| I exited my shuttle at Congress Avenue about 9:15AM. A brisk wind greeted me this morning, as did the beautiful Texas State Capitol.
The Capitol is truly a commanding building. The dome is gorgeous and commanding. Upon entering the Capital through the Congress Avenue entrance immediately to your left is the beautiful portrait of General Santa Anna surrendering to a wounded General Sam Houston. You can't help but view that painting and get a tremendous sense of pride regarding your Texan heritage.
Meeting the staff:
Senator Davis has a tremendous and talented staff. My friend for the day is Davis' Communications Director, Bernie Scheffler. I say friend because I came to know Bernie throughout the campaign last year. And what an interesting story as to how he came to know Senator Davis. During her last campaign for the Fort Worth City Council, Scheffler filed to run for her District 9 council seat. He did so thinking she would not run, but she did. In a very Team of Rivals-like move, Davis and Scheffler became good friends on the campaign trail. She brought him on board to assist with communications for her Senate District 10 run, and, upon her election, came on board her staff as Communications Director. As Scheffler noted, "quite the career arc."
I met with Hector Nieto, Senator Davis' Chief of Staff, about 10:15. I've known Hector several years, dating back to my volunteer work with Congressman Martin Frost and his campaign in 2004. In fact, I met Hector when introducing Congressman Frost to a potential '04 Presidential candidate in General Wesley Clark. You all probably best remember Hector as the Texas Democratic Party's former Communications Director. I was excited when I learned of Hector's new role with Senator Davis. I watched his career from afar with envy. In asking Hector about how he is feeling in his new role he commented, "Real good. It feels good to be working in North Texas again." Regarding his new boss, Hector noted, "Senator Davis is a go-getter. She is energetic and motivated to work hard and get things done. Just based on her work ethic she is going to be a successful freshman senator."
I'll be attending the Texas Broadcasters Association luncheon around lunch time and the Senate convenes around 1:30-2PM. More later. |
