For the first time I went to and from the meeting in one day. I usually go the day before and go to a little happy hour fundraiser at the state office on Friday afternoon. This time I rode with DeeJay Johanneson which was great fun. Talked politics for hours. We solved all the problems, from the President on down. Now if they would only listen to us. (Ha Ha)

I sat in on the Grassroots committee. They have done a great job in producing training for Precinct Chairs. There are Webinars now posted on the state web site www.txdemocrats.org for election judges and precinct conventions and a great Grassroots Manual to help Democrats to organize and get out the vote. It was also discussed that the minutes from the precinct conventions need to be legible and turned in immediately so as they can be entered into a software program from which we can print out dependable lists for the county and senatorial district conventions. That would be great for registration!!

In the Resolutions committee we passed a resolution honoring the memory of Congressman Charlie Wilson. A resolution in opposition to the Supreme Court decision to allow corporations free will in contributing funds in Washington was also passed by the committee and by the SDEC.

In the Convention committee we mostly finalized plans and made assignments for the convention in Corpus Christi, June 25, 26. The theme is “Catch the Blue Wave” . There is to be a silent auction at the kickoff dinner on Friday night at the Aquarium. If you have something you would like to donate to the silent auction please contact Deborah Guilford at 512-476-9800 or dguilford@txdemocrats.org

If you want to go to the convention without being a delegate, go to the web site and sign up as a volunteer. It is a great way to be able to move about without a lot of responsibility. Also excellent for family members of delegates. Corpus is going all out for us. Go if you can!!!

Convention registration and hotel information will be on the state web site by the time of the primary. Make your reservations early and prepare to have fun. We should be able to form some car pools from Tarrant county. Contact the County office 817-335-8683 or me jompierce@aol.com if you are interested and we will try to put folks together

FROM THE GENERAL SESSION

Welcome of special guests. Strangely enough there weren’t any of the candidates from the top of the ticket at the meeting.

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Nominations: Replaced SDEC committee persons in Districts 8 and 14 plus four county chairs. All were approved.

Rules: New Rules books have been published and will be included in each Precinct packet.

Finance: The 2010 Operating Budget was approved. Revenue: $1,059,500 Expenses: $1,865,815 NET $92,685 Positive! Good!!

Legislative: This committee has analyzed the election codes and is making recommendations to the Texas Legislature in it’s 2010 session.

Majority Builder: In 2009 this program produced $180,000 in revenues. As a sustaining program it provides some income year round.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Texas Young Democrats Convention is in Austin April 23 to 25. Go to the state web site for further information.

The next SDEC meeting will be May 13, at the Austin Marriott North

Democrats of Senate District 12 – I have decided to run for re-election as your SDEC representative.. . I hope I have communicated with you, been available to you and have represented you well in Austin. If you think so, please vote for me.

SDEC REPORT – MEETING NOVEMBER 28, 2009

Thank You! : SDEC 12 member Jo Pierce for submitting the following report.
Hasn’t this been a busy and exciting two weeks for Texas Democrats ! And full of surprises. Tom Sheiffer getting out of the Governor’s race, Bill White moving from Senator to Governor into it, Hank Gilbert moving from the Governor spot to Agriculture, Kinky Freidman says he will announce something Monday. And last but not least the new fellow on the block Farouk Shami.

Farouk Shami, candidate for Governor came to the meeting at the end of the day and was introduced. He did not speak to the group, just shook hands and visited with attendees.

The Convention Committee met on Friday beginning at noon and had presentations from Dallas and Houston inviting the 2012 State Convention. We met again on Saturday and after much negotiation the decision was made and the contract signed to have the meeting at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston. They made many financial concessions, plus the GRB is going green, already using wind power and solar power for 80% of their electricity needs. Also, there are several hotels plus all sorts of family entertainment in a 9 block footprint. All is going as planned for the 2010 convention in Corpus Christ June 10-12. The convention hotel is the Omni. Hopefully the airlines will offer discounted rates to our attendees.

The Resolutions committee is my other assignment and we met on Saturday morning.
Three resolutions were presented: 1) a Resolution supporting managing fisheries to prevent overfishing. Passed in committee and the general session. 2) Resolution in support of NASA and US Space Exploration Program. Passed in committee and the general session. 3) Resolution in support of HR 226 on supporting the human rights of the people of Tibet. Failed in committee. Three congratulatory resolutions were passed, 1) Harry Reid for standing up for us, 2) Jean Klego, president of ElPaso Central Labor Union, and 3) Committeeman John Beherman on his 67th birthday.

