| Talk about the need to unite the party! It seems we were able to come out of the convention uniting behind Obama, but what about behind the Texas Democratic Party? Many delegates were upset by the following quote in the BOR interview with Boyd Ritchie “Our focus needs to be on down ballot races and let the Presidential race take care of itself.” This quote has been interpreted to mean the Chairman of the Texas Democratic party is not concerned about Texas “being in play “ to quote David Van Os, for the Presidential campaign, despite his endorsement of Obama. Combine this quote from Chairman Ritchie with the Pre-Convention release of the Lone Star Project “Pick a Dozen State Representatives Lotto”(my name), where they release their opinion of the 12 most likely to succeed House Representative Candidates, and it seems like same old, same old in Texas- when all else fails lower your expectations. Both the Party, the House Democratic Campaign Committee and the Lone Star Project have been notorious for picking elections on which to focus often pulling major donors along with them, and leaving “less likely” candidates with little hope or help: meanwhile our National companion, the DNC encourages “everyone to run”- we know this helps strengthen the base. This, I believe was the impetus for David Van Os to throw his notorious hat in the ring. After Boyd Ritchie won, I was dismayed that he did not take that moment to assure us that he would be supporting all campaigns. However, as progressives and grassroots activists, we know a vote beats a dollar every day. It is the work we do for candidates, in voter registration, and in getting out the vote that will make the difference up and down the ballot in November. Join your local club. Support your local county party. Dot Nelson Turnier
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