[Tcdp_newsletter] Travis County Democratic Party Weekly Newsletter
for September 22 - 29, 2006
tcdp_newsletter at lists.traviscountydemocrats.org
tcdp_newsletter at lists.traviscountydemocrats.org
Thu Sep 21 16:55:54 CDT 2006
Travis County Democratic Party Weekly Newsletter
Friday, September 22 - Friday, September 29, 2006
************************************************************************
IN THIS ISSUE
- A Message From The Chair
- Thank You!
- Coordinated Campaign Weekly Update
- One of the Best Ways To Be Involved This Year
- Representative Naishtat Fundraiser
- Calendar of Upcoming Events
- In the News
- Contact Info for TCDP Administrative & Coordinated Campaign Offices
- Become a TCDP Sustaining Member
- Newsletter: How to Subscribe or Unsubscribe Your E-Mail
- To Subscribers Who Use AOL
************************************************************************
A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
Dear Travis County Democrats,
47 DAYS. ONLY 47 DAYS LEFT UNTIL ELECTION DAY.
Are you doing what you can to elect Democrats?
Travis County has the greatest of opportunities to lead this state and this nation back to where it belongs.in the hands of Democrats. For your review:
1.. All District Courts in Travis County are now Democratic. Thanks go to Judge Julie Kocurek's switching to the Democratic Party earlier this year.
2.. With the election of Susan Steeg to Justice of the Peace, Precinct 3, Travis County will have 4 of the 5 JP seats.
3.. All County Court at Law courts are run by Democratic Judges.
4.. By electing Valinda Bolton to the State House in District 47 and re-electing all of our terrific Democratic State Representatives, Travis County will have a completely Democratic legislative delegation again for the first time in many years.
5.. With a large enough vote margin in Travis County, we will add 4 new Justices to the 3rd Court of Appeals. Why is that important? The 3rd Court hears all appellate cases regarding state government and administrative matters. By electing real, competent lawyers, not political hacks, to the 3rd Court, we can have meaningful oversight of a Republican dominated government beset by corporate cronyism. This is a vitally important function of our system of checks and balances.
6.. In the Governor's race, whoever has the most votes wins. There is no runoff if no one reaches 50% + 1. In other words, the next Governor of Texas can, theoretically, be elected with only 35% of the vote. With a large enough Democratic turnout and vote margin, Travis County can provide Chris Bell with a much needed boost to help him get to that 35% and give him a very real shot at winning this race.
7.. Democrats need a net gain of 15 seats in the U.S. House of Representatives to regain control. In Texas, there are at least 5 seats that Democrats can pick up and two of those are in Travis County. (For those of you in Congressman Lloyd Doggett's new district, congratulations! He will need your help in introducing him to all the new voters in District 25.) By electing Ted Ankrum in District 10 and John Courage in District 21, both VERY possible in this anti-incumbent environment, and successfully re-electing Lloyd Doggett, Travis County will be represented by 3 Democrats, thereby thwarting Republican plans to have our county represented by Republicans. AND we will provide 2 of the 15 new pick ups needed for taking back the House of Representatives.
As you can see, Travis County is poised to lead this state and nation back to sanity.
PLEASE VOLUNTEER TODAY AT THE TRAVIS COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY'S 2006 COORDINATED CAMPAIGN, TRUE BLUE TRAVIS (www.truebluetravis.com),
AND DONATE TO YOUR TRAVIS COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY (https://secure.fmp.com/tcdp/donate.php?TCDP_Session=e7dd40ab377534869159de95f404872f).
Only through your volunteering and donations can we make this a reality.
Democratically Yours,
Chris Elliott, Chair
Travis County Democratic Party
************************************************************************
THANK YOU!!!
The response to the call for paid election workers for the Early Vote Ballot Board (EVBB) has been tremendous. Thanks to everyone who has signed up to work.
We still need some folks to be a part of the reserve list though. Typically, there will be folks who drop out as the time gets closer to serve on the EVBB, which means that we need a reserve list of folks who can stand by ready to work when people drop out.
The EVBB makes ready all the mail-in ballots to be counted. EVBB will take place Friday, November 3, 2006 9:00am-5:00pm and Saturday, November 4, 2006 10:00am-5:00pm. You will be paid $6.00/hour by Travis County Elections.
