Update

Dear Precinct 2207 Democrats:

 

Fall is upon us, and campaigns are now moving into high gear.  Here are a few important dates:

 

1) Voter Registration for the General Election ends on October 6

2) Early voting begins October 20th and ends October 31^st (electronic voting at various locations)

3) General Election is November 4^th

4) Precinct 2207 Meeting – 6:30pm Thursday, September 25^th, Picasso’s Pizza (NW corner Skillman & Walnut Hill) – we will network, discuss precinct plans for volunteering, and find ways to make change right in our own backyard

 

The Dallas County Democratic Party’s Coordinated Campaign (214.523.8080) and the Obama Dallas Campaign (214.291.4606) have kicked off precinct walking and calling programs.  I highly encourage you to get involved in these high impact activities.  If you would like to participate, please call me at 214.697.8166 (or email jasonmattox@hotmail.com) or the Dallas County party office at 214.821.8331.

 

Planned walk/canvass activities in our precinct include the following weekend dates:

 

• Sunday, Sept. 21^st – morning
• Sunday, Oct. 5^th – morning and/or afternoon
• Saturday, Oct. 11^th – morning and/or afternoon
• Sunday, Oct. 19^th – afternoon
• Sunday, Nov. 2^nd – morning and/or afternoon

 

There are obviously many activities available at other times throughout Dallas County for many campaigns.  Please contact me if you would like to explore these opportunities.

 

Other notable local activities:

 

• Tuesday, Sept. 17^th, 6:30pm, Lupe Valdez (Sheriff) Town Hall Meeting (Garland), Plumbers and Pipefitters Union Hall, 3629 W. Miller Rd.
• Saturday, Sept. 20^th, 6:30pm, Lake Highlands White Rock Democrats’ 14^th Annual Chili Supper – 6:30pm, Dancemasters, 10675 E. Northwest Hwy.

 

See more activities at www.dallasdemocrats.org and www.changingdallas.com.

 

Please don’t forget to join us at our precinct meeting on Thursday, September 25^th at Picasso’s (see details above).  I look forward to working with you all to create a Democratic victory in November from the Dallas County court house to the White House.

 

Democratically yours,

Jason Mattox, precinct chair

Breakfast with Rick Noriega

I had the pleasure of having breakfast with Rick Noriega today and wanted to provide everyone with a first hand account. Rick is a fantastic candidate and we need to everything we can to get that message out there.

Following his introduction, Representative Noriega said, "Our state has great potential. But we have serious challenges to meet, and the first is to unseat John Cornyn. Cornyn has managed to cloud the possibility of hope."

Rick spoke specifically about Cornyn's troubling position on cuts in Medicare fees. If Cornyn's position stands, more than 58% of doctors in the state will not be able financially to serve seniors, service people and the disabled. They will stop taking new Medicare patients. This situation has caused the Texas Medical Association to withdraw its support of Cornyn and galvanized seniors across the state

For the sake of our seniors, Rick hopes Cornyn will change his vote, just as he voted against the 21st Century GI Bill, then voted for it.

"He initially voted against the GI Bill, which is unconscionable. It is my hope he will flip again on this Medicare vote. The American Dream is how we can provide for our children from generation to generation, and Cornyn stands in our way." At this point, I asked why myself why we have to keep going through this kind of thing with our elected officials. We deserve better government than this.

Asked about our failed policies as a nation and a state, Noriega said, "Somebody has to stand up and say the emperor has no clothes.
There needs to be a new path in the Iraq War, beginning with a new Commander-In-Chief to correct this strategic blunder. Then benchmarks need to be established for the Iraqi government to meet, an idea from the Iraq Study Group. Nothing compels the Iraqi government to perform." And he noted, our government is now NINE TRILLION DOLLARS IN DEBT.

Asked about immigration, Noriega said the policy is broken and he speaks from experience. He served as Border Sector commander, Laredo for Operation Jumpstart for six months. Rick has said the border also is a national security issue. His groups seized 10,000 pounds of marijuana as well as cocaine. But he noted that the wall is a cheap trick that does not address the whole issue. A virtual fence will work, but we still need to address people who are already here. Not dealing with this issue squarely only pushes people further back into the shadows.

I left thinking this is the kind of pragmatic leadership Texans once were famous for. Won't you join this grandmother in bringing sense back to Texas politics.

FYI – Rick Noriega is manager of economic development for CenterPoint Energy in Houston. He has a BA from the University of Houston and a Masters from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government. He is a Lieutenant Colonel in the Army National Guard and spent a year in Afghanistan. He oversaw the Hurricane Katrina shelters in Houston and helped evacuees from Katrina and Rita.

For more information, check out www.Votevets.com. This is a site set up by General Wesley Clark with a mission to elect Iraq and Afghanistan vets to public office.

