Misplaced Pages

Judith Zaffirini: Difference between revisions

Article snapshot taken from[REDACTED] with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.
Browse history interactively← Previous editNext edit →Content deleted Content addedVisualWikitext
Revision as of 17:07, 11 January 2008 edit66.25.173.105 (talk) Deleted pointless detail regarding a candidate who withdrew from the race← Previous edit Revision as of 13:04, 12 January 2008 edit undoBellhalla (talk | contribs)Extended confirmed users80,427 edits clean up some references; delete dob of son for privacy concernsNext edit →
Line 9: Line 9:
is a ] member of the ] from the ], which includes her home city of ]. On ], ], Zaffirini became the second in seniority in the 31-member Texas Senate, where she has served since ]. is a ] member of the ] from the ], which includes her home city of ]. On ], ], Zaffirini became the second in seniority in the 31-member Texas Senate, where she has served since ].


{{TOClimit|3}}
==Political background==
In ], Zaffirini upset the late ] ], in the Democratic primary for state senator. She then defeated ] ] of ] in the ]. After redistricting, they would appear some ten years later as state senate colleagues. In ], Zaffirini upset the late ] ], in the Democratic primary for state senator. She then defeated ] ] of ] in the ]. After redistricting, they would appear some ten years later as state senate colleagues.


Zaffirini has continued to defeat intraparty and interparty challengers in her ]-based district. She was to face San Antonio ] ] (born ], ]), in a ], ], Democratic primary, but Barrientos withdrew from the race on ]. Zaffirini has continued to defeat intraparty and interparty challengers in her ]-based district. She was to face San Antonio ] ] (born ], ]), in a ], ], Democratic primary, but Barrientos withdrew from the race on ].


Zaffirini will square off in the ] general election against former Webb County (administrative) Judge (]-2007) Louis Henry Bruni, Jr. (born ]), a Democrat who switched to Republican affiliation on ], 2007. In 2004, Zaffirini handily defeated Bruni's brother, Raymond Anthony Bruni (born ]), in the Democratic primary. In announcing his candidacy, Louis Bruni said that the historically Democratic district could be ripe for a partisan turnover. Prior to his judgeship, Bruni had been a member of the nonpartisan Laredo ]. <ref>Julian Aguilar," "Bruni becomes Repubican in a bid to unseat Zaffirini", ''Laredo Morning Times'', December 28, 2007, pp. 1A, 13A</ref>Bruni also said that his opposition to Zaffirini stems in part from a legal feud that he had with his brother prior to Raymond's campaign against the senator.<ref>Tricia Cortez, "Zaffirini foe quits", ''Laredo Morning Times'', January 10, 2008, pp. 1, 12A. Zaffirini will square off in the ] general election against former Webb County (administrative) Judge (]-2007) Louis Henry Bruni, Jr. (born ]), a Democrat who switched to Republican affiliation on ], 2007. In 2004, Zaffirini handily defeated Bruni's brother, Raymond Anthony Bruni (born ]), in the Democratic primary. In announcing his candidacy, Louis Bruni said that the historically Democratic district could be ripe for a partisan turnover. Prior to his judgeship, Bruni had been a member of the nonpartisan Laredo ]. <ref>{{cite news | first = Julian | last = Aguilar | title = Bruni becomes Repubican in a bid to unseat Zaffirini | work = ] | date = ] | page = pp. 1A, 13A }}</ref>Bruni also said that his opposition to Zaffirini stems in part from a legal feud that he had with his brother prior to Raymond's campaign against the senator.<ref>{{cite news | first = Tricia | last = Cortez | title = Zaffirini foe quits | work = ] | date = 2008-01-10 | page = pp. 1, 12A }}</ref>


Despite her Democratic heritage, Zaffirini is known for her ability to work across party lines, particularly her friendship with Republican ] ]. As a result of ] and the structuring of terms in the Senate, Zaffirini has served three four-year and five two-year terms. Zaffirini claims that "voters are always well informed, and I believe they will decide to support me based on my record and seniority."<ref>Tricia Cortez, "Zaffirini's ready to run for her state senate seat", ''Laredo Morning Times'', December 21, 2007, p. 3A</ref> Despite her Democratic heritage, Zaffirini is known for her ability to work across party lines, particularly her friendship with Republican ] ]. As a result of ] and the structuring of terms in the Senate, Zaffirini has served three four-year and five two-year terms. Zaffirini claims that "voters are always well informed, and I believe they will decide to support me based on my record and seniority."<ref>{{cite news | first = Tricia | last = Cortez | title = Zaffirini's ready to run for her state senate seat | work = ] | date = 2007-12-21 | page = p. 3A }}</ref>


