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.
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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.