Rodriguez, Casar gear up to run for Watson’s seat

The Quorum Report announced last week that Rep. Eddie Rodriguez had formed a committee to explore a run for the seat being vacated by Sen. Kirk Watson. The most important part of that announcement was the list of local Democratic stalwarts pledging support to Rodriguez. Especially important names include Reps. Donna Howard, Celia Israel and Gina Hinojosa, who will co-chair a committee “to advise and support Eddie as he approaches the SD 14 race.” Council Member Greg Casar announced Monday that he was taking the first step toward running for Watson’s seat with the appointment of Aimee Arrambide to serve as treasurer for that effort if he decides to run. Arrambide, the executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Texas, is serving as Casar’s treasurer only in a personal capacity, according to a press release from Casar’s campaign. Travis County Judge Sarah Eckhardt seems poised to announce her candidacy for the Watson seat as well. She told the Austin Monitor Monday that she is seriously considering running; however, as Travis County’s chief executive, she has a responsibility to make sure that leadership role does not stay vacant. Eckhardt said Travis County Attorney David Escamilla would advise the Commissioners Court today in executive session about its options if she decides to run for the Senate seat. It appears the commissioners would be able to appoint someone to serve in that seat temporarily until a new judge is elected in November. Casar’s seat would have to be filled through an election.