Seven-term Republican incumbent Henry Bonilla lost to former U.S. Rep. Ciro Rodriguez in a race that had angered some as it was held on December 12, which marks Our Lady of Guadalupe, one of the most important dates in the Mexican calendar.
That was seen by some as a Republican ploy to depress the Hispanic vote in a bid to benefit the conservative Bonilla, a strong supporter of President George W. Bush. (from today's NYT report of the Rodriguez victory over Bonilla)
Republicns would be best advised to cooperate with Democratic efforts in the Congress next year to improve the voting process and to provide more polling places so that voters don't have to wait in line for 45 minutes or more to choose candidates. Voters will remember again and again if the R's attempt to pull similar voter suppression stunts when the Congress reconvenes.
Well, I don't know, I guess it depends on how much you care and the value you place on voting. I stood in line for about 2 hours in 2004 and didn't whisper a complaint. I didn't feel suppressed. Depressed, maybe a little, but suppressed, I'd say not. I didn't like it, but I still did it because I thought it was important and I learned a long time ago that sometimes something worthwhile isn't always easy. So, to be honest, based on my experience, 45 minutes isn't really too bad.
I remembered that experience in 2006, but it didn't stop me from voting the straight 'R' ticket, because those candidates best lined up with my views on the various issues.