I'm still trying to find one more poll worker myself and saw the blog on the Travis Poll Workers and knew Harris County was in the same position. I couldn't get through to the HCDP so I e-mailed Martha and here is what Harris County needs you to know about Poll Workers:
Our phones are maxed out.
Either email april@hcdp.org or fax info to HCDP at 713-802-2082
We need this info:
Name:
VR#: You can find this on you Voter Reg. Card(must be registered voter in Harris Co!)
address:
part of town (very important---NE, NW, SE, SW, inside loop, etc.)
phones: home and cel
email:
willing to work: home precinct only, in immediate area, anywhere needed?
Note:
The SOS requires all workers to attend training for this election.
Online training available at:
http://www.sos.state.tx.us/ele...
Connecting trained workers with the judges who need them is very difficult at the last minute.
Best advice for trained workers--stay cool, if you aren't contacted before Tuesday, go to your nearest poll on March 4 and see if they need help. If the judge says no, move on. You may be needed somewhere else. Call HCDP at 713-802-0085 or check www.hcdp.org for last minute announcements.
If not needed inside the poll as a clerk, maybe you can help inform voters about the precinct convention process outside the distance markers. However, make sure you are a source of good information. Details on precinct convention process is on our web site (bottom of front page).
Thanks for doing this. It will be an election for the history books!
Martha Cottingham
Primary Director
Harris County Democratic Party
(Volunteer if you can -- take a day off from work or school, let us know about your experience, and we'll feature your story on BOR after the election is over! - promoted by Phillip Martin)
Passed along from The Travis County Democratic Party (512) 477-7500 (info@traviscountydemocrats.org):
Here's the deal, if we don't get enough folks to work these precinct polling locations, THEY WILL HAVE TO BE COMBINED!! This will lead to much confusion, turning first-time voters off, and possible voter disenfranchisement for both the primary and caucus!
If you are an Election Judge worried about missing your own caucus, you can hand off the post-poll closing paperwork delivery to an alternate judge or clerk.
If you can work basically 7am-7pm on election day, please read more below...
"We need a leader who has the strength and experience to lead on day one," said Barrientos, who served 30 years in the Legislature before retiring in 2006. "Hillary doesn't just talk about change, she delivers change."
Also in with his endorsement is Former State Attorney General Jim Mattox:
Former state Attorney General Jim Mattox also came out for Clinton. "In Texas we have a phrase: 'She's earned her spurs,'" said Mattox, attorney general from 1983 to '91. "Hillary has spent more than 35 years earning her spurs, and she is the best leader for our country."
(If I understand Will's note -- and I think I do -- then the below post is from Ray McMurray's blog --- so the "I" used throughout is McMurray. Feel free to discuss in the comments below. - promoted by Phillip Martin)
(Since there has been a call for positive posts about Mr. McMurrey, I've decided to cross-post some of the policy papers/columns that we've already posted on our campaign blog. The one that follows can be found here. --William Pate)
The subject of immigration is hot in the 2008 election, but immigration in the Americas is older than the United States itself. We should keep the emotion over this issue in perspective by understanding that the entire history of the Americas has been one of mass human migration. Moreover, it should be understood that the truth needs to be told to the American public. It appears both parties have a tendency to shade the truth, and I believe there is confusion where there should not be.
To begin with, we must admit that regarding immigration there are really two issues:
1. What do we do with those here?
2. What do we do in the future to control the border?
Let me first say that I have some experience with this issue, and my life experiences prepare me to deal with immigration and border issues. After graduation from college, I did what LBJ did - taught public school in south Texas. I lived on the Texas-Mexico border in Eagle Pass for seven years. I taught in a Title 1 school and lived in a colonia. I also married a local girl who is the daughter of migrant farm workers. My wife was born in an Oregon migrant camp while her parents did seasonal agricultural work picking sugar beets. The year was 1965. And her father's parents had been coming to the U.S. prior to that. Given my history, I have a very good understanding of border life and the complexities of the immigration issue.
I think Democrats are reluctant to address this issue for fear of losing Latino votes. This is where my experience and leadership come into play. My family members are immigrants and my children Latino. I can speak honestly about these issues. Immigrants and Latino citizens are respectful of the laws and understand the need to control the borders, just like everyone else.