Zaffirin has a perfect attendance record in the Senate except in ] ], when she joined her fellow Democrats who fled to ] to boycott Republican plans to redistrict the Texas congressional map. The ] plan was adopted but later altered by the ]. Zaffirin has a perfect attendance record in the Senate except in ] ], when she joined her fellow Democrats who fled to ] to boycott Republican plans to redistrict the Texas congressional map. The ] plan was adopted but later altered by the ].
Line 21: Line 23:
Zaffirini sponsored the bill that created the expanded ]from the former Laredo State University. She led a movement to restore $154 million in community college funds vetoed in 2007 by ] ]. Zaffirini sponsored the bill that created the expanded ]from the former Laredo State University. She led a movement to restore $154 million in community college funds vetoed in 2007 by ] ].


Zaffirini is a graduate of the ] at ]. She studied several semesters previously at ] (then Laredo Junior College). On ], 2007, Zaffirni was honored by the LCC board of trustees with its inaugural "Beacon Award", a creation from the college's sixtieth anniversary. LCC president Juan L. Maldonado declared that the award honors individuals whose ] efforts have improved and advanced the welfare of the Webb County community. Maldonado said that the beacon "evokes the flame of the lamp of learning, which represents the role of the individual in bringing enlightenment and hope to others. . . . Senator Zaffirni embodies all of these admirable traits . . . and make her the ideal recipient of this award." In ], LCC named its south campus ] in honor of Zaffirni.<ref>Celina Alvarado, "State senator given college's first-ever 'Beacon Award'",''Laredo Morning Times'', December 18, 2007, pp. 1, 13A</ref>. She is also honored through the Zaffirini Elementary School, 5210 Santa Claudia Lane in Laredo, one of the campuses of the United Independent School District. Zaffirini is a graduate of the ] at ]. She studied several semesters previously at ] (then Laredo Junior College). On ], 2007, Zaffirni was honored by the LCC board of trustees with its inaugural "Beacon Award", a creation from the college's sixtieth anniversary. LCC president Juan L. Maldonado declared that the award honors individuals whose ] efforts have improved and advanced the welfare of the Webb County community. Maldonado said that the beacon "evokes the flame of the lamp of learning, which represents the role of the individual in bringing enlightenment and hope to others. . . . Senator Zaffirni embodies all of these admirable traits . . . and make her the ideal recipient of this award." In ], LCC named its south campus ] in honor of Zaffirni.<ref>{{cite news | first = Celina | last = Alvarado | title = State senator given college's first-ever 'Beacon Award' | work = ] | date = 2007-12-18 | page = pp. 1, 13A }}</ref>. She is also honored through the Zaffirini Elementary School, 5210 Santa Claudia Lane in Laredo, one of the campuses of the United Independent School District.

⚫ Zaffirini is married to Laredo attorney Carlos M. Zaffirini, Sr. (born ]) The couple has a son, attorney Carlos Zaffirini, Jr. (born ]).<ref>http://preview.ussearch.com/preview/newsearch;jsessionid=C4379C62EC8AFB81BF3ED9E7C65CBF42?searchFName=carlos&searchMName=&searchLName=zaffirini&searchCity=laredo&searchState=TX&searchApproxAge=31&adID=10002101&searchtab=people&x=21&y=5</ref> The late Webb County ] ] was a brother-in-law of Zaffirini.


⚫ Zaffirini is married to Laredo attorney Carlos M. Zaffirini, Sr. (born ]) The couple has a son, attorney Carlos Zaffirini, Jr. The late Webb County ] ] was a brother-in-law of Zaffirini.


==Election history== ==Election history==
Line 244: Line 245:


==References== ==References==
{{Reflist}}

{{reflist}}

<div class="references-small">
<references/>
</div>


==External links== ==External links==

Revision as of 13:04, 12 January 2008

Judith Pappas Zaffirini (born February 13, 1946) is a Democratic member of the Texas State Senate from the 21st District, which includes her home city of Laredo. On January 9, 2007, Zaffirini became the second in seniority in the 31-member Texas Senate, where she has served since 1987.

