[Tcdp_newsletter] Travis County Democratic Party Weekly E-Newsletter for Friday, December 14, 2007 - Friday, December 21, 2007

Thu Dec 13 18:47:45 CST 2007

Travis County Democratic Party Weekly E-Newsletter 

Friday, December 14, 2007 - Friday, December 21, 2007

Special TCDP Office Hours during candidate filing period

Monday - Friday  8:30pm - 6:00pm

Please check the TCDP calendar on our web site for holiday closings.

http://www.traviscountydemocrats.org/calendar.php?month=12
<http://www.traviscountydemocrats.org/calendar.php?month=12&year=2007>
&year=2007 

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IN THIS ISSUE 

- Message from Chris Elliott, Chair Travis County Democratic Party

- Signing Petitions

- Calling All Potential Candidates- Filing For Office Has Begun!

- Precinct Chair Filings Continue!

- TCDP Campaign Kickoff Dinner, January 11, 2008

- March 4, 2008 Primary Workers Needed

- Presidential Campaign Bumper Stickers

- Become a TCDP Sustaining Member

- TCDP Finance Council and Sustaining Members

- Did you know?

- Calendar of Upcoming Events

- In the News 
- Contact Info for TCDP Administrative Office
- Newsletter: How to Subscribe or Unsubscribe Your E-Mail 

- To Subscribers Who Use AOL

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MESSAGE FROM CHRIS ELLIOTT, CHAIR TRAVIS COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY

Dear Fellow Democrats:

Thanks to all who showed up at the TCDP Holiday Party at Threadgill's on
Tuesday.  We had a huge crowd and everyone was in a festive mood.  I think
the presence of so many Democratic office holders and candidates preparing
for the 2008 elections had spirits high.  We are headed for a great election
next year and you could feel the anticipation in the room on Tuesday.  

Thanks to Garry and Elizabeth for their hard work in putting the party
together.  And I also want to take this time to welcome our two, new TCDP
Primary Election staff employees who will be with our office through the end
of the Primary in March (and perhaps through the end of April pending a
runoff election).  We welcome back Sarah Mobley who worked for the TCDP
Primary in 2006 thus her credentials speak for themselves.  Joining in to
fill the other half of this position is Lei Lani de Santiago.  Lei Lani is
fluent in Spanish, recently graduated from St. Edward's earning her degree
in Political Science and very eager to help the Party.  Please join me in
welcoming both to the TCDP.

Again, it was wonderful to see everyone on Tuesday.  

Democratically yours, 

Chris Elliott

Chair, Travis County Democratic Party  

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SIGNING PETITIONS

By now, you may have run across many candidates who are asking you to sign
their petition so they may have a spot on the primary ballot.  

Please be aware:

1.	Signing a petition of more than one candidate for the same office in
the same election is prohibited by law. (Texas Election Code 141.063,
172.021)
2.	On signing a petition to be filed by a candidate affiliated with one
party, the signer becomes ineligible to vote in a  primary election or
participate in a convention of another political party during the voting
year in which the primary election is held.  A voting year is the 12-month
period beginning January 1 of each year.  (Texas Election Code 1.005(23) and
172.026)
3.	To prevent violating election law and most importantly, to prevent
your signature from becoming invalid on any and all petitions, please make
note of the office and its particular district number or jurisdiction.  

See the latest Democratic filings from the TCDP web site here: 

http://www.traviscountydemocrats.org/candidates.php  

************************************************************************

CALLING ALL POTENTIAL CANDIDATES- FILING FOR OFFICE HAS BEGUN!!!

To become a candidate on the March 4, 2008 Democratic Primary ballot, you
must file in one of two ways: by fee or by petition.  To see a chart of fees
and petition requirements, please click the following link:

http://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/candidates/guide/demorrep.shtml

For offices whose districts are wholly contained within Travis County, the
potential candidate must file at the Travis County Democratic Party (TCDP)
office at 1311 E. 6th St.  TCDP has the filing form at the office, and we
can notarize it for you. 

Multi-county district offices, statewide office, or federal office
candidates must file at the Texas Democratic Party (TDP) at 505 W. 12th St.,
Suite 200. 

