Precinct Chair Training Session, Sun. Feb. 17th

Travel Plans to Inauguration

Artrie — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 09:48:43 EST

Hi All!

I was wondering if there were any fellow Texans around the DFW metro area to Waco/Austin area who were lucky enough to get tickets to the Inauguration. If so, please let me know if there are any groups or individuals who would be traveling to the Inauguration (driving, bus, train, etc.). I would like to see if there is still room available at all. As I'm on stand-by for flights out to DC & back & it's not looking to good. And of course, no hotels/motels are even available at this point. You can e-mail me with any info at: artriea@johnsoncountytx.org. Any help or suggestions is greatly appreciated!!! I don't want to miss this lifetime opportunity.

Thanks!!!

A. Allen

New MoveOn.org Ad featuring a Moose tells all about Gov. Palin

Artrie — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 16:34:54 EDT

http://i.cdn.turner.com/cnn/.element/js/2.0/video/evp/module.js?loc=dom&vid=/video/politics/2008/10/20/pol.ad.moose.moveon.org.cnn

http://www.cnn.com/video">CNN

Obama gets the Powell endorsement & makes a record $150 million in endorsements for September!!!!

Artrie — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 09:50:42 EDT

Gen. Colin Powell endorsed Sen. Barack Obama on Meet The Press. Gen. Powell is a man to be admired and respected and I hope that all the undecided voters out there, will listen to what he had to say. And if Gen. Powell's endorsement isn't enough, then how about the whopping $150 million dollars Sen. Obama raised in September? I think that speak volumes!!! Here's the link to hear some of the interview with Gen. Powell about his enorsement.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22425001/vp/27267504#27267504

Women's rights groups endorse Obama for president

Artrie — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 15:17:20 EDT

By ANN SANNER, Associated Press Writer Tue Sep 16, 6:43 PM ET WASHINGTON - Women's rights groups endorsed Barack Obama for president Tuesday, asserting the historic selection of a female Republican vice presidential candidate does not make up for John McCain's lack of support on issues important to women. "We don't think it's much to break a glass ceiling for one woman and leave millions of women behind," said Eleanor Smeal, president of the Feminist Majority Foundation.Smeal was among leaders from six organizations that announced their endorsement of the Democratic presidential nominee at a news conference.Obama also won the support of the National Organization for Women, which said it has not endorsed a candidate for president since Walter Mondale and Geraldine Ferraro shared the Democratic ticket in 1984. Ferraro was the first female major-party vice presidential candidate.NOW backed New York Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton in the primaries. "We join with her in saying 'no,'" said NOW President Kim Gandy, referring to a line Clinton used at the Democratic convention last month. "No way, no how, no McCain."Gandy and Smeal dismissed polls that suggested McCain has received a boost in support from white women after he picked Palin."The die is not cast yet," Smeal said.An Associated Press-GfK Poll of likely voters last week showed Obama's lead among women at 49 percent to 44 percent. The same AP-GfK poll showed that white women are backing McCain over Obama, 53 percent to 40 percent.Gandy predicted women will quickly swing their support to Obama once they know where Palin stands on the issues. The Alaska governor opposes abortion except in the case of a threat to the mother's life.However, data from the recent AP-GfK poll suggests that it might be difficult for Obama to win over some white women.The survey, conducted Sept. 5-10, found 65 percent of working-class white women say Palin shares their values, 71 percent said so of McCain, compared to 52 percent for Obama and 46 percent for Democratic vice presidential nominee Joe Biden.The McCain campaign said it was unhappy with NOW's decision to endorse Obama in the race for the White House."It's extremely disappointing that an organization that purports to be an advocate for all women not only opposes, but feels compelled to go out of its way to criticize and make negative comments, about the only ticket in the presidential race with a woman on the ticket," Palin's spokeswoman Maria Comella said in an e-mail.Smeal said the organizations have and will continue to protest any sexism in the presidential campaign, but she added, "We think it's time to get off issues such as lipstick and on to the issues, really, that are challenging this nation."Gandy criticized Republicans for changing their tone on sexism."I love it that Republicans have discovered sexism in the media," she said. "Because they didn't see any of it when it was being directed at Hillary Clinton. But once Sarah Palin got a dose of it, which we also pointed out, they were all over it." She did not explain how her group defended Palin from sexism.Obama was also endorsed by leaders from Business and Professional Women/USA, the National Association of Social Workers, the National Congress of Black Women and the Women's Information Network.

CNN Electoral map shows Obama gains two states!!!

Artrie — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 10:21:44 EDT

CNN: Electoral map alert: Obama picks up two states

Barack Obama may be inching closer to the magic number of 270 electoral votes necessary to win the White House, according to the most recent update to CNN’s electoral map.

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/09/03/electoral-map-alert-obama-picks-up-two-states/

Some things to consider in a VP.

