DCDP donkey logo

Dallas County Democratic Party
Weekly Roundup            
Democratic news from Dallas County 
 and beyond. 
Tuesday February 9 2016    
Next Democratic Debate Watch
 
     
Come join Dallas County Democrats for the fifth debate between the 2016 Democratic Presidential Contenders. This debate is at the University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and we will gather again at Dave and Buster's off North Central Expressway.

Registration is required to help us track attendee count. Register on the event link at EventBrite.

Bring your family for dinner, grab a drink and play games during commercial breaks! Kids are encouraged to come!

When:     Thursday, February 11, 2016 from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Where:     Dave & Buster's - 9450 North Central Expressway Dallas, TX 75231

Early Voting Starts Next Tuesday

The Dallas County Elections Department has now posted online the Sample Ballot for the 2016 Democratic Primary. It is a pdf at:
They have also now posted a list of days, times, and locations for Early Voting for the 2016 Primary. This will run from Tuesday, February 16 through Friday, February 26. The list is a pdf at  http://www.dallascountyvotes.org/wp-content/uploads/EVLocationsP.pdf

For a Google map you can click on for the addresses of Early Voting Locations, see this page.

The locations for voting on Primary day, Tuesday, March 1, are at:
http://dallasdemocrats.org/site_files/2016%20Primary%20Locations%20for%20Web.pdf

The County Elections Department has also now posted the Training Schedule for Election Judges. It is a pdf at http://www.dallascountyvotes.org/wp-content/uploads/TRAININGSCHEDULE.pdf 

Endorsements
      
The Dallas County Democratic Party does not make endorsements in contested primaries. Several local Democratic organizations do in some races. Just for information, I am collecting lists of these to post on my own web site (just as I listed there the candidates applying for the ballot before they were officially filed). So far, I have six lists:

Far North Dallas Richardson Democrats
Lake Highlands/White Rock Democrats
Metrocrest Democrats
Preston Hollow Democrats
Progressive Voters League (A New Era)
Stonewall Democrats of Dallas

Not all groups even consider endorsements in every contest. For instance, only three endorsed for President (all for the same person). Only five endorsed for Railroad Commissioner (all five for the same person). The only two races where all six groups endorsed were District Judge of the 254th Judicial District and County Tax Assessor-Collector (again, all six groups voted for the same candidate in each of those contests). Other candidates did win all four, all three, both, or even the only endorsement made in various races, but there was a split in endorsements for just two positions: Criminal District Judge of Court No. 2 (between all three candidates), and County Commissioner Precinct No. 3 (between two of four).

There are still other group endorsements that have been made (and more to come -- two clubs are endorsing tonight). Please send me lists of any other primary endorsements your own group has made this year, by email to BillHowellDCDP AT yahoo.com, and I'll add them to the collection when I post it later at http://stoutdemblog.blogspot.com/.

As always, don't just blindly take any group's word for who to vote for in the primary -- judge for yourself and make up your own mind. You can find the candidates' own websites and contact info at this page:
http://dallasdemocrats.org/elections/380.html 

Dallas Democrats Call on Justice of the Peace Bill Metzger to Resign
     
Republican Justice of the Peace Bill Metzger is refusing LGBT Mesquite residents their constitutional right to marriage. When Metzger took office, he swore to "preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States," as well as Texas.

His decision is based on Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton's non-binding opinion that Texas elected officials do not have to issue same-sex marriage licenses. Perhaps Paxton and Metzger fail to realize that their personal opinions do not override the U.S. Supreme Court.

Metzger appears to argue that his personal rights somehow trumps the rights of all Americans. He does not seem to recognize the separation of church and state that is essential for democracy. He certainly has the right to his opinion, but he cannot hold office and continue to break the law.

Dallas County Chair Carol Donovan issued the following statement:

"The Dallas County Democratic Party cannot support any official who is willing to break the law and violate the rights of the citizens she or he was elected to serve. By refusing to officiate same-sex marriages, Judge Bill Metzger is not only violating federal law, as interpreted by the United States Supreme Court, but he is also violating his Oath of Office. Therefore, he must resign."

