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Dallas County Democratic Party
 Weekly Roundup  
Democratic news from Dallas County
 and beyond.
Tuesday, February 18, 2014  
I VOTED EARLY TODAY - HAVE YOU?

On the way to the DCDP office this morning I stopped by and voted early. I was only one of several, but there was no line. It felt GOOD to vote for all those fine Democrats. Most of them had no opponent at all, but I still got to vote for them anyway. The list of Early Voting Locations and times is below. Go on by and join in the fun.

Early Voting Starts TODAY Tuesday February 18 (through Fri. Feb. 28)

A list of the times and places for Early Voting in this year's Democratic Primary is available as a pdf at this page.

This is our chance to help decide the future of our party. Don't wait until the rush on Tuesday, March 4. Vote early and all those campaigns will likely stop robo-calling you.

Your Democratic Primary Ballot

The actual sample ballot, showing four propositions Democrats will vote on this year, is a pdf at this page.

More Information On Candidates

For hilarious reading, see the wild answers of the statewide Republican candidates, trying to out-Tea-Party each other, on the League of Women Voters Guide, a pdf at this page

We have a list of all the Democratic candidates on the Dallas County ballot, with their websites, facebooks, or twitter links, and phone numbers and email addresses (when we have gotten them), posted at this page.

Notes at the top of that page detail the one filed candidate who withdrew, and four others that were disqualified or declared ineligible (for insufficient petition signatures or for residence).

Be Aware

As you can tell from her answers in the League Guide above (where she repeats her frequent call for impeaching President Obama), one of the five candidates for US Senator, Kesha Rogers, is a follower of convicted felon Lyndon LaRouche. None of the other candidates in our party seems connected to any totalitarian cult.

Precinct Chairs?

Precinct Chair filings are online at this page.

There are ten contests and the ballot order is shown.  When only one person filed for Precinct Chair they will win, but not be printed on the ballot. (There are no write-ins.) The terms of current Precinct Chairs run through June of 2014. Some incumbents who failed to get filed due to ice storms or whatever will likely be elected to another two year term at the June Executive Committee meeting.  

Republican opponents?

To see which of our candidates will face Republican opposition in November, see the listing for candidates of both parties at the Secretary of State's website at this page.

Choose Dallas County on the drop-down menu. The order is sometimes strange and unlike what will really be on our ballots, and it does not identify incumbents or list Libertarian or Green candidates, but it does show how few Republicans dared challenge our Democratic Judges in Dallas County.

Runoffs?

Yes, there may be runoffs. In Texas a candidate has to get a majority of the primary vote, or there will be a runoff between the top two vote-getters. This year that will be May 27. We could have several: statewide for US Senator and Agriculture Commissioner, countywide for Judgeships in Districts 265 and 301 (with five candidates), County Criminal Court 5, District Clerk (with six), and Dallas County Treasurer (with four), and in district races for State Board of Education 13, State Representative 105, Justice of the Peace Pct. 4 Pl. 1 and Pl. 2 (with four), Justice of the Peace Pct. 5 Pl. 1  (with five), and Constable Pct. 5 (with five). Just a few votes can make the difference in whether there is a runoff -- and who is in it. Your vote is very important in these contests.

Endorsements?

The Democratic Party does not endorse opposed candidates in the primary, but some Democratic clubs and organizations and officials do, as well as various other groups. Just for fun, Democratic State Committee member James White has compiled an unofficial list of those endorsements he's heard of, as a GoogleDoc at this page

Be aware: several groups don't endorse, or still haven't endorsed yet, or let James know about them, and very often candidates win despite having few or no endorsements. Voters make up their own minds, and rightly so.  Study the candidates and issues and use your own judgment.  Let's pick the best ones so that on March 5 -- or May 28 in runoffs -- we can all come together and work for the whole Democratic ticket this fall. 

Precinct Conventions?

This year, there will not be Precinct Conventions on the evening of the March 4 primary. Instead, those who vote in this year's Democratic primary can attend their State Senate District Convention on Saturday, March 22, and hold precinct caucuses there. Information about those is posted on the party website and will be listed again in the Roundup before those Conventions.

Are you prepared to vote?
 
The Texas Secretary of State requires voters to present one of several approved forms of photo ID. The list is at this page. This is the key information:

"A voter will be required to show one of the following forms of photo identification at the polling location before the voter will be permitted to cast a vote:
    Texas driver license issued by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
    Texas Election Identification Certificate issued by DPS
    Texas personal identification card issued by DPS
    Texas concealed handgun license issued by DPS
    United States military identification card containing the person's photograph
    United States citizenship certificate containing the person's photograph
    United States passport

"With the exception of the U.S. citizenship certificate, the identification must be current or have expired no more than 60 days before being presented at the polling place."

