David Van Os endorsed by Texas DemVets

David Van Os (photo)
Candidate for Texas AG

Rachel showed me the beautiful statement from the Texas Democratic Veterans endorsing my candidacy for Texas Attorney General. Not only am I profoundly honored by your statement; I am greatly humbled, for I am certain that my meager contributions to the defense of the Constitution are nothing compared to the sacrifices that many of your membership have willingly endured for its defense.

At this time in our republic's history, when so many persons in positions of high public trust are doing so much to trample on the Constitution and Bill of Rights that so many have sacrificed so much to defend, it is very comforting to know that none of us are alone, that we are all surrounded by comrades who understand the imperative need to protect our people from the power-grabbers and robber barons who seek to destroy the dream.

Though I doubt that I am really worthy of it, with a mixture of pride and humility I gratefully accept the honor of being endorsed by Texas Democratic Veterans, true warriors for liberty, democracy, and the Constitution.

Democrats honor Governor Ceballos of Colima, Mexico at a reception

Top Row: Congressional District 23 candidate Ciro Rodriguez, Governor Ceballos and Rodriguez's daughter
2nd Row: Gina Castaneda, Rodriguez campaign coordinator, poses with the Governor of Colima, Mexico
4th Row: SA Council Woman Delicia Herrera
5th Row: Judge Barbara Nellermoe
6th Row: Judge Catherine Torres-Stahl

Hundreds of local Democrats attended a reception sponsored by SA Mayor Phil Hardberger to honor the Governor of Colima, Mexico, Thursday, August 24th.

Local Democrat and attorney Frank Herrera hosted the reception at his house in Hill Country Village. Governor Serverio Ceballos brought along a number of his staff to the gathering to include his translator. He pointed out that he was impressed with the Mayor and told guests that he and Mayor Hardberger will work together to strenthen the bond between San Antonio and the Mexican state of Colima.

Elected Democratic officials included: Judge Barbara Nellermoe, Judge Catherine Torres-Stahl, SA Council Woman Delicia Herrera, and Balcones Heights Councilman Steve Walker. A large contingent from the business community also attended to include the president of Palo Alto College, Cha Guzman.

District 23 Congressional candidate Ciro Rodriguez, and Judicial candidate Peter Sakai also attended.

Congressional special election draws 24 candidates

Top Row, L to R: Incumbent Congressman Henry Cuellar, District 28 and former Congressman Ciro Rodriguez, candidate for the 23rd Congressional District
2nd Row: John Courage, candidate for the 21st Congressional District, Lukin Gilliland, Congressional 23 candidate and Rick Bolanos, also Congressional District 23 candidate

Only Democratic photos available.

The August 25th 5 p.m. deadline has passed and the list of candidates filing for the special election for five Congressional Districts is in. At least for now. Those who submitted petitions in lieu of payment will not be listed until their signatures are verified by August 31st.

Those 24 candidates who filed and paid the filing fee will be listed on the ballot for their respective congressional district. Results of those who met the deadline and are verified will be announced August 31st.

Filing for the District 15 Congressional District is incumbent Democrat, Ruben Hinojosa. Eddie Zamora filed as a Republican for the November election.

In Congressional District 21, seven candidates filed before the deadline. Tommy Calvert filed as an Independent, John Courage as a Democrat, Gene Kelly as a Democrat, James Peterson as an Independent, Mark Rossano as an Independent, Lamar Smith (I) as a Republican, and James Strohm as a Libertarian.

In Congressional District 23, eight candidates filed before the deadline. Augie Beltran filed as a Democrat, Rick Bolanos filed as a Democrat, Henry Bonilla (I) filed as a Republican, Adrian DeLeon filed as a Democrat, Lukin Gilliland filed as a Democrat, Ciro Rodriguez filed as a Democrat, Craig Stephens filed as an Independent, and Albert Uresti filed as a Democrat.

