Senator John Edwards (photo)
(more photos coming later)
By the Democrat
a.k.a. Steve Walker
Addressing a crowd of party activists, Democratic judicial candidates, elected officials and financial backers, Senator John Edwards, said, "The Democratic Party needs to show leadership. We need to do it now."
Edwards, on a speaking tour around the United States to gauge a possible presidental run for 2008, noted, "we have to do it to show the world what we are made of."
He continued, "we must show a little spine, not act cautious, and not wait to see what the polls say. It is our time to do what is right for our grandchildren."
Edwards spoke to a capacity crowd at the Plaza Club in Frost Bank, Tuesday, August 2nd.
He pointed out in his speech that President Bush uses security to take away the American people's freedom.
"The future of this country is at stake. People need our leadership now more than ever. People want to be proud of who we are and we are the patriots of this country," he added.
He also pointed out in his speech that everyone needed health care. He said the cost keeps going up and the only ones who benefit from the spiraling costs is "the rich, nobody else."
The partisan crowd of Democrats cheered, applauded and responded to Edwards call to arms.
After Senator Edwards finished his speech to a standing ovation, former Bexar County Democratic Chair Gabe Quintanilla said, "Senator Edwards gave a truly rousing and enthusiasic speech. It is a good motivational, pumped up, speech to get us ready for November."
District Clerk Margaret Montemayor added, "He was energizing for the whole Bexar County Democratic Party."
Current Bexar County Chair, Carla Vela, who also welcomed eveyone to the fundraiser and introduced the elected officials, said, "this was a boost in the arm for our local Party."
The noon luncheon which was sponsored by the law offices of Frank Herrera for a coordinated campaign for judicial races, drew well over 100 people to the event.
Jorge Herrera, attorney and partner in his father's law firm, said he was pleased at the overwhelming response to the event. "It means people are ready to support the Democratic Party in Bexar County and all of our well-qualified candidates."
Alex Lopez, Frank Herrera's assistant, who coordinates events like the John Edwards luncheon said, " We were pleased the event went so well and everyone enjoyed the speaker."
Elected Officials who attended included: Congressman Charlie Gonzalez, Chief Justice of the 4th Court of Appeals Alma Lopez, who introduced Senator Edwards, Justice Catherine Stone from the 4th Court and Judges; Karen Crouch, Andy Mireles, David Rodriguez, Al Alonzo, Michael Mery, Martha Tanner, Irene Rios, Johnny Gabriel, Monica Guerrero and Paul Canales.
Other elected officials included: Commissioner's Chico Rodriguez, Paul Elizondo, and Tommy Adkisson as well as SAISD trustee Justin Rodriguez.
District Clerk Margaret Montemayor, State Rep. Joaquin Castro, SA Councilman Richard Perez, Balcones Heights Councilman Steve Walker, and the Texas Democratic Party Chairman, Boyd Richie also attended. Richie addressed the crowd.
Judicial candidates included: Larry Noll, Milton Fagin, Ray Olivarri,Carlton Spears, Eddie De La Garza, Gloria Saldana, Barbie Scharf-Zeldes, Ina Castillo, Laura Salinas, Catherine Torres-Stahl and Lauro Bustamante.
The Communications Workers of America, (CWA) also brought a delegation to the event to include their president Ralph Cortez.
At the end of the program, Attorney Frank Herrera thanked those who attended and presented Senator Edwards with a water globe with snowball flakes floating inside, for visiting the Alamo City once again.