Artrie — Tue, 02 Sep 2008 14:36:44 EDT

Just how would Gov. Sara Palin handle being President, should the need arise?

Here are a few scenarios to consider.

Scenario #1: It's 3 A.M. on a Monday morning and the phone rings. She answers, and it's the Pentagon wanting instructions on how to proceed since America has fell prey to a terrorist attack. I'm sure her response would be, "Well I can't disucss this with you now, because you woke the baby up. Now I'll need to change it's diaper and try to rock it back to sleep." I'm sure the Joint Chiefs of Staff and America would understand!

Scenario #2: It's 7:30 P.M. on a Saturday evening and the phone rings. She answers, and it's one of the Gulf Coast Governors needing her to come down to their state and survey damage to declare their state a disaster area due to a hurricane making landfall at a Category 3-5. Her response would probably be, "I'm sorry, I'll have to get back to you on that matter. I'm already packed and getting ready to leave for my big hunting & fishing trip in Alaska. I'll need to have my full concentration on how much fish/game I will be bringing home." Well so much for taking time out as President to help your country in their time of need!

Scenario #3: It's 4:15 P.M. on a Thursday afternoon. The House and Senate have been at odds on a final bill about healthcare and Social Security. They have finally prepared a final draft for her to consider and sign into law. They call her, she answers. Her response would probably be: "I'm baking cookies for the PTA meeting later this evening. The only decision I'm concerned with is how many chocolate chip and peanut butter cookies I will need to prepare." Well there goes helping with America's welfare and well being.

I could go on and on, but I'm sure you get the picture. If John McCain were to become President and he either got a severe case of Alzheimer's or had a heart attack in office, would you want the next Vice-President behaving in this manner? Would you want the White House to become nothing more than a daycare or just a wonderful place to hold girl scout or camp fire meetings? I don't think that those type of meetings would qualify as war room discussions!

I think the choice is clear. Obama/Biden 2008!!!!!

YES HE DID!!!!!!

Artrie — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:20:39 EDT

Last night left me feeling breathless and amazed. This speech proved all the naysayers wrong. This speech was not some, canned, lackluster attempt to sugar coat and coddle America on the issues staring us in the face. This speech was the "glue" that will bond America back together. The "glue" has been chipped away from America for the past eight years and now I feel that with Barack Obama at the heart of this "glue", we can bond together even stronger. Barack Obama has shown us, that we cannot back down at what is ahead of us. Like Obama, we must approach the issues full steam ahead. I think this speech is just a preview of the great things that Barack Obama has in store for us when he takes that final victory lap to the White House and gives his Presidential acceptance speech! He left no stone unturned and he left no one behind. This man has shown great ability and strength time and time again. He is not afraid of a challenge nor a debate...BRING IT ON JOHN McCAIN!! He continues to prove himself over and over again, and now it is time for John McCain to recognize that no matter what he throws at Obama, it will not impede his march to the White House. I walked away from that speech feeling a sense of comfort, joy and most of all HOPE. These three things were always there, but now, they are even more rejuvenated than ever!!!

CHANGE, CHANGE, CHANGE.....we must keep that word at the forefront of our very thoughts and words as we go on this quest to make Barack Obama our next President. We must not sleep on this chance to make a difference not only for ourselves, but for our entire country. We must continue to stand together. Presenting a united front, no matter how hard or discouraged we may feel at times, but remember, the path we are walking on now, along side Obama, is half way over. At the end of the long path that we have trodded on, will be great things. When November 4th, gets here, we must make sure that the CHANGE made is the right choice for all of us. It is time for the changing of the guard at the White House. As Obama quoted last night, "eight is enough".

Let's not forget about the man in the no. 2 position, Joe Biden. Biden has also shown us he is just as fearless and steadfast as Obama. Biden and Obama are both clear cut examples of what makes America such a great place to live! They are both so down to earth and normal as you and I are. They understand how life is not fair all of the time. They understand how life can be cruel at times. They understand the plight that America has had to endure for the past eight years. They are tired of our country being left battered and bruised from the previous administration. Barack Obama and Joe Biden are the bookends that will shape how the rest of the world will "read" America. They both have the blood of champions within them. They both have the great might in their hands, that can pull us up by the boot straps out of this distorted, quagmire that the last eight years has left upon us.

We are at the cusp of a new page in history. HOPE and CHANGE are the two most important pieces that will help develop this wonderful history that continues to unfold before our very eyes. No matter where you were on Aug. 28, 2008, you will remember, that on this day, a great man, who will be our next leader, took us with him on this wonderful, awe inspiring, journey to the White House. Barack Obama truly has what it takes to be President of the United States.

In order for us to keep that appointment on January 20th, 2009, we must remain steadfast and strong, as we march with Barack Obama and Joe Biden to the steps of the White House.

