Politics Not as Usual in Mexico Candidates for 2000 Plunge in Early as Growing Democracy Defiestradition of One-Party Rule

Howard LaFranchi, writer of The Christian Science Monitor, The Christian Science Monitor

Every night on Mexican television, the smiling, boyish governor of the Gulf state of Tabasco sings the praises of his four years in office. He wraps up an ad showing schools, roads, and clean environment with the words, "Tabasco: actions, not words."

Why is Roberto Madrazo Pintado doing this? Quite simply, he wants to move up to Los Pinos, Mexico's White House, in 2000. And, with a dozen more governors, senators, and other leaders jostling for the same address, Mr. Madrazo knows he has no time to waste.

Mexico is embarking on an uncustomarily early and open presidential campaign, analysts say, because the country has become more democratic and pluralistic under …

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Publication information: Article title: Politics Not as Usual in Mexico Candidates for 2000 Plunge in Early as Growing Democracy Defiestradition of One-Party Rule. Contributors: Howard LaFranchi, writer of The Christian Science Monitor - Author. Newspaper title: The Christian Science Monitor. Publication date: January 22, 1999. Page number: 6. © 2009 The Christian Science Publishing Society. Provided by ProQuest LLC. All Rights Reserved.

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