TCDP Staff: 477-7500 or info at traviscountydemocrats.org

State Party Staff:  478-9800

If you are a candidate and you will file with the TCDP with a petition, the
following are some general guidelines that we strongly suggest:

1.         Please turn in your petition, in its entirety, as early as you
can to the Travis County Democratic Party.  Our staff is required to verify
each signature up to the minimum amount needed for you to become a
candidate.  Turnover to verify a standard petition takes approximately three
days to complete.  Our staff will notify you upon completion of verifying
every signature on your petition for accuracy.  If it is determined that
there are not enough valid signatures before the deadline, we will notify
your office and you may submit more signatures.  However, you run the risk
that our staff may be verifying other candidates petitions and not have
ample time to work further on yours.  If it is determined that there are not
enough valid signatures after the January 2nd deadline, your petition will
not be accepted and in turn, you will not be a candidate on the March
Primary ballot.  

Additionally, if your petition is presented to our office during the final
days before filing ends on Wednesday, January 2nd, 2008, our staff may not
have adequate time to verify all the signatures depending upon how many
others are also filing by petition at that time.  If your petition is found
not to have enough valid signatures after the deadline, then you will not be
a candidate on the March Primary ballot.  Again, TCDP asks that you present
your petition as early as you can.

2.         Due to state law, the TCDP cannot accept a check as a backup to
the petition.  Once a check is presented for filing, the candidate files
with that check.  According to rules set forth by the Texas Secretary of
State, ".if (a candidate) files with a check he or she has filed with a
filing fee and there is no refund provided in the Election Code 'if the
petition is good.'"

3.         Please review the TCDP online web calendar for times around the
holidays that our office will be closed so that you can plan accordingly.
You may view the upcoming months here:
http://www.traviscountydemocrats.org/calendar.php?month=12
<http://www.traviscountydemocrats.org/calendar.php?month=12&year=2007>
&year=2007 

FILING FOR OFFICE ENDS ON WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 2, 2008 AT 6:00PM!

************************************************************************

PRECINCT CHAIR FILINGS CONTINUE! 

Are you interested in becoming a precinct chair?  The position has potential
rewards, such as being in a leadership position that comes with a title and
some visibility, venues for camaraderie, opportunities to influence the
process, to go to county and state conventions or even beyond, and an outlet
for your creativity and energy.  The office of precinct chair is an elected
two-year position for the term 2008 - 2010.

For all current precinct chairs and anyone considering becoming a new
precinct chair, filing in the upcoming March Primary for the office of
Democratic Precinct Chair is ongoing.  Filing ends for all offices on
Wednesday, January 2nd 2008 at 6:00pm.  

If you are planning to run again or run for the first time, you must file
with the TCDP.  We have the form here so you do not need to do anything
before hand.  The process will take a mere 5 - 10 minutes.  TCDP staff
notarizes your form at the time of filing.  There is no fee to file for the
office of precinct chair.

Reminder: All current chairs must re-file every two years if they wish to
continue to hold the office!  

TCDP will accept filing forms during regular business hours, 9:00 a.m. -
5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday but we would ask that you call first just to make
sure that either Elizabeth or Garry are in: 477-7500.  Thank you!

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TCDP BIENNIAL CAMPAIGN KICKOFF DINNER, JANUARY 11, 2008!!!

Friday, January 11, 2008
Private Reception 6:15 - 7:00pm
General Seating Opens at 7:00pm
Dinner and Program Begins at 7:30pm 
University of Texas Etter-Harbin Alumni Center, 2110 San Jacinto Boulevard
All RSVP's for either Sponsorships and/or Dinner Program Ads are due by 6:00
p.m., Wednesday, January 2nd, 2008. 

Travis County Democratic Chairman Chris Elliott and the Travis County
Democratic Party invite you to the TCDP 15th Biennial Campaign Kickoff
Dinner. Join special guests Congressman Lloyd Doggett, Senator Kirk Watson,
visit with other Democrats and meet our terrific slate of candidates as we
kickoff yet another successful campaign season.