Another Bake Sale Opportunity

In case any of you are interested in participating in a local bake sale for the Obama campaign, here is a local event…(sponsored by moveon.org)

Hundreds of "Hungry for Change" bake sales all around the country - All to raise money for MoveOn's massive campaign to reach millions of voters this fall and help elect Barack Obama.

If you haven't already, please sign up to bring something sweet to sell at the bake sale in Dallas.

Here are the details:

Host: David E—fellow MoveOn member
Where: Crossroads Market (in Dallas)
When: Saturday, Jun. 21, 2008, at 12:00 PM

And here's the link to RSVP and tell the host what you're bringing:
http://pol.moveon.org/event/events/event.html?event_id=47992&id=12909-3606807-Q_1h_7x&t=5

 

Thanks,

Jason Mattox, precinct chair

 

Painting Party

Help get geared up for the 4th of July parade this Sunday (June 22) at
3:00 pm at the home of Darwin and Phyllis Payne (9021 Gunnison). We'll
be painting signs for the parade. Bring your ideas and any special
painting supplies.

Organizing Meeting & More

Dear Local Democratic Activists:

I would like to introduce myself again… I am Jason Mattox, the Precinct Chair for Precinct 2207.  I am pleased to report that we are finally past the primary season and we have an incredible slate of competent, qualified, and enthusiastic Democratic candidates – ready to bring real change to our lives and our neighborhood.  Ok, so how can you get involved?  1) You can socialize with other like-minded individuals and spread the word that the Democratic candidates look attractive locally and nationally to your other independent friends; 2) you can volunteer for a campaign of a local or national candidate; 3) You can join us in some activities to push awareness of Democrats and our causes in the local area.  Some upcoming events:

1)       Join Democrats in 2207 for a social evening on June 28 from 5:00 to 7:00pm.  Unite For Change!  This event will be simultaneously hosted at homes around Dallas and the broader area.  Come to the home of Jason and Andrea Mattox at 7505 Hundley Blvd (zip 75231) to socialize with others.  We will be online during the party to spread the word.  BYOB… we will have some light snacks available… please RSVP at 214-503-6737.

2)       Join the Lake Highlands/White Rock Democrats at the White Rock Lake Stone Tables Area, 600 E. Lawther Drive (Buckner Blvd @ Lake Highlands Blvd) Saturday June 21, 2008 at 11am -  $5 fee that includes hotdogs, chips, and drinks (kids 12 and under are free).  Meet Candidates and State Democratic Executive Committee members – we will plan our participation in the Lake Highlands 4^th of July Parade with this organization

3)       Hungry for Change?? Join fellow Democrats for a bake sale in Garland.  Host: Thalia D—a MoveOn.org member Where: MILLER & FIRST STREET
When: Saturday, Jun. 21, 2008, at 9:00 AM

4)       Lake Highlands 4^th of July Parade – for details email Michael Li at michael.chihpoh.li@gmail.com... We will walk alongside two vehicles to demonstrate our pride as Democrats at this great local event saluting our country and then staff a booth to register voters and spread the word on our great candidates.  Planning meetings are occurring now for this event.

 

I hope to see you at these events and others as the summer progresses.  We will organize our activities for the summer and upcoming campaigns this fall starting at the gathering on June 28.  Hope to see you there.

Thanks,

 

Jason

Rain Minns Fundraiser This Saturday

Rain Minns, the Democratic candidate for SD 16, is having a fundraiser this Saturday, June 14, from 1-4 p.m. right here in Lake Highlands, at the home of Maria Viera-Williams (8606 San Souci) (just north of the intersection of Ferndale and Northwest Highway).

Come out and meet a great candidate and find out more about this exciting and tight race.

The suggested donation is $30 and includes BBQ and all the fixins.

Videos from and of Convention

The Texas Democratic Party has posted videos from the convention on YouTube, including a moving tribute to Lady Bird Johnson and a great 'where we are today as Texas Democrats' video.

Click here to have a gander.

Some More Photos

A few more photos from the convention:

Claude picked up a rather smart beret.  Anne Buckley and I tried to convince him it looked best backwards (as in the photo), but as a former IBM guy, Claude seemed reluctant to 'take a walk on the wild side.'

The fellow on the left (with long hair) is Matt Tranchin, who along with Brent Rosenthal, was the Obama campaign field coordinator for Dallas. Matt originally is from the Park Cities and began working for Senator Obama after watching his speech at the Democratic National Convention in 2004.  Matt's awaiting word from the Obama campaign on word of his assignment for the fall.

Jason Mattox posing with his daughter and Barbara Churchman.  Not the best photo of our fearless leader, but, as you can tell, he had his hands full.

The scene outside the convention center during our fire alarm interlude.

For earlier photos, click here.

