Posted on 08/03/2004 1:20:08 PM PDT by SwinneySwitch
In a move expected by many political observers, the Texas Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal filed by U.S. Rep. Ciro Rodriguez in his attempt to resuscitate his shot at re-election to Congressional District 28.
The decision essentially ends Rodriguez's struggle against Democratic opponent Henry Cuellar of Laredo, who after a protracted legal battle stands as the party's nominee in November.
The court also declined to impose $5,000 in sanctions that Cuellar had sought to levy against Rodriguez for filing what he called a frivolous lawsuit.
Rodriguez's attorney, Les Mendelsohn of San Antonio, said he still believes that the Texas Supreme Court has the jurisdiction to hear the case and is considering refiling the case to the same nine-member body, with documentation that supports his contention.
"I don't know if it will make a difference to the court, but we may refile it because we think we're right," he said.
The case stems from the March 9 primary, which Rodriguez won by 145 votes. Cuellar, a former Texas secretary of state, called for a recount, which reversed the result and put him ahead by 203 votes, most of which came from his home region of Webb and Zapata counties.
Claiming irregularities in voting, Rodriguez filed a lawsuit, and state District Judge Joseph Hart ordered a second recount, which decreased but maintained Cuellar's lead. He now faces Republican opponent Jim Hopson of Seguin in November.
------------rrodriguez@express-news.net
It won't make any difference, Les.
Why not base the claim on the fact that he had a whole bunch of criminal Mexican illegal aliens vote for him?
Ciro is incensed that Cuellar cheated better than he did.
Hey jerk! Next time consider taking your evidence WITH you the first time and stop wasting the taxpayers money!
Henry Cuellar may be a RAT, but he's a patriotic RAT, unlike Ciro Rodriguez. Good riddance to bad rubbish!
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