Out With the Old Boss

Via PvsW: As he exits office, Garza still enigmatic

So what is outgoing San Antonio Mayor, Ed Garza up to now that he's got some time on his hands?

The outgoing mayor waxes pragmatic. He has laid a solid foundation, left the city in good financial shape. Now someone else must see things through. He has no plans to leave San Antonio, so he'll bear witness, close-up, to whatever happens.

Meanwhile, his company is negotiating to merge with a larger firm. And he's accepting an invitation from Harrah's Casino Hotels to sit on its board of directors. "They want more diversity," he says. "My expertise would be in how to include more minorities."

He's been approached by two other Fortune 500 companies, but isn't yet sure he'll accept their overtures. And, Garza adds nonchalantly, Gov. Rick Perry has asked him to assist in his 2006 re-election campaign.

The two men, who share an A&M connection, became friends while working to woo Toyota to San Antonio. "There's a mutual respect there," says Luis Saenz, Perry's campaign director. "Ed gets it."

Garza, a Democrat, is seriously considering the request, even though it would mean crossing party lines. Perry has been good to San Antonio, he says. "I'm sure eyebrows would be raised," he says, "but it's a decision I have to be comfortable with."

Good luck with all that, mayor. The last Democrat to cross party lines and endorse Rick Perry for Governor landed in jail. Did ya "get" that?

Once more, this points out the dichotomy that exists among Texas Dems ... there are those few in number, but notable in name, that crave the days when they had power in the palm of their hands and that matters more to them than anything else (well, that and statues). Rebuilding a progressive majority in the state is nowhere near the top 10 in importance for them so much as getting to prop their feet up with someone that can get a road named after them out in East Podunk.

On the other hand, are the Dems who "get" that rebuilding does not involve supping at the table of the very people who look upon you as their next meal. Modernizing the donor base, identifying new volunteers, reconnecting with voters we've effectively stopped talking to sometime after Lloyd Bentsen's last campaign ... that's the hard work that leads back to success. It ain't easy and the Dems who turn their back on it won't make it any easier. To hell with 'em, though ... we proceed regardless. A little hard work never scared a real Democrat.

With that, give to the good guys who are currently in the hunt: Chris Bell and Barbara Radnofsky.