Post-Game Quotes

Well, our search for Austin state Sen. Kirk Watson proved futile, so we snagged some non-Austin legislators to jaw about their favored candidates.

State Rep. Senfronia Thompson of Houston, a Clinton supporter:

"I think she was more passionate about the things she had to say. She seemed to have been more relaxed, more prepared, less argumentative, less critical. A little nitpicky, but I think both of them did that."

Why does she support Clinton?

"She actually called me and talked to me about supporting her, and why it would be a good reason to support her. … I thought that if a person called you and took the time out to spend to tell you about yourself, and why [I] should support her, and then ask you for support and then follow it up with a phone call again …

"They seem to both have good rationales on all the issues and they're so close that's it's difficult to see the difference between the two of them, really."

UPDATE: Thompson, a Texas superdelegate, announced on Thursday, Feb. 27 that she is switching her pledge to Obama!

State Rep. Rafael Anchia of Dallas, chair of the National Association of Latino Elected Officials and an Obama supporter:

"We're working really hard to connect him to the Latino community. He's been doing a terrific job. He's up on Spanish-language TV and radio and we think that if we pull even with Sen. Clinton … we know we're coming from behind because she's been here for 35 years and has a history with Latinos … but if we pull even with Sen. Clinton in the Latino vote we win Texas hands down."

Anchia said that as the son of immigrants like Obama, seeing the Illinois senator "stand[ing] at the precipice of the presidency of the United States, it affirms that the American dream is present and alive today for somebody like me who shares a similar path as him."

Asked if the young, charismatic Obama reminded him of any other politicians, Anchia coyly replied "John F. Kennedy. Bill Clinton." I decided to cut to the chase and asked, "Perhaps Governor Anchia?" (That's a reference to a recent Texas Monthly story in which Paul Burka speculated that Anchia might become Texas' first Hispanic governor sometime in the future.) Anchia grinned and said, "You're kind, that's very flattering. I am very proud to be representing District 103 and supporting Barack Obama for president."

Okay, they're shutting down the media room. Time for me to go party with Chelsea.

UPDATE: We never found Watson to speak for Obama, but the Clinton campaign just released a statement by the man he pushed into retirement, former state Sen. Gonzalo Barrientos:

“Once again, Senator Clinton proved she is the candidate who is prepared on day one to deliver for the working people of Texas. While Senator Obama relies on rhetoric, Senator Clinton stands firm on her record of over 35 years of experience: from leading the passage of CHIP which provides six million kids across America with health insurance to opposing Bush’s irresponsible tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans. I am proud to support Hillary Clinton because I know she can bring the change people of Texas need.”