Political background

In 1986, Zaffirini upset the late State Representative William N. "Billy" Hall, Jr., in the Democratic primary for state senator. She then defeated Republican Jeff Wentworth of San Antonio in the general election. After redistricting, they would appear some ten years later as state senate colleagues.

Zaffirini has continued to defeat intraparty and interparty challengers in her Webb County-based district. She was to face San Antonio attorney Rene Barrientos (born January 25, 1954), in a March 4, 2008, Democratic primary, but Barrientos withdrew from the race on January 9.

Zaffirini will square off in the November 4 general election against former Webb County (administrative) Judge (2003-2007) Louis Henry Bruni, Jr. (born 1949), a Democrat who switched to Republican affiliation on December 27, 2007. In 2004, Zaffirini handily defeated Bruni's brother, Raymond Anthony Bruni (born 1948), in the Democratic primary. In announcing his candidacy, Louis Bruni said that the historically Democratic district could be ripe for a partisan turnover. Prior to his judgeship, Bruni had been a member of the nonpartisan Laredo City Council. Bruni also said that his opposition to Zaffirini stems in part from a legal feud that he had with his brother prior to Raymond's campaign against the senator.

Despite her Democratic heritage, Zaffirini is known for her ability to work across party lines, particularly her friendship with Republican Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst. As a result of redistricting and the structuring of terms in the Senate, Zaffirini has served three four-year and five two-year terms. Zaffirini claims that "voters are always well informed, and I believe they will decide to support me based on my record and seniority."

Zaffirin has a perfect attendance record in the Senate except in July 2005, when she joined her fellow Democrats who fled to Albuquerque to boycott Republican plans to redistrict the Texas congressional map. The GOP plan was adopted but later altered by the United States Supreme Court.

Zaffirini sponsored the bill that created the expanded Texas A&M International Universityfrom the former Laredo State University. She led a movement to restore $154 million in community college funds vetoed in 2007 by Governor Rick Perry.

Zaffirini is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin. She studied several semesters previously at Laredo Community College (then Laredo Junior College). On December 17, 2007, Zaffirni was honored by the LCC board of trustees with its inaugural "Beacon Award", a creation from the college's sixtieth anniversary. LCC president Juan L. Maldonado declared that the award honors individuals whose altruistic efforts have improved and advanced the welfare of the Webb County community. Maldonado said that the beacon "evokes the flame of the lamp of learning, which represents the role of the individual in bringing enlightenment and hope to others. . . . Senator Zaffirni embodies all of these admirable traits . . . and make her the ideal recipient of this award." In 2004, LCC named its south campus library in honor of Zaffirni.. She is also honored through the Zaffirini Elementary School, 5210 Santa Claudia Lane in Laredo, one of the campuses of the United Independent School District.

Zaffirini is married to Laredo attorney Carlos M. Zaffirini, Sr. (born 1944) The couple has a son, attorney Carlos Zaffirini, Jr. The late Webb County District Attorney Charles R. Borchers was a brother-in-law of Zaffirini.

Election history

Election history of Zaffirini since 1992.

Most recent election

2004

Texas general election, 2004: Senate District 21
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Judith Zaffirini (Incumbent) 127,573 100.00 +10.89
Majority 127,573 100.00 +21.78
Turnout 127,573 +18.86
Democratic hold
Democratic primary, 2004: Senate District 21
Candidate Votes % ±
Raymond Bruni 17,089 21.35
✓ Judith Zaffirini (Incumbent) 62,960 78.65
Majority 45,871 57.30
Turnout 80,049

Previous elections

2002

Texas general election, 2002: Senate District 21
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Judith Zaffirini (Incumbent) 95,644 89.11 +22.65
Libertarian Jeff Carruthers 11,688 10.89 +10.89
Majority 83,956 78.22 +45.31
Turnout 107,332 −32.76
Democratic hold

2000

Texas general election, 2000: Senate District 21
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican David Swift 53,547 33.54 −0.14
Democratic Judith Zaffirini (Incumbent) 106,089 66.46 +0.14
Majority 52,542 32.91 +0.27
Turnout 159,636 +15.13
Democratic hold

