2006 Democratic State Convention draws crowd

The 2006 Democratic State Convention is history.

The bi-annual event drew a strong contingent of Bexar County delegates to Fort Worth, says Vincent Garcia, Bexar County, Precinct 4 Deputy Chair. According to Garcia, “A lot was accomplished, although there is so much more to be done before the November election cycle.”

John McConnell, Precinct Chair noted, “Many individuals worked hard and did their best, although the ball was dropped here and there. Still, the Convention was a great improvement over those of the recent past.” McConnell also pointed out that he was informed that the Thursday evening dinner “was a fine affair,” and noted that the registration process took some time.

Bexar County delegate Zada True-Courage served as the San Antonio Delegation Chair. According to True-Courage, “everyone really did a great job of representing San Antonio.” True-Courage was re-elected to another term as committee woman for the 25^th Senatorial District. True-Courage’s husband, John, is the Democratic nominee for the 21^st Congressional race.

True-Courage said, “Besides our statewide candidates, we are lucky to have great candidates running throughout our Senatorial District. It's also great to have candidate Kathi Thomas running for State Senator.”

According to True-Courage, “we finally have a Democrat who is brave and energetic enough to run that is also smart, articulate and full of good ideas.” Thomas’s slogan for her State Senatorial campaign is, “Imagine a Better Texas.” Former Attorney General Jim Maddox served as the 25^th Senatorial District delegation chair.

Bexar County delegates Nancy Russell served on Resolutions Committee, Larry Meads served on the Rules Committee and Roberto Flores served on the Credentials Committee. Bexar County Democratic Chair, Carla Vela served on the counting team for Bexar County’s candidate for State Party Chair, attorney Charlie Urbina Jones.

Although Jones came in third in the balloting, those in attendance from Bexar County said he spoke articulately on his vision for the future of the Party. Local delegate Melanie Cervantes noted that “Charlie inspired the delegates, excited them about being a Democrat, and offered a rousing populist speech to the convention.” Nancy Russell served as a seconding speech for Jones.

Newly elected State Democratic Party Chair Boyd Richie said, “I am so proud be a Democrat and to have participated in our State Convention in Fort Worth last weekend. “Texas Democrats from all corners of the state and from all backgrounds joined together for a common purpose - to support our Party, our candidates and our shared commitment to Moving Texas Forward to a better future.”

Speakers for the Saturday finale included: Barbara Radnofsky, candidate for U.S. Senator for Texas, Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson and Congressman Chet Edwards.