A sleeping giant has been stirred and awakened. Now it is time for the giant to come forth and not stop until HOPE and CHANGE have prevailed.

GOD BLESS, BARACK OBAMA. GOD BLESS, JOE BIDEN. GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!!!

100% Obama/Biden all the way....and I approve this message!!!!!

YES HE DID!!!!!

Artrie — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 09:53:41 EDT

In order for us to keep that appointment on January 20th, 2009, we must remain steadfast and strong, as we march with Barack Obama and Joe Biden to the steps of the White House.

A sleeping giant has been stirred and awakened. Now it is time for the giant to come forth and not stop until HOPE and CHANGE have prevailed.

GOD BLESS, BARACK OBAMA. GOD BLESS, JOE BIDEN. GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!!!!

100% Obama/Biden all the way....and I approve this message!!!!!

Obama video: "Lay off my wife"

Artrie — Mon, 19 May 2008 15:22:39 EDT

I think you'll like this video. Shows what kind of person & character Barack Obama is made up of. In my book, anybody who will defend his wife & family to the fullest extent, will do the same for our country. YES WE CAN!!!! YES WE CAN!!!! YES WE CAN!!!! GO-BAMA Oregon & Kentucky!!!!!

http://cosmos.bcst.yahoo.com/up/player/popup/index.php?cl=7879522

John Edwards to endorse Sen. Barack Obama

Artrie — Wed, 14 May 2008 17:20:08 EDT

-- Former Sen. John Edwards will endorse Sen. Barack Obama's presidential candidacy, Obama's campaign says.

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Racists Incidents Give Some Obama Campaigners Pause

Artrie — Tue, 13 May 2008 11:08:59 EDT

I wanted to pass this article along to all of you, so that the people who stand with us & who have endured such stupidity in this quest to make Barack Obama our next President, will know that they are not alone & don't let people who "show" & "wear" their ignorance on a daily basis, stop them or us in this final push to the White House. Remember, ignorance only succeeds when stupidty prevails....we're smarter than that.*******************

Racist Incidents Give Some Obama Campaigners Pause
The Farmers for Obama headquarters in Vincennes, Ind., was vandalized on the eve of that state's May 6 primary. (By Ray Mccormick)TOOLBOX Resize Text

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Discussion PolicyDiscussion Policy CLOSEComments that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. Additionally, entries that are unsigned or contain "signatures" by someone other than the actual author will be removed. Finally, we will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies or any other policies governing this site. Please review the full rules governing commentaries and discussions. You are fully responsible for the content that you post. Who's Blogging» Links to this article By Kevin MeridaWashington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, May 13, 2008; Page A01

Danielle Ross was alone in an empty room at the Obama campaign headquarters in Kokomo, Ind., a cellphone in one hand, a voter call list in the other. She was stretched out on the carpeted floor wearing laceless sky-blue Converses, stories from the trail on her mind. It was the day before Indiana's primary, and she had just been chased by dogs while canvassing in a Kokomo suburb. But that was not the worst thing to occur since she postponed her sophomore year at Middle Tennessee State University, in part to hopscotch America stumping for Barack Obama.

Here's the worst: In Muncie, a factory town in the east-central part of Indiana, Ross and her cohorts were soliciting support for Obama at malls, on street corners and in a Wal-Mart parking lot, and they ran into "a horrible response," as Ross put it, a level of anti-black sentiment that none of them had anticipated.

"The first person I encountered was like, 'I'll never vote for a black person,' " recalled Ross, who is white and just turned 20. "People just weren't receptive."

For all the hope and excitement Obama's candidacy is generating, some of his field workers, phone-bank volunteers and campaign surrogates are encountering a raw racism and hostility that have gone largely unnoticed -- and unreported -- this election season. Doors have been slammed in their faces. They've been called racially derogatory names (including the white volunteers). And they've endured malicious rants and ugly stereotyping from people who can't fathom that the senator from Illinois could become the first African American president.

The contrast between the large, adoring crowds Obama draws at public events and the gritty street-level work to win votes is stark. The candidate is largely insulated from the mean-spiritedness that some of his foot soldiers deal with away from the media spotlight.

Victoria Switzer, a retired social studies teacher, was on phone-bank duty one night during the Pennsylvania primary campaign. One night was all she could take: "It wasn't pretty." She made 60 calls to prospective voters in Susquehanna County, her home county, which is 98 percent white. The responses were dispiriting. One caller, Switzer remembers, said he couldn't possibly vote for Obama and concluded: "Hang that darky from a tree!"

Documentary filmmaker Rory Kennedy, the daughter of the late Robert F. Kennedy, said she, too, came across "a lot of racism" when campaigning for Obama in Pennsylvania. One Pittsburgh union organizer told her he would not vote for Obama because he is black, and a white voter, she said, offered this frank reason for not backing Obama: "White people look out for white people, and black people look out for black people."

