Rep. Ben Ray Lujan – Rising Mexican-American star in southwest now chief deputy whip
Friday, January 18th, 2013
We are really watching several new Mexican-American leaders come into play and unfold in the southwestern part of our Nation during a crucial time when comprehensive immigration reform will be played out. Keep your eyes on New Mexico’s Congressman Ben Ray Lujan who was appointed a chief deputy whip for the 113rd Congress. This ‘whip’ is an important role when votes need to be whipped up and accounted for.
Too often folks have been making the mistake of seeking leadership of the politicians who live in states that do not border Mexico, and everyone knows the bleeding needs to stop in the southwestern part of our Nation — particularly when Arizona’s Governor Jan Brewer tried to trump the Supremacy Clause of the United States Constitution via SB 1070. It’s common sense to listen to the community that has been impacted the most — particularly when most of the deportations have been Mexican nationals.
We will be keeping an eye on the Mexican-American leadership — particularly in the states that border Mexico. 
After all, the burden typically lies on the counties that border Mexico. States bordering Mexico have a better idea on the problems and solutions to a reasonable legal immigration plan.
A quick snapshot of the bordering states:
Texas: 1,255 miles/64% of border length and has 24 ports of entry
Arizona: 354 miles/18% of border length and has 8 ports of entry
New Mexico: 180 miles/9% and has 3 ports of entry
California: 165 miles/8% of border length and 6 ports of entry
As you can see, Texas has the most coverage and this is why we are happy to see freshman Democrat Joaquin Castro take the bull by the horns when he recently laid out immigration plans he is taking to Washington D.C. We hope the quartet states bordering Mexico will fully get behind the Texas Castro.
