7/22/2014
Hidalgo County Democratic Precinct Chair Patrick Eronini spoke to Action 4 News on Friday confirming only that other precinct chairs confided in him.
He said he was told that they've felt pressured from their employers vote for a particular candidate.
Less than 24 hours after our story hit air, several Democratic precinct chairs and also the county chair, voted to strip Eronini of his leadership role.
Hidalgo County Democratic Party Chair Ric Godinez admitted Patrick Eronini’s words in Friday’s Action 4 News interview were his own undoing.
“I think the Democratic Party and myself and our principals to the party, encourage people to say whatever is on their mind. But not that there are limits to the first amendment rights, but words have consequences," said Godinez.
Democratic Precinct Chair Patrick Eronini feels that is unfair.
"There was no violation of party rules. Knowing that I have the right to free speech and to speak my mind, I did not do anything to condemn my party. Frankly, I spoke only in my capacity," said Eronini.
Eronini does not claim to have been pressured himself, but Friday he told Action4 News that other precinct chairs had shared with him that they felt intimidated and pressured to vote to support a particular sheriff's candidate in the upcoming election.
Saturday, Godinez and several precinct chairs voted to remove Eronini as the Secretary of the Democratic Party Processing Committee.
"If you are looking for any proof of potential retaliation, it doesn’t get any better than this. Again like you said, the county chair said ‘Words have consequences.’ My words last week to you had consequences, the consequence was my removal. The question is, ‘What consequence will it be if you do not vote where you are told or expected to vote?," questioned Eronini.
Action4 News asked, “By Eronini being voted to be stripped of his title as secretary, does that almost validates some of these concerns?”
“No, I don’t think [it is] at all- it’s just a symbolic measure to Mr. Eronini and other chairs that look, if there is a problem in the process bring it to the appropriate channels bring it up to people who can do something to fix it. Whether it be me, or whether it be law enforcement, or whatever he or she may feel is appropriate," replied Godinez.
“If he could not protect me and defend my rights to speak freely, why would anyone confide in him information in which he might have an interest?" responded Eronini.
Godinez told Action4 News that Eronini cast doubt in the party's selection process for a nominee and that is why he was removed.
Eronini said he will not allow his freedom of speech rights to be trampled on and added how he will continue to speak out for those who cannot.
Daniel Guzman, who was chosen to replace Eronini as the Secretary for the Hidalgo County Democratic Party Processing Committee, also voted to remove Eronini from the position.
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