If you are interested in being on the reserve list, please contact Garry Brown at garry at traviscountydemocrats.org or 477-7500. You must be a resident and registered voter in Travis County to qualify.
************************************************************************
COORDINATED CAMPAIGN WEEKLY UPDATE
The Travis County Democratic Party's 2006 Coordinated Campaign is called True Blue Travis. For all Democratic candidates to be successful, we need you! The web site is www.truebluetravis.com. From that website, also check out www.trueblueaction.com. It offers wonderful online tools to identify and turn out Democratic voters for candidates at all levels. Similar names; different websites!!
What TrueBlueTravis is doing this weekend where we could use YOUR help:
Already, we've put together thousands of Voter Registration packets for our Apartment Complex project! But we're not done yet.
First- Can you come in, even for just an hour, anytime Thursday or Friday between the hours of 10 am - 6 pm to finish making these packets at the Coordinated Campaign office located at 505 Willow? Then...
Second- Can you join the University Democrats at 12:30 pm this Sunday to doorhang some voter registration packets for two hours? Meet at the Littlefield Fountain on the UT campus.
In one weekend, you can help us cover all of the under-registered apartments in the West Campus area- a critical effort for the countywide campaign!
Contact Diane Wizig, Voter Registration Coordinator at True Blue Travis (512) 476-5100 or e-mail her at diane at traviscountydemocrats.org You can also contact University Democrats President Nicholas Chu at president at udems.org about doorhanging on Sunday.
DIRECTIONS: The Coordinated Campaign office is located at 505 Willow (off of Red River, one block south of Cesar Chavez, just around the corner from the Austin Convention Center). The phone number to the campaign is 476-5100.
Coordinated Campaign staff to date are as follows:
Sandra Ramos, Campaign Coordinator
sandra at traviscountydemocrats.org
Glen Maxey, Campaign Field Director
glen at traviscountydemocrats.org
Nick Lawrie, Deputy Field Coordinator
nick at traviscountydemocrats.org
Rudy Malveaux, East Side Outreach Coordinator
rudy at traviscountydemocrats.org
Karl-Thomas Musselman, Campaign Tech Director
kt at traviscountydemocrats.org
Diane Wizig, Voter Registration
diane at traviscountydemocrats.org
************************************************************************
ONE OF THE BEST WAYS TO BE INVOLVED THIS YEAR
Become a precinct chair! We are seeking to fill the remaining 65 vacant precinct chair positions.
YOUR LEADERSHIP IS NEEDED NOW!!!
By helping Democrats turn out the vote for these terrific State House officials and candidates in your neighborhood, you are not only electing these fine folks, but also the other Democrats on the ballot.
If you are a Democrat, who voted in the 2006 Democratic Primary, would like to serve the Travis County Democratic Party and are interested in working with other Democrats in your precinct, please contact TCDP at 477-7500 or info at traviscountydemocrats.org. You can ask that an appointment be made by the TCDP Executive Committee (which is made up of all the current precinct chairs) to fill an unexpired term; terms are two years from May 2006-May 2008. We promise to put you to work to elect Democrats up and down the ballot in Travis County and make our home even more BLUE!
The following vacant precincts are divided up by State House district:
If your State House Representative is Dawnna Dukes, District 46
113 121 122 129 132 139 141 150 164
If your State House Candidate is Valinda Bolton, District 47
301 304 316 318 324 350 351 356 360 411 412 451
If your State House Representative is Donna Howard, District 48
163 232 253 279 345 370 371 373 375 376 378
If your State House Representative is Elliott Naishtat, District 49
137 147 149 239 275 447 454 461
If your State House Representative is Mark Strama, District 50
107 201 204 205 211 216 254 328 329 331 334 336
If your State House Representative is Eddie Rodriguez, District 51
123 401 402 404 405 407 423 427 452
************************************************************************
REPRESENTATIVE ELLIOTT NAISHTAT FUNDRAISER
Please mark your calendar for State Representative Elliott Naishtat's Fundraiser on Wednesday, October 4, 2006, 5:00 pm-7:30 pm, Nuevo Leon Restaurant, 1501 E. 6th St. For more information, contact: Nancy at 413-3261 or naishtat at austin.rr.com
************************************************************************
CALENDAR OF UPCOMING EVENTS
The TCDP Calendar changes almost daily as we receive new information, so we encourage you to check the calendar often. Go to: http://www.traviscountydemocrats.org/calendar.php
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Voter Registration Blockwalks
TIME: Saturday, September 23, 2006 at 9:45am
PLACE: True Blue Travis Coordinated Campaign Office, 505 Willow St.