For full convention coverage, click here.

It's Over

The convention finally wrapped up about 12:15 pm after selection of
the at large national delegates.

There was a little bit of a kerfuffle toward the end about the at
large delegates, but it was resolved.

On to November and victory! Stay tuned for the kickoff of organizing
efforts for the fall campaign.

Forgot to Add . . .

Forgot to post the results of the SD 16 national delegate elections.
Last night, we elected Barbara Rosenburg and Jeff Strater as Clinton
national delegates and Erin Moore and Joe Rowe (the cofounder of the
Obama Dallas grassroots movement) as Obama national delegates.

Convention Blog: Day 2- Platform and Resolutions, Unity Party

We're finishing up with the party platform and resolutions.

Tonight, there's a unity party on Sixth Street for Dallas area delegates and alternates with Obama and Clinton supporters expected to be out in full force.

A first for everyone

During a roll call vote on whether or not to table the resolution to end the Texas Two Step, a fire alarm was triggered and the entire convention had to evacuate. Senator Royce West (from SD 23) is leading a task force to more fully analyze the caucus/primary process in Texas and was also the author of the motion to table - allowing his committee to further their work in a very inclusive process. The table motion carried by a wide margin (78.7% to 21.3%). The anger or frustration on the Texas Two Step seems to be motivated by those concerned that Clinton won the popular vote in Texas but failed to win a majority of the delegates.


Jason Mattox, precinct chair

Convention Blog: Day 2- Electing a Chair

Now we're electing a party chair. There are three candidates: Boyd
Richie, our current chair, Loy LaVerne Brooks, and David VanOs.
There also is a contested election for one of the Texas slots on the
Democratic National Committee.

After this, we're going to have to have a roll call vote.

Update:  Boyd Ritchie was re-elected chair with 63.6% of the vote.

Sen Gallegos SD 6

We just watched a video chronicling the fight over the Voter ID bill. Senator Gallegos stayed in the Senate chamber against his doctor's orders along with the entire Democratic delegation to block passage of the bill. His life was threatened with his illness and he stayed in the chamber with a guerney just 30 feet away from his seat. What a moving story! The bill would have required three forms of ID in order to vote. This is a shameful power play brought by national agenda Republicans anxious to disenfranchise voters in a state, as Senate Eliot Schapleigh stated, that has had ZERO cases pending or investigated on voter fraud relating to identification. There is no problem to fix here. The convention continues.


Jason Mattox, precinct chair

Convention Blog: Day 2-Tributes

Just got done with very moving video tributes to Lady Bird Johnson and Ann Richards.

Convention Blog: Day 2-Watching Clinton Speech

The general session is back in session. We're watching Hillary's
speech live through an internet stream. Or at least trying too-a lot
of problems with the feed.

Convention Blog 8: Petitions

Attending a convention means getting the chance to be presented with various petitions.

This year, some of the petitions include petitions to abolish the death penalty, to create a reserved seat on the State Democratic Executive Committee for a physically challenged or disabled person, and several on alternative energy and/or climate change.

There's also a petition on doing away with the primary/caucus system.

Convention Photos

Some photos from yesterday and Thursday.

Anne Buckley, Michael Li, and Barbara Churchman at the sold out opening reception on Thursday at the Hilton.  Barbara learned Friday that she had been elevated from a Clinton alternate to Clinton delegate.

The crowd begins to trickle into the Austin convention center Friday morning.

Shopping for souvenirs- a little something for everyone.

2207 delegate Claude Medlock and his wife Candy.  Claude is a retired IBM executive and has lived in the Lake Highlands area for about 25 years

Juan Ayala doing a little campaigning for the SD 16's slot on the State Democratic Executive Committee. 

An impromptu unity rally of Clinton and Obama supporters.  If I had been a little quicker on the draw, I would have recorded some video because the chants were great.

Hannah Payne volunteering at the convention.  What a great t-shirt!

Anne Buckley and our precinct chair, Jason Mattox, waiting the SD 16 caucus to get under way.

Jason and Claude talking politics.

Jason voting on one of the committee slots.

Delegates and more delegates

After hearing the riveting words of our Democratic state House members and candidates, the inspiring words of former Austin mayor Kirk Watson, the sincerity and appreciative words of Chelsea Clinton, and the driven speech of Virginia Governor Tim Caine, the delegates of the fighting Senatorial District 16, were all left to pick our Presidential Preference national delegates. 

What an amazing showing . . . The Obama side alone appears to have forty or so people running for two delegate spots in Denver. We will elect now one woman and one man to represent just the Obama side, plus an Obama alternate delegate who will be a woman.


Jason Mattox, precinct chair 2207

Convention Blog 7: Back to SD Caucus

We've returned to the Senate District 16 caucus and just finished
electing members of the SDEC.

