Democratic Issues of Bastrop County

Victory is bitter sweet

2008-11-06T14:22:00.000-08:00

Dear Fellow Democrats:

I can't describe how happy I am that the Democrats of America elected Barack Obama as the next President. Everyone I have talked to is excited about the new direction the country will be taking. It has been a long eight years of abuse by the Republicans. For the most part, the Democrats ran a clean, goal oriented race and the fact they we triumphed is fabulous.

I wish the same could be said of the Texas House District race run by Donnie Dippel and Tim Kleinschmitz. Mr. Kleinschmitz won his race through slander, liable, and the dirtiest smear tactics I have seen. It is my hope that Mr. Dippel will pursue legal recourse for the illegal part that was committed.

The race for Bastrop County District Judge was also messy. I am so elated that Chris Duggan, who ran a clean and honorable race, was able to prevail. His opponent also committed acts that border on illegal. Fortunately, the voters saw through it!

Now it is time for the healing process to begin and the Democratic process to win out and take hold. I believe it will be easier in two years to win races honorably. I believe the Republicans have finally realized that no group can fool all the people forever. Good for all of us!!!

Linda L.

Debate Number 3

2008-10-16T11:29:00.000-07:00

The third and final debate is now over and Senator Obama did a fabulous job! He was cool, calm, and collected. He didn't stutter. He didn't waver.

McCain, on the other hand, was as slippery as ever. I had a few comments about his statements.

One, he and his running mate keep referring to her experience with special needs children. He said she was very aware of the difficulties experienced by parents with autistic children. Her child is not autistic. He has Downs Syndrome. Over the years there have been huge improvement in the treatment of Downs Syndrome children and their quality of life is very good. Autism is a very big problem but it is not within Sarah Palin's area of experience.

Two, I was offended that he could not remember Michelle Obama's name. He referred over and over to his wife Cindy. However, when he tried to recall Michelle's name, he could not and reverted to Mrs. Obama. My impression was that she, as a woman, was not sufficiently important to remember.

Third, I thought Senator McCain stuttered, stammered, and frequently searched for words. When stumped, he reverted to the old tactic of saying the same thing over and over. The Republican state of mind seems to be that "if you say a lie over and over enough times, it becomes the truth."

Fourth, the interview with the undecided voters after the debate was very informative. I was surprised to see that all the six members stated that they doubted Senator McCain's judgment since he choose Sarah Palin as his Vice-Presidential running mate. That said volumes to me.

Linda Laughinghouse

Vice-Presidential Debate

2008-10-02T11:35:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone will tune in to the debate tonight. I hope everyone really gets to know the caliber of people the two candidates are. If they are true to themselves, then the country will know exactly who to vote for.

Linda L.

Letters to the Editor

2008-09-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

I want to thank the Bastrop Advertiser for publishing my letter to the editor regarding my support for John Klaus for Precinct 3 Commissioner. I am fascinated by the way the Republican Chair responded. He did not refute what I said, he attacked ME. I guess when you don't have any facts to support your position, attacking the writer is a logical tactic. It certainly detracts attention from the real issues.

BTW have you ever noticed that NONE of the campaign signs for Republican candidates have the word REPUBLICAN on them. I guess if I belonged to that party, I would not broadcast it either.

Linda L.

On feminism

2008-09-16T07:21:00.000-07:00

Dear Fellow Democrats:

A friend sent me this. Thought you might like it.

Linda

Kathleen Reardon-Huffington Post
Posted September 12, 2008 03:04 PM (EST)

Is It Sexist To Want The Person Flying The Plane To Be A Pilot?

With all this talk about Sarah Palin redefining feminism and people who don't support her candidacy being sexist, I think we could use a little clarification.

Women's progress at work and in government is critically important. We are not, after all, living in the Dark Ages. But, and this is a VERY IMPORTANT BUT, consider the following scenario.

You're about to board a plane and a flight attendant says, "Today as part of our responsiveness to customers program you may choose Mr. Jones here as co-pilot. He will fly the airplane should something go wrong with the pilot, who isn't at his best today. Mr. Jones has been a pilot for twenty years and has an impeccable record. He is, however, a man. Because you support the advancement of women in the workplace, we also have a woman here who is willing to fly your plane. She is not a pilot but she didn't blink when asked to do this and for the past week a team of experts has been talking to her a lot about how to fly."

Who would you choose? If you chose Pilot Jones, would that be sexist? Or would you simply not be a complete idiot?