General Admission = $70
TCDP Sustaining Members = $50
TCDP Finance Council Members = Free Admission

Checks should be make payable to: Travis County Democratic Party
Please mail to: TCDP, Post Office Box 684263 Austin, TX 78768

If paying by credit card you may do so online. Please go to
www.traviscountydemocrats.org <http://www.traviscountydemocrats.org/>  and
click on 'donations' from the blue menu on the left-hand side of the
homepage. Type in 'Campaign Kickoff Dinner' in the comments box of the
donate form.

Or you may FAX info to: 477 - 7769.

Sponsor Levels:

HOST $2,000
- Table reserved in your name for ten (10) guests
- Six (6) tickets to the Private Reception
- Complimentary full page ad in dinner program
- Prominent listing on event sponsor board 

PATRON $1,250
- Table reserved in your name for ten (10) guests
- Four (4) tickets to the Private Reception
- Complimentary half page ad in dinner program
- Prominent listing on event sponsor board 

FRIEND $750
- One half table reserved in your name for five (5) guests
- Listing on event sponsor board and in dinner program 

SUPPORTER $300
- Reserved dinner seating for two (2) guests
- Listing on event sponsor board and in dinner program 

Dinner Program Advertisement Rates: 

Full Page 8" across x 10" down -- $495
Half Page 8" across x 5" down or 4" across x 10" down -- $310
Quarter Page 4" across x 5" down or 8" across x 2.5" down -- $215
Eighth Page 4" across x 2.5" down -- $145 

PLEASE NOTE: All ads will be in black and white and the advertiser is
responsible for designing their own ad. 

Ads must be in press ready pdf format.
Ads must be submitted to TCDP in electronic form by close of business on
Wednesday, January 2, 2008.
Send your ad to info at traviscountydemocrats.org. 

Checks should be make payable to: Travis County Democratic Party
Please mail to: TCDP, Post Office Box 684263 Austin, TX 78768

If paying by credit card you may do so online. Please go to
www.traviscountydemocrats.org <http://www.traviscountydemocrats.org/>  and
click on 'donations' from the blue menu on the left-hand side of the
homepage. Type in 'Campaign Kickoff Dinner' in the comments box of the
donate form.

Or you may FAX info to: 477 - 7769.

************************************************************************

MARCH 4, 2008 DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY WORKERS NEEDED

The TCDP works with Travis County Elections to secure election workers for
all Primary elections, and currently we are recruiting Democrats to work at
polling locations for the March 4, 2008 Democratic Primary.  Every precinct
must have a Democratic presiding judge, alternate judge, and at least one
clerk (the number of clerks are dependent upon a formula set forth by the
office of the Texas Secretary of State and will be determined at a later
date).  Every effort will be made to place you in your home precinct or as
close to your home as possible.  The sooner you contact our office, the
better the selection of precincts you have from which to choose.  Judges
must work all day (with breaks), but clerks may work part of the day.

If you are chosen by the TCDP to be a presiding judge, you may choose a
Democratic alternate judge and clerk to work with you if the positions have
not already been taken.  Please provide the names and contact information of
your workers to the TCDP, so we may forward that information to Travis
County Elections Division.

Please review the following items:

1.	Though the Primary Election is partisan, it is important that you
work cordially with your Republican counterpart.
2.	If you are a presiding judge, one of the duties will be to
physically set up the voting machines.  They are bulky and may be somewhat
heavy for some folks to handle.  However, alternate judges and clerks can
and should help set these up.
3.	The integrity of the election process is of the utmost importance,
so you must be reliable and dependable in making sure you have everything
for your polling location; that everything is ready to go and is operational
by 7:00am when the polls open; and when your polling location closes, that
you return all materials to your designated receiving station in a timely
manner before you go home or attend any Party function or event (e.g.
precinct conventions).
4.	Travis County Elections requires attendance for training for all
presiding and alternate judges, regardless if you have been trained in the
past.  Training will be offered for clerks.
5.	Pay for the primary is set by the Texas Secretary of State.  The
hourly rate for the 2008 Primary for presiding and alternate judges is set
at $7.00/hour, and it includes the hour before polls open and up to two
hours after polls close.  Clerks also are paid $7.00/hour if they attend
training.  Otherwise, the pay is $5.85/hour.  

To let us know of your intent to work or for any questions you may have,
please contact TCDP Asst. Director Garry Brown at
garry at traviscountydemocrats.org. 

