Two Democrats walk into a Republican precinct meeting and one says to the other...

Congressman Henry Bonilla and Democratic activist now in the witness protection program.

Invitation: Worthless Photo: Priceless!

Bexar County politics is definitely strange at best, weird at worst. Take for instance the cross-wire politics that happened on the Southside at the Harlandale Civic Center Thursday, August 31st.

Republican Congressman Henry Bonilla invited what should have been a huge crowd of Republican precinct chairs for a gathering so that he could bond with them, so to speak.

Apparently he was attempting to revitalize his Southside campaign since he recently boasted that he is a product of the Southside. It has been reported that his mother lives somewhere in the Southside.

Unfortunately for him and his campaign staff, only about 20 or so precinct chairs showed up for the meeting.

A call supposedly went out for Republicans to attend. One Democratic Party activist was called at the Bexar County Democratic Party Headquarters and was invited to attend the meeting. Obviously the Bexar Democratic Party's caller ID did not dissuade the caller from inviting the Party activist.

In an effort to be polite, the activist and her husband went to the meeting with digital camera in hand and for what ever reason, took pictures with the Congressman and the candidate for State Rep. District 118, George Antuna.

Never asked directly by the Bonilla staff what Precinct they represented, they blended in with the crowd, so to speak.

Bonilla was quoted by the Party activist as saying, "we asked the Judge for the Southside and we got the Southside."

Bewildered and befuddled, the two Democratic activists scrathed their heads and waved good bye to the Republican precinct chairs.

The moral of the story is when you get invited to a Republican event, take your digital camera and document your visit!!!

Seeing is believing.

Ciro Rodriguez drops a bombshell and opts out of the District 23 Congressional race

Ciro Rodriguez, former Congressional District 23 candidate & Steve Walker, BCDPNews Editor, pose at the Central Labor Council, (CLC) moments before Rodriguez informed Labor delegates he was stepping out of the race

Former Congressman Ciro Rodriguez stunned members of the Central Labor Council (CLC) when he informed them he was dropping out of the Congressional District 23rd race at a Labor Council endosement session, Wednesday, August 30th.

Rodriguez spoke of his long time support for unions and their support of his candidacy for Congress. When he finished his address, the former four term District 28 Congressman was given a standing ovation.He gve no reason why he aborted his campaign.

With Rodriguez's sudden withdrawal, there are still a number of Democrats in the race. They include: Augie Beltran, Albert Uresti, Rick Bolanos and Lukin Gilliland. Albert Uresti was given the nod for the labor endorsement in the race.

Congressional District candidates Augie Beltran, Albert Uresti, and Lukin Gilliland attended the special meeting and addressed the CLC delegates.

In Congressional District 21, John Courage was endorsed a second time.

Kick-off campaign- State Rep. candidate Joe Farias

Joe Farias (photo)
State Rep. 118th candidate

Join Joe as he kicks off his fall campaign for State Representative!
When: Saturday, September 2
Time: 10 am
Where: 2804 Pleasanton Road
Food and Drink Provided.

Bring your walking shoes!We'll be block walking afterward.
Directions:From Pleasanton/Military Drive intersection, go south on Pleasanton.

Office will be on your left, just after Harding/Pleasanton intersection. Please park on Harding.

John Courage on a whistle stop tour

By John Courage (photo)
Candidate for the 2st Congressional District

This weekend we began our CD-21 Hill Country campaign by making a whistle-stop tour (a la David Van Os) through some of the counties recently added to our newly drawn district.

First up: the Texas Democratic Women's reception for Chris Bell in Kerrville on Friday evening. On Saturday morning we made a formal announcement of our Hill Country campaign at the Veterans' Memorial in front of the Kerr County Courthouse and talked with hundreds of visitors at the nearby Kerrville Market Days event.

Saturday afternoon we were in Bandera for the Bandera County Democrats Moving Texas Forward rally, where I spoke to a packed room, announcing my candidacy to be the next Congressman for Bandera County.

We finished the day at the Boone Ranch near Canyon Lake, the home of Robbi and Dan Boone, for a joint rally for the Barbara Radnofsky for Senate and John Courage for Congress campaigns.

At each of these rallies we had Democrats from all over the Hill Country and several statewide candidates including Chris Bell, Barbara Ann Radnofsky, Maria Luisa Alvarado, Hank Gilbert, Dale Henry, and Fred Head as well as many local candidates, all of whom gave great speeches invigorating the crowds.

On Sunday we visited the Blanco County Courthouse in Johnson City and met with Blanco County Democratic Party activists. From there a rally at the Comal County Democrats new campaign headquarters in New Braunfels before a standing-room-only crowd.

We concluded with a farewell stop at the Hays County Dems' annual LBJ Dinner in Driftwood. Since the recent redistricting, Hays County is no longer a part of the 21st Congressional District.