CONTACT: Ken Flippin at kflippin at gmail.com
We are well on our way to registering 60,000 people in Travis County! You can be an integral part of this very important project by placing voter registration cards on doors of folks who aren't registered at their place of residence. It only takes 2-3 hours, and with this great weather that we've been having lately, wouldn't it be nice to get out and do great work that helps Democrats get elected?
Blockwalking for Valinda Bolton
TIME: Saturday, September 23, 2006 at 10:30am
PLACE: TCDP's 2006 Coordinated Campaign Office, 505 Willow St.
CONTACT: Tommy at 637-0853 or volunteer at valindabolton.com
Please join Valinda Bolton blockwalk District 47 and spread her message of real solutions to education, health care, open government, and other issues. Valinda needs your help to ensure that Travis County's legislative delegation becomes completely Democratic.
Yeller Dawg/Saturday Sages Meeting
TIME: Saturday, September 23, 2006 at 11:00am-1:00pm
PLACE: Tres Amigos Restaurant, 1801 S. Capitol of Texas Hwy (AKA 360)
CONTACT: Bill McAfee at bmcafee at austin.rr.com
Please join the Yeller Dawg/Saturday Sages for their weekly meeting.
************************************
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Blockwalking for Valinda Bolton
TIME: Sunday, September 24, 2006 at 10:30am
PLACE: TCDP's 2006 Coordinated Campaign Office, 505 Willow St.
CONTACT: Tommy at 637-0853 or volunteer at valindabolton.com
Please join Valinda Bolton blockwalk District 47 and spread her message of real solutions to education, health care, open government, and other issues. Valinda needs your help to ensure that Travis County's legislative delegation becomes completely Democratic.
Voter Registration Lit Drop with the UDems
TIME: Sunday, September 24, 2006 at 12:30pm
PLACE: Meet at Littlefield Fountain on the UT Campus
CONTACT: Cindy Castillo at 956-285-0551 or volunteer at udems.org
Thousands of new students have moved into the west campus area of UT. The University Dems invites you to join them as they walk west campus and put voter registration cards on doors all across the area.
With the new congressional districts, registering students and getting them out to vote is imperative for John Courage beat Lamar Smith!
Voter Registration Blockwalks
TIME: Sunday, September 24, 2006 at 4:00pm
PLACE: True Blue Travis Coordinated Campaign Office, 505 Willow St.
CONTACT: Ken Flippin at kflippin at gmail.com
We are well on our way to registering 60,000 people in Travis County! You can be an integral part of this very important project by placing voter registration cards on doors of folks who aren't registered at their place of residence. It only takes a couple of hours, and with this great weather that we've been having lately, wouldn't it be nice to get out and do great work that helps Democrats get elected?
Precinct 317 Meeting
TIME: Sunday, September 24, 2006 at 4:00pm
PLACE: Home of Precinct Chair, Marvin Hecker and his wife, Gaylon Finklea Hecker,1319 Wilson Heights Dr.
CONTACT: Marvin Hecker at 347-1341 or gmhecker at sbcglobal.net
There will be an organizational and information meeting of the Precinct 317 Democrats. We will discuss opportunities for working to support Democratic candidates, and for working with the Coordinated Campaign, the revitalized Westbank Democrats, and the True Blue tools. And, we'll view a video program, "How Democrats and Progressives Can Win: Solutions from George Lakoff".
Kathi Thomas Fundraiser
TIME: Sunday, September 24, 2006 at 5:30pm-9:00pm
PLACE: Nutty Brown Cafe, 12225 Highway 290 West
You are invited to a fundraiser for Kathi Thomas, candidate for Senate District 25. Special guests include Jaston Williams of Greater Tuna fame!
