one of El Paso's major icons, Chico's Tacos.
The Lion's Den: Media matters
Posted on July 7, 2009
It's high time the media in this town started rattling a few cages and ruffling a few feathers. It's time we started following newsmakers all the way to their cars with a camera, recorder, and a notebook.