Apply this to Sarah Palin. She has not spent time in Washington as a senator or a congresswoman. She has spent most of her life in Alaska. From her interview with Charlie Gibson, it is clear that she is proud of not blinking about making decisions that affect millions of lives. And she is uninformed about the workings of the U.S. government.

Personally I'd have nothing against Sarah running for a seat in the House or Senate. It's a reasonable next step. And were she blocked from this path because of her gender, disparaged and demeaned in the press, I'd be miffed for sure. That would be sexist.

But just because I'd like to go to NASA and tell them that by November I want to be an astronaut, doesn't mean they should hand over the space shuttle.

There is far too much at stake to put someone completely inexperienced in the ways of Washington and the world so close to the presidency. There's no excuse for it, really. John McCain should know that. That's not sexist; it's simply common sense.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/kathleen-reardon/is-it-sexist-to-want-the_b_126021.html

Precinct 3 Bastrop Commissioner Race

2008-09-07T15:24:00.000-07:00

The Democratic Candidate, incumbent John Klaus, has a proven record of service to his voters. I have lived in Precinct 3 for four years and John has been accessible and fair. His opponent, Don Loucks was commissioner in the past and his legacy is still with us, not in a good way. I live out in the Sand Hills and when I moved here, Sand Hills Road was a mess. There were patches on the patches for two sections and then one section was smooth. I asked around and was told that the smooth section was in front of a prominent political backer of Mr. Loucks. There was also discussion about the arbitrary change in name of Red Rock Ranch Road. Apparently, the road had been an extension of Sand Hills Road and was changed by the county with no consultation with the residents.

I for one do not want Mr. Loucks to regain control of my roads. I urge you to join me and vote for John Klaus for Bastrop County Commissioner of Precinct 3.

Linda Laughinghouse

North to Alaska

2008-09-04T07:25:00.000-07:00

Let's work really hard to send her back!

What an impudent woman! If you ever had doubts about McCain and his decision making ability, there is no longer a doubt. Can you imagine having Ms. Palin in the White House making decisions? I can't.

Linda

Denver Convention II

2008-08-27T07:45:00.000-07:00

Just got a note from Dock Jackson. He and Clara were interviewed by Fox news and should be on TV tonight (Wed) at 5PM. Check it out!

Linda

Views from Denver

2008-08-26T06:48:00.000-07:00

I was watching the first day of the Democratic National Convention and enjoying Jesse Jackson, Jr's speech. The camera panned the audience and settled on the Texas delegation. There, as big as life, stood Dock Jackson. He was standing up waving a small American flag while Clara Maynard looked on. I got a copy of it on my recorder. I am going to save it for posterity.

Linda

Around Bastrop County

2008-08-21T08:06:00.000-07:00

Bastrop County's quest for a clean sweep for the Democratic ticket in the November 2008 election is in full swing. The first two of five rallies have been held with great success in Smithville and Bastrop. The next rally will be in Cedar Creek on September 13th from 11 to 2 at the Volunteer Fire Department. We will be serving sausage wraps, sodas, speeches, and activities for the kids. On September 27th the Elgin group will have a rally at Veteran's Park with food, silent auction, speeches and food.

Most of the candidates will attend these rallies and meet voters. We also have comprehensive programs of voter registration going on throughout the county. Special efforts are being directed at over 65 voters and chronic non-voters.

The crowning glory will be the SUPER RALLY. This will be held on Saturday, October 18th at Fisherman's Park in Bastrop. The event will begin at 5:30. The Party is cooking and selling brisket plates as a fund raiser. The Club in holding a silent auction to raise money. We will have a live band that comes to us with rave reviews and the candidates will be encouraged to visit with voters. We expect 1000 people to attend, so don't miss it!

Our three national delegates, Clara Maynard, Michael Flowers, and Dock Jackson are working hard to get ready for the Democratic National Convention in Denver later this month.

Finally, we are all waiting breathlessly for an announcement of the Vice Presidential candidate and for delivery of signs and bumper stickers, so we can get those distributed.

I appreciate all comments to my blog. The more comments, the more exposure for our candidates on-line.

Uniting the Voters

2008-06-18T14:09:00.000-07:00

Well, the dust has settled from the Texas Democratic Convention in Austin earlier this month. I am delighted to report that three of the 65 National Delegates are from Bastrop County. We have really worked hard over the last three years and it has paid off.