Now it's time to elect the presidential electors.

Convention Blog 6: Senate District 16 Caucus Update

Well, we just broke up to get ready for the general session, where
Governor Tim Kaine of Virginia is supposed to speak. Chelsea Clinton
also is expected. We had been hoping for Barack and Hillary, but with
things in flux in their campaigns, it looks like they've decided not
to make a joint appearance just yet.

Since we didn't finish the Senate caucus business, we'll be coming
back tonight after the general session to elect state executive
committee members and national delegates.
Then there's what looks to be a great party sponsored by
Representative Rafael Anchia and other young Democratic legislators.

I'll try to post some photos tonight from today's happenings.

Convention Blog 5: Under Way

The SD 16 caucus is finally under way. A little late, but not as late
as some thought it might be.

We're starting with election of people to fill the various committee slots.

Clean Elections Caucus

Fellow delegate Barbara Churchman and I (among many many others) attended a lively caucus on reforming our campaign finance system. More later!



Jason Mattox, precinct chair 2207

Test and Hello

Hey Everyone. The State Convention is exciting! Just sat through the Young Dems caucus and heard a stirring speech by Rick Noriega our candidate for US Senate. Also saw Rain Minns, our candidate for Senate District 16. Dallas County has a lot to be proud of here... Houston (Harris) is especially jealous of how blue we are! More later. Hello to our delegation!



Jason

Convention Blog 4: Sign In and Issue Caucuses

Today starts with sign in at the convention center. We've been warned
to go early because of the huge number of delegates and alternates
attending this year (over 50% of whom are first time attendees).

After that, all day today there are various optional issue caucuses.
In keeping with the diversity of the party, there's something for
everyone: Democrats for Life, the energy policy caucus, the Latino
caucus, Stonewall Democrats, Blue Dog Democrats, Gunowning Democrats, the computer and technology caucus, the women's caucus, even the Motorcycle Democrats.

The real business of the convention begins at 3:00 pm when the SD 16
caucus gets started. This is where we elect delegates and select
people for the various committee slots as well as elect members of the
State Democratic Executive Committee.
.

I'm Going to Bed

Speak for yourself about celebrating all night. This grandma's going
to make like a tree and leave. It's time for bed! See you all
tomorrow.

Convention Blog 3: Obama Party

Just got to the Obama party at Club de Ville, just in time for Ron
Kirk's great speech on party unity and the potential to turn Texas
blue this fall.

Now it's time to listen to the rocking band. This party's going to go
on for some time.

Convention Blog 2: Opening Reception

Those of us in town just got out of the opening reception.

An incredibly energized crowd--both Obama and Clinton supporters. For
all the consternation of the primary campaign, those tensions seem to
be fading away with the realization that, for Democrats, this really
is OUR year, both nationally and in Texas. This year is the first
election of the 21st century, and, this year, we as the American
people will send a powerful message about the type of America we want
going forward.

Just thinking about what America will look like this time next year
fills me at least with a powerful sense of hope.

But enough for now, there are a couple of more parties to attend.,
while Barbara is off to attend Ester's Follies.

Convention Blog 1: Arrived

The first of us have arrived. A number of cars in town are rather
flamboyantly decorated for various Democratic candidates and causes
(some people have way too much time and creativity). A generally
fesitive air in Austin's laid back sort of way.

Tonight is the kickoff reception and then there are a series of
fundraisers and parties. Hoping to catch up with Anne Buckley and
Barbara Churchman shortly.

We're Off to Austin

The six delegates and alternates from Precinct 2207 head off to Austin tomorrow for the State Democratic Convention.  Our own Hannah Payne also will be traveling to Austin to be a volunteer.  Most of us are going down during the day; Jason is heading down in the evening.  With nearly 10,000 delegates and alternates expected, no one knows quite what to expect.  Business aside, however, a couple of the parties look great (it is Austin after all).  Stay tuned to the blog for updates.

A Conversation with Your Precinct 2207 Neighbor . . . Juan Ayala

Juan Ayala is a man with a clear understanding of what he wants to do and how to get there. Currently a candidate for the State Democratic Executive Committee, Juan is a poster boy for illustrating how hard work, scholarly accomplishment, career achievement and volunteer efforts can move an individual toward desired goals.


Juan grew up in East Dallas and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School with honors after earning college hour credits from his several advanced placement courses. Awarded a scholarship and grants to Trinity University, he graduated with a degree in economics and is the first person in his family to graduate from college.

A part time job with Dean Witter was helpful during college and became a full time job following graduation. Enjoying his job and life in San Antonio, adversity suddenly struck and he lost both parents and his position with Dean Witter. This difficult experience was monumental but Juan emerged with a renewed vision and determination to succeed.