Precinct Chair Training 101

This training is designed for Dallas County Precinct Chairs, especially those who may be newly elected/appointed. Experienced chairs who would like a refresher are also welcome. The Precinct Chair Matters Committee offers this free training to Precinct Chairs as part of its mission to prepare Chairs to successfully identify and organize Democratic activists and voters in their precinct. The training led by David Reazin will cover the organization of the Democratic Party, tools and methods to build a precinct team, and steps you can take now to get organized and be most effective for the March 4th Democratic Primary and the General Election in November 2014. There will ample opportunity to meet other precinct chairs, share experiences, develop plans, and get your questions answered.

RSVP Now by calling Carmen or other Party staff at the Party office -- 214-821-8331. Provide your name, precinct number, email address and phone number. It is important to provide this information so that an exercise can be tailored to your precinct.

Date: Saturday February 22, 2014
Check-In: 9:30 AM, Class 10:00 AM -- Noon

Location: Lancaster Chamber Of Commerce & Visitors Center, 103 North Dallas Ave, Lancaster Texas 75146
Directions: Lancaster Chamber Of Commerce and Visitors Center, Phone: 972-227-2579, www.lancastertexas.org, 103 North Dallas Ave., Lancaster Texas 75146. This restored red brick building is on the NW corner of Dallas and Main. From I-20, take Lancaster Rd/Dallas Ave Exit, go south into Lancaster. From I-35, take Pleasant Run Rd Exit, go east to Dallas Ave, turn right to go south on Dallas Ave.

Upcoming Events and Meetings
 
(For the latest updates on local events, and links to more info about these, check out the DallasDemocrats on Facebook and Twitter, and the DCDP website Calendar. To add an event or make a change or correction, contact the party office or email the editor: BillHowellDCDP AT Yahoo.com.)

Tuesday, February 18 through Friday, February 28:
 
EARLY VOTING FOR THE 2014 DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY (Hours and locations are posted as a pdf at this page. Sample ballot with propositions is a pdf at this page.)

Stonewall Democrats of Dallas Our speakers this month: David Cary with PPNT on the ACA, AND Mike Collier, Democratic candidate for Texas State Comptroller. (6:30 pm, Ojeda's Restaurant, 4617 Maple Ave, Dallas)


Tuesday, February 18:

Early Voting Rally Please join CWA Local 6215 for Early Voting Rally 11 AM to Noon at the Records Building, 509 Main Street, across from the Old Red CourtHouse in downtown Dallas. Everybody who cares about winning is encouraged to come!

Stonewall Democrats of Dallas Our speakers this month: David Cary, with PPNT on the ACA, and Mike Collier, Democratic candidate for Texas State Comptroller. (6:30 PM, Ojeda's Restaurant, 4617 Maple Ave., Dallas)

DCDP Supplemental Primary Election Day Judge Training
(7 - 9 PM, Dallas County Democratic Party Office, 4209 Parry Ave. [at Fletcher], Dallas)



Wednesday, February 19:

Garland Democratic Woman's Club (11:30 am, Siciliano's Italian Restaurant, 2210 W. Buckingham, Garland)

Meet & Greet for Leigh Bailey
Candidate for State Representative District 108. Jim Mattingly & Judy Shure are hosting a Bluffview, Devonshire & Briarwood area Meet & Greet. (5:30 pm to 7:00 pm, RSVP to 214-358-7282 for event details.)

Northwest Dallas Democrats (7:30 pm, Taco Cabana, 11824 Webb Chapel Road, Farmers Branch)


Thursday, February 20:

Reception for Carol Donovan Democratic candidate for State Representative District 107. Complimentary Beverages & Appetizers. RSVP by email to CarolForTexas AT gmail.com. (5:30 - 7:30 pm, The Home of Lisa Blue Baron, 5950 Deloache Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75225)

DCDP VAN Training
For more details call the party office at 214-821-8331. (6:30 PM, DCDP office, 4209 Parry at Fletcher, Dallas)

Far North Dallas Richardson Democrats
Come at anytime after 6 PM for the food and socializing. Meeting starts at 7 PM. For more information see www.farnorthdallasdemocrats.org or email to fnddclub AT gmail.com. (6 PM, Kasra Restaurant, 525 West Arapaho Rd #21, Richardson) TX 75080

DCDP Supplemental Primary Election Day Judge Training (7 - 9 PM, Dallas County Democratic Party Office, 4209 Parry Ave. [at Fletcher], Dallas)


Friday, February 21:

First Annual Mardi Gras Gumbo Cookoff Donations will benefit the Rockwall County Democratic Party.  County Chair Judith Matherne, a native of Louisiiana, is throwing out a challenge... Is your Gumbo better than her Gumbo? Several cooks have already accepted the challenge. To enter the Cook Off, bring a pot of your best gumbo and a pot of rice. Members will donate money for tasting cups and bowls of Gumbo. There will be a crafts table for kids to make their own masks and Mardi Gras beads for everyone. In the spirit of Mardi Gras there may even be a "Second Line" march. Email RockwallDemocrats AT Gmail.com. (7:00 pm, Harry Myers Community Center, 815 E Washington St, Rockwall, Texas 75087)


Saturday, February 22:
 
