After a year of no new shows, we're happy to announce that The DOT Show is back!
Created in 2006 to keep Texans updated on the latest in Texas Politics and highlight some great, Texas music, we are excited to present our latest episode - our first on Ustream.com; so now you can watch as well as listen.
Here is a clip regarding Rick Perry's fantasy emergencies before the Texas Legislature; announced only to bolster his national political career among conservatives.
DNC member (and BOR contributor) David Holmes, a Clinton superdelegate during this primary season, has just cast his vote for Barack Obama here at the Texas delegation hotel where delegates are voting this morning.
In the latest episode of The DOT Show, Michael and David talk with Senator Hillary Clinton regarding her Texas strategy; discuss the Texas primary process; and cover the latest news on rumors of lawsuits by presidential campaigns in Texas.
There is a lot of information in this show, so sit back, relax, and listen to The DOT Show...
(Senator Obama has also agreed to come on the show, but his campaign stopped responding to the scheduling details late last week.)
(Glad to see another episode is up! - promoted by Karl-Thomas Musselman)
In the latest episode of The DOT Show, Michael and David discuss Super Tuesday, its impact on Texas, the delegate selection process, and the Travis County District Attorney race. Sit back, relax, and listen to The DOT Show...
ed. note: I'm really glad to see this post by Texas DNC member David Holmes. I support his suggestion here 100%. As Texas' youngest delegate to the national convention in 2004 (not the same as a DNC member), I concur there is much value in this seat becoming a "youth" seat. (Don't worry, I'm not running...this year!) -KT
Twelve years ago this June, at the Texas Democratic Party State Convention, I ran for a position on the Democratic National Committee and lost by one vote.
When I first ran, I did not expect to win; I simply wanted to make a statement: Young people should be in leadership positions in the Texas Democratic Party. When I lost by one vote, I realized that a large number of Democrats in Texas agreed with me.
So, four years later I put together an effort that was much more than a statement and won a seat on the DNC.
Having few prescribed duties other than attending a couple meetings a year, each DNC member is free to find their own way to fill their time on the DNC. When I first won the seat, I decided my goal would be to bring young people into the party. But during the last Presidential cycle I saw so many new activists showing up to meetings who were not necessarily young, that I change my goal to: Bring New People into the Party.
To do that, I held trainings on how to navigate Democratic Convention process and more trainings on how to organize precincts.
My friend TG Caraway and I started a podcast covering Texas Politics and Music in part to keep Democrats across Texas appraised of the actions of the DNC and the State party. SDEC member Michael Wilson and I continue that today. The DOT Show.
One factor that helped me win a seat on the DNC was that Texas Party rules state that an attempt should be made to include young people, among other groups, in the leadership of every level of the party. The National Rules do not carry the same goal so I and a number of others across the country led an attempt to change that. We failed the first time, but it will pass when it comes back up.
Texas has 10 seats elected directly to the DNC. By tradition, five of those seats are set aside to ensure diversity among our delegation: 2 seats go to the Black Caucus, 2 to Tejano, and one to Labor.
The other five seats are considered at large - again by tradition - and I hold one of those seats.
We have all seen the increasing importance of young voters on the national level and I want to point out to you that Texas was actually ahead of the curve when it came to youth leadership: When Texas Democrats elected me to the DNC, you made me the youngest member ever elected by any state up to that point.
Young Democrats are generally defined as those under 35.
I am asking the leaders of our party and all of you who become delegates to the next convention to help me start a new tradition. The seat I currently hold should be designated a youth seat in the same manner in which the other seats are designated. Youth participation is too important not to make that happen.
And since I will not be under 35 for very much longer, I will not be running for this seat again.
The time I have spent on the DNC has been a great period of growth for me, and I believe I got some good things accomplished while I was there. I thank all of you for your support during that time. I look forward to continuing to work with you to get Democrats Elected.
Rick Noriega was also in Las Vegas last week during the DNC debate where he met with some key national donors.
"They've got a lot of national donors coming to this, and we wanted them to put a face with the name," Noriega told the Houston Chronicle on Wednesday. "What's going to happen is across the country folks are going to start realizing that Texas is in play."
Texas DNC member David Holmes is traveling the world while blogging. His latest report from Costa Rica is here.
Pictures of Rick Noriega from a San Antonio fundraiser earlier this month.
Jennifer Kim announced her re-election a few days ago for Austin City Council Place 3. Below is part of her statement.
From oppossing Water Treatment Plant 4, to voting against the toll roads, I have worked hard to build a record of speaking out and voting on issues that are crucial to our quality of life.
I am proud of the work I have done to begin addressing affordability by creating the Austin Affordable Housing Incentives Task Force to establish city policy on promoting more affordable housing and the Families and Children Task Force to ensure there is available child-care throughout the city.
I also believe strong small businesses are critical to the success of our economy and keeping Austin the unique place we call home. That's why I secured city staff as a resource for local small businesses to help them navigate the planning process as well as aiding in the development of business plans.
Looks like Noriega won't be alone in the primary for the Senate race. Ray McMurrey, who was previously running as in Independent in the race, didn't choose to collect the 43,000 signatures. He is running as Democrat instead (though is still filed as an Independent with the FEC).
"Ordinary Americans are clamoring for someone to stand up and be truthful about what is going on in our country, and I feel both major political parties have abandoned their responsibility," McMurrey said.
Actual filling stars in December and runs for a month. No word on whether Gene Kelly will make a come-back.
Speaking of which, I learned last night that Jennifer Gale has once again returned to Austin! Of course, she'll need to update her campaign website from her run for Dallas Mayor earlier this year.
In the latest episode, David Holmes and Michael Wilson, the new co-host, discuss the 80th legislative session, the early start to the campaign season, and other political happenings.
(The DOT show always has some pretty cool stuff and it's great to listen to in the background of blogging. - promoted by Karl-Thomas Musselman)
The latest DOT Show contains an interview of Democratic Gubernatorial Nominee Chris Bell. In the interview, Bell talks about Ethics in government, the Trans-Texas Corridor, State Parks, and faith in public service.
The DOT Show has posted its first music podcast. For a few months TG and I have kept people informed about what is going on in the legislature, the party and campaigns.
We've also had the goal to share some Texas music.
Our first show features accomplished singer/songwriter Shelley King. Shelley has won numerous awards for her songwriting and has had songs recorded by other big names you will know.
Shelley also happens to be the Cousin of General Wesley Clark.
Matthew 8:16
When evening came, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed; and He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were ill.
Cast your word at the Democratic Convention this weekend in Fort Worth and save some souls.
Ok, maybe it isn't that serious, but still:
TG Caraway and David Holmes, hosts of The DOT Show, will be at the Convention in Fort Worth this weekend where you will have the opportunity to record a blurb for future inclusion on The DOT Show.
So, be thinking of your version of, "I'm_____ from ____ and I am a Democrat because:..."
Find TG and David; buy a DOT Show Shirt; and cast your word to the masses...