A senior executive with USA Mobility in Dallas for the last 12 years, Juan now works with international corporations in wireless communications. But as he says, “Politics is my passion.”

Currently president of Dallas County Young Democrats, Juan also is running for the State Democratic Executive Committee. “There’s a lot of energy in the air this year, and I think I can help the party tap into it, especially the youth and Latino vote. We have a lot of great candidates running for the SDEC slot, but I think I can bring a fresh perspective.”

Few people can match Juan’s political, community and volunteer involvements. He has worked on International, Representative and Executive Committees of Young Democrats of America. He is a Deputy Voter Registrar and a member of the Dallas Stonewall Democrats. He also serves as a board member of the Greater Dallas Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, is a member of LULAC Council 4871 and volunteers with Habitat for Humanity, Dallas Life Foundation, For the Love of the Lake and was a delegate for the Senate District 16 Convention.

He was Co-chair of the Young Democrats of America National Convention held in Dallas in 2007 and helped raise $96,000 for that event. Speakers were: Senator John Edwards, General Wesley Clark, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and former Agriculture Commissioner Jim Hightower. Young Democrats from 46 states attended as well as 23 guests from foreign countries.

Juan moved to the Lake Highlands area two years ago when he bought his first house. As if his other commitments weren’t enough, he says he’s excited about turned Lake Highlands blue this fall. “We must do more than just talk about Democratic values: we must live them,” he says.

We're Blogging the Convention

Lake Highlands is a pretty savvy area (in a suburban sort of way) and, in the spirit of 21st century politics, we'll be blogging the upcoming state convention--some live, some near live (we do have to get sleep sometime).  Stay tuned for the latest from Austin . . .

A Conversation with Your Precinct 2207 Neighbor . . . Darwin Payne

If you ran into longtime Precinct 2207 resident Darwin Payne at Mi Cocina, you might not know that the dignified but unassuming man at the next table had led such a colorful life.

(Darwin Payne with daughter Hannah and wife Phyllis. Hannah is studying music at SMU.)

But as a reporter for the Dallas Times Herald, Darwin was the first newsman to find Abraham Zapruder moments after he shot the now famous film of the assassination. The next night he was at the Dallas police station amidst the estimated 300 reporters from around the world who were covering the story. “It was a great time for a young reporter but a terrible tragedy for the nation,” he says. “JFK was the first Democrat I voted for. He was a visionary and had the ability to bring out the best in the youth of the country. You can’t help but wonder what might have been.”

At the Times Herald, Darwin became friends with Jim Lehrer, and not long after Darwin joined Jim’s “Newsroom” program on KERA – TV, where he appeared on camera along with A. C. Greene, Patsy Swank, Bill Porterfield, Martin Frost and Lee Cullum. Although local, “Newsroom” was not that much different from Lehrer’s present-day PBS “News Hour.”

Darwin taught journalism at SMU for thirty years before retiring in 1999 as professor emeritus. He holds a bachelor of journalism and a PhD in American Civilization from the University of Texas at Austin as well as a master of arts degree in history from Southern Methodist University.

As if that weren’t enough, in 1996, Darwin organized his own publishing concern - Three Forks Press (http://www.3forkspress.com), publishing books by Steve Blow, Marshall Terry, Michael Hazel and others. He also is the author of numerous books himself, including most recently Indomitable Sarah: The Life of Judge Sarah T. Hughes, which won the Liz Carpenter Award from the Texas State Historical Association and Big D : Triumphs and Troubles of an American Super City in the 20th Century. His next book to be published in 2009 will be Crusade for Justice: Louis A. Bedford and the Struggle for Equal Rights in Texas.

Darwin and Phyllis Payne along with daughter Hannah were delegates to the Senate District 16 County Convention. “I’ve never been more committed to the Democratic party than I am right now,” said the 3 Forks Press publisher and Lake Highlands resident. "These are exciting times."

538 Blog

One blog to add to your must list is the Five Thirty Eight Blog (http://www.fivethirtyeight.com/) which has the latest polls and, more importantly, outstanding poll analysis. It's been dead on several times this political cycle and is a great read even if you're not a total political junkie (like some of us). Check it out.

P.S. The blog takes its name from the number of electoral votes.

Meet Chris Turner, Candidate HD 96 (May 19)

This year, we don’t have a Democratic candidate in House District 114 (our local house district), but there are a number of very competitive races in our area.

One of the most exciting is the race for House District 96, where Chris Turner is the Democratic standard bearer. Texas Monthly, in fact, recently called the seat the Democrats’ ‘best hopes for a pickup’ and a leading GOP consultant calls it a ‘battleground’ race.

Chris is a terrifically impressive candidate and, if you are interested in meeting him, he will be having a fundraiser next Monday, May 19, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the home of Leslie MacLean (5714 W. Caruth - just noth of Inwood and Lovers). Tickets are $100.

