PLAY DEEP:...In Congressional District 34, Rumor Of War...Busy Bee Incumbent Vicente Gonzalez Posts An Accomplishment, Republican Opponent Mayra Flores Digs On Him...Cue The Mariachi...

 

By DUARDO PAZ-MARTINEZ

HARLINGEN, Texas |...The Democrat was in town to announce a $4.5 million cash injection into the Rio Grande Valley economy. By way of repairs and improvements of Valley International Airport here. He, as he often does, noted the benevolence on his Facebook Page, as did Harlingen Mayor Norma Sepulveda on hers. It wasn't long before someone threw cold water on the moment.

That would be one Mayra Flores, the Republican candidate in Vicente Gonzalez's 34th Congressional District election this next November.

This was the announcement from incumbent Gonzalez: [ "Yesterday was a monumental day as we broke ground on the new air traffic control tower at Valley International Airport in the City of Harlingen. I was proud to secure $4.5 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to improve air traffic safety and efficiency. Grateful for the collaboration with FAA, Mayor Sepulveda, and local leaders. This project marks a significant advancement for our community's infrastructure." #TX34 ]

So far, so good.

A local politician doing what he's sent to Washington, D.C. to do - working daily for his constituents and making sure monies doled out by Congress includes some for the district back home.

Yeah. Bang the drum one more time.

Cat-quick came Miss Flores in chiming-in, posting this on Gonzalez's Facebook page: [ Mayra Flores - Congressman Vicente Gonzalez has voted to send billions overseas then into his own district but takes credit when pennies make it. ]

We should, of course, note that Miss Flores, who served a brief six-months stint in Congress during the second half of 2022 after winning a Special Election before losing to Gonzalez in the General that same year, also brought home the bacon in this fashion.

Her share in a spending bill that year delivered $4 million, also for the Harlingen Airport. We must also note that these did not come from stand-alone legislation but were included in Bills that awarded monies to most other sectors of the country.

But we're into the campaign season, boys. And even the slightest dig has a chance of getting a vote or two, so we'll be seeing much more of these as the days, weeks and months wear on. The gung-ho Miss Flores is a regular contributor to Gonzalez's Facebook page; he does not reciprocate.

Whether that's a winning strategy for Republican Flores is anybody's guess. My feeling is that a public debate or two or three would serve the constituency much better.

We'll keep tabs on this particular race, as we're sure the current heat will eventually rival the biggest of volcano eruptions...

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