A previous ruling by Democratic Attorney General Jim Mattox about interracial marriages said that JPs could decline to perform any marriages, but if they did any they could not discriminate against anyone on account of race. "Once a justice of the peace undertakes to exercise the authority to marry people granted him by article 1.83 of the Family Code he may not, consistent with the equal protection clause of the United States Constitution, refuse to conduct a marriage ceremony for the reason that the parties are not of the same race." His reasoning would likely apply to this as well. Read his full opinion at https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/opinions/opinions/47mattox/op/1983/htm/jm0001.htm 

On The Campaign Trails
       
Laura Irvin, our Democratic candidate for State Representative Dist. 102, speaking to UTD college Democrats.
   
State Representative Rafael Anchia HD103 with beads for the Oak Cliff Mardi Gras parade.
 

Sheriff Lupe Valdez at the Oak Cliff Mardi Gras Parade.

Primary Update
 
We've placed an order for 150,000 "I Voted" stickers for this year. We still have a number of vacancies that need an experienced election worker to fill as an Election Judge. Contact Zach, Kris, or Jacqueline of The Primary Team by emailing to elections AT dallasdemocrats.org or calling our office at 214-821-8331.

February Club of the Month: Lake Highlands/White Rock Democrats
       
Lake Highland/White Rock Democrats are a group of political activists that support the Democratic Party and its nominees, promote political awareness and participation, and provide a forum for the discussion of issues important to members.

LHWRD meet the third Saturday of each month at the Pointe Center for the Arts and Education on campus of CC Young Retirement Community, 4847 W. Lawther Dr, Dallas 75214. Join them on February 20 at 9:30 AM for coffee, donuts, and socializing. The meeting will begin at 10 AM.

For more information, visit their website.

Senate District Conventions And Temporary Chairs  
   
This year there will be no Precinct Conventions on Primary Election Day. Instead, Democratic voters from each precinct will gather at their Senate District Conventions to caucus and choose delegates to the State Convention this summer. The Senate District Conventions will be held this year on Saturday, March 19 at locations in each district. You may pre-register online for your Senate District Convention at http://register.txdemocrats.org/countyconvention/signup.

Precinct Chairs from each State Senate District caucused and elected Temporary Chairs or Co-Chairs for each of their Senate District Conventions. These Temporary Chairs and Co-Chairs will find and confirm locations for their Senate District Conventions, and make all the other arrangements for those. That includes designating members and Chairs of the various Convention Committees. This is an enormous task and they will be glad to have any help you can give. Contact them at:

Senate District 2 --
Barbara Rosenberg 214-923-8067  email berosenberg AT sbcglobal.net

Sally White 214-808-7784 email sallywht AT att.net

Senate District 2 Convention:  Registration will begin at 9 a.m. and the convention will start at 10 a.m. CWA Hall, 1408 N. Washington, Dallas, Texas 75204. 


Senate District 8 --

Donna Bullard 214-664-3935 email terrybullard AT hotmail.com


Senate District 9 --

Michael McPhail 972-922-6295  email mmcphail1974 AT gmail.com


Senate District 16 --

David Griggs 214-244-5979 email wdgriggs AT yahoo.com

Janice Schwarz 214-460-7283 email tamsterbath AT gmail.com

Katherine McGovern 214-755-2762 email ksm51711 AT gmail.com


Senate District 23 --

Jeff Strater 214-893-1336 email jeffstrater AT gmail.com

Shay Wyrick-Cathey 214-850-9285 email shaycathey AT gmail.com


Resolution form for submission to the Texas Democratic Party
     
The Texas Democratic Party Rules requires that resolutions shall be printed on the form available on the TDP website, in Appendix A of the rules, or from the County Chair/Senatorial District Chair. We've created an online submission form, that you can fill out here. Each resolution will be distributed to the Senatorial District Chairs, but the benefit of submitting it all in one place is that it's a central location and that the resolutions will be available to the public. Anyone who wishes to submit a resolution can do so through their Senatorial District Chair or through us.

How to be a Delegate to the 2016 Democratic National Convention
   
There will be no precinct conventions on the evening of the Texas Primary, March 1 (Super Tuesday). Instead of attending Precinct Conventions on Primary night, you go to your District Convention March 19 to caucus by precincts there.

Read this memo from the Texas Democratic Party to learn the steps to becoming a delegate and how many delegates are allotted to your senate district.