Democrats are only five seats away from having a majority in the Texas House. Races like this are absolutely vital not only because of the impact on state and local issues but in order to ensure that Democrats have a voice at the table after the next Congressional redistricting (when Texas is slated to pick up between 4-5 seats in Congress - more than any other state).

Come and support a great candidate.

For more on Chris and his race, go to www.votechristurner.com.

Be a Neighborhood Captain!

Today, we're exactly six months out from the November 4 General Election.

And though we don't have a presidential candidate yet, planning is already under way to run a competitive, high energy campaign locally and across Texas as part of the Democratic Party's fifty-state strategy.  But we need your help.

There will be lots of activities over the course of the summer and fall, but one way you can help right now is to sign up to be a Precinct 2207 neighborhood captain.  Our success this fall will depend on the grassroots efforts of people like you - people who know our neighborhood and have an insider's insight into what will and won't work (something no consultant in Washington or Austin could ever hope to tell us).

**What's involved, you ask?**

Well, that's really up to you and the volunteers you will be heading up.  Every neighborhood is different, and you're the ones who know your neighborhood best.  In some neighborhoods, the best way for getting people fired up and out to the polls might be a block party or series of smaller house parties.  In other neighborhoods, door-to-door contact or phone calls might be the ticket.  In other areas, the need could be to register voters and to educate people on early voting options.  We need your help to figure all this out. Once we come up with a game plan, we'll give you the support and resources to get the job done.

If you are interested, or even if you're just thinking about it, let us know by filling out this form or emailing precinct2207@gmail.com. We'll have an informational get together later this month to begin discussing 'strategery' (as President Bush would say).

A Conversation with Your Precinct 2207 Neighbor . . . Barbara Churchman

Though she is a lifelong Democrat, Barbara Churchman had never really taken an active role in politics. This year was different. "I became alarmed at the negative changes I’ve seen in our country during the last eight years and also about our future. That’s what prompted me to act." said Barbara, who works at The Turner Corporation as Executive Assistant to the Treasurer and is a Clinton alternate to the Democratic State Convention in June.

The daughter of a career Air Force professional, Barbara moved every two years, but claims Little Rock, Arkansas as home. Barbara first came to Dallas in the 1980s and worked full time while earning her Associates Degree from Mountain View College. In 1990, she left the area for an opportunity with the Seattle Metro, leaving DART. In 1996, she decided to attend Washington State University full time to finish her International Business degree, a long held ambition. "I personally credit Bill Clinton and his responsible economic stewardship for letting me do that. I don't think I'd be able to do that today," she says. In 2004, Barbara returned to the Dallas area and has lived in the Huntington Lakes community on Skillman for the last three plus years.

As an alternate to the Democratic State Convention in Austin, Barbara is determined to take in as many of the sights and proceedings that will be taking place during the convention. She also plans on making time for a bit of personal sightseeing. "I’m going down early so I can visit the Bob Bullock Museum and other places I’ve missed on previous visits," said Barbara.

As for this political cycle, Barbara says she is pumped up. "We've got great candidates across the board," she says. "I've followed Hillary's career from back in the days when I lived in Arkansas, and I know what she has done and can do. But we're really blessed with choice this year as Democrats. I think people are really going to be very surprised this November when the polls close in Texas. We're going to do better than people expect from top to bottom."

P.S. Barbara adds that she really is a "true blue Democrat" despite wearing red for this photograph.

Sign Up for Email Updates

Stay ahead of the curve. Sign up to get the latest in Precinct 2207 news and information on upcoming events by email by clicking on this link.

How We Voted

So, how did Precinct 2207 vote compared to Dallas County as a whole?

In general, not that differently, though we did like Rick Noriega and Diana Lackey a bit more and also showed a slight leaning toward some of Lupe Valdez's challengers.  In the presidential race, we voted voted pretty much in line with the rest of the county.

The details: 

Presidential Candidate	Precinct 2207	Dallas County
Clinton	40.05%	38.11%
Obama	59.4%	61.35%

U.S. Senate Candidate	Precinct 2207	Dallas County
Rick Noriega	56.6%	50.12%
Ray McMurrey	12.6%	15.3%
Gene Kelly	21.0%	25.24%
Rhett Smith	9.8%	9.34%

Dallas Sheriff Candidate	Precinct 2207	Dallas County
Lupe Valdez	44.0%	50.85%
Sam Allen	11.1%	12.47%
Pete Schulte	21.5%	11.49%
Roy Williams	23.4%	25.11%

Dallas Assessor-Collector Candidate	Precinct 2207	Dallas County
Diana Lackey	53.69%	45.0%
John Ames	21.3%	26.7%

Meet Bill Blocker, Lake Highlands Democrat

Just a few years ago if you had told Bill Blocker that one day he would be attending a Democratic convention as an Obama delegate, he would have called you crazy. He was, after all, a solid Republican voter who had voted for George W. Bush more than once. 

