Barack Obama has been sworn in as the first black president of the United States.

That opens the doors for other minorities to seek the highest office in the land, political junkies say.

“People who used to say, there’s no way we can beat a white man are now saying, we can do it. If Obama can be elected, if a black man can be elected, then a Latino can be elected,” said Robert Bridge, chairman of the Bee County Republican Party.

The Bee-Picayune asked movers and shakers in Bee County who they saw as a possible Latino candidate for the White House, and when they expected to see a Latino running the United States.

Here is what they had to say:

David Silva

Bee County Judge

When: the next 20-30 years.

Who: “I just don’t see any Latino politician at this point who has the strength of character or the academic credentials to be qualified for the position. At least (Barack) Obama had the gravitas — he was a Columbia University and a Harvard Law School graduate and taught at the University of Chicago Law School — to be president. He is polished and he can speak well.”

Kenneth Chesshir

Beeville Mayor

When: the next 12-16 years.

Who: Rubén Hinojosa. “I have worked with Rubén over the years and I like the decisions he has made. He is open-minded and willing to work on both sides of the aisles, with both liberals and conservatives. He does what is right for everyone, what’s right for America, not what’s right for any one political party.” Whoever the first Latino president is, hopefully, he is from Texas, Chesshir said.

Jessy T. Garza

President, Bee County Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors

When: the next 20-plus years.

Who: “I just don’t see anyone on the horizon, frankly.” On the far horizon, however, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush’s oldest son, George P. Bush, would make an ideal presidential candidate, Jessy T. says. “He is brown-skinned, articulate and handsome. He is well-educated. He’s an attorney. He’s got a lot of good qualities, whether he runs as a Democrat or a Republican.”

Susan Stasny

Precinct 2 County Commissioner

When: 8-20 years.

Who: “I don’t really see anyone in the near future. It may take several election cycles to elect the first Latino president.” She said New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson, a Hispanic, was a candidate for the Democratic Presidential nomination in 2008. Governor Richardson may be a strong candidate in the future, if he can resolve the current investigation into contracts awarded to some of his California contributors. On the Republican side, Linda Chavez is a possibility. She is a former nominee for Secretary of Labor under President George W. Bush and an influential voice in equal opportunity. “President Obama’s election has changed the model of how our presidential nominee’s are chosen. Who would have thought six years ago that an Illinois State Senator would be elected President of the United States. Maybe Senator Judith Zaffirini should get her dancing shoes ready.”

Dr. Alberto “Al” Madrid

Beeville surgeon

When: at least 16 years.

Who: “I think because of their age, they’re probably still in grade school or high school at this time. There are a lot of fine Latino politicians but they are all in the 40-, 50- or 60-year range and will be too old to run for the office when it becomes open. It will probably be the next generation before we have a suitable Latino candidate.” He said the Latino candidate could be of Cuban descent, Mexican descent or from some South American country. He said political parties will help Latino candidates secure the nomination to the White House someday, just as the Democratic Party helped Barack Obama win a seat in the Oval Office.

Michael Silvas II

Chairman, Bee County Democratic Party

When: 10 years at the earliest

Who: Someone not presently involved in politics. “It will be a new face, someone who is not known at this time to the public or someone we know much about.” Silvas said voters wanted something different this election and they voted for Barack Obama, for the most part a political newcomer. He suspects independent voters also will decide the outcome of future presidential races as well. Because neither the Democrats nor Republicans presently have an outstanding Latino candidate, the first-ever Latino president has yet to make his national appearance.

Robert Bridge

Chairman, Bee County Republican Party

When: within 12 years.

Who: No firm opinion, but considers Colorado Rep. John Salazar and Florida Sen. Mel Martinez possible candidates. “I’ve heard Mel Martinez speak and he is very educated and very articulate and I know a lot of (other important people) come to him for advice. I’m also really impressed with Colorado Congressman John Salazar.” Bridge said Obama’s election to the highest office in the land will undoubtably entice Latinos to throw their hats into the ring in the near future. “Unfortunately, we won’t have a Latino president soon enough, but about 12 years down the road, after Obama has served two terms, then I see no reason why we won’t have a viable Latino candidate for president. Obama has opened the doors. People of all races who once said there is no way (to beat a white man) are now saying we can do this, too.”

Rev. Eric Tarver

Pastor, Bethlehem Baptist Church

When: Will replace Obama in the White House in 2016

Who: Several prominent Latino politicians come to mind, such as former Housing Secretary Henry Cisneros, New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson or former U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, “but they each have been linked to controversy and Washington may not welcome them anymore,” Tarver said. His idea of the perfect candidate? State Rep. Yvonne Gonzales Toureilles, whose House District includes Bee County. “I look at her contributions to public service and she kind of reminds me of Barack Obama, how she came from humble beginnings and worked her way to the top. I believe Yvonne will represent us on a national level someday. She certainly has the capabilities. She may not want to go to Washington but I believe she has the character, the work ethic and the brains to serve as president.”

Tarver also remembers a high school classmate who went to Princeton, Rigo Reyes. “I lost contact with him after high school but I believe he became an attorney. He was top in his class. Even our principal said he would not be surprised to see Rigo become president some day.”