In Congressional District 25, four candidates filed before the deadline. Barbara Cunningham filed as a Libertarian, Lloyd Doggett (I) filed as a Democrat, Brian Parrett filed as an Independent and Grant Rostig filed as a Republican.

Finally in Congressional District 28, Ron Avery filed as a Conservative, Henry Cuellar (I) filed as a Democrat and Frank Enriquez filed as a Democrat.

More updates later.

NW Democrat to block walk August 26th

By Joyce Dorrycott (photo)

We will be walking in Pcts. 2026 and 3116 this Saturday, August 26th. Everyone's help is needed. Due to the heat, we will meet at the campaign office at 5403 Jackwood, 523-VOTE (8683) at 8:30 am for coffee, juice and donuts.

We will start walking promptly at 9 a.m. and everyone should be through by 11 - 11:30. These precincts are very close to our office.

Wear neat, comfortable clothes, good walking shoes, a cap or hat if you need one, and a great Democratic attitude.

Our candidates need us, and we need to get off to a good start. Wear your red or blue NWD Tshirt if you have one. If not, we have some available at the office.

Let's have a great turnout!! See you there!!

Texas Dem Vets endorse Radnofsky

Barbara Radnofsky (photo)
Candidate for Texas Senate

By Dennis Ferguson
Texas Dem Vets

Texas Democratic U.S. Senate nominee Barbara Ann Radnofsky received the endorsement of the Texas Democratic Veterans this week.

The Texas Democratic Veterans Executive Committee is proud to support Barbara Ann Radnofsky for the United States Senate.
Formed June 14, 2002 at the Texas Democratic Convention held in El Paso, we allow veteran and non-veteran members – the only requirement that we have is that all our members support and honor our veterans and military personnel and keep the issues important to them before the Democratic Party of the State of Texas and the Democratic National Committee.

We see in Barbara Ann Radnofsky someone who, like us, believes that the service of those who have gone before us is something to emulate and respect.

Daughter of a WWII veteran and the granddaughter of a WWI veteran, her grandfather was injured in his navy service and proudly served as commander of his American Legion post.

When her father was in prisoner of war camp in Germany and the Nazis visited the camp and told all the Jews to step forward, to a man every prisoner stepped forward. Barbara Ann has repeatedly said during her more than 480 campaign trips across Texas that she is here because of the service, risk-taking, and sacrifice of our veterans, and that they deserve the treatment they were promised.

Barbara Ann’s own words: “My parents raised me to believe that we are here on this earth due to the service and sacrifice of others.”

On January 17, 2003, the Bush Administration stopped enrolling new Priority 8 veterans for Veterans Administration medical care, and the president's budget continues this restrictive policy.

This has prevented one million veterans, who make as little as $26,902 a year, from enrolling in VA health care. For over three years Barbara Ann’s opponent has remained silent.

The veterans of South Texas for too long have been denied the care they deserve. Barbara Ann stood with them and continues to stand with them demanding a new, fully funded, and operational VA hospital in South Texas. For over twelve years her opponent ignored this issue, and after two terms in office Texas is facing closing of veterans’ facilities.

It currently takes about $1.4 billion in additional funds each year just to maintain current VA services and the federal pay rise.

Barbara Ann has advocated for service members and exposed the ineffective leadership and anti- service bias of her opponent. Veterans' issues in Texas are long-term, critical, and they deserve careful foresight and advocacy in Washington.

It is with great pleasure that the Texas Democratic Veterans Executive Committee endorses a true voice for veterans in Texas, Barbara Ann Radnofsky for the United States Senate.

Editor's note: The endorsement is much longer but edited for length.

