Met Dean, Richards and Valdez tonight

[muse]

among others at Cedar Street Courtyard in Austin. There was a private reception hosted by the Women's Leadership Forum (part of the DNC) prior to Howard Dean speaking in the courtyard. I talked with Lupe Valdez, sheriff of Dallas county, for quite a while. She is very down to earth. I also talked with Yvonne Gonzalez Toureilles, state representative from Alice, Texas. She talked about being hounded by her Republican opponent after defeating him in last years election. I had heard stories about that and apparently they are all true. Mark Strama, a state representative from Austin was there as was Jennifer Kim, a newly elected city council member. Ann Richards was there for a short while and I got to talk with her. She had just flown in from Italy, but wanted to stop by and say hello to Dean.

Lots of good info from Dean about Texas being part of a 50 state strategy!

Was anyone else from DU there?

[shance]

1. Hi Muse* Thanks so much for your post.

Am glad to hear there was such a great showing of Dems at the reception! I hope Democracyfest is rocking the ole Cap!

I was born and raised in Texas (Dallas), but no Texas town beats Austin. How terrific Governor Richards made a showing, especially on the heals of returning from Europe! I keep up with the Texas Freedom Network that her daugher Sam started some years back.

Am glad to know the WLF has a formidable presence in Austin. Not surprising but good to know.

Other than that, how are ya'll holding up back there?

I hope things are looking up. Friends of mine have gotten more involved in the political scene, especially in Austin which I think has been one glimmering light to all the chaos happening these days. Its been a tough decade I think for all of us. We are having our challenges here in California of course. I've been here for almost six years and I never thought I'd see this state being as 'threatened' as it has now become. However, we have some amazingly committed Californians who are putting up one heck of a fight and have no intention of backing down!

Again thanks for posting and take care in the Lone Star***

[sonias]

2. Hi muse, glad you got to meet the good doctor

There were probably more DUers at the conference itself and not the special fundraising appearance downtown. Tickets to that event were $100. Remember folks it was fundraising. Those of us at DemFest saw Howard last night at Stubb's. And yes Lupe Valdez rocks!! I saw her at the Turning Red States Blue panel and at Stubb's last night. I love her.

Dean got a hero's welcome at Stubb's last night too! In addition to Dean and Valdez, count me in as being a Congressman Jesse Jackson Jr. fan. What an impressive young man. Jesse Jr. has the charisma and intelligence to become what his Dad tried - President of the United States. A Jackson/Obama ticket would be my dream ticket.

Sonia