************************************************************************

PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN BUMPER STICKERS

Travis County Democratic Party now has bumper stickers from a few of the
presidential campaigns.  We have the following:

Hillary Clinton

John Edwards

Barack Obama

Bill Richardson

TCDP asks for a $2 donation for each bumper sticker.  Get yours now!

*********************************************************************** 
BECOME A TCDP SUSTAINING MEMBER!

Since 2004, seven Republican-held offices within Travis County have switched
to Democrats, and now, there are only four Republicans left and one of those
was just appointed by Rick Perry last September!  As you can see, the TCDP
has stepped up to make Travis County even more Democratic!

Sustaining members are our lifeblood.  They are the reason that we are open
year-round (one of the five county parties in Texas), have two staff
members, and our work has been so successful.  We do not receive any funds
from the national or state parties!  

Stand with us and other Travis County residents and support TCDP by becoming
a Member.  We have two levels of membership:

Sustaining:  minimum of $10.00 per month or $120.00 annually. 

Finance Council:  minimum of $84.00 per month or $1000.00 annually.  Members
at this level receive prominent listing in our publications and web site as
well as at Travis County Democratic Party functions along with free
admission to TCDP sponsored events. 

The Travis County Democratic Party is dependent on your generosity for
everything we do!

To join the Travis County Democratic Party go online to:
<http://www.traviscountydemocrats.org/> http://www.traviscountydemocrats.org
and click on "Donate" in the red box at the bottom left of the page.  Or
contact us at info at traviscountydemocrats.org or 512-477-7500.       

Mailed donations for the Party should be made out to "Travis County
Democratic Party" and sent to: 

TCDP

P.O. Box 684263 
Austin, TX 78768-4263

*********************************************************************** 
TCDP FINANCE COUNCIL AND SUSTAINING MEMBERS

Member Updates for the week of December 7 - December 13, 2007

New Finance Council Member

Raul Gonzales, Justice of the Peace, Pct. #4

Gisela Triana, Judge, 200th Judicial District Court

Finance Council Renewal

Janis and Joe Pinnelli

New Sustaining Members

Adan Ballesteros

Loretta Farb

Dan Grant

Sharron Hargis

Rosemary Lehmberg

Tim Mahoney

Laura Morrison

Gillian Redfearn

Rick Reed

Patrice Schexnayder

Craig Smith

Megan Woodburn

Sustaining Member Renewal

Bonnie Cahill

Thank you!!!

For a full list of member names, please visit the home page of our website
and choose from the blue menu on the left hand side of the page.

If you feel your name should be on the web list yet do not see it, give us a
ring:  477-7500

*********************************************************************** 
DID YOU KNOW?

The Travis County Democratic Party has two other email lists: Activism and
Events.  These lists are used occasionally for folks who want to know more
about action items and particular events respectively.

You may sign up for these lists at the following link:
http://www.traviscountydemocrats.org/newsletter.php 

*************************************************************************

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, December 15, 2007

African-American Men and Boys Conference 

TIME:  Saturday, December 15, 2007 at 10:00am-2:00pm
PLACE:  Connally High School - Cafeteria, 13212 North Lamar

CONTACT:  Michael Lofton at 585-6696 or mrloftontalkshow at sbcglobal.net 

Saturday's Conference Theme:
"Achieving Your Educational and Personal Goals"

Speakers:
Mr. Cliff Brown - Public Awareness about The Police Monitor's Office- 10 Min
Assistant Police Chief Sam Holt - Improving Community Relations- 10 Min

Dr. Leonard Moore - University of Texas - 1st Keynote Speaker - 10:30 AM to
11:00 AM - "Intersection of Hip-Hop, Sports, Educational Goals and their
impact on African American Culture".

Dr. D. Ivan Young - Houston, Texas - 2nd Keynote Speaker - 1:00 PM to 1:30
PM -Topic: "Making My Personal Goals Work For Me, So That I May Achieve
Greater Success In Life".

What should the Student, Parent, Teacher, Principal, District and Community
"Do Differently" to turn Change The Graduation Rates of African American
Students?

