[Tcdp_newsletter] Travis County Democratic Party Weekly E-Newsletter for Friday, November 9 - Friday, November 16, 2007

Thu Nov 8 17:14:04 CST 2007

Travis County Democratic Party Weekly E-Newsletter 

Friday, November 9 - Friday, November 16, 2007

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IN THIS ISSUE 

- Message from TCDP Chair Chris Elliott

- TCDP Marches in the Veterans Day Parade this Sunday, November 11, 2007

- TCDP Temporary Staff Needed for Upcoming Primary

- Precinct Chair Filings!

- Annie's List 1st Annual Celebrating Our Champions Event-TONIGHT!!!

- University Democrats Fundraiser Honoring TCDP Chair Chris Elliott

- Upcoming Primary: Important Dates

- Attention All Potential Candidates

- 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 TCDP CHAIR CHRIS ELLIOTT

Dear Fellow Democrats:

I hope many of you can join me, TCDP staff, and a whole mess of our
Democratic elected officials and candidates this Sunday for the Veterans Day
Parade down Congress Avenue.  We have participated as a group, proudly
marching behind the TCDP banner, for the past three years and each year has
been a blast.  We always receive a warm reception from the folks lining the
street and some have even been known to fall in a march with us.  

We have a bit more incentive to participate en masse this year as word has
it that the Travis County Republican Party will, for the first time in my
tenure as chair, be participating in this event.  We've also heard that they
plan to have a "float."  Can't wait to see what that consists of.but I'm
fairly sure they'll be able to get every Republican in Travis County on it.

So, let's have a big, rowdy group on Sunday.  Bring your kids, your dogs,
whatever accoutrements you desire, but come out and enjoy a fun morning with
your fellow Democrats as we help honor our nation's veterans.  Hope to see
you there.  

Democratically yours, 

Chris Elliott

Chair, TCDP 

TCDP MARCHES IN THE VETERANS DAY PARADE ON SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 2007

Sunday, November 11, 2007
Assemble at 8:30 am; Parade begins at 9:00 a.m.
Meet on the south side of the Ann Richards Bridge

Let's have a good turnout and show our Democratic support of our Veterans by
coming to the south end of the Ann Richards Congress Avenue Bridge at 8:30am
and assemble under our TCDP banner.  The parade begins at 9:00am. 

Join the following Democratic Elected Officials and Candidates in the
celebration!  We look forward to seeing a large crowd on Sunday Morning:

State Representative Valinda Bolton

Constable Maria Canchola

County Commissioner Sarah Eckhardt

Constable Bruce Elfant

Justice of the Peace Raul Gonzales

Travis County Sheriff Greg Hamilton

Candidate for Constable Precinct 2, Paul Labuda

Candidate for Constable Precinct 1, Willie Joe Madison

Constable Richard McCain

Candidate for Constable Precinct 4, Alonzo Reyes

Justice of the Peace Susan Steeg

State Representative Mark Strama

Judge Stephen Yelenosky

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TCDP TEMPORARY STAFF NEEDED FOR UPCOMING PRIMARY

Our Administrative Office is seeking to fill one, full-time 40 hour per week
Primary Election Assistant position.  Depending upon the amount received and
qualifications of applicants, we may end up splitting this into two,
part-time positions at 20 hours per week.  This position will begin on the
first day of the Primary Election Period, Monday December 3rd and if there
is no April run-off election will end on March 31st.  If there is a run-off,
the position, which is partially funded through the Texas Secretary of
State's office, will be extended through April 30th.

The Primary Election Assistant will be responsible for tracking and managing
non-financial primary elections records.  Specifically, this will involve
contacting (primarily by telephone), securing, tracking and maintaining the
confirmation of election judges and their respective polling locations and
coordinating this information on a daily basis with the Travis County
Clerk's Election Division.  The assistant will also collect and maintain
records concerning candidates and precinct chairs including verifying that
all petition signatures are valid.  Other duties involve creating data
spreadsheets, handling standard printed primary election materials in the
Party office and assisting with a variety of other tasks as needed.  Working
knowledge of Word and Excel required.  Experience with FileMaker a plus.  

Hours: Mon - Fri between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. for the month of December
and 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 Jan - Mar/Apr.   

Nights and weekends as needed.

Expected Salary: $1,750+ per month

All interested applicants please e-mail a resume and cover letter to TCDP
Executive Director, Elizabeth Yevich at elizabeth at traviscountydemocrats.org
or phone 477-7500.

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PRECINCT CHAIR FILINGS! 