Obama campaign officials say such incidents are isolated, that the experience of most volunteers and staffers has been overwhelmingly positive.

The campaign released this statement in response to questions about encounters with racism: "After campaigning for 15 months in nearly all 50 states, Barack Obama and our entire campaign have been nothing but impressed and encouraged by the core decency, kindness, and generosity of Americans from all walks of life. The last year has only reinforced Senator Obama's view that this country is not as divided as our politics suggest."

Campaign field work can be an exercise in confronting the fears, anxieties and prejudices of voters. Veterans of the civil rights movement know what this feels like, as do those who have been involved in battles over busing, immigration or abortion. But through the Obama campaign, some young people are having their first experience joining a cause and meeting cruel reaction.

On Election Day in Kokomo, a group of black high school students were holding up Obama signs along U.S. 31, a major thoroughfare. As drivers cruised by, a number of them rolled down their windows and yelled out a common racial slur for African Americans, according to Obama campaign staffers.

Frederick Murrell, a black Kokomo High School senior, was not there but heard what happened. He was more disappointed than surprised. During his own canvassing for Obama, Murrell said, he had "a lot of doors slammed" in his face. But taunting teenagers on a busy commercial strip in broad daylight? "I was very shocked at first," Murrell said. "Then again, I wasn't, because we have a lot of racism here."

The bigotry has gone beyond words. In Vincennes, the Obama campaign office was vandalized at 2 a.m. on the eve of the primary, according to police. A large plate-glass window was smashed, an American flag stolen. Other windows were spray-painted with references to Obama's controversial former pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, and other political messages: "Hamas votes BHO" and "We don't cling to guns or religion. Goddamn Wright."

Ray McCormick was notified of the incident at about 2:45 a.m. A farmer and conservationist, McCormick had erected a giant billboard on a major highway on behalf of Farmers for Obama. He also was housing the Obama campaign worker manning the office. When McCormick arrived at the office, about two hours before he was due out of bed to plant corn, he grabbed his camera and wanted to alert the media. "I thought, this is a big deal." But he was told Obama campaign officials didn't want to make a big deal of the incident. McCormick took photos anyway and distributed some.

"The pictures represent what we are breaking through and overcoming," he said. As McCormick, who is white, sees it, Obama is succeeding despite these incidents. Later, there would be bomb threats to three Obama campaign offices in Indiana, including the one in Vincennes, according to campaign sources.

Obama has not spoken much about racism during this campaign. He has sought to emphasize connections among Americans rather than divisions. He shrugged off safety concerns that led to early Secret Service protection and has told black senior citizens who worry that racists will do him harm: Don't fret. Earlier in the campaign, a 68-year-old woman in Carson City, Nev., voiced concern that the country was not ready to elect an African American president.

"Will there be some folks who probably won't vote for me because I am black? Of course," Obama said, "just like there may be somebody who won't vote for Hillary because she's a woman or wouldn't vote for John Edwards because they don't like his accent. But the question is, 'Can we get a majority of the American people to give us a fair hearing?' "

Obama has won 30 of 50 Democratic contests so far, the kind of nationwide electoral triumph no black candidate has ever realized. That he is on the brink of capturing the Democratic nomination, some say, is a testament to how far the country has progressed in overcoming racism and evidence of Obama's skill at bridging divides.

Obama has won five of 12 primaries in which black voters made up less than 10 percent of the electorate, and caucuses in states such as Idaho and Wyoming that are overwhelmingly white. But exit polls show he has struggled to attract white voters who didn't attend college and earn less than $50,000 a year. Today, he and Hillary Clinton square off in West Virginia, a state where she is favored and where the votes of working-class whites will again be closely watched.

For the most part, Obama campaign workers say, the 2008 election cycle has been exhilarating. On the ground, the Obama campaign is being driven by youngsters, many of whom are imbued with an optimism undeterred by racial intolerance. "We've grown up in a different world," says Danielle Ross. Field offices are staffed by 20-somethings who hold positions -- state director, regional field director, field organizer -- that are typically off limits to newcomers to presidential politics.

Gillian Bergeron, 23, was in charge of a five-county regional operation in northeastern Pennsylvania. The oldest member of her team was 27. At Scranton's annual Saint Patrick's Day parade, some of the green Obama signs distributed by staffers were burned along the parade route. That was the first signal that this wasn't exactly Obama country. There would be others.

In a letter to the editor published in a local paper, Tunkhannock Borough Mayor Norm Ball explained his support of Hillary Clinton this way: "Barack Hussein Obama and all of his talk will do nothing for our country. There is so much that people don't know about his upbringing in the Muslim world. His stepfather was a radical Muslim and the ranting of his minister against the white America, you can't convince me that some of that didn't rub off on him.