With regard to those that are now here, we must admit that we have failed to enforce the laws on the books regarding immigration. From properly funding the Border Patrol to cracking down on companies hiring illegal immigrants, we did not do our job. That is why it is frustrating to hear Republicans call immigrants "criminals." In fact, the real criminal behavior was for those in authority to not enforce the law so they could "sell out" to agribusiness and commercial farming interests by providing them the cheapest labor possible, mostly through the use of Latin American immigrants. Not to mention the direct effect that had on the ability of family farmers to compete in the marketplace, thus leading to the decline of family farms.
Those that are here came because we allowed them through our own intentional inaction. They sought a better life for themselves like all who come to this great nation. Their families are intertwined with this nation to such a degree that it would be inhumane to impose a forced removal where roots have been planted - doing so would result in another Trail of Tears. I favor a legal pathway to citizenship for those that are here, but automatic amnesty is not the solution. The pathway should come with a cost. But that cost should be fair and dignified.
In the future we should neutralize the term "illegal" by providing a legal and open immigration policy to this country for law-abiding people to live and work. Our Latino brothers and sisters to the south are our closest neighbors and deserve to have "favored nation" status when considering immigration quotas.
We need to create legal and favorable conditions with Latin American countries so law-abiding people can legally enter our nation under a taxpayer identification system so all workers are documented and paying taxes. Labor leaders need to be at the table to ensure the integrity of American jobs and economic opportunity for American workers.
There is a law enforcement and security issue to the border that is fundamentally different than 15 years ago. We must acknowledge that the drug trade and terrorism are real dangers that bolster the need to monitor our borders.
I believe that with current security issues, this nation does have a responsibility to know who is entering and exiting the nation, as does any sovereign nation. I also believe it is appropriate to substantially increase the funding and salaries for our Border Patrol so they may really do the job we ask them to do. Rather than funds being spent building a wall, we should invest in our immigration enforcement agencies.
The major component of this debate is that Americans believe their government is willing and able to protect American security, American labor and American justice. Republicans are wrong to attack immigrants as criminals while they turn a blind eye and do not enforce the laws on the books, selling out to commercial agribusiness. The real crime is the failure of the American government to secure the border.
In closing, while we do have problems dealing with immigration, my overall faith in the strength of diversity is strong and I believe in the end we will be a stronger and more competent nation. We can do better, and I am ready to provide leadership on this issue as your next U.S. Senator.
Ms. Average Texas Democrat here, letting the rest of the average folks know what you can to for the Texas Democratic Party and all of the great candidates we have.
I'm hosting a house party for Joe Jaworski who is running for State Senate in my district. Joe was my Councilperson when I lived in Galveston, and he knows the difference between Republican values, which are utter hypocrisy, and the real values of real Americans which include helping our neighbors, honesty, true concern for the people who make up our Great State, and a tough, realistic approach to the continuing threat of terrorism.
Money is always needed, and so you give what you can, when you can. I may be an attorney, but I work for the state, so money isn't flowing like milk and honey in my household. My husband is a government employee, too, so our giving has to be meted out in dribs and drabs.
I plan to do what I can for Judge Susan Criss, too. As a defense lawyer, most folks might think that I'd put my limited campaign contributions towards those running in another party. My interest is in justice, though. Real justice that is supported by case law, thoughtful, meaningful, and with a a great deal of consideration towards the human beings involved, and the big picture that is our legal system.
Can you walk your block? Are you a brave soul who doesn't mind phone banking? Can you take election day off and drive voters to their polling places?
Money is not the be all and end all in campaigning. A smiling face, a friendly and informed voice, a word to your neighbors...Those count more than you can imagine.
Get informed and spread the word. Let's make this State as Great as it should be.
Judge Susan Criss, current judge of the 212th District Court in Galveston County and Democratic candidate for Texas Supreme Court, Place 8, will address the August 21, 2007 meeting of the Irving Democratic Club. This is the first appearance of a candidate for statewide office before the Irving Democratic Club since 1998.
The meeting will be held at Spring Creek Barbeque Restaurant, 3514 W. Airport Freeway in Irving. The business portion of the meeting will take part from 6:30 to 7:00; Judge Criss will speak from 7:00 until 8:00 and then take questions from the audience.
