District 40: Eddie Saenz Files for State Rep Under a Cloud as to His Residence

Waiting until the last days for filing, Eddie Saenz formally filed to challenge State Representative Aaron Pena. Saenz was previously overwhelmingly defeated by Pena in the 2004 Democratic Primary, with Pena winning 64% to Saenz's 35% of the vote. In 2004, Saenz's campaign was under a cloud after the City of Edinburg sued the engineer for work he was alleged at the time not to have performed.

Saenz filed today while still under a cloud from his arrest in September in the City of Mission, alleging that he was driving while intoxicated. Five days after, he turned himself in to Mission Police. Although Saenz performed poorly in a field sobriety test, smelled of alcohol, and had noticeably slurred speech, he entered a "not guilty" plea. He is expected back in court on January 31st before Judge Jay Palacios.

The candidate for state office may see his troubles increase as his sworn affidavit claiming residence in District 40 is being contested by a number of commentors on the Internet. Saenz claims to live at 718 Summit Circle even though many in the city of Edinburg believe that he lives in House District 41 where Veronica Gonzales now serves as a State Representative. Stay tuned as this story develops.

Dist.40: Eddie Saenz Charged In Court for DWI

Eddie Saenz, District 40 candidate for State Representative was ordered to appear in court today to be charged with Driving While Intoxicated.

Eddie Saenz was a no-show at the Hidalgo County Courthouse and failed to personally appear to confront the charges against him. An attorney hired by Saenz entered a "not guilty" plea for allegedly driving while intoxicated.

The Saenz arrest came three weeks after he filed to run against three term incumbent Rep. Aaron Pena and has been widely covered on local television.

Internet chatter has centered on the unusual procedures followed for the engineer. The news reports, "Saenz, 47, turned himself in to Mission police Sept. 28, five days after he refused a Breathalyzer test during a traffic stop."