"No, I want a president that will salute our flag, and put their hand on the Bible when they take the oath of office."

Obama's campaign workers have grown wearily accustomed to the lies about the candidate's supposed radical Muslim ties and lack of patriotism. But they are sometimes astonished when public officials such as Ball or others representing the campaign of their opponent traffic in these falsehoods.

Karen Seifert, a volunteer from New York, was outside of the largest polling location in Lackawanna County, Pa., on primary day when she was pressed by a Clinton volunteer to explain her backing of Obama. "I trust him," Seifert replied. According to Seifert, the woman pointed to Obama's face on Seifert's T-shirt and said: "He's a half-breed and he's a Muslim. How can you trust that?"

* * *

Pollsters have found it difficult to accurately measure racial attitudes, as some voters are unwilling to acknowledge the role that race plays in their thinking. But some are not. Susan Dzimian, a Clinton supporter who owns residential properties, said outside a polling location in Kokomo that race was a factor in how she viewed Obama. "I think if it was somebody other than him, I'd accept it," she said of a black candidate. "If Colin Powell had run, I would be willing to accept him."

The previous evening, Dondra Ewing was driving the neighborhoods of Kokomo, looking to turn around voters like Dzimian. Ewing, 47, is a chain-smoking middle school guidance counselor, a black single mother of two and one of the most fiercely vigilant Obama volunteers in Kokomo, which was once a Ku Klux Klan stronghold. On July 4, 1923, Kokomo hosted the largest Klan gathering in history -- an estimated 200,000 followers flocked to a local park. But these are not the 1920s, and Ewing believes she can persuade anybody to back Obama. Her mother, after all, was the first African American elected at-large to the school board in a community that is 10 percent black.

Kokomo, population 46,000, is another hard-hit Midwestern industrial town stung by layoffs. Longtimers wistfully remember the glory years of Continental Steel and speak mournfully about the jobs shipped overseas. Kokomo Sanitary Pottery, which made bathroom sinks and toilets, shut down a couple of months ago and took with it 150 jobs.

Aaron Roe, 23, was mowing lawns at a local cemetery recently, lamenting his $8-an-hour job with no benefits. He had earned a community college degree as an industrial electrician, but learned there was no electrical work to be found for someone with his experience, which is to say none. Politics wasn't on his mind; frustration was. If he were to vote, it would not be for Obama, he said. "I just got a funny feeling about him," Roe said, a feeling he couldn't specify, except to say race wasn't a part of it. "Race ain't nothing," said Roe, who is white. "It's how they're going to help the country."

The Aaron Roes are exactly who Dondra Ewing was after: people with funny feelings.

At the Bradford Run Apartments, she found Robert Cox, a retiree who spent 30 years working for an electronics manufacturer making computer chips. He was in his suspenders, grilling shish kebab, which he had never eaten. "Something new," Cox said, recommended by his son who was visiting from Colorado.

Ewing was selling him hard on Obama. "There are more than two families that can run the United States of America," she said, "and their names aren't Bush and Clinton."

"Yeah, I know, I know," Cox said, remaining noncommittal.

He opened the grill and peeked at the kebabs. "It's not his race, because I got real good friends and all that," Cox continued. "If anything would keep him from getting elected, it would be his name. It might turn off some older people."

Like him?

"No, older than me," said Cox, 66.

Ewing kept talking, until finally Cox said, "Probably Obama," when asked directly how he would vote.

As she walked away, Ewing said: "I think we got him."

But truthfully, she wasn't feeling so sure.

Staff writer Peter Slevin and polling analyst Jennifer Agiesta contributed to this report.

Footprints of the past, lead to our future.

Artrie — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 16:24:56 EDT

I hope all of you at some point today, remember the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It is this day, that his life was stripped from him at the blink of an eye & the pull of a trigger. I feel because of all that Dr. King, his family, the many civil rights leaders & followers endured, is the reason why we're able to have a person of such great importance like Barack Obama to be able to put his name on a ballot to be elected for the job of President of the United States. Let's not forget the dream that Dr. King spoke of & we still envision. I see this dream becoming a reality with every passing day in Barack Obama. The footprints that MLK left behind that day in April, are now being walked thru our present & hopefully toward our future with each & every American who truly believes in Obama & that: YES WE CAN be equal; YES WE CAN believe in someone who will stand with us; YES WE CAN form a more perfect union (nation) when we join forces, no matter skin color, religion, or background, on issues that affect our daily lives & rise above negativity & frustration; YES WE CAN unite together & march effortlessly toward a common goal called a government for the people, by the people; All of this is evident by all of the people who have turned out in droves at rallies, functions, town hall meetings, primaries, delegate conventions, whatever the reason, to show our ever growing support & belief in Barack Obama's abilities as a candidate & as our futrue President of the United States. YES WE CAN, YES WE CAN, YES WE CAN!!!!