Email irvingdemocraticclub@yahoo.com for more information.
------------------
Irving is really changing drastically. Our right wing zealot state legislator Linda Harper-Brown lost a full twenty percent of her own base in District 105 last Novemeber for her worst showing ever. Kirk England in District 106 barely scraped up a majority of votes.
In key precincts Democrats came closer to winning many county wide judicial elections in 2006 than they have in the last twenty years.
The Irving Democratic Club, which barely existed eighteen months ago, now has over 100 hundred dues paying members!
The Club has proven key to the advances Democrats have made in the GOP's Dallas County linchpin. From essentially staffing the Bob Romano for State Representative campaign in District 105 to mailing out thousands of pieces of straight ticket voting and candidate election materials to Irving Democrats who didn't vote early during the last hectic weekend before the November election, the Irving Democratic Club is ready willing and able to do everything it takes to Turn Irving Blue!
We are inviting all Democrats and like-minded independents to our August 21 meeting to greet Judge Criss. We can turn Irving blue in 2008!
Last week, I wrote about the study ordered by California Secretary of State Debra Bowen, taking the various voting systems in use in California and examining their security. She examined both DRE and optical scan systems manufactured by Diebold, ES&S. Hart Intercivic and Sequoioa, and determined that all had weaknesses in their security which, unless addressed, could allow hackers to alter vote totals, violate the privacy of individual voters and delete audit trails, all without being detected during or afterwards.
On August 3, she dropped the hammer. She kicked one verdor out and gave the others 45 days to improve the security of both their source code and their handling protocols for the technology. Her order affects voting technologies made by Diebold, ED&S and Hart InterCivic which are ubiquitous in Texas.
Based on Bowen's action, Kentucky Attorney General Greg Stumbo has called for a review of voting systems in that state. But no word yet from our Secretary of State. Phil, what's up?
It is time for Democrats all over Texas to put away their differences and unite, as one, behind the Democratic Party. With the Presidential Primary campaign already in full force, it is imperative that all Democrats keep things in perspective. Yes, there is a campaign against other Democrats, but what is our ultimate goal?
Democrats have a history of beating each other up during the Primary season. By the time the General Election campaign starts, all of the Republican’s ammunition came from Democrats themselves. On top of that, there are negative emotions between Democrats who were supporting opposing candidates.
I am asking that we not allow this to happen this time around. This is the most important Presidential Election to happen in a lifetime, and Democrats should not be battling among themselves. I encourage you to go out and support a Democratic candidate of your choice. Go out and get involved. Do everything you can to help get your favorite Presidential candidate elected….but keep it positive.
Do not spend time bashing the opponents. It is counterproductive to the Democratic Party. First off, anything negative said about a Democratic candidate WILL be used against that candidate if he/she is nominated. It will also incite negative emotions towards the offender and candidate, which we Democrats can not afford….especially in Texas.
I want to see us go a step further. I want all Democrats to attend events for ALL the Presidential candidates that may take place around your neighborhood. Do this even if you are working on a campaign for a specific candidate. We need to show Democratic Solidarity! We need 20,000 people to show up at all rallies. If we have large rallies, for every Democratic candidate, it shows those who don’t think that their vote counts that there are other Democrats who feel the same way as they do. If we all show up to meetings for every Democratic candidate, the press will pick up on it. A meeting with 100 attendees will draw a lot more attention then one with 20 attendees. But, it will take all Democrats to work as a TEAM.
We also need to hold off on contributing all of our resources, and money, towards the candidates we support. Some of these resources need to go towards our local Democratic Party and our local area grassroots clubs. The local Democratic Party activists are the backbone of political campaigns. This is especially true in Texas. It is these grassroots organizations that get candidates elected in Texas. But they need money to succeed. So, I’m asking that you take some of the contributions that you might give to your preferred candidate and give it to your local Party or Democratic Club. They have our long-range goals in site….a Democrat in the White House.
Democrats, let’s unite as one. Remember what our TRUE goal is. If we all work together, and as a team, we will be triumphant.
In the early years of Bill Clinton's presidency when he had sucked up to corporate America and Hillary was out championing health care for all, I was one of those who said, "wouldn't it be great if she were president rather than him." Well, here she is knocking at the door and I'm no fan. There are those who will quickly lump any man who is not a strong supporter of Hillary as just another in a long line. While I am sensitive to the aspects of history that lend validity to that perspective, I am not easily swayed by guilt or faulty logic.