Breaking of the Bread Breakfast Voter Education Judicial Forum South East Dallas Business and Professional Women's Club, Singing Hills Neighborhood Association, and the Community Coalition present candidates running for judgeship. Candidates are invited to share their literature and bring yard signs. Continental breakfast served in Fellowship Hall. Candidates are asked to confirm their participation by contacting President Mary Luckey at 214/376-8880 or thru e-mail to smartluckey AT att.net. (9 AM - Noon, St. Phillips Missionary Bapt. Church, 6000 Singing Hills, Dallas)

Precinct Chair Training 101 in Lancaster
See more details in article above. RSVP Now!! Space is limited to 30. RSVP by calling Carmen at the Party office -- 214-821-8331. Provide your name, precinct number, email address and phone number, so that an exercise can be tailored to your precinct. (9:30 am to 12:00 pm, Lancaster Chamber Of Commerce & Visitors Center, 103 North Dallas Ave, Lancaster Texas 75146)

DCDP Supplemental Primary Election Day Judge Training (11 AM - 1 PM, Communication Workers of America Union Hall, 1408 N. Washington [at Bryan], Dallas)

Rowlett Democratic Club (3 pm, First Christian Church, 7301 Miller Rd. [Miller Rd and Chiesa Rd, northeast corner], Rowlett)


Tuesday, February 24:

Dallas County Texas Democratic Women (6:30 p.m., 1400 Hi Line Drive @ 35E [Enter parking garage at corner of Hi Line & Edison. Park on the second floor and take elevator to the first floor to check-in with staff.  Meeting is held in the sixth floor Club House.])


Wednesday, February 26:

Faith And Worker Rights Jobs with Justice and the Dallas AFL-CIO present Keith Stewart, the Senior Pastor of Springcreek Church in Garland, the first speaker in this series of three evenings of analyzing specific Bible texts in their connections to the issues of worker justice. Theological reflection by Professor Joerg Rieger of SMU and discussion afterwards. (7 - 8:30 pm, Oak Cliff United Methodist Church, 547 E Jefferson Blvd, Dallas)

Thursday, February 27:

DCDP VAN Training For more details call the party office at 214-821-8331. (6:30 PM, DCDP office, 4209 Parry at Fletcher, Dallas)

North Dallas Texas Democratic Women Aimee Arrambide, NARAL Director of Public Affairs will be substituting for Heather Busby at our February 27th meeting.  She will be speaking about the basics about NARAL...what it is, how it got started, how long it has had a presence in Texas and what new difficulties they are facing with the (even more) restrictive legislation passed by the Legislature last year. (6:45 pm to 9:00 pm, Northaven United Methodist Church, 11211 Preston Rd, Dallas)


Saturday, March 1:

Park Cities Central Dallas Democrats For our March 1, 2014 meeting, Dallas County District Attorney Craig Watkins is going to give a presentation on the Innocence Project. Coffee will be provided. (10:30 am to 12:00 pm, University Park Library, 8383 Preston Center Plaza, Suite 200, University Park, TX 75225) 


Monday, March 3:

Dallas County Tejano Democrats (6:30 pm, La Calle Doce Oak Cliff, 415 W 12th St, Dallas, TX 75208)


Tuesday, March 4:

2014 DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY [Also Mardi Gras.] (7 AM - 7 PM, local precinct polling places)


Saturday, March 8:

International Women's Day Celebration with Becky Moeller, President of Texas AFL-CIO. The Texas and Dallas AFL-CIO, Jobs with Justice, and the Women's Alliance for Leadership invite you. This event is free and open to everyone, but it requires registration at http://bit.do/gHbF. About the importance of women taking action, organizing, and leading to build a better Texas for all. Other speakers include community organizer Denechia Powell, drama professor Vanessa Mercado Taylor, and women's rights activist Sarah Slamen! A musical performance will be given by the wonderful women's vocal ensemble MosaicSong. We will be offering tables for organizations to inform about their work. Please reserve a table for only $30 by February 28th, 2014 by going to http://bit.do/gHbF. If you have any questions,please contact Rosemarie Rieger (Jobs with Justice) at 214-632-5695 or jobswithjusticetexas AT gmail.com.  (1:30 pm to 4:30 pm, 1408 N. Washington Ave, Dallas)


Saturday, March 22:

Democratic Party Senatorial District Conventions With Precinct Caucuses (In each State Senate district in Dallas County; Locations pending and will be posted and announced later)

Monday, May 19 through Friday, May 23:

Early Voting for the 2014 Democratic Primary Runoff (Hours and locations will be posted later at http://www.dallascountyvotes.org)


Tuesday, May 27:

 2014 Democratic Primary Runoff (7 AM - 7 PM, local precinct polling places)


Friday, June 27 and Saturday, June 28:

Texas Democratic Party State Convention Dallas Convention Center. Sign up for more information at this page.


Tuesday, November 4:

General Election for 2014. (Local polling places.)

Contact:
Dallas County Democratic Party
4209 Parry Avenue, Dallas TX 75223
Phone: 214-821-8331     Fax: 214-821-0995
Website:  www.dallasdemocrats.org
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/DallasDemocrats
Twitter:  twitter.com/dallasdemocrats  
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