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Clinton Supporters Watch Debate, Prepare For Her San Antonio Visit

Shelley Kofler
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Texas Public Radio
A Clinton support in San Antonio watches the Democratic presidential candidates debate.

Hillary Clinton’s campaign is in San Antonio working to build enthusiasm for her arrival on Thursday.  That’s when U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Julian Castro will endorse Clinton in his hometown and help launch her “Latinos for Hillary” effort. 

  

On Tuesday night at the Alamo Beer Hall former state Sen. Leticia Van de Putte whipped up a crowd of 350 Democrats sipping brews as they watched their Party’s first presidential debate.

“What about Hillary Clinton? She’s doing great,” Van de Putte shouted during a break in the televised debate.

This was billed as a “Texans for Hillary” party. Richard Montez said the candidate sparring reminded him why he supports the former First Lady.

“I’ve always been a big supporter of Hillary Clinton because I think she has a track record of focusing on children.”

Credit Shelley Kofler / Texas Public Radio
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Texas Public Radio
Angela Diaz of San Antonio supports Bernie Sanders.

Breshna Shah said she was relieved Clinton aggressively challenged former Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders.  He’s outpolling Clinton in Iowa and New Hampshire.  

“I thought he was going to crush her, but I think she really held her ground.”

Some Sanders supporters also showed up at the Hillary bash.

Angela Diaz, 36, says she’s a Latina for Bernie.

“He’s cutting through the BS.  And it’s not only me.  It’s a lot of other people my age who think Bernie Sanders can be the change we need in Washington.”  

Clinton organizers are working to connect with those younger Hispanic voters.  Former Texas land commissioner Garry Mauro is a 40-year friend of Bill and Hillary Clinton, and will again help manage Clinton’s Texas campaign.  Mauro says having a Hispanic vice presidential running mate- like Julian Castro- would help Clinton if she wins the Democratic nomination. 

Credit Shelley Kofler / Texas Public Radio
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Texas Public Radio
Former Texas land commissioner Garry Mauro will again help organize Hillary Clinton's Texas campaign.

“Of course, a Hispanic on the ticket would have a huge positive impact and Julian is the odds-on favorite right now,” Mauro said.

Castro will be at Clinton’s side in San Antonio fueling speculation that may help build her Hispanic support.

Texas Public Radio will have more on the impact of the Latino vote this afternoon during All Things Considered on 89.1 FM.

Shelley Kofler is Texas Public Radio’s news director. She joined the San Antonio station in December 2014 and leads a growing staff that produces two weekly programs; a daily talk show, news features, reports and online content. Prior to TPR, Shelley served as the managing editor and news director at KERA in Dallas-Fort Worth, and the Austin bureau chief and legislative reporter for North Texas ABC affiliate WFAA-TV.