SAENZ TO PENA: “SOUTH TEXAS VOTERS DESERVE AN HONEST ANSWER — WITH REPUBLICANS RAISING MORE CAMPAIGN CASH FOR YOU TO FUND NEGATIVE ATTACKS, EXACTLY WHO ARE YOU WORKING FOR?”

(EDINBURG) – Democratic House challenger Eddie Saenz today called on his beleaguered opponent, Aaron Pena, to explain why Republican House Speaker Tom Craddick is making fundraising calls this week to raise campaign cash that Pena plans to use in negative attack ads.

“My opponent has his Republican political boss making money calls on his behalf,” Saenz said. “South Texas voters deserve an honest answer — exactly who is Aaron Pena working for?”

Pena last month pocketed $50,000 from Craddick in a controversial cash transfer that is now the subject of a criminal charge filed with Travis County prosecutors. A few days later, Pena wrote two checks totaling that same amount, plus and additional $10,000 from Swift Boat funder Bob Perry, to a Republican consulting firm that is working for other candidates recruited by the Republican establishment in Austin to run against Democrats.

This week, Craddick has been calling Republican donors, asking them to “double down” by sending even more money to Pena, who seconded the nomination of Craddick as House Speaker last year and then voted with the Republican on key legislative measures.

The criminal complaint filed against Craddick indicates Pena and two other state lawmakers “violated Texas Government Code Chapter 302 and Texas Election Code Chapter 253″ and asks the district attorney “to investigate these apparent violations and, if evidence warrants, to prosecute the offending parties.”

Saenz previously called on Pena to return the campaign cash, noting that other contributors to the Republican Speaker’s political action committee include a Houston homebuilder who has given at least $50,000 to George W. Bush and Dick Cheney.

Saenz is chairman of South Texas Health Systems and is a vocal advocate for a veteran’s hospital in Hidalgo County.

Saenz is backed by mayors and community leaders throughout the district who are eager for a full partner in their efforts to create jobs, expand access to quality health care, improve public schools, make college affordable again for middle-class families, and improve vital public services.

Owner and chief executive officer of one of South Texas’ leading civil engineering firms, Saenz is a recognized expert in helping cities, school districts, and other public entities improve their operations and basic services.

Saenz is a former chairman of the Edinburg Chamber of Commerce, the Texas Border Infrastructure Coalition Transportation Committee, and the Edinburg 2020 Action Committee. A graduate of McAllen High, he earned his degree in civil engineering from the University of Texas at Austin in 1982. He is a member of the National Society of Professional Engineers, the American Society of Civil Engineers, and the Texas Society of Professional Engineers. He and his wife and child live in Edinburg.

The Democratic primary is scheduled for March 4. Early voting began this week and continues through February 29.