Thursday's Democratic debate in Austin between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama was a historic event for Texas voters. The state hasn't been a pivotal player in a national election since the 1970s. The prolonged primary season this year has brought the candidates' attention to the concerns of Texas progressives.

Although the debate focused primarily on national concerns, candidates did speak to an issue of particular interest to many in Texas: the construction of the so-called border wall in the Rio Grande Valley, a thriving area whose economy operates on both sides of the U.S. Border with Mexico. Ann Raber has followed the border wall issue for FSRN, and was at last night's debate.