September 12, 2019
Your Weekly News from the CCDP and Political Clubs
Post Primaries Unity: Plan Now!

by Tarek Lucien Radjef
Last month, we attended the Jefferson County Fair in the state of Washington. To our surprise, there were three booths representing the Democrats. One said ‘Democratic Party’, the other two, ‘Bernie Sanders’ and ‘Elizabeth Warren’. After talking to the volunteers at each location, it sadly appeared that there was at a minimum, friction between all three.

The nightmares of the 2016 election suddenly reappeared to us, vivid and guts wrenching. Back then, the DNC had from the beginning of the campaigns chosen one candidate and was followed by most other state and county Democratic Party organizations who did all they could to disenfranchise a candidate who still managed to win about twenty states.

A chance to create a “unity” campaign by bringing some of the “Bernie” campaign organizers into Hillary’s was ignored. Obviously, this was not the only mistake made by her campaign, but we believe this was the single factor that could have overcome the other errors. The fatal result was that over 40% of the Democrats felt marginalized and thus lacked enthusiasm at voting time. Nonetheless, many voted for Hillary but others stayed home and a few chose to vote for Trump! Ouch!

In Collin County, some of us had reached out to the Bernie supporters before the primary. The Ann Richards Dinner organizers chose Jim Hightower, an old Democrat who happened to be a Bernie surrogate as the one of the two main speakers. The banquet was attended by both sides. Today, several 2016 Bernie supporters are current Precinct Chairs and some made an important contribution in the 2018 elections.

Back to the 2020 elections, we are confident that the CCDP will remain neutral in all primary races at the local level and at the State and National levels. Individuals have an absolute right to have their preferences, but should mentally commit to unconditionally support the primary winners when the time comes. We would suggest the candidates focus on their agenda rather than their competitor(s) so as to make sure that the “Other” side does not use past primary criticisms of their democratic opponent to their own benefit.

Most importantly, let us not forget, that while representing less than 40% of the nation, the incumbent president is a formidable opponent as he is going to have a no holds barred campaign devoid of any scruples or principles. At least ninety-five percent of his base will vote therefore, all the registered Democrats of this nation must vote, unified, for our selected candidate or we could lose again. Egad!
 
Comment here.
November 2019 - Texas Constitutional Amendments
In our continuing series, we highlight the sixth of ten amendments that Texas voters will see on the November 5, 2019 statewide ballot.  

Proposition 6 (SJR 12)
"The constitutional amendment authorizing the legislature to increase by $3 billion the maximum bond amount authorized for the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas."

The Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas (CPRIT) provides grants and supports programs that advance cancer research. The organization, begun in 2007, is currently set up to receive $3 billion in funding until 2022. The proposed amendment would increase the maximum bond amount for the CPRIT from $3 billion to $6 billion. The state would be limited to issuing $300 million for CPRIT per year.

How our Democratic Legislators voted
Of the Democratic legislators voting on this amendment in the 86 th Legislative Session,
  • 99% of the Texas House Democrats voted “yes/for”;
  • 100% of the Texas Senate Democrats voted “yes/for”.  

To read about Amendment 1, click here.
To read about Amendment 2, click here.
To read about Amendment 3, click here.
To read about Amendment 4, click here.
To read about Amendment 5, click here.
Plano Balloon Festival
The Plano Balloon Festival is September 20, 21, and 22 and we can use your help to set up and staff the Collin Democratic Party booth. You will get a parking pass and get in free and it is lots of fun! We need Volunteer Deputy Registrars to come and register voters, also. Click here txdp.cc/events to sign up for a shift or two. Thanks for your support.

The Plano Balloon Festival takes place at Oak Point Park [ Map ]
WHO'S GOING TO EVICT TRUMP? DEBATE WATCH PARTIES TONIGHT!
Join your fellow Democrats, Progressives, and other voters who want to evict Trump from the White House as we watch the remaining 10 candidates spar in Houston. We will be gathering in two locations to cheer our favorites and consider who we would put together as the winning team to turn the United States back to BLUE.

Meet in Allen at Cafe del Rio (401 Central Expy S, Allen) or Rugby House Pub (8604 Preston Rd #100, Plano). McKinney area Dems are encouraged to join either location as the MADC watch party location was no longer available.