I am no Hillary hater, but I do hope that she does not become our party's representative in the next presidential race. Despite some strong positives aspects, Hillary has three glaring blemishes that will keep me from casting a vote for her in the primaries.
The most obvious of these scars is her votes for the war. It would be a mistake to expect any senator to make the right call on all occasions, but one does not get a pass on war votes. Most people I know were unconvinced by the charge of WMDs; and those who assumed any possible validity to that obvious ruse were sure that the UN's approach was the way to go. Sure most of Fox News America was happy to have a target for 911 anguish.
And there lies Hillary's second blemish. Her vote was no more motivated by fear of WMDs than Bush's was. At least Bush's motivation was ideologically based. Hillary's seems to have been all political maneuvering. Going to Iraq right after the State of the Union Address was political maneuvering that we can all appreciate and respect. Sending Americans to die in the process of killing innocent Iraqis so that you can appeal to the Fox News crowd is not.
Her final blemish continues to fester as she tries to justify these things.
It is a shame that this candidate happens to have a vagina.
I’ve seen tension in Dub. No WMD’s, no terrorists, (well when we started) in Iraq, Social Security is stalling, me and Joseph Wilson and Valerie always in the news, and they say our tax cuts have caused the worst budget deficit in history. He needs a pep talk, we got to give him cover and stay on message
As Karl dozes, he remembers thinking; cover the boss’s back, and hears again the name of Paul Simon. Hey, he’s dead; he can’t run for Senate, that’s how Ashcroft lost. He stands and sings before his president:
The problems are inside the liberals head I’ll make you see
The answer is so easy if we take it logically
The whole point of this strategy is we must be blame free
There must be fifty ways to keep our cover
I know you hate reporters that peskily intrude
You always stay on message so you won’t be misconstrued
You certainly repeat yourself so if they question, they are rude
There must be fifty ways to keep our cover
Pick some folks to attack, Jack
Get a privatized plan, Stan
Make it fir or agin, Ken
Just keep us blame free
Cut the richest folk’s tax, Dax
Use the color code red, Ned
Seek new funds for Iraq, Zack
Just keep us blame free
Oh Dub, it grieves me so to see you in such pain
Wish there were new threats we could utilize for gain
I know you’d ditto that so I’ll again explain
About the fifty ways
Resist the stem cell, Dell
Force all people to pray, Ray
Coerce all to agree, Lee
Just keep us blame free
Make dissenters conform, Norm
Don’t give them their say, Jay
Keep reporters in jail, Hale
And keep us blame free
THE DIARY: FALL 2006
Our cover’s blown. The opposition may actually gain in this election. It’s the press’s fault, of course, with all those anti-administration facts on WMD’s, that liberator thing (well, we were greeted, just not that way) and 9/11 (NOT) due to Saddam, but I still love saying it 9/11, 9/11, 9/11 – it still can work – we keep calling them cut and runners; (they won’t be clever enough to call us slog and bleeders) and fear, more fear, fear. The only governing is getting elected so we must accentuate the negative because that is our positive; and to any of our candidates who don’t agree – no RNC bucks. Karl again dreams.
Swift boat Democrat vets, Chet
That works well we’ve all seen
Demand negative ads, Thad
Or we’ll send them no green
Cause they need RNC bucks, Chuck
To control TV screens
Bait the cut and run Dems, Clem
And we’ll be home free
Give them all a good fright, Dwight
Cause we got to divide, Clyde
And we’ll get 50 states to run for cover
Absorb the plan of attack, Zack
Emphasize Bush is at war, Thor
And surely they’ll see
Deny state of denial, Lyle
And keep us blame free
Get the racist ad on, Ron
When you’re in a close race, Chase
But say you didn’t know, Joe
And keep us blame free
But….. they still might win the day, Clay
So plan what records to shred, Fred
And that’s just one more time we’ll keep our cover * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * We have nothing to fear so much as not having the use of fear itself”
Karl “Roosevelt” Rove
Norman@justoffthenorm.com
Norman is a U.S. citizen who lives in
Connecticut and believes love of
Country, through voting, should be
a commandment.