But like a lot of Americans, Bill had begun to be wary of the politics of division. Then one night during the 2004 Democratic National Convention, he caught Barack Obama’s keynote speech and remembers thinking,  "I hope that man runs for president, because I want him to be my president."

When Obama began his campaign for president, Bill became an early and committed supporter and, on caucus night, found himself elected by fellow Obama supporters to represent them at the 16th Senatorial District Convention. At the convention, Bill was fascinated by the process and not only came early but stayed late. Bitten by the political bug, he says he is looking forward to turning Lake Highlands blue this fall.

Bill works in the banking field where he met his future wife, D’dee Blocker. He rode the banking waves of the late 1980’s and early ‘90’s as the institutions he worked for merged into Republic Bank, the First Republic, then NCNB. Several name changes later, the institution became Bank of America where Bill currently serves as Vice President of Technology and Technology Software Design.

Bill and D’dee are the parents of two college age children and a daughter Emily, who turned 14 on April 15 and attends Forest Meadow Junior High.

"We just got back from Texas A & M University where our daughter Caitlin is a freshman. It was Parents Weekend as well as her birthday so we had a great time celebrating. Our son, Zachary is a Journalism student at the University of Oklahoma. Both of them are graduates of Lake Highlands High School."

"We've been in the area for a double of decades now.  When our children came along we looked all over Dallas for the neighborhood we wanted to live in, and Lake Highlands was an easy choice."

"The people in our precinct are great and easy to meet.  I'm looking forward to knowing more of them during this political cycle."

Johnson-Rayburn Dinner

There still are a few tickets left for this year's Johnson-Rayburn Dinner on Wednesday, April 16 at the Westin Galleria.

For those who haven't been before, the dinner raises money for local state house races and has been an important source of funding for local candidates. The Republicans now have 79 seats in the Texas house of representatives (down from all-time high of 88 seats after the 2002 cycle). With a six seat pick up, Democrats could take back the majority. Succeeding in this task is critical, not only because of the impact on state and local issues, but because Texas likely will pick up four seats in Congress after the 2010 census. Increasing our strength in the Texas house means being able to have a voice in how those seats are allocated. The good news is that the there are a couple of very competitive local races right in our neck of the woods with really super candidates.

As if that weren't enough of an inducement, former Congressman Charlie Wilson (of movie fame) and Mike McCurry, former spokesman for Bill Clinton, will be among the featured guests at this year's dinner.

Tickets are $100. If you are interested, contact Michael Li at 214-675-6879 or by emailing michael.chihpoh.li@gmail.com.

Don't Forget to Vote Tuesday

Don't forget that the Democratic primary runoffs are tomorrow (Tuesday).  There are three races on the ballot:

•  the race between Dale Henry and Mark Thompson for Texas Railroad Commissioner,

• the race between John Ames and Diana Lackey for Dallas County Tax Aseessor/Collector, and

• the race between David Jordan and Gracie Lewis to be judge of Criminal District Court No. 3

Voting will be at Forest Meadow Baptist Church.  Polls will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.  

Send in Your Convention Pics and Videos

Gloria Chapman sent in this video clip of the start of the convention.  The man leading us in the National Anthem is a local singer named Rick Bernard James.  You get some sense of his range and ability from the clip, but it was even more powerful in person.

UPDATE:

Paco Villamar sent in these photos from the convention.  The first picture was taken around 8:30 a.m.  Even though the convention wasn't supposed to get under way for another two and a half hours, you can see the lines were already thick.  As it turns out, it took all that time, and a little more, to get everyone signed in and inside.

One of the striking things about the crowd was how diverse it was.  Our precinct's own delegation had Anglos, African-Americans, Hispanics, Asians, immigrants, life-long Democrats, 'recovering' Republicans, lawyers, marketing executives, homemakers, executive assistants, SMU faculty, DART drivers, gay and straight, young and old.  Our oldest delegate was 76; our youngest 20.

This clip from Paco will give you some sense of the buzz.

Many precincts had signs so delegates and alternates could identify each other outside the coliseum. However, the Obama team from Precinct 1119, which is in Preston Hollow, out did just about everyone. Showoffs.

Almost convention time.  Still slow going on the line.

More pictures here

P.S.  If you have other pictures or video, send them in and we'll get them posted.

Hello and Welcome

Hello Fighting 2207!