I sat in on the Grassroots committee meeting. In the past 6 months 350 people have been trained at five Campaign Camp Academies. There are three programs plus webinars. New candidates (or old ones) are welcome to go to the web site at www.txdemocrats.org
and check out the online training. Go to Resources, then Candidate Resources, and online training. A committee was formed from the Grassroots Committee to draft help for new precinct chairs who will be election judges for the first time in 2010.

I also was able to sit in on the last 15 minutes of the Rules Committee. Very interesting,. Senator Royce West chaired a special advisory committee over several months of the spring and summer to gather information from Democrats around the state regarding the election process, the precinct and district convention process and the so-called Texas Two Step process for delegates. A series of twelve meetings were held all across the state. The committee members were not paid for their time or expenses. There is a report from this group with proposed rules changes that will be posted on the TDP web site in the very near future. I suggest we all read it. Then please let me know what your concerns and thoughts are so I can vote appropriately when the time comes.

GENERAL SESSION

Chairman Boyd reported on the many successes and achievements since June. The national Democrats in congress are gradually pulling out of the GOP recession. The Texas Dems restored SCHIPS for the children. We can’t let up, we must continue to work the precincts in our counties. That is how elections are won. By the voters voting!
He said that when Sam Rayburn was criticized for the Democrats being Socialists that Sen. Rayburn replied “Socialism – no it is Applied Christianity.

NOMINATIONS COMMITTEE
David Henderson of Smith County, newly elected SDEC member
There are new county chairs in: Archer, Andrews, Borden, Crane, Dickens, Hansford, Hudspeth, Matelle, Refugio, Stephens and Scurry Counties.

FINANCE COMMITTEE
Adopted budget of $368,000 for 2010 convention

LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE
This committee and the Rules committee appointed members to the special committee that began in the Grassroots committee because the goal of the groups overlap

MAJORITY BUILDERS
There are currently 1056 Majority Builders across the state and that program has raised $166,370.00

The DNC sent cards and letters of gratitude for the help during their Austin meeting.
(Note- I’m glad the DNC has noticed that there is a Texas Democratic Party and it is alive and well)

HAPPY HOLIDAYS EVERYONE!!

Respectfully submitted,

Jo Pierce, SDEC Dist 12

Let’s Get It Done Texas State Wide Canvass.

Canvassing Supporters to Have Them Contact Their Members of Congress & Recruit New Volunteers for OFA.

Saturday September 19th:

11 a.m. – Fort Worth, TX:
Tarrant County Democratic HQ
3004 W. Lancaster
Fort Worth, TX 76107

10 a.m. – Arlington, TX:
Donnie’s Hot Dog Shop & Philly
8020 Matlock Rd. Suite 100
Arlington, TX 76002

Come out and join Texans from around the state standing with the President on Health Insurance Reform!

The 2009 North Texas Salute To Speaker Jim Wright

SOLD OUT

Saturday, October 10
5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Trinity Terrace
1600 Texas Street
Fort Worth

Featuring Speaker Jim Wright and Jim Hightower

Speaker of the House, Jim Wright

RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
Tickets: $50 before October 1st, $65 after
Seated Dinner &, Dessert
Cash Bar Available

Co-Hosted by the Mid-Cities Democrats and the Tarrant County Democratic Party. A portion of the proceeds will be awarded to a student attending Tarrant County College.

Checks payable to the Tarrant County Democratic Party, 3004 W. Lancaster, Ft. Worth, TX 76107.

We need all the healthcare reform support we can muster, and Chet is one of the Blue Dogs (a) who’s support will be required if we’re going to do this without the Republicans, and (b) who will need Democratic support to be re-elected. Let’s work some synergy here…and spread the word!

Our representatives are under attack by Washington insiders, insurance companies, and well-financed special interests who don’t go a day without spreading lies and stirring up fear. We need to show that we’re sick and tired of it, and that we’re ready for real change, this year.

Please come to the Health Care event, and make sure that the most powerful voices in this debate are those calling for real reform.