Senate District Conventions will be held on Saturday, March 19, 2016. The State Convention will be held June 16-18, in San Antonio. Philadelphia hosts the Democratic National Convention the week of July 25.

To those running to be a national delegate, good luck!

Help Make It A Democratic New Year!

Start (Or Renew) Your Sustaining Membership In the Dallas County Democratic Party
      
The Sustaining Membership is an opportunity for Democrats to show their support for the party. As you know, the party operates to serve the party membership, elected officials, candidates and other activists and voters throughout the county. The members are the backbone of the party. Their continuous activities keep Democrats in office, and keep our values alive in a sea of RED.

The challenges to our issues and candidates always need support. That support comes from a viable party office.  As you can imagine, it costs plenty to keep us running and keep us BLUE. The only way to make sure the office is fully funded is through Sustaining Member contributions. Your regular donation of as little as $10 a month is an investment in the future of the local Democratic Party. Thank you for your contributions and concern for DCDP.

We have several levels of Sustaining Memberships, each with its own category name and benefits. Read about them all and choose your level to get (or renew) your Sustaining Membership at this page.

UPDATE: We have started a phone bank to ask people to begin (or renew) Sustaining Memberships in the DCDP. If you can help phoning, call Carmen at 214-821-8331 or email Chris At DallasDemocrats.org.


DCDP Office Wish List
      
There are so many things we need to run the DCDP headquarters. If you'd like to help us out in 2016, please donate one of the following items:

Banners for Community Events
Back Drop
Microwave
Wide exterior DCDP door mat
Stage Flag
Copier
Gift cards for sodas/snacks
Banner for outside
Ceiling Tiles
Mop Bucket
Tripod for Camera

If you can help, see our JotForm at this page:
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 9:

Drinking Liberally Addison -- (5:30 pm, The Londoner, 14930 Midway Rd., Addison)

Dallas County Young Democrats -- Come to Sue Ellen's this Tuesday to hear from Dallas primary candidates and elect the new DCYD board. (6:30 pm, Sue Ellens, 3903 Cedar Springs Rd, Dallas 75219)

Drinking Liberally Lewisville -- (6:30 PM, Tierneys Cafe and Tavern, 208 E Main St., Lewisville 75077)

Irving Democratic Club CANDIDATE FORUM -- (7 PM, Senter Park East, 228 Chamberlain,  Irving) 

Dallas Drinking Liberally -- (7:30 pm, Uptown Pub, 3605 McKinney Ave, Dallas)

Wednesday, February 10:

Reception for Commissioner Dr. Theresa Daniel -- Dallas County District 1. Complimentary Beverages & Appetizers. Live music. $20 suggested minimum to attend. Sponsorships from $100 to $5000. Donate online at https://plasso.co/s/Fecf3ROySe.  (5:30 to 7:30 p.m., The Lot Dallas, 7530 E Grand Avenue, Dallas 75214)


Fundraiser for Tracey Gulley -- Candidate for Constable, Precinct 1. Donations --  Sponsor: $5000, Co-Sponsor: $2500, Supporter: $1000, Co-Supporter: $500. Bring your donation to the event or mail to: Tracey Gulley Campaign, PO Box 763008, Dallas, Texas 75376-3008. (5:30 - 7:15 pm, African American Museum, 3536 Grand Avenue, Dallas 75210)

Denton County Democratic Party Open House -- We've Moved! Join us for the debut of our new Denton County Democratic Party headquarters and enjoy refreshments. Located beside the Law Offices of William Trantham. Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/events/102872306767597/  (6 - 7:00 pm, 1710 W. University Dr., Suite 110, Denton 76201)

Thursday, February 11:  

Preston Hollow Democrats --
We will be discussing and planning our GOTV strategy for the March primary as well as the November election.  (6 - 8 PM, Preston Royal Library Auditorium, 5626 Royal Lane, Dallas 75229)

Birthday Celebration and Fundraiser for State Representative Toni Rose -- District 110.  Featuring Ultra Sound Band. $25 Friend to $500 Sponsor. RSVP 214-280-1869.  (6:30 - 9:30 PM, African American Museum of Dallas, 3536 Grand Avenue, Dallas 75210)
 
