October 14, 2008

Schizophrenic Herald Endorsements

The Miami Herald today gave Mario Diaz-Balart its endorsement, praising him for his effectiveness as a legislator:

We recommend Mr. Diaz-Balart in this race, however, not for his position on a single issue, but for his overall record of engagement on policy issues and for delivering resources and jobs to the district. Mr. Diaz-Balart, 47, secured $100 million in funding for the Metrorail Miami Intermodal Center and helped Florida get billions more to improve highways and infrastructure. He helped to pass the Everglades Restoration bill and got $370 million more for a special water-delivery component of that project.

Mr. Diaz-Balart has been a dependable supporter of Israel, Latin American trade, Plan Colombia, the Mérida Initiative and protective rights for Haitians, Hondurans and Nicaraguans. He championed the Strive Act, the American Dream Act, Pell Grants and other education funding.

Then they turn around and endorse Raul Martinez instead of Lincoln Diaz-Balart:
Mr. Martinez is firmly grounded in reality. He has a broad agenda and a robust, hands-on style of leadership. His penchant for devising practical solutions to political problems would be an asset to the district.

These are some of the reasons that our recommendation is for Mr. Martinez. Under his leadership, Hialeah was transformed into a modern, more-livable community thanks in no small part to his energy and effectiveness. He has a popular touch and a record of delivering services to constituents.

Mr. Martinez won reelection in 1993 even though he was appealing a conviction on charges involving allegations of extorting money from developers in return for zoning favors. The conviction was reversed and two later trials ended in hung juries.

Mr. Martinez's candidacy represents an opportunity for voters to reflect the changing nature of South Florida, where the Hispanic community no longer is identified as a solid bloc always favoring the same political party.

I'm scratching my head here. I'd love to see how Lincoln Diaz-Balart's voting record stacks up to his brother Mario's. I'm sure that there weren't a lot of cases where they voted differently. So how can one get the endorsement and the other not?

And then there's that little thing about Martinez being extremely corrupt. The Herald itself investigated, reported on and denounced Martinez for his dirty dealings over the years. So now, because he beat the rap (never acquitted), we're supposed to forget all those articles, editorials and columns the Herald wrote about this scumbucket?

Yes, Raul was an effective mayor for Hialeah. But he also spit on people, bullied them, beat them up all while he lined his pockets and violated the public trust. If Raul is such a good mayor why doesn't he run for county mayor or mayor of Anders Gyllenhaal's municipality? I don't think Martinez' Luca Brasi act will go over very well in Washington.

Posted by Henry Louis Gomez at October 14, 2008 09:56 PM



Comments

Right on. I'm backing both Diaz-Balarts (while pinching my nose) but it would have made more sense and been understandable if the Herald would have endorsed Lincoln and not Mario. First Lincoln has a prominent seat in the Rules Committee (even if he just takes up space), he has more seniority and finally his opponent is an odious cretin. Granted Lincoln comes accross as one of the least likeable politicians around (permanent scowl, furrowed brows and an aggressive and off-putting speaking style) but so does Martinez...and that clown can't even speak English properly. As if that isn't enough Martinez looks like an extra from the Sopranos.

As for Mario he's good and better than Joe Garcia but Garcia is worlds if not universes better than Martinez. So I would have understood the selection...disagreed but understood.

Posted by: theCardinal [TypeKey Profile Page] at October 15, 2008 07:49 AM

This is typical Herald behavior, one little step to the right, three to the left. As far as I'm concerned they have lost all credibility. They probably figure that Joe Garcia has no chance of winning and they focus all their effort in getting Raul Martinez elected in order to divide the Cuban exile community.
I certainly hopes this backfires.

Posted by: salvador [TypeKey Profile Page] at October 15, 2008 08:12 AM

i think salvador has a point. go to with the one that might win. But seriously any Cuban exile that is going to pay attention to who the Herald endorses wasn't going to vote Republican anyway.

Posted by: theCardinal [TypeKey Profile Page] at October 15, 2008 09:17 AM

If the Herald were smart about their agenda then they would back the candidate they thought was going to win. But the irony here is that the polls that have been released and the behind the scenes scuttlebutt is that Mario is the one who (though still leading) is facing the toughest challenge. IRL will win in a route and Lincoln will win. Mario still has work to do.

Posted by: Henry Louis Gomez [TypeKey Profile Page] at October 15, 2008 10:19 AM

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