************************************
Monday, September 25, 2006
League of Women Voters Meeting
TIME: Monday, Septmeber 25, 2006 at 6:00pm
PLACE: La Madeleine, 35th and N. Lamar
CONTACT: Sonja at 970-3908
Plurality Voting, Majority Voting, Instant Runoff Voting: Which Is Best for Democracy?
The upcoming Governor's race will be decided by a plurality of votes, not a majority. The winner will be whomever receives the most votes even if they do not have over 50% of the votes. Is that how our Governor should be elected?
The public is welcome to join the League of Women Voters of the Austin Area to discuss this issue at the Informal Discussion Group meeting, with guest discussion leader, Dr. Gary Keith, Senior Lecturer in the Government Department at the University of Texas.
************************************
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Howard Dean Returns to Austin: $50 for 50 States
TIME: Tuesday, September 26, 2006 at 5:00pm-6:30pm
PLACE: Scholz Garten, 1607 San Jacinto
CONTACT: Fran Vincent at fran at democracyfortexas.org
Governor Dean's 50-state strategy is already working: Democrats are running for office in the most unlikely places--and winning. The Governor will be here raising money for the DNC, and all states, including Texas', benefit. In fact, at a recent DNC meeting, Texas received the third largest check in the country from the DNC's Victory Fund!
How do you get in to see (and if you're lucky, meet) Governor Dean? You must either be a current Democracy Bond holder, commit to being one for as little as $10 per month, or make a one-time contribution of $50 ($20 for students with valid ID). All of the details are here--http://democracyfortexas.org/dean--(copy and paste the link into your browser) including how you can get into the high-dollar fundraiser later in the evening with Governor Dean and former Senate Minority Leader Tom Daschle without spending $1,000!
Governor Dean always draws a huge crowd in Austin--reserve your spot now.
SAD's Annual Yeller Dawg Event
TIME: Tuesday, September 26, 2006 at 5:30pm-8:30pm
PLACE: AFL-CIO, 1106 Lavaca
CONTACT: Alicia Del Rio at 779-2652
You are invited to South Austin Democrats' 19th Annual Yeller Dawg Event. Please join Emcee Judge Charlie Baird as SAD honors Constable Maria Canchola, Walter Hinojosa, Shirley Johnson, Gerard Washington, Judge Jon Wisser, and as they present a LIfetime Achievement Award to Senator Gonzalo Barrientos.
There will be awesome barbeque and door prizes.
General Admission is $10.
Sponsorships:
$500- 16 tickets
$250- 10 tickets
$125- 8 tickets
$75- 6 tickets
$50- 4 tickets
$25- 2 tickets
Fundraiser for Juan Garcia for State Representative
TIME: Tuesday, September 26, 2006 at 5:30pm - 7:30pm
PLACE: Home of Kirk Watson, 2301 Woodlawn Blvd.
CONTACT: Carson at 542-9744 or 653-8601
Please join Kirk Watson as he introduces Juan Garcia, candidate for state representative in District 32 in Corpus Christi, to Austin.
Sponsors: $1000, $500, $250, $100, but everyone is welcome.
Northeast Travis County Democrats Meeting
TIME: Tuesday, September 26, 2006, 6:30 pm - Meet & Greet, 7 pm - Meeting
PLACE: North Rural Community Center, 15822 Foothill Farms Loop, Pflugerville
CONTACT: Linda Pemberton at 990-7500 or lp_pfdems at yahoo.com
Please join the NorthEast Travis County Democrats (NETCo DEMS) for their monthly meeting.
Capital City Young Democrats Meeting
TIME: Tuesday, September 26, 2006 at 6:30pm
PLACE: Opal Divine's, 700 W. 6th St.
CONTACT: Erica at ericarene at gmail.com
Please join CCYD for their monthly meeting.
************************************
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Fundraiser for Judge Jim Coronado for 3rd Court of Appeals, Place 2
TIME: Wednesday, September 27, 2006 at 5:00pm - 7:00pm
PLACE: Law Office of Sandra Ritz, 902 Rio Grande St.
CONTACT: 420-8205 for more information
Please join Judge Jim Coronado, candidate for the Third Court of Appeals, Place 2, and friends. Austin singer/songwriter Will Sexton will perform. Suggested donation $50, all are welcome. Sponsorships available.