Coppell Valley Ranch Democrats Community Meeting -- Instead of a January meeting, to get out the vote for Democratic candidates. (6:45 pm to 8:45 pm, at the Valley Ranch Library, 401 Cimarron Trail, Irving 75063)

Democratic Presidential Debate Watch -- See article above. (7 - 10 PM, Dave & Buster's, 9450 North Central Expressway Dallas 75231)

Garland Area Democratic Club -- (7:00 pm, Garland Women's Activities Building, 713 Austin St. [at Glenbrook], downtown Garland)

Drinking Liberally Coppell -- Due to the Coppell-Valley Ranch Democrats Get Out The Vote event at 6:45, Drinking Liberally will start a couple of hours later than normal, but at the same place.  (8:45 PM, Esparza's Restaurante Mexicano, 817 South Macarthur Blvd # 125 at Belt Line, Coppell)

Friday, February 12:

Celebrate Black History Month VIP Screening of Tuskegee Airmen Traveling Exhibit -- Refreshments served starting at 5 PM. Bring family and friends but don't forget to RSVP by Wednesday, Feb. 10th at 5 PM to 214-498-5298 or email to lacpac2011 AT yahoo.com. Reservations and Times Slots Stictly Required. (Come and go 5 - 7 PM, Showings of film at 6, 6:20, 6:40, and 7 PM, at Commemorative Air Force Headquarters, City of Dallas Executive Airport, 5661 Mariner Drive [off Hampton and Highway 67], Dallas)

Drinking Liberally Plano --
(6:30 PM, The Rugby House Pub, 8604 Preston Rd ste 100, Plano 75024)

Saturday, February 13:

Dallas County East Democrats Coffee Social -- (8 am - 10 am Every Saturday at Panera Bread, 18641 Lyndon B Johnson Fwy., Mesquite 75150

Garland Area Democratic Club Saturday Morning Coffee -- (9 - 11 AM, Generator Coffee House, 107 N. 6th St. on the Square in Downtown Garland)

Fort Worth Chorizo and Menudo Community Breakfast -- (9:00 am, Gethsemane Presbyterian Church, 960 Bluff Street in Downtown Fort Worth 76102)

Mexican American Democrats of Texas -- Dallas CAUSA Chapter. (10 AM, JD's BBQ Oak Cliff,  311 W Jefferson Blvd., Dallas)

Kaufman County Democratic Party -- (10:00 am, Office of Dan Wood, Jr., Brin Opera House Bldg., 102 E. Moore Ave., Suite 212, Terrell 75160)

Liberal Ladies Who Lunch Rockwall Valentine Pot Luck -- Bring your spouse, or significant other, and a covered dish. (12:00 pm, Lynnda Allen's House, 213 Carriage Lane, Heath)

Muslim Democratic Caucus of Dallas County -- Contact: Tariq Jaffery, 972-523-7536, email to tjaffery AT gmail.com. (2:30 pm, Spicy Cuisine Restaurant, 1800 Valley View Lane, ste. 104, Irving 75061)

Sunday, February 14:

Rally for Bernie Sanders featuring Jim Hightower -- Jim Hightower is a long time progressive and former Agricultural Commissioner of Texas. David Sanchez, Deputy State Director for Bernie 2016, will be hosting the rally. Facebook event page:
or see   (1 - 3 PM, Harvest House, 331 E Hickory St, Denton 76201)

Reelection Fundraiser for Sheriff Lupe Valdez -- Join Hon. Harryette Ehrhardt & Jack Ehrhardt M. D. to help show your love for Sheriff Lupe Valdez! Facebook event page at https://www.facebook.com/events/1038929539497858/ Donate online at www.lupevaldez.com/donate or send checks payable to "Lupe Valdez" to P.O. Box 227501, Dallas, Texas 75222. For information, e-mail free4zach AT gmail.com or call 214-459-7022. (5:30 - 7:30 PM, 5731 Swiss Avenue, Dallas 75214)

Monday Night Politics Meet The Candidates Forums -- Presented by the Dallas Examiner. Feb. 15: US House of Representative Districts 30 and 33. (6 - 8 PM, African American Museum at Fair Park, 3536 Grand Avenue, Dallas 75210)

Rockwall Democratic Party President's Day -- Meet your Rockwall Candidates! Refreshments will be served. There may be other surprises! (7 PM, Harry Myers Community Center, 815 E Washington St., Rockwall)