The LBJ Dinner was an extraordinary success, with several hundred area Democrats in attendance. Chris Bell, Barbara Ann Radnofsky, and Congressman Lloyd Doggett spoke to the very enthusiastic throng.

In a special presentation during the LBJ Dinner, I was recognized and given an unexpected award: JOHN COURAGE: In appreciation for your Tireless Service in Support of the Democratic Party, and for your Leadership and Courage which has inspired and enriched us all. Your Friends and Supporters in Hays County.

All in all, this was a terrific weekend for the Courage for Congress Campaign, and I cannot conclude without mentioning the great work of my campaign team, TEAM COURAGE, for making everything go so well.

A huge thanks to TEAM COURAGE members:, Matt, Stewart, Meredith, Madeleine, David, Loretta, Emilio, Larry, Val, Cheryl, Sterling, Jamie, and last Zada. I couldn't do anything without you!

Editor's Note: This article was edited for length.

"Come Get Your Sign Party," Aug.30th

Barbara Hanson Nellermoe (photo)

By Tom Daniels

Judge Barbara Hanson Nellermoe of the 45th District Court is having a "Come Get Your Yard Sign Party" at the Ariel House, 8118 Datapoint Drive on Wednesday, August 30th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The event is hosted by the Ariel House attorneys.Contact Tom Daniels for further information:210-834-3954 or tommydaniels@yahoo.com

Bell rises in polls, Perry & Strayhorn plummet

Chris Bell (photo)
Candidate for Governor

Latest Zogby poll has Perry and Strayhorn plummeting, Bell in second, Friedman in third and Strayhorn dragging in last.

Online nature of poll raises questions but gives life to Bell's Campaign.

Although its methodology is among the most questionable of the national pollsters watching Texas' elections, the Wall Street Journal/Zogby Poll has some startling results.

According to WSJ/Zogby, Governor Perry's lead has dropped to 34.8%.
The biggest beneficiary is Democrat Chris Bell who has surged into second place at 23.1%.

"All we need to beat Rick Perry is 35%, and the way Rick Perry is dropping and Chris Bell is rising, it's clear that the only realistic way to get a new governor is to get behind Chris Bell," said Bell campaign spokesperson Heather Guntert.

Independent Kinky Friedman is in third with 22.7%.

The stunner in the poll has Carole Strayhorn down to single digits with 9.6%

Gene Kelly files for Congressional District 21

Democratic Congressional candidate Gene Kelly is a retired U.S. Air Force officer and Attorney. Born April 2, 1926 in New York City, Kelly later moved to Universal City, Texas where he's lived ever since. While Universal City is Kelly's hometown, he has left it for large chunks of time to serve his country and further his education.

Kelly completed a JD from the University of Georgia Law School in 1951 and has practiced law for the entire half century since. As an Air Force Colonel, Gene Kelly served as a Judge Advocate General or "JAG" from 1951 to 1979.

Prior to his service in the air, Colonel Kelly served as a Tech 4 in the U.S. Army from 1944 to 1947.

The race for the 21st Congressional race is his seventh statewide race since 1990. He has run for the Texas Supreme Court more than once, the Court of Criminal Appeals, Attorney General and U.S. Senate - running in the 1993 special election ultimately won by Kay Bailey Hutchison.

"As time goes on and your name becomes more and more known and your reputation for honesty, integrity and freedom from improper influence becomes more and more fixed in the minds of the people, you will stand a much better chance of being elected," Kelly once told the Austin American-Statesman when running for the Senate.

Gene Kelly and his wife Ingrid have four children and still live in the San Antonio suburb of Universal City, Texas.

Lukin Gilliland to focus on new direction for change

Lukin Gilliland (photo)
Candidate for Congressional District 23
By Kelly Fero, Press Contact















(SAN ANTONIO) -- Longtime South Texas rancher and businessman Lukin Gilliland entered the race for the U.S. Congress in CD23, saying it's time to set a new direction for positive change.

"Washington's values are upside down," Gilliland said. "They need a healthy dose of traditional Texas values and can-do spirit on Capitol Hill."

Gilliland opened his official campaign account and seeded it with a $500,000 contribution to signal his commitment to run a competitive race.

"I will focus on the issues of critical concern in our communities," Gilliland said. "And I won't hesitate to defend myself or my supporters against the inevitable attacks from Washington D.C.-style politicians."

Current leaders in the nation's capital have failed to address a whole range of critical issues, Gilliland said, from health care reform and pension protection to energy independence and finding an exit strategy from the quagmire of civil war in Iraq.

A recognized leader, businessman, and rancher with a deep interest in land- and water-use issues, Gilliland said one of his top priorities is to secure the natural heritage of the region, which sprawls from South San Antonio to El Paso County.