Austin Tejano Democrats Monthly Meeting
TIME: Wednesday, September 27, 2006 at 5:30pm -7:30pm
PLACE: El Mercado Restaurant (private meeting room), 1702 Lavaca Street
CONTACT: Sylvia Camarillo-Brittain at 784-5810 or austintejanodemocrats at yahoo.com
Please join the Austin Tejano Democrats for their next monthly meeting.
NARAL Pro-Choice Texas Celebration of Choice
TIME: Wednesday, September 27, 2006, 5:30pm-7:45pm Silent Auction, light fare buffet, 8:00pm Live Music
PLACE: Antone's Blues Club, 213 West 5th Street
CONTACT: wwwprochoicetexas.org or 512-462-1661
Tickets in advance: $35
Tickets at the door: $50 for benefit & music
$20 for music only after 8:00 p.m.
You're invited to NARAL's 20th anniversary Celebration of Choice at Antone's Blues Club! Don't miss this fabulous event, which will include a light fare buffet, spectacular silent auction, live music, and more!
Featuring Genevieve Van Cleve * Carolyn Wonderland * The Texas Sapphires
Sponsorships: $150, $250, $500, $1000, $2500, $5000
TCDP County Executive Committee (CEC) Meeting
September 27, 2006
TIME: 6:00pm
PLACE: County Commissioners' Courtroom, 11th at Guadalupe, The Granger Building, room #120
CONTACT: TCDP at 477-7500 or info at traviscountydemocrats.org
Please join Chris Elliot, Chair, Travis County Democratic Party for our next County Executive Committee (CEC) monthly meeting.
The TCDP Executive Committee is made up of all our Democratic precinct chairs in the county. Meetings are open to the public and are held the last Wednesday of the month.
University Democrats Meeting
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
TIME: 8:00 pm
PLACE: GSB 2.124, the Business School on 21st St. on the UT Campus
CONTACT: Nick Chu at president at udems.org
Please join the University Democrats for their weekly meeting.
************************************
Thursday, September 28, 2006
Fundraiser for Charlie Baird
TIME: Thursday, September 28, 2006 at 5:30pm-7:30pm
PLACE: Stone's Crossing meeting room, Four Seasons Hotel, 98 San Jacinto Blvd.
CONTACT: 233-4955 or charlie at judgecharliebaird.com
Please join in a fundraiser for Charlie Baird, candidate for Judge, 299th District Court.
Sponsorships: $2,500, $1000, $500, $250
Suggested Individual Contribution: $50 (but everyone is invited)
Stand With Courage- A Reception Honoring John Courage
Thursday, September 28, 2006
TIME: 6:30pm-9:00pm
PLACE: Barr Mansion, 10463 Sprinkle Rd.
CONTACT: Stewart at 637-0855 or stewart at courageforcongress.org
You are invited to an evening with JOHN COURAGE, Democratic Candidate for U.S. House of Representatives, District 21, featuring STAND-UP comedy with award-winning political satirist Steve Barney!
Stand with John as a:
Heroic Host - $1,000
Stalwart Sponsor - $500
Activist Ally - $250
Invincible Investor - $100
Steadfast Supporter - $50
************************************
Friday, September 29, 2006
PFAW's 2nd Annual Lone Star Spirit of Liberty Celebration
TIME: Friday, September 29, 2006 at 6:30pm
PLACE: Four Seasons Hotel, 98 San Jacinto
CONTACT: People for the American Way Texas office at 476-7329
People For the American Way Foundation is proud to celebrate its second annual Lone Star Spirit of Liberty Celebration. They will honor Texas legend Horton Foote, writer of the screenplay for "To Kill A Mockingbird" and author of "The Trip to Bountiful" and "Tender Mercies," among other venerable works with our "Spirit of Liberty" award.
Along with Horton, they will recognize the Honorable Bea Ann Smith, Justice, Third Court of Appeals with their prestigious "Defender of Democracy" award for her lifetime of achievement in the judiciary.
Tickets are $150.
