We are losing one of our top stars. Senator Barrientos was the first legislator to join our assoc. He has been one of our strongest proponents. He will be sorely missed. Let him know you appreciate his support.
Barrientos to retire from Texas Senate
Longtime lawmaker made announcement this morning
By W. Gardner SelbyAMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Wednesday, September 07, 2005State Sen. Gonzalo Barrientos today closed the door on seeking re-election next year, insisting a possible challenge in the March 2006 Democratic primary from former Austin Mayor Kirk Watson did not drive his move.
His announcement, delivered at the Capitol alongside family members and before dozens of supporters, signaled an end to 30 years as a legislator that started with his win of a Democratic Party runoff by less than 100 votes.
"My heart is telling me to continue fighting for the things I believe in, but to find another way to wage that fight," said Barrientos, whose district includes most of Travis County. "I shall serve out my current term (running through 2006) but I shall not seek another."Barrientos said he privately resolved not to seek another term a year ago.He said Watson's public ruminations this summer about wishing to serve as the local senator - and behind-the-scenes efforts to line up support for a run - played no role in the decision, which he said was timed to follow Labor Day, the traditional start of fall campaign seasons.
"I could run and I could win again," said Barrientos, who turned 64 in July "It's time for me to do something else."
"He's been thinking about (not running) for a while," said Richard Moya, a confidante and former Travis County commissioner. "He's young, but he's not that young. Maybe it's time for him to enjoy private life for a while."
Sen. Mario Gallegos, D-Houston, joining the announcement, called Barrientos his political mentor. Of the retirement decision, Gallegos said: "I tried to talk him out of it, but I'm just a dear friend. I'm not his family."
Barrientos' critics have sometimes labeled him ineffective and he has twice been named as one of Texas' worst legislators by Texas Monthly magazine.
But he has won a reputation among supporters for advocating for poor people and state workers, occasionally serving as a guard against unfriendly legislation, such as attempts to water down city ordinances protecting Barton Springs.
One aide, Graham Keever, said public interest groups relied on Barrientos to stop "bad bills."
"He was very careful about picking his battles" in the Republican-majority Senate, Keever said. "He had to tell a lot of people 'no.' "
Barrientos this morning singled out his work on legislation intended to prevent school dropouts and ensuring that hospitals treat patients before demanding payment.
Harold Cook, a who worked with Barrientos when the Austin senator headed the Senate's Democratic caucus, said Barrientos "began public service doing social work for VISTA/Peace Corps, and in a way, he never stopped doing social work - after he was elected he just took it wholesale.
"Not for one moment of his proud career in public service has he ever forgotten who he is and why he was there: to help those less able than most of us to help themselves. That alone should be an inspiration to everybody who walks through the door of the state Capitol."
His retirement eliminates the possibility of a marquee showdown with Watson, who issued a statement saying he will run for the Senate seat representing Travis County. He had previously deferred any commitment until Barrientos settled his plans.
"Today, Austin and the state of Texas should be thanking Sen. Barrientos for his years of devoted service," Watson said. "Sen. Barrientos has served Texas all of his adult life. He has served with all of his strength and all of his heart."
State Rep. Elliott Naishtat, D-Austin, a former Barrientos aide, has said he might be interested in running for the seat if Barrientos declined to do so.
"I'll have something to say in a couple of days," Naishtat said this morning.Barrientos said he doesn't expect to make an endorsement among candidates to take his place - at least not before the Democratic primary in the predominantly Democratic District 14.
Barrientos, who grew up in a migrant family, won election to the Texas House in 1974 after losing his first bid in 1972. He succeeded Lloyd Doggett as Austin's senator in 1985, later dropping hopes of running for the U.S. House when Doggett piled up local support to succeed Jake Pickle.
In 2002, he defeated Republican Ben Bentzin for re-election. Barrientos received 53 percent of the vote in a race in which his 2002 drunken driving conviction had become an issue.
Barrientos is the third senator this year to announce he's leaving the Senate. Sens. Jon Lindsay, R-Houston, and Todd Staples, R-Palestine, also will not seek re-election. Staples is seeking the Republican nomination for state agriculture commissioner and Lindsay is retiring.
At his 40-minute press conference, Barrientos strived for a light tone, starting with a declaration focused on a football game, frequently flashing the "Hook 'Em" hand sign and introducing individuals in the crowd, including former Land Commissioners Garry Mauro and Bob Armstrong as well as singer Ruben Ramos.
Barrientos' eyes glistened and his voice caught, however, as he read a portion of his remarks referring to his work on legislation affecting low-income Texans and children.
Asked what goals he hopes to accomplish in his remaining 15 months in office, he picked out his work with Communities in Schools, which brings adults into schools to help students succeed.
Of his future work, Barrientos said he is open to "anything legal and above board," though he immediately contemplates serving as a talk-show host on a Spanish-language station.
"I will be the host up front" if the idea plays out, he said. "I'll be trying to tell the truth about all the baloney being put up by right-wing nuts."
--
Sputnik
State Chair
