Cuellar calling it quits Friday

By STEVE TAYLOR
Valley Morning Star
AUSTIN — Henry Cuellar shocked Texas politics Tuesday by resigning as Secretary of State — just nine months after being appointed by Gov. Rick Perry.

Cuellar, a 46-year-old former Texas House member for Laredo, said his decision was based on the "changing environment" currently taking place in Texas politics.

"I am exploring the possibilities of seeking elective office or other options and I do not want to compromise the integrity of this agency," said Cuellar, in his resignation letter to Perry. The resignation is effective at 5 p.m. Friday.

Political commentators were surprised at the short notice of the resignation — three days rather than the customary two weeks. They also speculate whether Cuellar — a Democrat appointed Secretary of State by a Republican governor — wants to run for Congress in a seat centered in Webb County.

Population growth has ensured that Texas will get two new congressional seats in 2002 and some redistricting plans currently before state and federal judges place one of those seats in South Texas.

"This was an utter shock that has caught everybody by surprise," said Austin-based political commentator Bill Miller. "We cannot weigh the full ramifications because we do not yet know what Cuellar is going to do, but he is now a player in the game. If I was guessing and he was going to stay in politics, I’d say he wants to run for Congress."

Cuellar, who served in the Texas House as a Democrat between 1987 and 2001, would not offer any clues on his next move Tuesday. He did, however, say he missed the cut and thrust of political life he enjoyed as a House member.

He hinted that redistricting factors could play a part in his next move and that he had "no intention of switching" party allegiance. He said his current officeholder account currently holds between $100,00 and $150,000.

"A lot of changes are going on right now. The political environment is changing. Redistricting is part of that changing environment. I do miss the type of action and policy I had as a House member."

Cuellar said he had enjoyed his short reign as Texas’ 102nd Secretary of State and paid thanks to Perry for his appointment.

"In the past nine months, we have redefined the Office of Secretary of State by providing more customer service, implemented better user-friendly technology, and enhanced our elections systems," he added.

Perry, who was touring North Texas when he heard the news, said he was saddened to learn of the resignation.

"Secretary Cuellar has been a trusted friend for a long time, and he has been a superb Secretary of State for Texas," said Perry.

"He has played a key role in my administration’s efforts to raise standards along the Texas-Mexico border with road programs for the colonias and a pilot telemedicine project to improve the delivery of health care to residents. I wish him well."

State Sen. Judith Zaffirini, D-Laredo, said she was disappointed Cuellar did not have the courtesy to contact her before making his decision.

"I am surprised by his decision," said Zaffirini. "I sponsored him for Secretary of State and, without my help, he could not have held that position. I would have thought out of courtesy he would have contacted me."

State Sen. Eddie Lucio said Cuellar had been a strong voice for South Texas who had worked closely on border legislation.

"Henry and I have been personal friends since 1986, when we were both first elected to the House of Representatives. We were friends and were also roommates," said Lucio, D-Brownsville.

"Henry has dedicated most of his adult life to public service and there is no doubt in my mind that, if he chooses to, he can have a bright future in the area of public service. I will miss him greatly."

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This article appeared in the Valley Morning Star, the Rio Grande Valley's newspaper.

Henry didn't have the decency to notify the governor who appointed him that he was leaving. That is not the "class act" that the Cuellar boosters always refer to about him.

I agree that it was not a classy thing to give such short notice. I just don't understand why. Why is he in such a hurry to leave? Did he do it just as a slap in the face to Governor Perry? I really don't think that would be his only reason. There has got to be a hidden agenda here.

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