************************************************************************
IN THE NEWS
For up to date political news and commentary, please go to our web site at www.traviscountydemocrats.org and click on "Current News"
************************************************************************
CONTACT INFORMATION FOR TCDP ADMINISTRATIVE & CAMPAIGN OFFICES
Travis County Democratic Party ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE-- 1311B E. 6th St., Austin, TX 78702
Web: www.traviscountydemocrats.org
E-mail: info at traviscountydemocrats.org
Chris Elliott - Chair
chair at traviscountydemocrats.org
Elizabeth Yevich - Executive Director
elizabeth at traviscountydemocrats.org
Garry Brown - Assistant Director
garry at traviscountydemocrats.org
Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Ph (512) 477-7500 Fax- (512) 477-7769
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Travis County Democratic Party 2006 COORDINATED CAMPAIGN OFFICE -- 505 Willow Street, Austin, TX 78701
(LOCATED one block south of Cesar Chavez off Red River, directly south of the Austin Convention Center)
Ph (512) 476 - 5100
Web: www.truebluetravis.com
Chris Elliott - Chair
chair at traviscountydemocrats.org
Sandra Ramos - Campaign Coordinator
sandra at traviscountydemocrats.org
Glen Maxey - Campaign Field Director
email: glen at traviscountydemocrats.org
MAILING ADDRESS FOR BOTH ADMIN. & CAMPAIGN OFFICES:
P.O. Box 684263
Austin, TX 78768-4263
***********************************************************************
BECOME A TCDP SUSTAINING MEMBER !
The Travis County Democratic Party is funded and operates by donations of local Democrats and progressives like you. We are a separate entity from the state and national parties and depend on you to fund this site, our e-mail service, office and staff and coordinated campaigns such as this year's True Blue Travis and much much more!
We encourage you to support your local Democrats by becoming a sustaining. You can become a sustaining member for as little as $10.00 per month or $120.00 annually.
For added recognition, you can join at the Finance Council level at $84.00 per month or $1,000.00 annually. Finance Council members receive: prominent listing in our publications and website (updated list coming soon) as well as at Travis County Democratic Party functions and free general admission to TCDP sponsored events.
If you are interested in becoming a Sustaining Member or Finance Council Member of the Travis County Democratic Party, you can join online by going to: http://www.traviscountydemocrats.org and click on "Donate" at the bottom of the page. Or contact us at (512) 477-7500 or info at traviscountydemocrats.org.
Mailed donations for both the Party and the Coordinated Campaign - True Blue Travis should be made out to "Travis County Democratic Party" and mailed to:
P.O. Box 684263
Austin, TX 78768-4263
***********************************************************************
NEWSLETTER: HOW TO SUBSCRIBE OR UNSUBSCRIBE YOUR E-MAIL
If you ever want to subscribe, unsubscribe or change your options, please send an e-mail to:
tcdp_newsletter-unsubscribe at lists.traviscountydemocrats.org
You will receive an auto-generated e-mail confirming your request.
*******************************************************
TO SUBSCRIBERS WHO USE AOL
AOL has become increasingly difficult for independent Internet services and presence providers like ours to work with. The AOL mail user interface has a "Report Spam" button immediately adjacent to the "Delete" button, and not only does this make it hard for many inexperienced (and elderly) users to avoid hitting the "Report Spam" button, but AOL apparently makes little or no attempt to educate its user base on distinguishing between spam and legitimate list posts to which they have subscribed but may not wish to read.
AOL tracks each "Report Spam" it receives from subscribers. If they receive too many complaints from our service, email will be subject to substantial acceptance delays or rejection by AOL's mail servers.
Each time an AOL user hits the "Report Spam" button on a post from a list hosted by our webhost, we receive a "Client TOS Notification" from AOL. If this happens, you will be automatically unsubscribed from the list.
You are free to re-subscribe your address to our lists; however, if you chose to do so, please take the time to use caution or obtain an email address, such as a gmail address, from a different provider. Please be careful when deleting messages.
******************************
This e-mail service is paid for by the Travis County Democratic Party,
P.O. Box 684263, Austin, TX 78768-4263
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: http://www.traviscountydemocrats.org/pipermail/tcdp_newsletter/attachments/20060921/3d93d62e/attachment-0001.htm
More information about the Tcdp_newsletter
mailing list