As early as 2006, I have been a Clinton supporter. Actually, I have supported Bill Clinton for much longer but in 2006 I voiced the hope that Hillary Clinton could become our next President. Sadly, that was not to be. She fought the good fight but in the end, she conceded to Barach Obama. I have heard some say that they will either not vote or vote for John McCain because they wanted Hillary to be the Nominee.

HOW COULD ANY DEMOCRAT SAY THEY WOULD VOTE FOR MCCAIN OR NOT VOTE???

This concept is beyond my comprehension. Our county Party has a slogan. "Remember Peace and Prosperity?" This slogan says it all to me.

I am also disappointed that Hilliary did not prevail. But, I am more sick of the rising cost of living, loss of retirement fund value, cost of war, and loss of National esteem abroad. I support getting the Republicans out of town and beginning the healing. We can't do that if we don't stand together.

The Republicans are masters of coaxing us to shoot ourselves in the feet. We need to get together and help our candidates. We need to help Obama, Noriega, Doggett, Doherty, Dipple, Jones, Duggan, Smith, Jackson, Henderson, and Klaus. I never voted a straight ticket before 2006. Even then, I didn't particularly like one of the candidates. However, I did it and I am glad.

Let's all make a commitment to bring at least five new voters to the polls with us.

Linda Laughinghouse

Clinton Rally in Bastrop

2008-02-20T20:39:00.000-08:00

Former State Senator Gozalo Barrientos will address a crowd at the Ramos Restaurant on Monday, February 25th from 5:30 to 7:30 at 710 Chestnut, Bastrop, TX. Senator Barrientos will discuss his reasons for support Senator Hillory Clinton for President of the United States.

Join your fellow Democrats and bring a friend.

Linda

Response to Bastrop Builder

2008-02-14T09:32:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the Blog! I checked out your site and it is great. Good to know there is a place to find good contractors in the area.

BTW, in your listing of candidates you have Wayne Smith under JP1. He is actually the third Sheriff candidate. JP1 is not up for election this year.

Keep up the good work.

Linda

Red Rock Rocks!

2008-01-20T17:05:00.000-08:00

Nine candidates introduced themselves to more than 40 Precinct 3 residents at the rally on January 19th at the Red Rock Community Center. Candidates speaking included Woodie Jones (Chief Justice Texas Third Court of Appeals), Donnie Dipple and Latreese Cooke (Texas State Representative District 17), Ernie Bogart and Chris Duggan (423rd District Court Judge), Tommy Oates, Wayne Smith and Glen “Skip” Wobus (Bastrop County Sheriff), John Klaus (Precinct 3 Commissioner), and Matt Henderson (Precinct 3 Constable). Nora Cano, Bastrop County Elections Administrator and her assistant brought the ballot marking machine and was available to answer questions about the voting process. Thanks to all the voters who brought food and desserts. Our next candidate forum will be held on Saturday, January 26th from 11AM to 1PM at the Aqua Water Community Room in Bastrop.

Candidate Forum in Bastrop

2008-01-12T15:49:00.000-08:00

January 9th at the Aqua Water Community Room. Speakers were:
U.S. Senate – Rick Noriega; U.S. House 10th Congressional District - Larry Joe Doherty and Dan Grant; Texas Rail Road Commissioner – Dale Henry; Texas Supreme Court, Place 8 – Judge Susan Criss; Chief Justice, 3rd Court of Appeals – Woodie Jones; 423rd District Judge – Ernie Bogart and Chris Duggan; State Representative District 17 – Latreese Cooke and Donnie Dippel;
Tax Assessor / Collector - Lynda Gayle Harmon; Bastrop County Sheriff – Tommy Oates, Wayne Smith and Glen Wobus; County Commissioner, Precinct 1 - Bill Peterson and Dock Jackson; County Commissioner, Precinct 3 – Martin Brown and John Klaus; County Constable, Precinct 2 - Gus Meduna; County Constables, Precinct 3 – Matt Henderson and John McRee.
Democratic County Chair, Mitzi VanSant predicts a record turnout in the March 4th Primary and ultimate victory for all Democratic candidates in November.

Good meeting in Smithville

2007-11-02T14:41:00.000-07:00

The Bastrop County Democratic Club held it's monthly meeting in Smithville last night. We had 20 people show up with good questions for Brian Pendleton. Brian went over the Proposed Constitutional Amendments to be voted on on November 6th. Ernie Bogart and Chris Duggan provided some legal interpretation of several of the bills and there was lively discussion about most. Thanks to Mitzi for opening up her home for the meeting.