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 ONLY has already begun; for all other offices,
filing does not begin until December 3.  Filing ends for all offices on
Wednesday, January 2nd 2008.  

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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ANNIE'S LIST AUSTIN CHAPTER'S 1ST ANNUAL CELEBRATION OUR CHAMPIONS
EVENT-TONIGHT!!!

Thursday, November 8, 2007
5:30pm-7:00pm
Offices of TateAustinHahn, 1105 N. Lamar Blvd.

Contact:  Annie's List at 481-8100

The Annie's List Austin Steering Committee invites you to the 1st Annual
Celebrating Our Champions Event honoring Cathy Bonner, Rev. Emilee
Whitehurst, and Katie Naranjo.

Sponsorships available: $500, $250, $100
Individual tickets: $35
Under age 30 gets $10 discount.
College students free w/valid ID.

Annie's List is a statewide political network that recruits, trains and
financially supports Democratic women candidates so that they are credible
contenders.

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UNIVERSITY DEMOCRATS FUNDRAISER HONORING TCDP CHAIR CHRIS ELLIOTT

TIME:  Tuesday, November 13, 2007 at 6:30pm-8:00pm
PLACE:  REC SPORTS CENTER (RSC) Room 2.104 on the UT Campus, at the
intersection of San Jacinto and 20th Street near DKR football stadium

CONTACT:  Ben Trotter at president at udems.org 

The University Democrats of UT Austin invite you to a fundraiser honoring
TCDP Chair Chris Elliott.

Donation Levels:
Friends of UDems- $25
Supporter of UDems- $50
Sponsor of UDems- $100
Lifetime Member- $250
.of course any contributions are welcome

All proceeds go to sponsoring University Democrats at UT Austin. In the fall
of 2006, UDems registered over 3000 voters on the UT campus. In the last
week before the 2006 Midterm elections, UDems members logged in 360
volunteer hours and phone banked a total of 7100 households! Because of
their efforts, UDems was named 2006 "Best Political/Activist Organization on
Campus." Educating, training, and volunteering, a contribution to UDems is a
contribution in supporting the "Future leaders of Texas."

Please make all checks out to University Democrats. Donations can be mailed
in advance to:
University Democrats
100C West Dean Keeton, SOC #145
Austin, TX 78712

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UPCOMING PRIMARY:  IMPORTANT DATES

The primary filing dates are now official.  In addition, the TCDP has
recently signed venue contracts for both our biennial Campaign Kick-Off
Dinner (formerly known as The Filing Day Dinner) and the March County
Convention so please mark your calendar!

Filing for all who intend to run in the Democratic Primary as a Travis
County candidate is at The Travis County Democratic Party headquarters
located at 1311-B East 6th Street.  Our office is approximately six blocks
east of I-35 on the south side of E. 6th between Attayac and Navasota
Streets.  For the December/January filing period, office hours will be 8:30
a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

First Day to File for Place on Ballot for Elected Offices (other than
precinct chair)

Monday, December 3, 2007, 8:30am - 6:00pm 

Last Day to File for Place on Ballot for Precinct Chairs and Other Offices 

Wednesday, January 2, 2008. 8:30am - 6:00pm 

TCDP's Biennial Campaign Kick-Off Dinner

Friday, January 11, 2008

VIP Reception 5:30pm - 6:15pm
General Seating Opens at 6:15pm
Program Begins at 7:00pm 
University of Texas Etter-Harbin Alumni Center
2110 San Jacinto Boulevard

TICKET PRICE FOR THIS EVENT HAS NOT BEEN DETERMINED YET.

Primary Election Day

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

Polls open: 7:00am - 7:00pm

Democratic Precinct Conventions

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

To begin at 7:15pm or upon precinct polling location closing

TCDP's County Convention 

Saturday, March 29, 2008

Convention sign-in begins at 9:00am
Palmer Events Center, 900 Barton Springs Road

All these dates and more are posted on our online calendar.  At the top of
the calendar click on 'Next Month' to keep advancing:
http://www.traviscountydemocrats.org/calendar.php

For more information on filing, call the TCDP at 477-7500 or
info at traviscountydemocrats.org

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ATTENTION ALL POTENTIAL CANDIDATES

As the 2008 March Primary draws closer, the TCDP asks that all who
anticipate filing for office during the official filing period next December
call or e-mail the TCDP with your current contact info to include campaign
mailing address, e-mail, phone number(s), web address, campaign manager,
etc.  The Party office has already begun receiving calls from local Dem
Clubs and Organizations who would like to add candidate names to their
contact lists and we would like to be able to assist these organizations
with as complete a list as possible.  But we cannot provide correct
information if we have not first been notified of your intent to run being
provided updated contact information.  