His successful business career and tradition of community activism underscores his conviction that "government should lead, set priorities, work in partnership with private and volunteer sectors, and stand up for the majority, not just the few," Gilliland said.

Gilliland graduated from Alamos Heights High School in San Antonio and the University of Texas at Austin, with a bachelor's degree in Government. He lives in San Antonio.

Veterans pass resolution vs. protests at funerals

By Larry Romo (photo)
Texas DemVets Chairman

The DNC Veterans & Military Families Council Leadership Summit brought members from across the country and Democrats Abroad together,August 26th at the DNC Headquarters in Washington DC to salute our Fighting Dems, prepare for the November elections, and speak out on behalf of military families whose loved ones' funerals are being harassed by certain hate groups.

We started out days after the November 2004 elections, disheartened by the election loss, the swift boating of our candidates, and the loss in potential for our country. However, we were hopeful that the spark lit by the Veterans for Kerry, Gold Star Families against the war, and other military family members could be maintained, and dedicated ourselves to keeping the flame burning through creation of the DNC Veterans and Military Families Council.

Now, nearly 22 months later, over 40 Fighting Dems - veterans running for Congress as Democrats - have made it through the Congressional primaries and are headed into November with a strong security message. Links to their websites may be found by visiting the DNC website at: www.democrats.org/page/content/fightingdems/index/.

The Iraqi veterans on the DNC Veterans and Military Families Council brought up the casualties in the Iraq War -- to date over 2,600 servicemembers who have died. Many expressed concern that certain right-wing hate groups have been protesting at those military funerals. As a result, we drafted and released the resolution below.

Resolution of the DNC Veteran and Military Families Council Leadership Summit: Let America’s Fallen Heroes Rest in Peace
(passed unanimously August 26th)

“We United States Veterans and Military Family members express our gratitude and sympathy to the families and loved ones of the thousands of servicemembers who have made the ultimate sacrifice to America, and believe that those heroes be laid to rest in an atmosphere if the highest respect and reverence.

"We deplore the cruel and inappropriate protests at military funerals, and, as a measure of common sense and common decency, support a reasonable 'setback' from military funeral sites.

"We call upon politicians and political organizations who get money and resources from these groups to stop desecrating our military heroes, return the money and decline the support of groups who do so, and work to stop the harassment of veterans and military families.

"Veterans have fought for our country, now we must fight for them. Let America ’s fallen heroes rest in peace.”

Central Labor Council (AFL-CIO) will host a Labor Day celebration brunch, September 3rd

Top Row: CLC President Alicia Garza & Gubnatorial candidate Chris Bell
2nd Row: Attorney General candidate David Van Os & Senatorial candidate Barbara Radnofsky (photos)

Democrats are invited to attend the AFL-CIO Labor Day Jazz Brunch, Sunday, September 3rd at 9:30 a.m. at the Granada Homes, 311 S. St. Mary's on the 15th floor.

Hosted by the Central Labor Council, (CLC) the Jazz Group "Stylings by Dave Dearing," (local Musicians Union) will perform during the event.

The holiday celebrates working men and women and their families.

Those who are interested in attending may meet at the San Fernando Cathedral at 8 a.m. for a Mass dedicated to Labor, before the event.

Invited guest speakers include: Democratic Gubnatorial candidate Chris Bell, Democratic Senatorial candidate Barbara Radnofsky and Democratic candidate for Attorney General, David Van Os.

Tickets for the event are $35 per person and all proceeds benefit AFL CIO Central Labor Council.

For more information call 226-8447.

Picnic in the Park on Labor Day with Democrats

The Bexar County Democratic Party & North East Bexar County Democrats invite you and your family to:

Picnic in the Park
A City-Wide Democratic Celebration of Labor Day

Monday, September 4th
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Brackenridge Park, Joske Pavilion
(Enter on Tuleta from Broadway, right on Brackenridge)

Enjoy Ice Cold Sodas, Iced Tea, Hot Dogs & Chips
Hear From Democratic Party Elected Officials & Candidates.

Meet People & Join the Democratic Cause.
Everyone is welcome to come to have fun in the Sun!

Candidates or Groups may secure a space for campaign or promotional materials with a suggested $50 Donation.

For Info or to Volunteer: contact Larry Balser at 823-8739 or by e-mail lbalser@grandecom.net or Nancy Wood at 822-8806.

Donations are accepted at: N.E.B.C.D., C/O Bob Miller, 14215 Jones Maltsberger Rd., San Antonio, Texas 78247.

Political Advertising paid for by North East Bexar County Democrats,Robert W. Miller, Treasurer, 14215 Jones Maltsberger Road, San Antonio, TX 78247.

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