Other lawmakers possible successors for Eliot Shapleigh's state Senate seat

Possible contenders for Eliot Shapleigh's state Senate seat began lining up as soon as he announced he will not seek re-election next year.

Potential Democratic candidates include County Attorney Jose Rodriguez and state Reps. Joe Pickett and Norma Chavez.

Two Republicans, businessman Dee Margo and former state Rep. Pat Haggerty, also said they were interested in succeeding Shapleigh.

Margo, who lost to Shapleigh in 2006, said he may consider another run. Margo is chief executive officer of JDW Insurance.

As for Haggerty, he said he might try a political comeback by running for the Senate.

"Of course, once you hear about it, you gotta take a look at it," Haggerty said. "(But) I'm an old man and this is a young man's game." He is 65.

Soon after Shapleigh's noontime news conference in which he announced his decision to step down, Chavez said she would form an exploratory committee for the Senate seat.

"I've been inundated with phone calls of support to look into running," she said. "Count me in as a contender."

Hours later, Rodriguez announced that he was forming his own exploratory committee.

"I'm going to consider running and I'm gauging the community's support," Rodriguez said.

Pickett said that soon after Shapleigh's announcement he received more than $250,000 in commitments should he decide to run for the Senate.

"I'm the chair for the House Transportation Committee, and that's a pretty hard thing to give up for El Paso," Pickett said.

"I think I'll let it sit for a few days and see how the public reacts to it."

Democrats interested in Shapleigh's seat said another contender could be Carlos Flores, an El Paso Independent School District trustee. Flores, though, would say only that Shapleigh's departure would be a significant loss for El Paso.

Mayor John Cook said he probably would not seek the Senate seat.

"I wish he did this in four years -- then I'd run," Cook said. "I've learned never to say never, but I just got re-elected by 61 percent of my constituents to serve another four years. I usually follow through on my commitments."

City Rep. Beto O'Rourke said he was surprised by Shapleigh's decision, but called speculation of his own candidacy false.

"It's never been something that I've thought about or planned on," O'Rourke said.

Staff writer David Burge contributed to this story.

Adriana M. Chavez may be reached at achavez@elpasotimes.com; 546-6117.