From pachanga to presidency

It was during the 1996 presidential election that President Bill Clinton's campaign was looking for a place where former first lady Hillary Clinton could address Rio Grande Valley voters.

After several unsuccessful attempts to find a location, a call was made to the Pete Benavides family with a reuest for the Cameron County Commissioner to share his pachanga venue.

“We were really, really honored,” Sofia Benavides said Wednesday, as the city prepared for another Clinton visit. “I really have good memories” of the event.

Sofia Benavides assumed the Precinct 1 seat after her husband passed away in October 2006.

She recalled that, as he had done during all his campaigns, Benavides' team rented the International Convention Center for one more rally before Election Day. The center is now a doctor's office.

The Benavideses were "more than happy" to let the Clintons join. The event gathered thousands of Democratic supporters for both candidates.

At that time, Hillary Clinton never hinted that she had presidential aspirations, Sofia Benavides said. “It was more about her husband.”

Bill Clinton and Pedro Benavides clinched wins in their respective races.

Today, a Clinton and a Benavides once again appear on the Cameron County Democratic Party ballot.

This time it's the Mrs. who is seeking office.

Sen. Hillary Clinton hopes to be the nation’s first woman president and Sofia Benavides is seeking election to the Precinct 1 post to which she was appointed.

“I don’t know if it is coincidence or not but I do know God works in many ways," Benavides said. "Pete was always fortunate that when he did run it was during a presidential election year. It stimulated a lot of votes Â… it didn’t deter people. It certainly helped."

lmartinez@brownsvilleherald.com