North Texas Asian Democrats -- (7:30 pm, Jeng Chi Restaurant, 400 N. Greenville Ave. Suite 11, Richardson 75081)

Tuesday, February 16 through Friday, February 26:

Early Voting for the Democratic Primary --  See a pdf of the dates, times, and locations at http://www.dallascountyvotes.org/wp-content/uploads/EVLocationsP.pdf

Rockwall Chamber of Commerce Debate -- Tim Wells, Democratic candidate, will debate his Republican rivals in his bid to win the Rockwall County Justice of the Peace position in Commissioners Precinct 3. (5:30pm, Rockwall County Courthouse on Yellowjacket Rd.)

Collin County Young Democrats -- (6:30 PM, Mexigo, 6205 Coit Road Ste 396, Plano 75024)

Stonewall Democrats of Dallas -- (6:30 pm, Sue Ellen's, 3014 Throckmorton at Cedar Springs, Dallas)

Wednesday, February 17:

Garland Democratic Woman's Club -- GDWC is honored to have Garland Mayor Douglas Athas as our speaker on Garland in 2016. There is a great deal going on in our town and we want to know about it. (11:30 am to 1:00 pm at Siciliano's Italian Restaurant, 2210 W. Buckingham, Garland)

NW Dallas County Democratic Club -- (7:30 pm, at Taco Cabana on Webb Chapel, just south of LBJ 635)

Friday, February 19:

Last Day to Apply for Ballot by Mail for March 1 Primary -- (Must be received, not just postmarked.)

Tarrant County Democratic Party 2016 Unity Ball -- Special Guest: Bob Ray Sanders, Retired, Fort Worth Star Telegram. Dinner and Cash Bar. RSVP to comptroller AT tarrantdemocrats.org. Individual ticket $125. Sponsorships $250 to $10,000. Pay online at
https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/page/2016unityball  (6 - 10 PM, Masonic Temple, 1100 Henderson Street, Fort Worth 76102)

Monday, February 22:

Monday Night Politics Meet The Candidates Forums -- Presented by the Dallas Examiner. Feb. 22: Judge Dist. 254 and Criminal Dist. Court No. 2. (6 - 8 PM, African American Museum at Fair Park, 3536 Grand Avenue, Dallas 75210)

Thursday, February 25:

North Dallas Texas Democratic Women -- John Dornheim of National Alliance on Mental Illness, will educate the NDTDW members on mental illness in the work place.  How do we recognize mental illness and how does one handle it?  What about guns and mental illness in public spaces? How does mental illness fit with guns and domestic violence? (6:45 PM, Northhaven United Methodist Church, 11211 Preston Rd [west side of Preston, between Forest and Royal Rd.], Dallas)

Friday, February 26:

Last Day of Early Voting for 2016 Primary 

Saturday, February 27:

Power of the Purse -- Women Organizing Women Democrats major 2016 fundraising event. Proceeds from this event will be dedicated to supporting women candidates in the upcoming election cycle. Power of the Purse will feature a luncheon, keynote speaker and silent auction.  Keynote speaker: Regina Montoya. In 1993, she served in the White House as an Assistant to the President and Director of the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. Individual tickets $60. Sponsorships available from $100 to $1000. Questions? Contact Lori Kleinfield at president AT wowdems.org. Tickets and sponsorships online at ActBlue: https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/page/powerofpurse/
Note deadline to order tickets is February 20th. (11 AM - 1 PM, Rooftop Event Spot Upper level at The Ice House, 1000 E. 14th St., Plano 75074)   

Tuesday, March 1:

Democratic Primary -- (7 AM - 7 PM, Local precinct polling places)

Saturday, March 19:

Senate District Conventions -- (Various locations and times)

Tuesday, May 24:

Democratic Primary Runoff -- [If needed.] (7 AM - 7 PM, Local precinct polling places)

Thursday, June 16 through Saturday, June 18:

Texas Democratic Party State Convention -- San Antonio

Monday, July 25 through Thursday, July 28:

Democratic National Convention -- Philadelphia

Contact:
Dallas County Democratic Party
Carol Donovan, County Chair
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
Instagram:  http://instagram.com/dallasdemocrats