County Dems see support growing

Pearland Journal News
By NATALIE TORENTINOS

Democrats gathered in Alvin this past weekend to raise funds for a competitive election season, one that’s sure to heat up in coming weeks.

The first annual Brazoria County Donkey Festival, which took place at Knights of Columbus Hall off Highway 6, recognized all Democratic candidates running for offices ranging from U.S. Senate to County Tax Assessor.

Besides a silent auction and bake sale, Democrats had to pay up to take pictures with a live donkeys and a Barack Obama cardboard cutout.

Michelle Obama was rumored to attend, but backed out due to a scheduling conflict.

According to State Democratic Executive Committee member Joe Parra, they hoped to bring in $7,000 to $10,000 at Sunday’s event.

“This year, I’ve seen more people volunteering and coming out to support us,” Parra said.

Rep. Nick Lampson, D-Stafford, attended, representing Congressional District 22, the highly-coveted seat sought by Republican hopeful Pete Olson.

Lampson has toured the district to hear constituents in various neighborhood meetings.

“These folks made a difference for me,” Lampson said, gesturing to the supporters milling around the hall. “We get to have people willing to do the work, and they’re getting involved.”

Most recently, Lampson has been pushing a bipartisan energy bill on the House floor that includes renewable energy research and offshore drilling, which currently has 119 co-sponsors.

“[Speaker of the House] Nancy Pelosi has been making overtures for a bill that contains drilling,” he said, adding there may be a vote after the August recess.

Another high-profile candidate in attendance was Joe Jaworski, aiming to unseat State Sen. Mike Jackson come November in State Senate District 11.

Jaworski’s been block-walking in Seabrook, Galveston and Pasadena in recent weeks.

“This is the most alive I’ve ever felt,” Jaworski said in between meeting and greeting. “Everybody is so ready for a new direction.”

Rose MacAskie is one Pearland resident ready to take that direction, and willing to work for it. She volunteers at the Northern Brazoria County Democratic headquarters.

“All my friends are Republicans, so it’s tough to be a Democrat in Pearland,” MacAskie said just after having her picture taken with two donkeys.

“My big thing is healthcare. My son-in-law changed jobs, so in between them he’s on COBRA [health insurance] for $1,700 a month.

“This is America. Think of what our forefathers went through for us. We forgot to take care of each other.”

Posted on August 20, 2008 | Return to the Latest News Archive