Please arrive early; space is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Time:

Friday, September 4 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Location:

Cleburne High School Auditorium
1501 Harlin Dr.
Cleburne, TX 76033
View Larger Map

As we collectively work our way through the Dog Days of Summer the challenges we face are not solely related to the heat. The debate over Health Insurance reform continues, with the heated rhetoric, lies and propaganda from the right continuing unabated. In some cases the extremists are clearly trying to intimidate proponents of change by showing up at town hall meetings armed to the teeth.

Locally, we are challenged almost daily by extremists pushing their agenda, local polling places espousing the most extreme ideologies, media outlets spreading hate disguised as commentary and Republican politicians reciting “facts” that have long sense been debunked. It is with gratitude that I say we have been able to rise to each of these challenges. We are actively supporting our President, helping to facilitate phone banking and canvassing four days a week. We have organized effective and vocal Democratic participation at town halls in our area. We are well into the important work of planning and organizing for the 2010 elections. But, as you know, all of these activities take resources– resources of which we are badly in need. In order for us to be effective in the upcoming election cycle, we must be effective now. To do that we need your help. Please join us now by becoming a Sustaining Member. If that is not something you are able to do right now, then please consider making a donation of $100.00, $50.00, $25.00 or even just $10.00.Everything you can do to help is appreciated.

Steve Maxwell

p.s.

I know that with the current economy many people are not able to help financially. I encourage you to consider volunteering your time, the office is open Monday Through Friday from 9:00 a.m. -5:00 p.m.

We currently need help with Data Entry and general office work.

If you are interested in helping us with this important project, please contact Keith at keith@tcdp.net

If you have time available in the evenings please stop by any Monday, Tuesday or Thursday evening from 5:00-9:00 and help phone bank.

Many of you have asked what can I do to help our President and counter the extremists. I suggest the following:

• Coming to the TCDP Party office on Monday, Tuesday Or Thursday evenings starting at 5:00 p.m. and make phone calls in support of President Obama;
• Canvass with Organizing For America; every Saturday at the TCDP Party office starting at noon.
• Contact or better still, visit your US Representative and let them know you are tired of the lies and scare tactics and that you support the President’s Goals for health care;
• Write a letter to the editor
• Add your name to the list of Americans that support President Obama;

Thanks for what you are doing,

Steve Maxwell
Chair, Tarrant County Democratic Party

Please join us for the start of the semester VIP Reception!

Not a student? It hasn’t been THAT long, now has it?
Co-sponsored by the Tarrant County Young Democrats and the Tarrant County Democratic Party.
RSVP Required for ALL GUESTS.

At the Tower in Downtown Fort Worth
Friday, September 4th
500 Throckmorton Fort Worth, TX 76102
VIP Reception Starts at 8:30 with free beer & live DJ

*RSVP is required for the VIP Reception*

ALSO: Starting at 11:00pm in the Tower please join us at club VICE, no RSVP Required for after-party.

RSVPs are NOW CLOSED for the VIP Reception due to our maximum capacity, Please join us at 11:00pm.

Do you feel comfortable with this being a polling location?

Help Support Your Local Democratic Party to Watch For Your Voting Rights: Contribute Now

We have all watched with a mix of anger and disgust the way far right extremists have behaved at town hall meetings. From hanging congressmen in effigy to comparing President Barack Obama to Hitler, these extremists have hijacked the debate of health insurance reform. We live in a great nation, one founded on vigorous and spirited debate. The issue of health insurance reform raises many honest questions and concerns, all of which deserve the opportunity to be addressed. Unfortunately, many of them have been drowned out by a flood of lies and misinformation.

This Thursday, August 20, Congressmen Joe Barton of Arlington will be holding a town hall meeting. I invite you, indeed I urge you to join me at this event. I ask that you join me so that together we can ask the questions that so far the Republican Party has refused to answer.
Due to the great deal of interest the public has in this debate we ask that you arrive at Arlington City Hall early. By doing so we have a better chance of getting our seat at the table and having our concerns addressed.
There has been some discussion of a venue change. If this happens we will notify you via an email alert.
What: Town Hall meeting with Congressmen Joe Barton
When: Thursday, August 20
Start time is 6:00 p.m. but we strongly encourage you to arrive by 4:00 p.m.

