by Debra Medina, Republican candidate for Governor of Texas

It’s a shame isn’t it, that Republicans continue to ignore Hispanics especially here in Texas? The writing has long been on the wall that unless the GOP begins to better work with Latinos, the GOP will continue to lose races and be a minority party.

It is equally important, of course, for the Latino community to realize that true political identity will be achieved only through participation in all national party structures - Republican, Democrat, Libertarian, Independent, etc. We are not all the same and we shouldn’t all be attracted to any one party.

Here in Texas, we have an open party primary because our founders knew the rich culture and political appetite for change would protect what is best for all Texans. It is in this free assembly that we all have a right to participate; no one guaranteed victory, but everyone given the chance to try, to be heard and to influence our society.

Sadly, most Texans and even more minority voters do not participate in our open primary process. The candidates are all too often chosen for the block of party-loyal, election-day-only-voters. The result is usually the nomination of the lesser of two evils, democrat or republican take your pick.

Even worse, Republicans will not even advertise or welcome Latinos during our primary process. But you can bet your money come the general election contest, they will come around with their Spanish phrases and slick ads - que verguenza!

The GOP really need look no further than George Lopez's tear into KBH's vote against Supreme Court Justice Sotomayor to see an example of the seriousness of potential Hispanic voter back lash. Indeed if Republicans here in Texas expect to win this next election, no longer can the GOP not see the disparity between its future and its rhetoric. No longer can the GOP wait until the fourth quarter to include Latino voters. No longer can the GOP be sideways or indecisive on immigration and border security and other Latino interests as both KBH and Gov. Perry have been.

All hope is not lost. It has often been said “Latinos are conservative; most just do not know it”. In fact, many others have said the growing Christian Hispanic community is a rebirth of the Religious Right just in Spanish. How true. And yet how backward the GOP is. With such a natural constituency, why do elected Latino Democrat officials outnumber Republicans 100 to 1?

But We Texans can change this. We can change this by taking an active role in our primary process, Democrats, Independents and Republicans. We can change this by reaching out to Latinos sooner. We can change this by continuing to show our dissatisfaction for the same ol’, same ol’ from our same ol’ same ol’ politicians. Will you join us? 

For more information about Debra Medina visit her website at: http://www.medinafortexas.com

The Cypress Times invites Op/Ed pieces from anyone interested in speaking out.  Email your Op/Ed to Editor@TheCypressTimes.com