More photos of the McClendon Round Up

Top Row L to R: ACCD Board member Denver McClendon & Leo Gomez & Dora Ramos
2nd Row: Terry Ramos and State Rep. Ruth Jones McClendon
3rd Row: AFL-CIO President Alicia Garza & SA Mayor Phil Hardberger
4th Row: William B. Johnson and Yoli Arrellano
5th Row: Judicial candidate Peter Sakai and State Senator Leticia van de Putte

McClendon attracts over 400 to her fundraiser

Top Row from L to R: State Rep. Ruth Jones McClendon and Bonnie Connor, Chair of the SA Parks Foundation; and SA Mayor Phil Hardberger
2nd Row: UTSA President Ricardo Romo and ACCD Board Chair Robert Zarate
3rd Row: Attorney Jane Macon, Dr. William Elizondo and Commissioner Tommy Adkisson

State Rep. Ruth Jones McClendon drew well over 400 excited Democrats, Independents and Republicans to her annual fundraiser at her annual Western Roundup at the Buckhorn Museum, 318 E. Houston, Tuesday, August 22nd.

The excited crowd of supporters crammed into the museum and were entertained with Country & Westeran music provided by the Rick Cavender Band while dignitaries, elected offcials and candidates mingled with contributors and constituents for three hours.

The list of who's who was inpressive as U.T.S.A. President Ricardo Romo not only spoke, but sang at the event. Mayor Phil Hardberger, along with State Reps. Robert Puente, David Leibowitz, Robbie Cook and Allan Ritter attended as State Senator Leticia van de Putte introduced the dignitaries from across the board.

On hand were Commissioner Tommy Adkisson, Louis Rowe, Chairman of SARA; Judges Barbara Nellermoe, David Rodriguez and Catherine Torres-Stahl.

Other elected officials included: AFL-CIO president Alicia Garza, Democratic Party Chair Carla Vela, Balcones Heights Councilman Steve Walker, SA Parks Foundation Chair Bonnie Connor, ACCD Board members Robert Zarate, Charlie Connor and Denver McClendon and SDEC19 Committee Woman Jo McCall.

Congressional District 21 candidate John Courage, Congressional District 23 candidates Richard Gambitta, Lukin Gilliland and Ciro Rodriguez attended as well as Judicial candidates Peter Sakai, Eddie De La Garza and Ray Olivarri.

Other candidates included: State Senator Kathi Thomas and State Board of Education candidate Rick Acosto

Western Roundup salutes Ruth Jones McClendon

Ruth Jones McClendon (photo)
State Rep. District 120

Come join us for a shindig at the Annual Western Roundup saluting State Rep. Ruth Jones McClendon, Tuesday, August 22nd from 5:30 -7 p.m. at the Buckhorn Museum, 318 E. Houston Street.

Dress in your western best or just come as you are to the event. Door prizes will be given, special guests will attend and valet parking is available.

Catering by Don Strange, coordinated by Brian Strange and his Cowhands. Music by Rick Cavender and his Posse of Music makers.RSVP. 210. 281.9141

John Courage releases new video on veterans

Congressional District 21 candidate John Courage has released a new video on Veteran's issues. Go to www.courageforcongress.org and click on the icon for the minute and a half video.

New photos of the grand opening of the Party Hqs.

Still more photos of the opening of the Bexar Democratic Party Headquarters at 3010 North St. Mary's Street.

Top Row from L to R: Judge Peter Sakai, Alice Guerra, Congressional District 23 candidate Ciro Rodriguez and Tony Mandujano
2nd Row: Linda Jones, Lukin Gilliland and Charlie Jones, Tejano Chair
3rd Row: SA Council Woman Patti Radle and her husband David and workers getting ready for the grand opening
4th Row: YD Chair Chris Garcia and front of the Party Headquarters
5th Row: Margaret Cone and her husband David Franks
6th Row: Fox cameraman and Party Secretary June Humble
7th Row: Mary Garcia on the computer and Margaret Mireles, wife of Judge Andy Mireles
8th Row: Lucille Mitrane and Rachel Sakai, wife of Judge Peter Sakai
9th Row: Attorney Rosie Gonzales and Balcones Heights Councilman Steve Walker and Hector Garcia Delgado, Chair of the Bexar County Deputy Sheriff's Union
10th Row: Bryan Girard, Stonewall Democrats Chair
11th Row: Possible Congressional District 23 candidates Richard Gambitta and Lukin Gilliland