A COMMUNITY MUST NOT REST UNTIL THE PROBLEM IS FIXED!!!
What happens to a community when you have 50% of your Kids Drop Out?
Imagine a community when 100% of The Kids Are Prepared For College!!!!

Total of 20 Workshops For: Students, Parents, Educators
There will be workshops for Women and Girls.

YellerDawg/Saturday Sages Democrats Meeting
TIME:  Saturday, December 15, 2007 at 11:00am
PLACE:  Tres Amigos Restaurant, 1801 S. Capitol of Texas Hwy

CONTACT:  Bill McAfee at bmcafee at austin.rr.com 

You are invited to join the YellerDawg/Saturday Sages Democrats for their
weekly meeting.  

WimDems Christmas Party 

TIME:  Saturday, December 15, 2007 at 7pm to 10:00pm
PLACE:  Winters-Wimberley house in the Community Center Complex on RR 12 at
the stoplight on River Road 

CONTACT:  Gloria Whitehead, Hays Co. Dems at 512-847-0862

The Hays County Democrats in Wimberley invite you to join them in
celebrating the holidays. Musicians Brenda Freed and Michael D'Eath of "Him
and Her" will play. Bring something tasty to share!

**************************

Monday, December 17, 2007

NxNW Democrats Holiday Party 

TIME:  Monday, December 17, 2006 at 6:00pm
PLACE:  Home of Dawn and Judge Jim Coronado, 5602 Palisade Court

CONTACT:  Jan Soifer at 583-0451 or jan at lasfirm.com 

You are invited to North by Northwest Democrats' Holiday Party.

**************************

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Central Texas Democratic Forum and CAD Holiday Party

TIME:  Tuesday, December 18, 2007 at 5:30pm (till whenever the food and
drink are all gone)
PLACE:  Home of Ginny Agnew and Chuck Herring, 1204 Castle Hill Street (2
blocks west of Lamar at 12th Street)

CONTACT:  Glen Coleman at 327-1066 or glenofaustin at yahoo.com 

The Democratic Forum and the Central Austin Democrats invite you and yours
to a casual holiday gathering. Miscellaneous victuals and ingestible
beverages will be served but feel free to bring those Christmas Cookies your
mother-in-law made and other food and drink that you want to share or have
others consume. 

Brian Thompson Campaign Announcement Party 

TIME:  Tuesday, December 18, 2007 at 6:30pm to 8:30pm
PLACE:  Vivo Restaurant, 2015 Manor Road 

CONTACT:  Aubrey Wilkerson at 524-5682 or aubrey at electbrianthompson.com 

The Brian Thompson Campaign invites you to join them in celebrating the
announcement of Brian's candidacy for the office of State Representative,
District 46.

Liveable City Holiday Shindig with Ray Benson 

TIME:  Tuesday, December 18, 2007 at 7:30pm
PLACE:  Armadillo Christmas Bazaar, Austin Convention Center, 500 E. Cesar
Chavez 

CONTACT: Liveable City at news at liveablecity.org 

Livable City invites you to join them for an evening of great music and
shopping as they sponsor an evening with Ray Benson. Come participate in a
holiday event that makes Austin truly Austin! 

**************************
Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Southwest Austin Democrats Meeting 

TIME:  Wednesday, December 19, 2007 at 6:30pm Social, 6:45 Program starts
PLACE:  Hampton Public Library, 5125 Convict Hill Rd.

CONTACT:  Albert Gonzales at 280-4900 or email4swad at yahoo.com 

You are invited to attend this month's Southwest Austin Democrats Meeting.

************************************************************************ 
IN THE NEWS 
For up to date political news and commentary, please go to our web site at
<http://www.traviscountydemocrats.org/> www.traviscountydemocrats.org and
click on "Current News" 

************************************************************************ 
CONTACT INFORMATION FOR TCDP ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE
Travis County Democratic Party Administrative Office

1311 East 6th Street, Austin, TX  78702

Web:   <http://www.traviscountydemocrats.org/> 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

MAILING ADDRESS: 
P.O. Box 684263 
Austin, TX 78768-4263 

*********************************************************************** 
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****************************** 
This e-mail service is paid for by the Travis County Democratic Party, 
P.O. Box 684263, Austin, TX 78768-4263

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