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

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BECOME A TCDP SUSTAINING MEMBER!

Since 2004, seven Republican-held offices within Travis County have switched
to Democrats, and now, there are only three Republicans left!  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!

As you may have heard recently in the news, Austin ranks 48th out of 50
cities in terms of the amount of money donated to nonprofit organizations.
Help reverse this trend by donating to TCDP today!!!

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

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TCDP FINANCE COUNCIL AND SUSTAINING MEMBERS

Member Updates for the week of November 2 - November 8, 2007

New Sustaining Member

Richard Rosen

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

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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 

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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       

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Friday, November 9, 2007

Fundraiser for State Representative Donna Howard 

TIME:  Friday, November 9, 2007 at 5:00pm-7:00pm
PLACE:  Home of David Garza and John Hogg M.D., 1907 Lakeshore Dr.

CONTACT:  Eleanor Hewitt at 512-971-9488 or eleanor at votedonna.com 

You are invited to a fundraiser for State Representative Donna Howard.

If you are unable to attend, you can still support Donna by contributing
online at www.votedonna.com <http://www.votedonna.com/>  or mailing a
donation to P.O. Box 2124; Austin, TX 78768.

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

Saturday, November 10, 2007

African American Men and Boys Conference

TIME:  Saturday, November 10, 2007 at 10:00am-2:00pm
PLACE:  McCallum High School - Cafeteria, 5600 Sunshine Dr.

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

Saturday's Conference Theme: Academic Achievement

There will also be a full African American Women's and Girls Conference on
November 10, 2007 at McCallum in the Auditorium, with "Eight" Workshops.

AISD Board Trustee Cheryl Bradley and Colleagues will be hosting a workshop
to address all Community Concerns about their Childs Education.

The Conference is Free, and Refreshments and Door Prizes provided!

YellerDawg/Saturday Sages Democrats Meeting
TIME:  Saturday, November 10, 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. 

Longhorn Tailgate for Obama 

TIME:  Saturday, November 10, 2007 at 11:00am-6:00pm
PLACE:  Location TBD

CONTACT:  Ian Davis at iandavis06 at gmail.com 

If you're in Austin this weekend, then swing by the Obama tailgating party
this Saturday afternoon.

Texas Tech vs Texas
2:30pm
Saturday, November 10

Texas Freedom Network Progressive Potluck 

TIME:  Saturday, November 10, 2007 at 6:30pm-8:30pm
PLACE:  Texas Freedom Network Headquarters, 608 West 22nd Street

CONTACT:  Ian Davis at 322-0545 or ian at tfn.org 

Come join the Texas Freedom Network - share food - meet fascinating people -
network with other thinkers like you. The progressive potluck motto is
"Changing the world... one covered dish at a time". 

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

Sunday, November 11, 2007

Veterans Day Parade-Please see this event earlier in this newsletter!!

RG4N's Feisty Fest

TIME:  Sunday, November 11, 2007 at 12:00pm-6:00pm
PLACE:  The Triangle Park, 46th St. & Lamar Blvd.

CONTACT:  Jennifer Henson 467-9840, 825-8141, or fundraising at rg4n.org 

Benefit for Responsible Growth for Northcross' legal fund!!

The Austin Chronicle's Best of Austin Edition called RG4N's Arms Around
Northcross the "Feistiest Neighborhood Rebellion." It said "...the heroes of
RG4N are standing up not just for their own neighborhood but for a whole
city and country still subject to the whims and bottom-line priorities of
distant corporate bosses."

Feisty Fest is for all RG4N supporters plus all people in Austin fed up with
bad development deals and city politics. Of course, it's also a fundraiser
for the RG4N lawsuit.

We're planning bands, local vendors, fun activities for kids, belly dancers,
a fire dancer, noted speakers and much more.

Plus we will take the Big Feisty Fest Group Photo. Taken from an elevated
location, it will be a "family photo" of all the people fighting for their
neighborhoods throughout Austin. Show us your feisty side!

For more info please visit: http://www.rg4n.org <http://www.rg4n.org/>  

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

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

University Democrats Fundraiser Honoring TCDP Chair Chris Elliott- Please
see this event earlier in this newsletter!

Randi Shade for City Council Campaign Kick-Off 

TIME:  Tuesday, November 13, 2007 at 5:00pm-7:30pm
PLACE:  Nuevo Leon Restaurant, 1501 E. 6th St.