IMPORTANT!
THE VENUE HAS CHANGED
THE MEETING WILL NOW BE HELD AT:
Arlington Music Hall located at 224 N Center St, Arlington TX 76011
Click for Map
We will rally near the large Obama sign

Steve Maxwell

P.S.

Residents of United States House District 12 which is represented by Republican Kay Granger may attend a telephone town hall meeting at 6:30 p.m., Monday August 24, 2009. To attend the telephone town hall meeting, you must contact Congresswoman Granger’s office at 817-338-0909 and tell them you with to attend the telephone town hall meeting and provide your name address and phone number.

Organizing for America has provided the following talking points for communication with our Representatives about health care:

*Share your story.* If you can take a few minutes and you want to make an even bigger impression, ask to speak to whomever handles health care issues in that office. Tell them why health insurance reform is so important to you. If you feel comfortable, please consider sharing a personal health care story about yourself or a loved one. Take your time and speak from the heart. This is not a debate, and you don’t need to be an expert, just someone who knows firsthand why we urgently need reform.
*Ask for their support.* Before you leave, ask if your member of Congress will commit to supporting the President’s call for real health insurance reform in 2009.
*Stay calm and positive.* While some are attempting to disrupt and shut down debate, our goal is to engage in meaningful, respectful discussion. Remaining calm, positive and polite while speaking to any Representative is the best way to be heard.

Thank them for their time and hard work!

You can learn more about health insurance reform at www.healthreform.gov

It is important that Kay Granger hear voices other than insurance company lobbyists when addressing health care reform issues.

August is here. That means the summer is drawing to an end, and the 2010 Campaign Season is upon us. Hard to believe that the 2010 Primary is only a little more than six months away. But as we head into a critical election year, the Tarrant County Democratic Party has much to be thankful for. Consider:

• More sustaining members than we have ever had;
• A fully staffed, full-time office;
• Outstanding Democratic elected officials serving the citizens of Tarrant County;
• A renewed commitment from energized precinct chairs and outstanding local grassroots groups to organizing the county.

If you have not become a sustaining member of our Party, we welcome the opportunity to add you to the growing ranks of dedicated Tarrant County Democrats.

Looking back at six months under President Obama, one senses that our national pride has been restored. So much has happened in such a short time, it is hard to fully grasp the extraordinary efforts of this capable administration. The Tarrant County Democratic Party proudly salutes the following accomplishments:

• The nomination, and confirmation, of Sonia Sotomayor, the first Latino woman to ever serve on the United States Supreme Court;
• The unceasing, exceptional efforts to restructure a health care system that has failed America — not just the fifty million people who have no health insurance, but tens of millions of others who find that their health care does not provide the services Americans need and deserve;
• The federal stimulus plan which is leading us out of the worst recession since the Great Depression
• The Stonewall Democrats, whose courageous stance following the Rainbow Lounge raid has brought about not only much needed local and federal investigations, but has also brought new awareness and understanding of the local gay rights movement.

And yet, the challenge we face is greater than ever. The right wing extremists have shown that they are willing to go farther, and to be more dishonest and destructive, than ever. Because they are unable, or perhaps incapable, of coming up with a solution to the unworkable healthcare system that presently exists in our country, the right wingers are resorting to the “brown-shirt” tactics of the 1930s. Those tactics involve a strategy of disruption, distortion, destruction, denial, and outright lies. I believe in standing up to bullies, countering lies with facts and building consensus through positive action, as opposed to fear and hate mongering. Many of you have asked what can I do to help our President and counter the extremists. I suggest the following:

• Coming to the TCDP Party office on Monday, Tuesday Or Thursday evenings starting at 5:00 p.m. and make phone calls in support of President Obama;
• Canvass with Organizing For America; every Saturday at the TCDP Party office starting at noon.
• Contact or better still, visit your US Representative and let them know you are tired of the lies and scare tactics and that you support the President’s Goals for health care;
• Write a letter to the editor
• Add your name to the list of Americans that support President Obama;
• Attend Rep Kenny Marchant’s “secret” town hall meeting TONIGHT (August 12th) at The Senior Center in Farmer’s Branch is located at 14055 Dennis Lane, 75234.

Thanks for what you are doing,
Steve Maxwell
Chair, Tarrant County Democratic Party