Over the years, Representative Henry Cuellar often harked back to the small house in Laredo, Texas.
It was there that his parents, one-time migrant workers who spoke no English, raised him and his seven siblings to value hard work and beware the dangers of debt.
The references in speeches, campaign advertisements and interviews were intended to forge affinity with the largely Hispanic residents of his hometown.
Mr. Cuellar had become the hub of a bustling small enterprise that blurred the lines between his political operation, his businesses and his family, affording him trappings of affluence even as he sometimes strained to make ends meet.
He took on an increasing amount of debt, and his net worth declined.
Persons:
Henry Cuellar, ”, Cuellar
Organizations:
Navy
Locations:
Laredo , Texas, Laredo, Nationals