CONTACT:  Randi at randi at randishade.com 

You are invited to a campaign kickoff for Randi Shade, candidate for Austin
City Council.

South Austin Democrats Meeting-- VENUE CHANGE!!

TIME:  Tuesday, November 13, 2007 at 5:30pm Eat and socialize, 6:00pm
Program
PLACE:  Casa Garcia's Restaurant, 1000 S. Lamar Blvd.--> NEW VENUE!!!

CONTACT:  Alicia Del Rio at 947-6354 or ava1227 at prodigy.net 

Please join South Austin Democrats for their monthly meeting. 

John Edwards' Austin One Corps Meeting 

TIME:  Tuesday, November 13, 2007 at 7:00pm
PLACE:  Opal Divine's, 700 W. 6th St.

You are invited to the John Edwards' Austin One Corps meeting. If you want
to find out what Austin One Corps has planned between now and the Texas
Primary to help get their candidate on the ballot in November, please attend
their meeting. They have some very exciting stuff going on right now so come
on out and get involved! 

They will meet for dinner and drinks at 6:00 p.m., and will then start the
actual meeting at 7:00. Hope to see you there! 

For more information, and to RSVP for this event, please go here:
http://blog.johnedwards.com/event/3059 

Lake Travis Democrats Meeting 

TIME:  Tuesday, November 13, 2007 at 6:30pm
PLACE:  Lakeway Activity Center, 105 Cross Creek

CONTACT:  Ed Benjamin at president at laketravisdemocrats.org 

Please join Lake Travis Democrats for their monthly meeting. 

 **************************
Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Robin Cravey for City Council Petition Drive Kickoff Party

TIME:  Wednesday, November 14, 2007 at 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm
PLACE:  Threadgill's World Headquarters, 301 West Riverside Drive

CONTACT:  Robin at robin at robincravey.com 

A message from Robin Cravey:  As you may know, I'm running for place 4 on
the Austin City Council, and already I'm proud to be able to call many of
you my supporters. But the first step in winning this race is getting on the
ballot, and for that we need signatures! So I'm inviting all of you to come
out to Threadgill's next Wednesday to sign the petition, enjoy some food and
drink, and most important, have some fun. You're welcome to bring friends
and family.

Though it's still early in the campaign, I've already learned a lot. I have
really enjoyed the opportunity to talk with so many fellow Austinites about
our shared vision for the future of this home town of ours. I look forward
to continuing this conversation in the coming months, and I hope all of you
will join me, starting at Threadgill's next Wednesday!

See you there!
Robin
www.robincravey.com <http://www.robincravey.com/>   

Central Austin Democrats Meeting-- New night this month only

TIME:  Wednesday, November 14, 2007 at 6:15pm
PLACE:  New World Deli, 4101 Guadalupe St # 100

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

Please join Central Austin Democrats for their monthly meeting.  This
meeting will be on the second Wednesday of this month instead of the third
because of Thanksgiving. 

West Austin Democrats Meeting 

TIME:  Wednesday, November 14, 2007 at 7:00pm
PLACE:  Howson Library, 2500 Exposition Blvd.

CONTACT:  Suzy Reid at 474-2696 or info at westaustindemocrats.org 

Please join West Austin Democrats for their monthly meeting. 

University Democrats Meeting 

TIME:  Wednesday, November 14, 2007 at 8:00pm
PLACE:  Mezes 1.306 on the UT Campus

CONTACT:  Benjamin Trotter at president at udems.org 

You are invited to join University Democrats for their weekly meeting.

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

Thursday, November 15, 2007

Black Austin Democrats Meeting 

TIME:  Thursday, November 15, 2007 at 6:00pm
PLACE:  Judge Richard Scott's office, 1811 Springdale Rd. #110

CONTACT:  Richard Franklin at richardf3rd at yahoo.com 

You are invited to join the Black Austin Democrats for their monthly
meeting.

Texans for Obama Volunteer Meeting 

TIME:  Thursday, November 15, 2007 at 6:30pm
PLACE:  Sholtz's, 1607 San Jacinto

CONTACT:  Ian Davis at 466-6939

Would you like to volunteer for the Obama rally on November 17? Texans for
Obama will be holding a volunteer planning meeting to prepare for the big
rally. They'll be making signs, planning logistics and assigning outreach
tasks. Folks who want to volunteer at the rally should swing by this
meeting, or sign up at: http://www.texansforobama.com/volunteer 

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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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