I am Jason Mattox, your recently elected precinct chair! I am truly humbled by your support in the recent Democratic primary, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to build on the firm foundation that Nick Harper has built for our precinct in past years. With your help, I look forward to increasing communication and activism in our very special spot in the metroplex. Clearly, the best news for our precinct is that we have motivated, skilled, tech-savvy and action-oriented leaders like Michael Li helping to lead that charge. Michael deserves our thanks for not only setting up this great blog site, but also being such a leader in our recent precinct and senatorial district conventions. In the coming months, I hope we can all come together to make the Democratic Party more of a force for positive change in our neighborhood. Be on the look out for a kick off social gathering in the summer as well as postcards and/or emails updating you on Democratic Party activities. Thanks again for your continuing support.

Jason

Just When You Thought It Was Safe . . .

Early voting for Democratic primary runoffs starts Monday and continues through this Friday, April 4. You can find a list of early voting locations and times by clicking here.

For Precinct 2207 voters, there are only three races on the ballot:

• the race between Dale Henry and Mark Thompson for Texas Railroad Commissioner,

• the race between Diana Lackey and John Ames for Dallas County Tax Assessor-Collector, and

• the race between Gracie Lewis and David Jordan to be judge of Criminal District Court No. 3.
  

Election day is Tuesday, April 8.

SD 16 Convention Report

Here are some pictures from the SD 16 convention yesterday at Moody Coliseum. Thanks to everyone who came out and participated, whether as a delegate, alternate, or volunteer.

Paco Villamar rallies the Obama troops in front of Moody.


Anne Buckley and Claude Medlock wait in line to pick up credentials shortly after 8:00 a.m.. The first of many periods of waiting during the day.


Inside at last! Obama supporter, Claude Medlock, chats with Clinton supporter, Courtney Key.


Clinton supporters Abigail Harvey and Hannah Koroma relax while waiting for the convention to get under way. Hannah is an immigrant from Sierra Leone and easily won the prize for 'best dressed 2207 delegate.'


Did we mention there was lots of paperwork? From right to left: Carlyle Chapman (handing in paperwork), Barbara Reeves, Quan Tran, and Jason Mattox, our newly elected precinct chair.  In front of them, you have Courtney Key, Claude Medlock, Prof. Darwin Payne, and the back of Phyllis Payne's (very elegant) head.

Then it was time to get started - with the National Anthem, of course. It was quite a sight seeing 4000 Democrats, Independents, and even some Republicans jammed into Moody.  (Video compliments of Gloria Chapman)

Finally, time to vote (around 3:00 p.m.). Virginia Mia casts her presidential preference vote.

Unfortunately, I didn't get any pictures of the actual election of delegates, which we did under a tree in front of Moody in order to get away from the maddening crowds. If anyone has some, forward them and we'll get them out.


Then the die-hards among us returned inside to wait and wait (and wait and wait) for the tabulation of results. In fact, although voting on delegates finished about 4:00 p.m., the results weren't announced until nearly 9:00 p.m., with the nominations committee then taking a couple of additional hours to select at large delegates and alternates. The convention didn't adjourn until nearly 12:00 a.m. (!!)

But the process was scrupulously fair. A paired up Clinton and Obama supporter reviewed each presidential sign-in sheet, with one calling out the votes and one counting. Then they swapped roles and repeated the process until they reached matching results. Any close calls or disputes went before an evenly divided credentials committee for resolution.

And the results? Barack Obama received 59.2% of the presidential preference votes cast at the convention, while Hillary Clinton got 40.8%.

Of the delegates to the state convention, Obama received 137 of the precinct-elected delegates (including both delegates elected by Precinct 2207), while Clinton received 54. After adding in 'at large' delegates, Obama ended up with a total of 151 delegates to Clinton's 104.

On to Austin in June . . .

About Precinct 2207

Precinct 2207 is located in the Lake Highlands area of Dallas and takes in:

• all of the Cedar Mills, Highlands West, Pebble Creek, Rolling Trails, and Stone Canyon neighborhoods,

• parts of the Alexander's Village and Merriman Park North neighborhoods, and

• the townhomes and apartments between Church Rd. and Walnut Hill. 

In short, basically the 75231 zip code. For those, like me, who are more visually oriented, here's the official map from Dallas County Elections (map).

Geographically, we're actually one of the smaller of the Dallas County precincts.

In the last census, the voting age population of Precinct 2207 was 64% Anglo, 22% African-American, 10% Hispanic, 2% Asian, and 1% mixed race.

Traditionally, the precinct has been heavily Republican, voting 63%-37% for George Bush over John Kerry in 2004. It also tends to undervote, with a voter turnout of only 42% in 2006 versus a county wide average of 58%.

That said, we had a record turnout of 628 people who voted in the Democratic primary this year (nearly double the Republican turnout) plus 190 people who showed up to sit in a crowded church for a couple of hours to caucus on the evening of March 4. So the signs are encouraging.

P.S. For those who had to leave early that night, the caucus resulted in a 72%/28% split in favor of Barack Obama.