Edinburg -- State Representative Aaron Pena is featured in the July issue of Governing magazine. The cover story details the growing influence of blogging in Texas state politics.

"I started my blog so my constituents could keep in touch with me," said Representative Pena. "People need to know how there elected officials feel about issues that are important to them. My blog affords me that accessibility and intimacy in communication that a press release can not."

A blog is website with an online discussion or commentary that provides instantaneous feedback on a variety of issues. Pena's blog offers insight on his role as state representative and can be found at http://www.acapitolblog.blogspot.com

"It is important to note that one of our own is leading the charge of a more open and responsive relationship between elected officials and their constituents," said Hidalgo Co. Chair Juan Maldonado. "Rep. Pena has always been accessible but his blog offers all of us a unique glimpse into what is really going on in Austin. We get information from his blog that can't be found in the regular news."