Plans are proceeding for keeping the Democratic office open all of December. We will post hours of 2 - 4 PM at 1108 E. College in Bastrop. The phone there is 512-581-0499.

Don't forget our gathering in Stoney Point on Sunday from 10AM to 3PM. All Democrats are invited but the gathering will feature Commissioner's Precinct 3 voters.

Dennis Teal and his wife will be in Bastrop from 12:30 to 5 on Saturday, November 10th at the Aqua Water meeting room. Dr. Teal will train Precinct Chairs on grassroot organizing and how to conduct precinct conventions. He is a very dynamic speaker and can give us invaluable help. Plan to attend.

lkl

New Website Unveiled

2007-10-18T08:25:00.000-07:00

The Bastrop County Democratic Party is pleased to announce their new website and invite you to visit. Lana Tangum has been working hard to design and publish the site. Please visit www.BastropCountyDemocraticParty.com

The Club and Party are hosting a booth at the Elgin Hogeye Festival on Saturday, October 27th from 10AM to 6PM. We will be in the children's game section. We will be encouraging the kids to vote for their favorite beanie baby pig. The children will drop a sea shell in the "ballot box" of their favorite pig. They will receive an "I voted" sticker and told to check the local newspaper for the results of the election. We are going to be teaching the kids how to vote. We will also have on-site voter registration and hand out a list of the proposed constitutional amendments to be voted on in November. We are not allowed to hand out any political information or candidate literature. We are allowed to put up our Democratic County Club sign so we feel it will be good publicity.

The November 1st club meeting will be in Smithville at the First National Bank building. Brian Pendleton, our representative with the State Democratic Party, will be talking about the Constitutional Amendments. Please join us at 7PM.

Constitutional Amendments

2007-09-18T14:50:00.000-07:00

The Club President, Clara Maynard recently mentioned that we have several amendments to vote on in November and there has been little done to educate the voting public. I went to http://www.tlc.state.tx.us/pubsconamend/analyses07/analyses07.pdf and started the search. I will summarize and report back on my progress.

Chris Duggan & Ernie Bogart campaigning for District Judge

2007-09-17T07:34:00.000-07:00

Bastrop County's own Chris Duggan and Ernie Bogart are campaigning for the newly created District Judge bench. The 2007 Legislature passed a bill creating a new District Judge position for Bastrop County.

Both men are members of the Bastrop County Democratic Club and have worked through the years to further the rights of our citizens.

Chris is a prosecutor in the Travis County District Attorney's Office. Chris and his wife Sharon and their two daughters are outstanding individuals and are always willing to help with Club projects. He has worked on both sides of the court as both a prosecutor and a defendant attorney.

Ernie Bogart has been a local attorney for many years and has a reputation for being smart, tough, and fair. Ernie and his wife Barbara are also great when it comes to helping with Club projects. He has also worked both sides of the court.

At our last meeting, Chris pointed out that they are not "running mates." They are both such outstanding people that it will be very hard to make a choice during the primary. As they both say, "We will have a Democratic District Judge elected in November of 2008."

Bastrop Democrats to field outstanding slate

2007-09-16T08:19:00.000-07:00

Bastrop democrats look at constitutional amendments In a recent conversation with Clara Maynard, President of the Bastrop County Democratic Club, it came up that we are very uninformed about the constitutional amendments to be decided in the November 2007 election. She shared that she is going to institute a program to educate Bastrop County Democrats on the content and meaning of these amendments so the electorate can make informed choices.Too many times in the past we have voted on changes to the Constitution without understanding the real meaning they carried.

Yesterday we had a meeting in Schulenberg of the SD 18 Democrats. It was exciting to see 65 Democrats come together in an "off-election" year to plan how to celebrate after we win in 2008.

Woody Jones, Candidate for Chief Justice of the Third Court of Appeals spoke to the group. He shared his excellent experience and passion for upholding the law.

Susan Criss, Candidate for the Texas Supreme Court visited with the group and outlined her reasons for seeking this high post. These included a desire to protect the eroding rights of Texans.

Glen Maxie, Candidate for Travis County Tax Assessor/Collector spoke to the group and outlined his experience and plans for the office after he is elected.

JoAnn Doherty, wife of Larry Joe Doherty, Candidate for U.S. House of Representatives District 10 of Texas attended on her husband's behalf.

We have a lot of work to do but the Bastrop Democrats are up for the task.

lkl