Greetings!

Based on the calls and emails I have been receiving, last Friday’s Chairman’s Party was a rousing success. A huge number of very enthusiastic Democrats turned out to thank Art for his extraordinary effort over the past twelve years and, to a lesser extent I am sure, to offer me encouragement as I step in to a pair of shoes that will be very hard to fill. Thanks, Art, for all you have done for our Party for the past twelve years. Also, thanks to our Executive Director, Keith Annis, and to Mary Stallings, Lynn Johnson, Steve Bratka, Miki Hawkins, Glenda Thompson, and Deborah Johnstone for all the work that went in to making the Party so successful.

The enthusiasm shown at the Chairman’s Party underscores the excitement all of us are feeling as we move towards what will undoubtedly be the most interesting State Convention we have had in a generation. The prescription for success is simple: keep the enthusiasm, and make sure everyone who voted in the Primary comes back to vote again in November and that they cast votes not just for the top of the ticket, but for every Democratic Candidate right down to the last one on the ballot. The message we must emphasize over and over again is that the change that is so necessary in our leadership is effective only if Democrats are elected from the top to the bottom of the ballot. Anything less will weaken the effectiveness of the Democratic Candidate who wins the White House.

It truly is a new day for Tarrant County Democrats. Literally hundreds of you have asked for ways to get involved and to help get out candidates elected. A good way to start is to volunteer for one of the Committees we have formed. A list of those Committees is included with this newsletter. Please pick out one (or more) that interest you the most. Believe me, we can use everyone’s help.

We have a large slate of excellent candidates. Over the next several weeks, all of them will be hosting rallies and fundraisers. I hope everyone will make an effort to attend, and to show your support for these leaders. Expectations are high, and if last Friday’s event was any kind of preview, the road to November 4th will prove to be both fruitful and enjoyable. I am looking forward to our mutual effort to produce a host of new Democratic elected officials.

Stephen C. Maxwell

Chair,
Tarrant County Democratic Party