[Tcdp_newsletter] Travis County Democratic Party Weekly E-Newsletter for Friday, June 13 - Friday, June 20, 2008

[Travis County Democratic Party Weekly Newsletter]

Travis County Democratic Party Weekly E-Newsletter

Post State Convention Special 

Friday, June 13 - Friday, June 20, 2008

 

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

IN THIS ISSUE 

 

- A Message from TCDP Chair Andy Brown

- TCDP Coordinated Campaign Office Grand Opening

- A Message from Senator Kirk Watson

- 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

 

*********************************************************************** 
A MESSAGE FROM TCDP CHAIR ANDY BROWN

 

Fellow Democrats,

 

I want to start out this week's newsletter by thanking everyone who helped
run the SD 14 caucus at the Texas Democratic Convention this weekend.  This
was the most amazing thing I have witnessed so far as Chair of the Party.
For those of you who attended, I deeply appreciate your patience and
willingness to be part of a process that lasted until 3:30am (without a
single punch thrown!).  There was so much energy and enthusiasm for the
process that I'm certain we will have more volunteers than ever this fall.
I look forward to everyone putting the energy displayed Friday night into a
united effort for our Democratic ticket this fall.

 

In particular, I want to thank JR Gonzalez.  JR volunteered, on his 50th
birthday, to serve as the Parliamentarian for the SD 14 caucus on Friday
night.  This year's caucus was the biggest ever, with around 1000
participants.  We had almost 500 delegates and almost 500 alternates-a mix
of Clinton and Obama supporters.  While Democracy is not always an efficient
form of government, it is the best form of government.  JR helped make sure
that every point of order, parliamentary inquiry, and vote properly followed
procedure.  It is an understatement to say that I could not have done this
without JR.  Thank you JR.  He is available for trainings on Parliamentary
procedure-we hope to make one available to party activists later on this
cycle.

 

Attorney Paul Ruiz led the official vote counters.  Paul and his team of
volunteer vote counters (thanks to them, too!) made sure that every
delegate's vote was properly counted to ensure a fair process.  The vote
counting team was made up of 6 Obama counters and 6 Clinton counters.  After
each count, the teams got together and tabulated the votes precisely.  This
was not an easy or quick process, and I appreciate the patience of everyone
involved.

 

There were countless others who made this process work from behind the
scenes that night-outgoing SDEC members Fran Vincent and Rich Bailey,
volunteers Donna Beth McCormick and Geronimo Rodriguez, former County Chair
Chuck Herring, County Attorney David Escamilla, State Representative Donna
Howard (who chaired the Clinton delegate-selection caucus) and Constable
Bruce Elfant (who maintained order and chaired the Obama delegate-selection
caucus) and many others.  Appearances by our elected officials kept people
in a good mood.  For that I want to thank Representatives Elliott Naishtat,
Eddie Rodriguez, Mark Strama, and Valinda Bolton, City Councilmember Mike
Martinez, and former State Senator Gonzalo Barrientos for stopping by to
meet and greet folks.  I especially want to thank Senator Kirk Watson for
not only addressing the SD 14 Caucus, but for agreeing to match up to
$20,000 that we raise towards this year's Coordinated Campaign-for a total
boost of $40,000 for our efforts this fall.

 

I know there are many volunteers, counters and behind the scenes helpers who
I have not named-thanks to all of you we were able to pull off a process
that, while not quick and speedy, was fair to all involved.  I learned a lot
from the Caucus about the process and if we ever have this large of a
turnout again, we'll do it even better next time. 

 

Finally, I want to congratulate everyone who was elected to the many posts
and committees that were chosen that night, and to thank everyone who ran
even if not elected-you contributed to the powerhouse that is the Travis
County Democratic Party.  I want to recognize that Fidel Acevedo, David
Butts and others helped put the interests of the Party first by helping
expedite this process.  I look forward to working with the two newly elected
members of the State Democratic Executive Committee from Senate District
14-Garry Brown and Susan Shelton.  In Senate District 25, Zeta True-Courage
and Michael Wilson were both re-elected to their second term.

 

Please feel free to contact me if you have any suggestions for running
future SD 14 caucus meetings at andy at traviscountydemocrats.org   I look
forward to working with all of you this summer and fall as we carry the
Democratic ticket to victory in Travis County and Texas!

 

Un abrazo,

 

Andy Brown

TCDP Chair

 

 

TCDP Coordinated Campaign Office Grand Opening 

DATE: Tuesday, June 17, 2008
TIME: 5:00pm-7:00pm
LOCATION: 1107 N. IH-35, at the corner of E. 11th and IH-35 next to the CVS.
CONTACT: TCDP at 477-7500 or info at traviscountydemocrats.org

The Travis County Democratic Party invites you to join your fellow
Democratic activists as we open our new campaign headquarters for the 2008
Travis County Democratic Party Coordinated Campaign.

*********************************************************************** 
A MESSAGE FROM SENATOR KIRK WATSON

 

Fellow Texans,

It's an exciting year to be a Texas Democrat!

Voter turnout in Travis County nearly tripled in our historic 2008 primary
election, and over 10,000 activists attended our county convention. That's
wonderful. No matter which nominee you support for President, I hope you're
excited about this historic opportunity to turn Texas blue. 

We need to keep this momentum going into the general election. 

To prove how optimistic I am, I'm challenging my fellow Texans to step up to
the plate and donate to turn Travis County 100% blue. Instead of
contributing your money in a way where it could end up going to Ohio or
Florida, I encourage you to invest in your backyard and support the TCDP.
The Democratic Party's coordinated campaign is starting earlier than ever
before, and we need to help them hit the ground running by donating today.

