Battle of the Spouses

Why did Hidalgo County Democratic Party Chairman Juan Maldonado reject the candidacy of incumbent state Rep. Mando Martinez's future ex-wife in the race for his spot?

It seems she didn't fill out the paperwork correctly when she filed to run against her estranged husband. But Jessica Reyes-Martinez claims the move is "a political scheme between Maldonado and her husband."

Probably Maldonado is using the paperwork oversight as a face-saving way of avoiding additional political embarrassment for Hidalgo County Democrats. (Insert your own snide comment here.)

Of course, the soon-to-be ex-Mrs. Martinez could always run as an independent. It seems to be the popular thing to do these days.