Election Approaches, Contrasts Deepen Between Congressional Candidates

Track-record vs. change, Reyes vs. O’Rourke, that’s how the two top Democratic contenders seem to portray themselves as the primary battle for the 16th Congressional seat draws to a close.

“We’re basically trying to remind everyone who’s going to vote tomorrow that if they want change, they’re going to have to vote for it,” said O’Rourke.

“We’re proud to have to phone banks, (canvasing) 34,000 homes, basically a traditional campaign,” said Reyes.

There was nothing traditional about O’Rourke’s decision to set up shop at Saturday’s Neon Desert Music Festival. Attendees who stopped by the “I Love Beto” photo booth could even have snapped a picture with the congressional hopeful.

“What was more surprising to me at Neon Desert this weekend was not just how many people registered, but how many people had already voted, and voted for us,” said O’Rourke.

While O’Rourke appeared to push his new-blood appeal to the forefront, Reyes was quick to cover all his voter bases before heading into the home stretch.

“I’m about hard work and I’m about delivering for El Paso and delivering for everyone in El Paso,” said Reyes.

But as of Monday, neither O’Rourke nor Reyes could say which approach would win over voters in the end.

“I’m not about predictions,” said Reyes.

“If I had a gut instinct on this, it’s that it’s going to be close,” said O’Rourke. “So it’s going to be critical that each and every person come and vote.”

Polls close 7 p.m. Tuesday.