Well we're underway again here in the Ft. Worth Convention Center. I have to say, the concessions that the TDP has made for bloggers is amazing. While the uplink speed isn't much better than dial-up and there is no power available on the floor, it's great that we have wireless all over the convention center.
Us bloggers got a great nod from the DMN today. Check out the story from the convention notes:
A bloc of political bloggers
FORT WORTH – It doesn't take a computer genius to figure out why Texas bloggers have a better view of the action at the Democratic convention than they did last week at the GOP gathering San Antonio. The state's most prominent political bloggers tend to lean to the left politically, so it's no huge surprise that they have a bona fide "bloggers' alley" at the Fort Worth Convention Center.
Two years ago, that was unheard of. But sites like In the Pink Texas and Burnt Orange Report in Austin, Common Sense in Waco, Off The Kuff and Greg's Opinion in Houston, and Annatopia in Fort Worth are making waves in the Democratic Party – and even, occasionally, making news in political circles.
In Fort Worth, the bloggers got media passes and a seat right next to the stage during the main events. Nate Nance, who writes the humorous and left-leaning Common Sense blog, seemed impressed with the setup. "I'm just surprised we even got credentials," he said.
Looks like the chairman election won't happen until 1pm.
11:15: We are now getting a tribute to Lloyd Bentsen. I'll try to get the video, but I can't make any promises.
11:30: Barbara Ann Radnofsky has taken the stage to a standing ovation. The text of her speech will be forthcoming. It's in my email, but I've not got it all downloaded yet.
The Texas Democratic Party has put a lot of video content on their YouTube channel which we'll be posting through today as we reflect on the state convention. Consider subscribing to it.
A tribute to former First Lady, Lady Bird Johnson.
State Representatives Mark Strama and Patrick Rose share a humorous moment with the convention.
The Texas Democratic Party has put a lot of video content on their YouTube channel which we'll be posting through today as we reflect on the state convention. Consider subscribing to it.
Virginia Governor Tim Kaine speaks to the Texas delegates.
Austin Congressman Lloyd Doggett takes it to the mike.
Travis County Democratic Chairman Andy Brown tells some great stories.
The Texas Democratic Party has put a lot of video content on their YouTube channel which we'll be posting through today as we reflect on the state convention. Consider subscribing to it.
Rick Noriega gives a keynote speech at the State Democratic Convention.
The Texas Democratic Party has put a lot of video content on their YouTube channel which we'll be posting through today as we reflect on the state convention. Consider subscribing to it.
Austin State Senator Kirk Watson opens up the convention.
The Texas Democratic Party has put a lot of video content on their YouTube channel which we'll be posting through today as we reflect on the state convention. Consider subscribing to it.
The Texas State Democratic Convention has now broken apart into Senate District caucuses. These are charged with electing not only National Delegates, but various members to committees (resolutions, credentials, 2 nominations committees, etc) as a well as presidential electors and members of the State Democratic Executive Committee.
The TDP has encouraged caucuses to leave their National Delegate elections until last as state committees need to begin work. If the other caucuses are like SD-14 (which I am in and serving as a voting delegate) all of them will reconvening at 9 pm after the general floor session (which begins at 6). It's going to be a long night. SD-14 hasn't even cast one vote for any office and it's 4:30 (we had issues with elevating alternate that ended up getting resolved easily).
To that end (and because laptop batteries are limited), if you want to follow further updates, you can subscribe to my (or Matt's) Twitter feeds below.
It may be 2 am but that's certainly not going to keep me from posting a quick overview of developments from the unofficial first night of the Texas State Democratic Convention here in Austin. With nearly 15,000 delegates, alternates, press, and credentialed visitors it's set to be the largest state convention most anyone can remember and probable is in the running for the largest state convention in the nation.
The Travis County Democratic Party happy hour opened the convention with decent attendance. Sen. Kirk Watson is lending a hand raising funds for the TCDP for the upcoming coordinated campaign so if you'd like to donate towards that very good effort, click here.
The Texas Democratic Party kickoff reception was very well attended with crowds massing in and out the entire time. The only issue that I heard (barely) from multiple folks was that the band was too loud so no one could effectively mix and mingle. Lots of State Representatives and candidates for the house there along with boatloads of delegates.
Sen. Royce West had a full ballroom, lots of worker bees, and many lapel stickers on delegates in his effort to defeat Rep. Al "Sexy Cheerleader" Edwards for a seat on the DNC. Word to the wise, do not get between a Texas State Senator and something he wants. Being Rep. Al Edwards only makes you more of a target apparently. Should be great fun to watch the Dallas and Houston delegations battle each other over this one with the rest of the state likely tipping the balance for this race Saturday.
The 3rd Annual Bloggers Caucus was a wild success and one of the most crowded (for the space) and longest lasting spaces of the night. Some of the candidates there were statewide judicial nominees Linda Yanez and Sam Houston, state representative nominees Chris Turner, Robert Miklos, Sherrie Matula, Joe Moody, Rain Minns, John McLelland, Eddie Rodriguez, Valinda Bolton, Jim Dunnam, Garnet Coleman, Joaquin Castro, Rafael Anchia, Mark Strama, Lon Burnam, former speaker Pete Laney, Stephen Frost, Solomon Ortiz, Jr., Aaron Pena, Carol Alvarado, Fredericksburg Mayor Pro-Tem Tom Musselman, Houston Councilwoman Melissa Noriega, congressional candidates Larry Joe Doherty and Glenn Melancon, state senate candidates Joe Jaworski and Wendy Davis, and bloggers galore. This isn't a complete list because I was gone for part of the event but there will be other posts about this event.
The Democracy for TexasEsther's Follies comedy show was a sellout crowd and one of the most hilarious shows I've ever seen. Talk about a good time- anyone who missed on the opportunity to go see a special Democratic version of the Esther's routine needs to remember to put that at the top of the list next time.
I don't have a report on the Texas Stonewall Democrats caucus event but they are having drinks and a show again Friday and Saturday nights for the GLBT and allied delegates.
More updated tomorrow from the issue caucuses, Senate District Caucuses, and floor activity!
first, let me clarify that SD1 is not solely about Longview. they seem to have a monopoly on the postings, blogs, sites that i've come across and this is does not make me happy. SD1 includes my hometown of Tyler as well as many other noteworthy towns such as Marshall.
(This post contains a great series of photos to tell the story of the state convention for all those not there and for those who were. - promoted by Karl-Thomas Musselman)
There was a large number of bloggers working the convention in many areas, not just blogging.
I crashed a few parties during the Texas Democratic Convention and took almost 150 high quality pictures including more then a few backstage shots. I authorize the use of these photo's for bloggers, candidates, and campaigns. Click the thumbnail, then download the high quality versions for best results.
This is a video record of my time at the convention.