Final Tally on the Texas Democratic Delegate Caucus

Artrie — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 13:53:39 EDT

Texas Democratic caucus delegate apportionment By The Associated Press

Here is the apportionment so far of presidential caucus delegates to the Texas Democratic state convention based on reports from Saturday's county and senate district conventions. A total of about 7,300 delegates were expected to be selected in this stage of the caucus process, according to the Texas Democratic Party.

These results are from 164 of about 280 conventions.

Clinton: 1,997 delegates, or 42 percent

Obama: 2,723 delegates, or 58 percent

___

March 31, 2008 - 7:32 p.m. CDT

Copyright 2008, The Associated Press. The information contained in the AP Online news report may not be published, broadcast or redistributed without the prior written authority of The Associated Press.

Obama Wins Most Texas Delegates

Artrie — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 12:11:27 EDT

Go to Google NewsObama Wins Most Texas Delegates

WASHINGTON (AP) — Sen. Barack Obama has won the overall delegate race in Texas thanks to a strong showing in Democratic county conventions this past weekend.

Obama picked up seven of nine outstanding delegates, giving him a total of 99 Texas delegates to the party's national convention this summer. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton won the other two, giving her a total of 94 Texas delegates, according to an analysis of returns by The Associated Press.

Texas Democrats held both a presidential primary and caucus. Clinton narrowly won the popular vote in the state's primary March 4, earning her 65 national convention delegates to Obama's 61.

Precinct caucuses began immediately after polls closed primary night and quickly devolved into chaos in many parts of the state because of an unprecedented turnout of more than 1 million Democrats. The state party was never able to provide complete results from the caucuses, which is why the AP withheld nine delegates.

The precinct caucuses elected delegates to about 280 county and state senate district conventions on Saturday. The AP awarded the remaining delegates based on results from Saturday's conventions, showing Obama with about 58 percent of vote, compared to 42 percent for Clinton.

Obama won 38 delegates through the caucus/convention system, and Clinton won 29.

The final delegate allocation will be decided at the party's state convention June 6-7, and the numbers could change if either campaign is unable to maintain the level of support they had over the weekend.

Obama leads the overall race for the Democratic nomination with 1,631 delegates, including separately chosen party and elected officials known as superdelegates. Clinton has 1,501, according to the latest AP tally.

County Convention for Johnson County

Artrie — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 15:49:22 EDT

The Johnson County Democratic County Convention will be at the Cleburne High School Performing Arts Center on March 29th at 9:00 am. All Democrats are invited to attend. Elected delegates and alternates need to come. The Center holds 1800 people, so come and join in. This is grass roots democracy in action. If you've never been before, it's a lot like a precinct convention, only bigger. We'll select 36 delegates and 36 alternates to the state convention. We'll pass resolutions, or not pass them, as the case may be. We've got committee meetings going on, so there will be times with not much going on, so bring a book, crossword puzzle or Nintendo to pass some time. In the meantime, you may be lucky enough to hear some local candidates. There will be some positions open for committee work. We'll have rules, nominations, credentials and resolutions. We need people from both the Obama side and the Clinton side to serve on those committees. If you are interested, let me know. When it comes time to elect delegates to the state convention, various precincts will be paired together to select a certain number of delegates. Very large precincts may not have to be paired with smaller precincts at all. Hopefully this will all make sense at the county convention. Also, I'm warning you in advance on this one, we have to pay to rent the PAC, so I'll ask for donations. It's not required, but a lot of small donations should cover the expense. We get no funding from the state on this one, so your kind donation is very much appreciated. I don't know how long the convention will last. I hope to end it before noon, if at all possible. Let me know if you have questions. Gayle Ledbetter Johnson County Democratic Chair

TDP Will Move Forward with Conventions AS SCHEDULED---No Clinton Delay

Artrie — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 13:11:01 EDT

Below is a statement by Texas Democratic Chairman Boyd Richie regarding the Delegate Selection Process:

The Texas Democratic Party and local Democratic Party organizations around our state are working to turn the enormous opportunity created by the record Democratic turnout experienced on March 4th into a positive outcome for Texas Democrats this fall and in 2010. We are proud of both our Presidential candidates who helped create that turnout. We ask now that the campaigns work with us rather than become an impediment to this extraordinary opportunity to build our party.

On March 4th, our Democratic precinct conventions experienced record turnout of roughly one million precinct convention attendees, a ten-fold increase from the previous high attendance mark. As expected in any record turnout involving hundreds of thousands of people, there were reports of problems caused by long lines and crowded facilities. These problems are not unique to Texas. Similar problems, in proportionately similar numbers, occurred in pure caucus states like Iowa and Nevada.

