Barrientos to retire from Texas Senate

[sonias]

http://www.statesman.com/metrostate/content/metro/stories/09/7barrientos.html
Facing a potential challenge from former Austin mayor Kirk Watson, State Sen. Gonzalo Barrientos this morning closed the door on seeking re-election next year. His announcement signaled an end to 30 years as a legislator.

"He's been thinking about it for a while," said Richard Moya, a longtime confidante. "He's young, but he's not that young. Maybe it's time for him to enjoy private life for a while."

Barrientos, a longtime member of the Senate Finance Committee, earned a reputation for advocating for poor people and working on behalf of state workers. Harold Cook, a longtime adviser to Democratic senators, praised Barrientos' record this morning.

Wish he wouldn't have done this but it's done now.

Sonia

[PDittie]

1. Paging Kirk Watson....

Mr. Watson? Texas calling, urgent, line one...

[fudge stripe cookays]

2. CRAP.

Dittie's on the case already, I see....

FSC

[sonias]

3. Let's bet on when Watson makes his announcement

I say this Friday Sept 9th.

Sonia

[GOPisEvil]

4. As a state employee, I'll miss him.

But on the whole, Gonzalo had been coasting for a while now. I hope his replacement will be as attentive to state employees. As a consituent, I plan on making this point with whomever it is strongly.

[acmejack]

5. That's true, I'll miss him too.

Gonzalo is a very nice guy, but he is an ineffective Senator. I'm glad he chose to retire, lets get Kirk in there.