Texas Republicans gain Hispanic but will he keep seat?

AUSTIN, Texas — Rarely does the Texas governor, attorney general, state comptroller and House speaker heap praise on a freshman lawmaker, but that's what happens when a Hispanic state representative becomes a Republican at a time when the party considers its dominance in danger.

Gov. Rick Perry congratulated Harlingen Rep. J.M. Lozano for placing personal convictions over party loyalty. Attorney General Greg Abbott pledged the Republican Party's support for Lozano and all Hispanics who want to join the party that places God over government.

Perry didn't shy away from why.

"For the Republican majority to continue to grow and expand we need a new generation to step forward. We need those fresh faces from communities where our party has underperformed," Perry said on Thursday. "In particular, we need those Hispanic leaders to carry the banner of the party."

http://www.statesman.com/news/texas/republicans-gain-hispanic-but-will-he-keep-seat-2231089.html