The overwhelming majority of problems reported in Texas do not affect the legitimacy of delegate allocation. It is important to remember that the precinct conventions are just the first of three steps where delegates and alternates are selected. "Final results" will not be determined until June 6-7 at the Texas Democratic State convention. And at each convention step, Texas Democratic Party rules provide a credentials process to address problems and provide an avenue to register complaints and make formal challenges

For that reason, the Texas Democratic Party will not do as suggested by one campaign and circumvent Party rules to set up an unnecessary, ad hoc "verification" process that could effectively disqualify delegates selected at their precinct conventions after the fact. The Party has never stated any intention to set up a verification process of this nature because Party rules already provide for "verification" through our credentials process. Candidates who wish to disqualify delegates must pursue formal challenges based on evidence filed appropriately in accordance with our party's rules.

The Texas Democratic Party plans to conduct our district and county conventions on March 29 and our June State Convention in accordance with procedures set forth in Texas law and party rules. Both campaigns have the opportunity and responsibility to do their jobs by documenting evidence, filing challenges if warranted, and turning out their delegates in a system that rewards such an effort when final delegate results are determined at the State Convention in June.

Canvassing of the Vote from March 4th for Johnson County

Artrie — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 15:13:54 EDT

The canvassing of the final votes for the March 4th primary for Johnson County, will take place tonight at 7p.m. at the Johnson County Democratic Headquarters. All are encouraged to attend, whether you're a delegate for your precinct or just curious in seeing how this part of the process works. Also this ensures that all measures were correctly taken & all packets were turned in correctly to the Democratic chair. Lastly, if there were any improprieties with voting or any problems with your precinct on primary night, then this is the time to let the Democratic chair know, before the votes are canvassed. She needs to be made aware of any problems now, so that when November comes, it won't happen again. Let's make sure that our votes count!! If you have any other questions, the number for the Democratic HQ is: (817)-558-4009.

Caucus,Caucus,Caucus!!!!

Artrie — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 11:37:19 EST

Well for the next 48 hrs let's put our minds in "caucus" mode!!! Let's not let the Clinton campaign nor their under-handed motives stop us from two-stepping & caucusing all the way to the White House!!! This is our chance Texas to show everyone who we think will be the best choice for our next President!!! Let's set the presidance & be the leaders that everyone will want to follow!!! Let's make this primary Hillary's last primary!!! Get out the word to any & everybody, how important it is to caucus tomorrow night. Remember, to be eligible to vote in the caucus, be sure you either early voted or have voted in the primary during the day tomorrow. Lastly, let's show up early before the polls close at 7 p.m. in order to be ready to participate in the caucus.

HOPE stands for: Here's Our President Elect...Barack Obama!!!! Join me in making HOPE a reality that will CHANGE our destinies forever, tomorrow March 4th!!!!!!

YES WE CAN!!! YES WE CAN!!! YES WE CAN!!! AND WE SURELY WILL!!!!!

Barack Obama---The People's President!!!!!!

Bow Out Gracefully Hillary

Artrie — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 10:37:45 EST

Well, I'm sure by now, that some, if not all of you have caught a glimpse of the debate held in Ohio last night. I'm sorry, but Hillary looked very desperate & desperate times call for desperate measures. What a "debate debaucle" for Hillary. My favorite part was when she "whined" about being asked questions first during each debate. According to society & individual upbringing, I thought gentlemen were real gentleman, when they practiced the courtesy of "ladies first". Hmm.....this sounds like she wasn't really ready thoroughly with her responses nor this debate. How do we know that she will be ready on day one, if she's elected. How do we know she would be an effective leader, if she "whined" that the leaders of the world are asking her first to strike or not to strike down an enemy against them or us. I don't know about you, but I hope that Texas will realize that we need Barack Obama, who's ready, willing, able & prepared to take office on day one, without worrying about who's not courteous & who is. Now, Hillary has given her all, ranging from cheap shots to rabbit tricks from her magic hat against Obama, but truth be told, she needs to stop with these tactics & curb her incessant "whining" about anything positive toward Obama. She of all people, should realize this is making her appear unladylike & this behavior is very unbecoming of a lady who wants to be President. No person, whether in her cabinet or a world leader, would ever take her serious, if she exhibited this type of behavior while in office as President. There is no time to worry about nonsense when you're the President & you're responsible for the American people & our Allies in the world. She should realize that Obama is unstoppable & unbeatable. I think that she should gather what's left of her diginity, and remain the lady that she is & bow out gracefully before all respect is lost for her. Shame on you Hillary.