Double
<http://cmpgnr.com/r.html?c=1244564&r=1243480&test=true&t=0&l=1&d=0&u=http%3
a%2f%2fwww%2eactblue%2ecom%2fpage%2fwatsonchallenge&g=0&f=-1>  your
donation!

Talk is cheap. If you donate to the Travis County Democratic Party, then my
campaign will match your donation dollar-for-dollar up to $20,000. No
donation is too small, so please make a difference today. The deadline is
June 19, and I encourage you to give early and often. With some hard work
and a little luck, we can make Travis County a darker shade of blue. By
increasing overall Democratic turnout, we can help Rick Noriega defeat John
Cornyn and also help take back the White House for the Democrats in 2008. In
addition, we'll be building the party infrastructure for statewide victory
in 2010 and 2012. 

Make
<http://cmpgnr.com/r.html?c=1244564&r=1243480&test=true&t=0&l=1&d=0&u=http%3
a%2f%2fwww%2eactblue%2ecom%2fpage%2fwatsonchallenge&g=0&f=-1>  a difference!

Thank you for your continued support. It's been an honor to serve you in the
Texas Senate, and I look forward to working with you in 2008 and beyond as
we fight for change and a better tomorrow.

Best regards,


Senator Kirk Watson

P.S. Raise money simply by texting us! Another great way to help raise an
additional $5 is to sign-up for our text-message alerts. Join by texting
'TCDP' to '41411' from your cell phone, and Sen. Watson will donate
additional funds to the TCDP. How easy is that?

 

*********************************************************************** 
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 only five county parties in Texas that stay open
year-round), have two full-time 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 $1,000.00 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 June 5 - Jun 11, 2008

 

New Sustaining Members

Steven Goldstraw

Robert Leonard

 

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.

 

*********************************************************************** 
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, June 14, 2008

Today is the runoff election for Place 4 Austin City Council.

To see a list of precinct polling locations, please visit:
http://www.co.travis.tx.us/county_clerk/election/20080510/polls.asp

 

 

Volunteer for Laura Morrison - Election Day for City Council 

DATE: Saturday, June 14, 2008
TIME: 9:00am - 7:00pm
LOCATION: Laura's Campaign HQ @ 7th & Lamar Blvd (just behind Compu-Signs in
Orange House)
CONTACT: Jean Stevens at lcmvolunteercoord at yahoo.com or 494-8685
WEBSITE: www.LauraForAustin.com

Volunteer for Laura on Election Day to help get out the vote...it's the only
election on the ballot!

Shifts are 9a-12 / 12-3p / 3-7p or anytime you can spare. Phone bank
supporters, put out signs, leaflet at events...then attend the Election
Night Party at Waterloo Ice House @ 6th & Lamar!

 

 

YellerDawg/Saturday Sages Democrats Meeting 
DATE: Saturday, June 14, 2008

TIME: 11:00 AM
LOCATION: 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.

 

 

 

Laura Morrison Election Night Party! 

DATE: Saturday, June 14, 2008
TIME: 7:00pm-11:00pm
LOCATION: Waterloo Ice House @ 6th & Lamar
CONTACT: Jean Stevens at lcmvolunteercoord at yahoo.com or 494-8685
WEBSITE: www.LauraForAustin.com

You are invited to join Laura Morrison, candidate for City Council Place 4,
for an election night celebration....and bring your party shoes!

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

Monday, June 16, 2008   

 

North by Northwest Democrats Meeting 

DATE: Monday, June 16, 2008
TIME: 6:00pm
PLACE: see the NxNW website for this month's meeting locale
CONTACT: Jan Soifer 657-0556 or jan at lasfirm.com 

Please join North by Northwest Democrats for their monthly meeting on the
third Monday of the month. Visit the NxNW website at www.nxnwdemocrats.org
to see the location for this month's meeting. 

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

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

The TCDP Coordinated Campaign Office Grand Opening is today.  Please see
more information about this event earlier in this newsletter. 

Latinos for Texas meeting has been canceled.  Instead, they encourage
everyone to attend the office opening.

**************************
Wednesday, June 18, 2008

 

Commissioner Sarah Eckhardt's Coffee Jolt 

DATE: Wednesday, June 18, 2008
TIME: 8:00am
LOCATION: Mozart's Coffee Roasters, 3825 Lake Austin Blvd.
CONTACT: Loretta Farb at loretta at saraheckhardt.com

Commissioner Sarah Eckhardt invites you to her Coffee Jolt and Think Tank.
Come share ideas focusing on local policy and politics. 

 

Central Austin Democrats Meeting 

DATE: Wednesday, June 18, 2008
TIME: 6:15pm
PLACE: New World Deli, 4101 Guadalupe St # 100
CONTACT: Glen Coleman at 327-1066 or glenofaustin at yahoo.com 

Please join the Central Austin Democrats for their monthly meeting the third
Wednesday of the month. 

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

Thursday, June 19, 2008

 

Black Austin Democrats Meeting 

DATE: Thursday, June 19, 2008
TIME: 6:00pm
PLACE: Judge Richard Scott's office, 1811 Springdale Rd. #110
CONTACT: Fred McGhee president at blackaustindemocrats.net 

You are invited to join the Black Austin Democrats for their monthly meeting
the third Thursday of the month. 

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

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

1311 East 6th Street, Austin, TX  78702

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


E-mail:  info at traviscountydemocrats.org                 


Andy Brown - 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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send an e-mail to: 

tcdp_newsletter-unsubscribe at lists.traviscountydemocrats.org              

 

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*******************************************************
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Each time an AOL user hits the "Report Spam" button on a post from a list
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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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