EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — A coterie of former Democratic officials, non-profit organizations and more gathered at Tom Lea Park on Wednesday morning in support of the Democratic members of the Texas Legislature who remain in Washington, D.C., after breaking quorum last week to prevent voting during a special session on a controversial voting bill.
“For Abraham Lincoln, Benito Juarez and Kamala Harris, voting was and is a sacred right — a big, big, right. For each of us, it’s a sacred duty,” said former Texas State Sen. Eliot Shapleigh.
He was joined by fellow former Texas Sen. Jose Rodriguez, as well as the El Paso League of Women Voters, the Border Network for Human Rights, Sunrise El Paso and more.
Each member of the coalition expressed their support of the Democrat’s decision to flee to Washington, D.C., but it remains unclear whether either party has yet to land on any potential bipartisan solutions.
Oscar J. Martinez, a retired Border Scholar from El Paso, spoke at the event, where he implored members of the business community to pick a side.
”My concern is with the local business community. Where is our local business community when it comes to this issue?” he asked.
KTSM 9 News spoke with Cindy Ramos Davidson, CEO of the EPHCC, who reiterated its position.
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