"Stand For Change" Rally w/Barack Obama in Tarrant County-RSVP

Artrie — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 17:38:06 EST

"Stand for Change" Rally with Barack ObamaFort Worth Convention Center
1201 Houston Street
Fort Worth, TX 76102Thursday, February 28, 2008
Gates Open: 6:00 p.m.
Program Begins: 8:00 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Tickets are not required, but an RSVP is strongly encouraged. Admission is first-come, first-served. To RSVP please sign up on the form to the right.For security reasons, do not bring bags. Please limit personal items. No signs or banners are permitted.

RSVP NOW FOR OBAMA APPEARANCE IN DALLAS

Artrie — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 09:22:03 EST

The Stand for Change Rally w/Barack Obama is scheduled at Reunion Arena, Wed., Feb. 20, 2008; Doors will open at 10:30a.m., the rally will begin at 12:00p.m.

For security reasons, no signs, banners or bags are permitted. Please limit personal items.

Here's the link to RSVP for the rally: http://tx.barackobama.com/page/s/dallas

Let's all go out and give Barack Obama a big Texas welcome, like only we Texans can!!!!

Hope to see you there!!!!

YES WE CAN!!!!! YES WE CAN!!!!! YES WE CAN!!!!!

TX Congressman Chet Edwards Endorses Barack Obama for President

Artrie — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 15:46:19 EST

More great news for our side!!!! Looks like we've recruited another one of Bush's colleagues into the Barack Obama campaign!!! Texas Congressman Chet Edwards Endorses Barack Obama for President Bush's Congressman & Veterans Champion Says Obama Can Best Unite the Country (Waco, Texas) – U.S. Representative Chet Edwards (D-Waco) today endorsed U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-Ill) for President and released the following statement: “As the father of two young sons, I care deeply about the future of our nation, and that is why I am endorsing Senator Barack Obama for President of the United States. I believe Senator Obama can bring about real change in Washington--change that will make a positive difference for average working Americans struggling to keep up with the high costs of health care, gasoline and education,” said Edwards, who represents the 17th Congressional District of Texas, which includes the home of President George W. Bush. “Representative Edwards is a strong advocate for our men and women in uniform and I'm honored to have his support,” Sen. Obama said. “Keeping faith with those who serve must always be a core American value and a cornerstone of American patriotism. Whether Democrat, Republican, or independent, we can unite with common purpose around the commitment to our servicemen and women that begins at enlistment and must never end.” “By voting for Senator Obama, we can say it is time to turn away from the divisive partisan politics of the past and work together for a brighter future for our children and our grandchildren. Now more than ever, we need a leader who can inspire us to do better, to be better. Barack Obama is that leader,” said Edwards. Edwards has earned bipartisan respect as a champion of veterans and military troops and their families. In 2007, as Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, he authored the largest increase in veterans’ funding in the 77-year history of the Veterans Administration, and on March 4th of this year, he will receive the Veterans of Foreign Wars highest award given annually to only one Member of Congress. “As someone who has spent most of my adult life fighting for veterans and for military troops and their families, I am convinced that Senator Obama will be a champion for better health care, housing and quality of life for those who have sacrificed so much for the American family. He knows that standing up for our troops, our veterans and their families is the right thing to do—for them and for our nation’s security,” said Edwards, who chairs the House Army Caucus. “On behalf of my family and hard-working families all across Texas and America, it is a privilege for me to endorse Barack Obama for President.” Congressman Chet Edwards’s district is the most Republican district in the nation represented by a Democratic Member of Congress according to political analyst Charlie Cook. Edwards has earned national praise for his leadership on nuclear non-proliferation and religious liberty issues. He is the third ranking Democrat on the House Budget Committee and has served in Congress since 1991. -30-

Obama's Appearance in DFW Wed. 2/20

Artrie — Sun, 17 Feb 2008 13:00:02 EST

I read in today's Sunday Dallas Morning News that he will be in Dallas on Wed., 2/20. The time nor location has not been announced, but it has been described by volunteers in Dallas, that it will be some type of morning event. Maybe more details will come in the coming days. The paper also stated that he will be campaigning hard in the North Texas area & other urban areas as well. I hope that we will be able to meet & greet him at some point. It would be a great honor & pleasure, to meet a man of such character as Obama is!!

As for rally signs, I will pass along some links of sample things people have done to make rally signs, but the last time I checked, they were pretty booked up on rally signs; they are on back order at the moment.

Thanks!! YES WE CAN!!!!

Obama....The People's President-2008

Precinct Chair Training Session, Sun. Feb. 17th in Cleburne

Artrie — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 15:20:39 EST

There will be a precinct chair training session on Sunday, February 17 at 4:00p.m. at the Johnson County Democratic Headquarters, located at 208 N. Main St. There phone number is: 817-558-4009, if you need further info. Ask for Earl Pierce. The session should last about an hour. We encourage everyone to come out & show your support for Obama!! Thanks everyone for your continued support!!! YES WE CAN....AND WE WILL!!!!