Message from the Chair:

Andy Brown, TCDP Chair

JBR Dinner news and SCOTUS update!

January 9th, 2012

Fellow Democrats,

We have sold out our Johnson Bentsen Richards Dinner! January 15 will be the single most successful fundraiser ever for the Travis County Democratic Party — and all of the proceeds go to our 2012 Coordinated Campaign.

Thanks to our hard-working host committee, TCDP office staff and generous sponsors, we are kicking off our Coordinated Campaign fundraising at the Four Seasons Hotel con ganas. We will hear from U.S. House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi, Lieutenant Governor Ben Barnes (our distinguished honoree), Congressman Lloyd Doggett, Senator Kirk Watson and Representative Wilhelmina Delco.

If you missed our interview with Governor Barnes last week, check it out here. His dedication to the Democratic Party and to the State of Texas continues to be inspiring.

Cappy McGarr will emcee the dinner. He is one the Democratic Party’s premiere donors and fundraisers. He also happens to be a legendary radio deejay, raconteur, toastmaster, money manager, renewable energy entrepreneur and all around funny guy. It’s an understatement to say Cappy has friends in high places. He opened for Paul McCartney at the Obama White House two years ago! We’re in for a very good time Sunday night.

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The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the Texas redistricting case Monday, and justices indicated they are unhappy with their choices. Here is a transcript of yesterday’s arguments.

It is unclear what will happen next, but some legal experts speculate that SCOTUS will wait to see what happens in the D.C. federal trial scheduled to begin next week. Whether we will be able to proceed with the rescheduled April 3 primary date is up in the air. As always, we will keep you posted on the latest developments on our web site and social media platforms.

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The Martin Luther King Day Community March and Festival is Monday (Jan. 16). As always, Travis County Democrats will be marching with our blue and white banner, and I hope you will join us for this meaningful holiday event.

We will meet at 9 a.m. Monday on the University of Texas campus near the MLK statue, march with thousands of our fellow citizens to the Capitol and then wind up at Huston-Tillotson University for the festival. This is a good time to remember the legacy of Dr. King and remember our deep commitment to civil rights for everyone. Please come!

Sincerely,