https://www.austinchronicle.com/daily/news/2008-10-22/693519/

Talk About a Benedict …

By Lee Nichols, October 22, 2008, 3:24pm, Newsdesk

Albert Gonzales, who lost the Democratic primary for Pct. 3 Travis County Commissioner to Karen Huber, has finally offered his endorsement … to the Libertarian candidate, Wes Benedict.

“Wes Benedict is the best choice on the ballot for Travis County residents,” Gonzales said in a press release sent by Benedict. “He has actively opposed toll roads for years, opposes corporate welfare, and represents the best interests of We the People of Precinct 3. Karen Huber is a life-long Republican who just switched to the Democratic ticket for this race. She uses the same evasive language when it comes to toll roads that many other toll road supporters have used while they claim to be against them, but then vote for them. I suspect the reason Karen Huber was recruited to run against me in the Democratic primary was because of my clear opposition to toll roads.”

That’s a different claim than Gonzales made to me shortly after his primary loss, when he said he suspected the county Democratic Party recruited Huber because “they didn't think a Hispanic could win in Southwest Travis County.”

Gonzales took only 37% of the primary vote (14,984 votes) to Huber's 63%.

“Poor Albert,” Huber replied today. “I think he’s disappointed he didn’t get the Democratic nomination. Many of his supporters in the primary who are now supporting me tried to reach out to him, and he’s just out there and he’s going to have to deal with it emotionally however he chooses. I wish him well.

“I was recruited by people in western Travis County who are concerned about irresponsible growth,” Huber said.

Huber and Benedict are challenging incumbent Republican Gerald Daugherty in the current election. Early voting is ongoing through Oct. 31, and Election Day is Nov. 4.

Coming soon: The story of how Albert Gonzales will never, ever be invited to any more Travis County Democratic Party functions …