Corpus Christi – Powerbroker Mikal Watts, Congressman Solomon Ortiz Sr.: these two prominent figures within the Democratic Party stood on edge at the Central Jury Room of the Nueces County Courthouse at 2:00 p.m. as the Democratic Party Precinct Chairs were polled anent as to who would appear in the November ballot in the District 33 state representative seat. Watts, it had been no secret, was support Danny Noyola Sr, 53.; Congressman Ortiz, his son: Solomon “Solly” P. Ortiz Jr., 29.

It was not painless, nor unproblematic, nor smooth. Congressman Ortiz’ anxious barney was silenced in a very subtle way by the party chair – Alex Garcia -- as the tolling began. The vote was close -- 23-20. Only one precinct chair abstained: Roland Andrade. Nueces County Democratic Party chairs decided Sunday to place Solomon Ortiz Jr. on the November ballot for the District 33 state representative seat. A wide spectrum of interest groups and media persons stood vigilant.

”Solly” Ortiz will face a Republican candidate– either Joe McComb or Raul Torres – who will be chosed by their precinct chairs early this week – August 15.

Noyola was prepared to challenged two of the chairs that voted, but since the vote was a bit higher than expected – the matter was dropped. Vilma Luna was elected to the seat in question in 1993. She announced that she would not be running: the day following the celebrated Fourth of July. She will be working for Hialco – a Political Action Committeee that has a history of making contributions to mostly Republicans. Mikal Watts is known to have contributed a sizeable sum in the organization.

“Solly” Ortiz told El Defenzor: Our Precinct Chairs had the challenging responsibility of selecting the Party’s nominee for November. The past few weeks have been very demanding on many. I was proud to have the endorsement of 10 current sitting State Representatives, a former House District 33 Representative, various other community leaders and educators. I have been a teacher, worked with at-risk kids, and am now a small business owner.”
 
He added: “November is going to be a challenging time. Local Republicans are flush with money and are going to use every trick in the book. I bring a fresh young perspective with no baggage to the Party. For the past four  years I was honored to serve as your Party Chair and with your support we elected Democrats for two election cycles and brought unity and technology to the Party.”
 
The last few days before the tally was taken by the precinct chairs, a mudslighting type campaign seemed to have been orchestrated and targeting Noyola. Even former Nueces County Judge Terry Shamsie joined the bandwagon. A few days prior to the vote, Community activist turned Spanish Radio personality Roland Garza accused Noyola of trying to physically assault him. Some rivals charged that the stunt was orchestrated by a clique associated with Shamsie’s camarilla. A self-proclaimed socialist wing within the Democratic Party (some who are affiliated with a local radio station) also attacked Noyola by circumfusing allegations as to why he was transferred from his former job as Principal of Miller.
 
Before the vote was taken “Solly” Ortiz send out an email to various parties. It reads: “District 33 needs someone who is even-tempered, dedicated, versed on the issues and most of all has the ability to win in November. I know that I am that candidate who is best to challenge the Republican opponent. With your support, we can move District 33 and Texas forward.”
 
[Note: Below please find a list of some of a list of the supporters that committed themselves early in endorsing (before the vote was taken) “Solly” Ortiz Jr.: Eddie Cavazos – Former Representative District 33; Betty Jean Longoria – Nueces County Commissioner
Olga Gonzales – Community Leader; Carlos Rodriguez – Current Cunningham Middle School Coach and Teacher; Roland Barrera – Chairman, RTA; Ruben Bonilla – Chairman, Port of Corpus Christi; Claricia Mohler – Current Moody H.S. Assistant Principal; Lucy Rubio – Community Leader; Ronnie Canales – Nueces County Tax Assessor Collector; John Kelley – Air America Radio Host, Former Teacher and AFT; Representative Rudy Caceres – Constable Pct. 1; Susie Camacho – Miller H.S. Parent; Raul & Alicia Lopez-Guerra, M.D.s – Local Physicians; Nancy Vera – Miller H.S. Teacher; Emilio Sanchez – Former Community Boxing Coach; Dr. Victor Frazier – Minister and Former CCISD Principal; Carolyn Keith – Retired School Counselor, CCISD; Jane Wall – Current Teacher and Former Miller H.S. Journalism; Instructor Susie Luna Saldana – Precinct Chair # 72 and Teacher Representative;Faye Anderson - Former two Term SDEC Member Rachel Hassette – Small Business Manager; Stephanie Guerrero Sanez – Miller H.S. Educator; Armando Camina – Ex. Director, Hope, Faith and Dreams Foundation; Dr. David R. Duke – Professor, Del Mar College Linda Dorsey – Real Estate broker and Precinct Chair # 3; Eppy Farias – CIS Juvenile Court Specialist; Margaret Diemert – Teacher Rep. and CCISD Instructor; Sylvia Samaniego – Past Pres. C.C. Barrios Assoc & Precinct Chair # 87; Mary Saenz – Certified Rehabilitation Counselor & Precinct Chair # 119.”