Post-convention news

The Brief: Top Texas News for Jun 28, 2010

by David Muto, The Texas Tribune
June 28, 2010

THE BIG CONVERSATION:

Texas Democrats made a stand this weekend — with tongues planted firmly in cheek.

Gubernatorial candidate Bill Whiteset the state Democratic convention ablaze on Friday night, capping off a rare week of political fortune for the party, which saw the White campaign digging in its heels on political messaging at the same time that Republicans nationwide were pushing back against ApologyGate and a poll showed White and Gov. Rick Perry in a virtual tie.

But at an otherwise fairly low-drama event — in contrast to the Republican convention two weeks ago at which internal strife over the party chairmanship dominated the conversation — Democrats compensated by amping up the shenanigans while taking direct aim at Perry: The double-wide trailer that the AFL-CIO offered to Perry made an appearance, as did "Perry's kill coyote beef" (hopefully not actually coyote) and copious amounts of snark, seen in a number of videos bashing the governor (and at one point comparing him to a certain TV villain also, incidentally, associated with cheerleading). Here's a taste:

And, yes, the chicken suit made an appearance, too. (Revisit all the action on the Tribune's liveblog, where reporters Brandi Grissom, Reeve Hamilton and Ben Philpott saw it all — including multiple chicken sightings, in fact — firsthand.)

But the party did take time to address more serious issues, including the "Texas two-step" primary/caucus voting system, which it voted to retain, and the party chairmanship, which expectedly went to incumbent Boyd Richie.

Though, as with any convention, the takeaway is the party's tweaking of the political narrative. And as The Dallas Morning News' Wayne Slaternotes, the story now goes something like this:

For the GOP: Washington is the problem, Bill White is Washington, Bill White is the problem.

For Democrats: Austin is the problem. Rick Perry is Austin. Rick Perry is the problem.

Not bad odds for Democrats, then, it would seem. But in a post-convention daze and with the political winds perhaps only briefly at their backs, do they have what it takes to win?

CULLED:

• Former Texas Gov. Dolph Briscoe Jr., a rancher with a storied political and personal history, died Sunday at 87.

• Bill White wasn't the only rock star at the Democratic convention this weekend.

"Imagine what it will be like to actually have a governor who understands public policy." — Newly re-elected Democratic Party Chairman Boyd Richie

MUST READ:

Dallas County is point man for Democrats — The Dallas Morning News

Texas Democrats seeing a generational shift — Fort Worth Star-Telegram

FBI Investigating Possible DSHS Hacker — The Texas Tribune

More public money used to attract big events to Texas — Austin American-Statesman

Small-business tax break expiring — San Antonio Express-News

Hearings into border deaths sought — El Paso Times

This article originally appeared in The Texas Tribune at http://trib.it/bv5eba.

More about the State Democratic Convention

For all of you who were unable to attend this past Sunday's meeting, here's a brief convention overview from www.txdemocrats.org (via a TCDP email):

Thursday, June 24th:

o At 7:00pm, there is a Kickoff Reception at the Texas State Aquarium, which is very near the Convention Center. This event is an opportunity for Delegates, Alternates, elected officials, and guests to relax, socialize and enjoy our host city before we start the business of the Convention on Friday. This event does not require your attendance but it’s always fun, and this year includes a Silent Auction and a Dolphin Show.

Friday, June 25th: This is the first “main” day of Convention activity.

o The credentials booths will open at 8:00am in Exhibit Hall B. To pick up your credential, you will need an ID such as a driver’s license or any other form of ID prescribed by the Secretary of State.

o From 9:00am-5:00pm on Friday and Saturday, vendors will display their merchandise in Exhibit Hall A (next to the credentials registration). Vendors sell a wide variety of items including jewelry, clothing, political memorabilia, while some booths are informational like those for candidates or organizations.

o From 9:00am-3:00pm, Issue Caucuses and meetings will be taking place at the American Bank Center. These caucuses are an opportunity for like-minded Delegates* to meet and discuss issues they may want to pursue.

o From 3:00-5:00pm, the Senate District caucuses will take place at the American Bank Center, the Omni Bayfront, and the Omni Marina hotels. These meetings are required by the Rules of the Texas Democratic Party. At this meeting, you and your fellow Delegates will nominate your representatives to the permanent committees of the Convention: Credentials, Rules, Resolutions, Nominations, and Platform, as well as choosing your SDEC members.

SD-14 will caucus in the Bayview Ballroom A on the 2^nd Floor of the American Bank Center.

SD-25 will caucus in the Corpus Christi Ballroom B on the 3^rd floor of the Omni Bayfront.

o At 6:00pm, the Convention is called to order. For the next few hours, all Delegates will participate in some of the required duties of our Party. These activities include: opening ceremonies, electing the Permanent Chair for the Convention and a few other items specified in the Rules of the TDP. We will also hear from our gubernatorial candidate, Bill White. When you go into the Arena, look for your Senate District number signs to find your seating.

o After the Convention breaks for the evening, you should make plans to head to the main Convention hotel, the Omni Bayfront, and attend some free receptions to be held by different groups and individuals.

Saturday, June 26th:

o At 8:30am, the Lady Bird Johnson Breakfast will be held at the American Bank Center. This event will feature Andrea White, wife of Mayor Bill White. This event is always fun and it’s another way to help support the TDP as we aim to host a successful Convention.

o At 9:30am, there will be trainings hosted by the TDP and other organizations in an effort to help educate Delegates on a range of topics including: grassroots organizing, social media, and the VAN (Voter Action Network) to name a few.

o At 11:00am, the Convention will be called back to order. During this session you and your fellow Delegates will have the opportunity to hear from all of our excellent statewide candidates. Elections will also be held for TDP officers for 2010-2012. In addition there are resolutions to be read and voted on as well as Rules changes and more. We anticipate Convention will be over around 5:00pm.

Information about Housing in Corpus Christi may be found Here.

Map of Corpus Christi and Map of the Convention Center

You may contact the TDP Convention Staff at 478-9800 with any questions.