Dems Throw A Party In Fort Worth

The Democrats are having a party in Fort Worth and it started today. Several thousand people showed up at the Convention Center today for the opening of the Texas State Democratic Convention. There were 4832 official delegates plus alternates, candidates, guests and the press.

Conventions aren't what they used to be. With the widespread use of primaries to choose candidates, conventions don't really have a lot of official business to conduct. They will elect state officers for the party and pass a platform and some resolutions. Usually the platform and resolutions are forgotten as soon as the campaigns start to heat up.

Perhaps the most important function of the convention is to recharge the batteries and inspire the Democrats that attend. This is very important since these are the people who will do the real work in the coming campaign season. This is especially important for those living in very red counties [such as Tarrant County].

I could tell right off the bat today that this was going to be good.As we were walking up to the Convention Center, I saw an old school bus on the back of a truck. It had a huge sign on it reading, "Rick, it's still broke!" This jab at the governor was done to advertise Fred Head's race for State Comptroller and it brought a smile to my face.

Upon entering the convention, I was struck by how different Democratic and Republican conventions are. With the Republicans, you have a bunch of older white guys sitting in a room. With the democrats, you have a true cross-section of our great state. It seemed that the hall contained every nationality, race, sex, age, income level, and sexual preference, and they were all here to do the same thing - take back Texas from the Republicans.

Getting our press credentials proved to be very easy. Special thanks have to go out to Amber Moon and Hector Nieto, the Communications Director and Assistant Communications Director for the state Democratic Party. They did a great job. We could not have been treated better.

One of the funniest sights of the day happened across the street from the Convention Center. A.T. & T. laid off 214 workers today in violation of their union contract, so several employees started to picket the business about noon. It did not take long for dozens of Democrats to cross the street and join the demonstration. You'd think a company would be smarter than to violate a contract the day the Democrats are coming to town.

As is usual, there were some great signs around the convention, but my favorite today read "Iraq is Arabic for Vietnam". There was a lot of opposition to the war in Iraq, and an anti-war demonstration got started with a couple of dozen people in front of the main doors about 3 o'clock.

About 6 o'clock, Temporary Chairman Boyd Richie called the convention to order. Gary Horton submitted the temporary and final reports of the Credentials Committee and both were accepted by the delegates. General Wesley Clark delivered a powerful speech, and then the legendary State Senator, Gonzalo Barrientos, was honored for his years of service to Texas. He is retiring this year.

After the convention tonight a Bloggers Caucus was held at the Flying Saucer. This quickly became a great party and many bloggers and candidates had a great time interacting with each other. Thanks have to go out to Anna of the blog ANNATOPIA and Vince from CAPITOL ANNEX for organizing such a great get-together. I was able to meet some of the people who write blogs here in Texas, such as GREG'S OPINION, EYE ON WILLIAMSON COUNTY, MARC'S MISCELLANY, OFF THE KUFF, COMMON SENSE, JEFFERSONIAN , MUSINGS and JUST ANOTHER BLOG. You guys are as cool as your blogs and I enjoyed meeting you.