I heard of Ann Richards's death this morning, and I was deeply saddened by the news. Ann Richards meant so much to so many people, and was an inspiration to so many young people, and especially young women across the state. I was particularly impressed with her interest in cultivating young leaders. I remember seeing her frequently in Austin and on the UT campus at Democrartic and pro-choice events. I was very honored to be able to introduce her on the West Mall at UT during early voting in 2002 when she emceed a rally with all of the statewide Democratic candidates.
I am remembering Ann tonight by reading and listening to her 1988 convention speech... "Poor George. He can't help it. He was born with a silver foot in his mouth." There is no one that I know that can match that woman's wit. What a Texan, and what a Democrat! Let's remember what she stood for, and continue her fight for the values that we believe in.
(Byron has never lost his front page posting ability. Maybe he lost sight of where the right checkbox is since it's been so long since he's written. =) - promoted by Karl-Thomas Musselman)
I’ve watched the state chair debate over the past weeks, and I’ve debated with myself over whether to speak out, or to remain on the sidelines. Unfortunately, I’m going to miss most of the state convention, as I’m headed to Las Vegas this afternoon for the quarterly meeting of the Young Democrats of America. I’m looking forward to the meeting where we’ll have the opportunity to tell other Young Democrats about our plans for the 2007 YDA National Convention in Dallas. I'm also a member of the YDA Campaigns Committee, so I'll be making decisions regarding how to spend YDA's campaign resources this fall. Hopefully, I'll be able to steer some of those towards Texas.
I would encourage delegates of the state convention to vote for Boyd Richie for state party chair. I’ve had the opportunity to work with Boyd Richie and Glen Maxey in the past, and both have talents and skill sets that are valuable to our party. However, I think that Boyd Richie’s skill sets are better suited for the role of party chair. Much of this is what I see as the role of the party chair. I believe that the most important jobs of the state party chair are 1) fundraising, 2) hiring a professional staff to manage the day-to-day operations of the party and 3) being the spokesman for the party. In all three respects, Boyd Richie is the best candidate for the job.
It's not a political bash with presidential nominations and live television coverage.
But Dallas is primed to host the biennial 2007 Young Democrats of America national convention, now that Denver, the only other host city finalist, has dropped out.
"It gives national recognition to the rising prominence of Democrats in Dallas," said Juan Ayala, chairman of the Dallas County Young Democrats' convention committee. "It also shows Democrats aren't willing to cede any portion of this country."
The convention, slated to be at the 1,840-room Adam's Mark Hotel Dallas, could attract up to 3,000 delegates, Mr. Ayala said.
It comes as the Democratic National Committee on Monday named Dallas among 11 cities it is considering to host the Democratic National Convention in 2008. Dallas is also among 31 cities the Republican National Committee is considering for the 2008 Republican National Convention.
The Young Democrats of America is a Democratic Party-affiliated organization for Democrats 36 years old and under. It claims more than 43,000 members.
I'm very excited to announce that the Young Democrats of America 2007 National Convention will be held in Dallas, TX. Dallas and Denver were the two cities that submitted bids for the convention, and Denver decided this afternoon to formally withdraw their bid. That leaves Dallas as the only city with a bid for the convention.
The convention will be held at the Adam's Mark Hotel in downtown Dallas where thousands of delegates, guests and candidates will gather for one of the largest Democratic conventions leading up to the 2008 DNC convention.
I'm on the bid committee, and I'll have more information about the convention in the coming months, but Texas Democrats can be excited that we'll have the opportunity to put on a show in front of a national audience next year.
Ben Bentzin (R) - 9,281 - 42.38% Donna Howard (D) - 12,618 - 57.62%
Total Votes - 21,899
Precincts Reported: 39 of 39 Precincts
Thanks to Kuff, Vince and others who have pointed out that this picture is on the Statesman homepage right now! -kt
Good work, Austin. We're up to 64 seats in the state house. Let's make it 65 in two weeks. Katy Hubener's special election is coming up on Tuesday, Febraury 28th. Donate here.
Ben Bentzin (R) - 9,281 - 42.38%