1996

Texas general election, 1996: Senate District 21
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Republican James C. Whitworth 46,698 33.68 +2.21
Democratic Judith Zaffirini (Incumbent) 91,956 66.32 −2.21
Majority 45,258 32.64 −4.41
Turnout 138,654 +33.77
Democratic hold

1994

Texas general election, 1994: Senate District 21
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Judith Zaffirini (Incumbent) 71,029 68.53 −31.47
Republican Fernando Cantu 32,624 31.47 +31.47
Majority 38,405 37.05 −62.95
Turnout 103,653 −6.95
Democratic hold

1992

Texas general election, 1992: Senate District 21
Party Candidate Votes % ±%
Democratic Judith Zaffirini (Incumbent) 111,398 100.00
Majority 111,398 100.00
Turnout 111,398
Democratic hold

References

  1. Office of the Secretary of State (Texas) (2002-09-13). "State Senate Candidates for 2002 General Election". Retrieved 2006-12-27.
  2. Aguilar, Julian (2007-12-28). "Bruni becomes Repubican in a bid to unseat Zaffirini". Laredo Morning Times. p. pp. 1A, 13A. {{cite news}}: |page= has extra text (help); Check date values in: |date= (help)
  3. Cortez, Tricia (2008-01-10). "Zaffirini foe quits". Laredo Morning Times. p. pp. 1, 12A. {{cite news}}: |page= has extra text (help)
  4. Cortez, Tricia (2007-12-21). "Zaffirini's ready to run for her state senate seat". Laredo Morning Times. p. p. 3A. {{cite news}}: |page= has extra text (help)
  5. Alvarado, Celina (2007-12-18). "State senator given college's first-ever 'Beacon Award'". Laredo Morning Times. p. pp. 1, 13A. {{cite news}}: |page= has extra text (help)
  6. Uncontested primary elections are not shown.
  7. "2004 General Election". Office of the Secretary of State (Texas). Retrieved 2007-01-04.
  8. "2004 Democratic Party Primary Election". Office of the Secretary of State (Texas). Retrieved 2007-01-04.
  9. "2002 General Election". Office of the Secretary of State (Texas). Retrieved 2007-01-04.
  10. "2000 General Election". Office of the Secretary of State (Texas). Retrieved 2007-01-04.
  11. "1996 General Election". Office of the Secretary of State (Texas). Retrieved 2007-01-04.
  12. "1994 General Election". Office of the Secretary of State (Texas). Retrieved 2007-01-04.
  13. "1992 General Election". Office of the Secretary of State (Texas). Retrieved 2007-01-04.

External links

Template:TXSenateSuccession box
Members of the Texas Senate
89th Texas Legislature (2025)
President of the Senate
Dan Patrick (R)
President pro tempore
Brandon Creighton (R)
  1. ▌Bryan Hughes (R)
  2. ▌Bob Hall (R)
  3. ▌Robert Nichols (R)
  4. ▌Brandon Creighton (R)
  5. ▌Charles Schwertner (R)
  6. ▌Carol Alvarado (D)
  7. ▌Paul Bettencourt (R)
  8. ▌Angela Paxton (R)
  9. ▌Kelly Hancock (R)
  10. ▌Phil King (R)
  11. ▌Mayes Middleton (R)
  12. ▌Tan Parker (R)
  13. ▌Borris Miles (D)
  14. ▌Sarah Eckhardt (D)
  15. ▌Molly Cook (D)
  16. ▌Nathan Johnson (D)
  17. ▌Joan Huffman (R)
  18. ▌Lois Kolkhorst (R)
  19. ▌Roland Gutierrez (D)
  20. ▌Juan Hinojosa (D)
  21. ▌Judith Zaffirini (D)
  22. ▌Brian Birdwell (R)
  23. ▌Royce West (D)
  24. ▌Pete Flores (R)
  25. ▌Donna Campbell (R)
  26. ▌Jose Menendez (D)
  27. ▌Morgan LaMantia (D)
  28. ▌Charles Perry (R)
  29. ▌Cesar Blanco (D)
  30. ▌Drew Springer (R)
  31. ▌Kevin Sparks (R)


Template:Persondata

Categories:
Judith Zaffirini: Difference between revisions Add topic