The debate starts at 7:00 p.m. but we will be gathering early to eat and talk before the action begins. No need to RSVP. Show up and join the fun as we play debate bingo.
Become A Volunteer Deputy Registrar (VDRs)
Collin Elections Office is offering training labs to deputize Volunteer Deputy Registrars (VDR). If you have never been a VDR or your term has expired (every 2 years in even years), please plan to attend one of the following sessions:

  • Saturday, September 14th at 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at the McKinney Elections Office, 2010 Redbud, 75069 in the Training Room Lobby [Map] - RSVP Here

  • Saturday, September 21st at 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. at the CCDP Office, 1519 N Central Expressway, Suite 150. [Map] - RSVP Here

Please e-mail any questions to vdrlead@collindemocrats.org .
The Future of Collin County Housing, Affordability and You
JOIN US Saturday, September 14th at 1:00 p.m. at El Noa Noa (1915 N Central Expy Plano, TX 75075) [ Map ] for The Future of Collin County Housing, Affordability and You! A discussion with Lorenzo Sanchez , Candidate for House District 67 and special guests, Lisa Neergaard with the community organizing non-profit bc Workshop and Ben Strube with the consumer advocacy group Mortgage On A Mission.

Attendance is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, but an RSVP is required . Learn what you can do TODAY to improve your financial well-being and empower our communities. Bring your questions and a friend! Discussions will cover a wide range of topics including the history of redlining in our neighborhoods and how we got here, as well as identifying many of the barriers to affordable housing and solutions to address these needs through State legislation and grassroots community organizing.
What You Can Do to Turn Collin Blue       
What can you do to Turn Collin Blue? Texas is being called "the" Battleground State. How can you ensure the win? If you are new to Texas or new to political activism, this class will be very informative. There are two sessions to choose from: Monday, September 16th, 4:00-5:30 p.m. and the same night from 7:00-8:30 p.m.

September 16 at 4:00 p.m. Sign up with this link

September 16 at 7:00 p.m. Sign up with this link

Both sessions take place at the CCDP Office (1915 N Central Expy, Plano, TX 75075) [ Map ]
How to Run and Win - Candidate Training Series
An interactive workshop series to prepare candidates and campaign teams to win races, this campaign training series is designed to build the skills to elect Democrats in Collin County and across Texas. The six sessions cover the critical components of running a winning campaign. Each session will be presented by experienced activists and staff. This is for any Democrat in the area who is interested in either running for office or working on a candidate’s campaign team. Attendees will be asked to sign an Oath of Affiliation with the Democratic Party.

When: Session 2 – Wednesday, September 18  7:00 – 9:00 p.m. – Marketing to Win
Objectives: how to brand yourself, setting up a website and using social media, use of good graphics, use of VAN

Session 3 – Wednesday, September 25  7:00 – 9:00 p.m. – Organizing to Win
Objectives: define three pillars of campaign team: Communications, Field Organization, and Funding and the roles of each 

Session 4 – Wednesday, October  2    7:00 – 9:00 p.m. – The Win Numbers
Objectives: how to calculate the votes you plan to earn to win, using data of past results and forecasting how and where to get more votes

No Class in Observance of Yom Kippur, Wednesday, October 9

Session 5 – Wednesday, October 16    7:00 – 9:00 p.m. – It Takes Money to Win
Objectives: budgeting, donor prospecting, fundraising, compliance and reporting, ethics, how to “make the ask”

Session 6 – Wednesday, October 23    7:00 – 9:00 p.m. – Creating the Winning Plan
Objectives: putting it all together, define goals, areas of responsibility, develop timeline, doing opposition research

Where: Collin County Democratic Party Office, 1915 N Central Expressway, Suite 150, Plano, TX 75075 [ Map]
Plano Area Democrats Club September Meeting
Come join us for another informative meeting and fun with like-minded friends!

GUEST SPEAKER: Cynthia King-Ryne, Legislative Co-Lead of Plano Area Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America

TOPIC: Texas Legislative Re-cap – a review of gun laws that were proposed, passed or vetoed during the recent Texas legislative session.

When: Saturday, September 14 at 11:00 a.m. sign-in; 11:15 a.m. food service; 1:30 p.m. finish.
Where: El Noa Noa Tex-Mex Restaurant, 1915 N Central Expy, Ste 100, Plano, TX 75075 (Next to CCDP Office) [ Map]
RSVP Required: Click here to reserve your seat txdp.cc/events

Plano Area Democrats Club is an action-oriented group focused on increasing political engagement of voters in the Plano area to support and elect candidates with Democratic values. We are Democrats residing in cities of Plano, Allen, or within the school districts for Plano or Allen. Come join us! Facebook
CCDWD Monthly Meeting, September 16th, 5:30 p.m.
COME ONE, COME ALL!
You don't have to live in Collin County to participate.
Click on this link to view the Meeting Materials.
Light refreshments available.


When: Monday, September 16 at 5:30 p.m.
Where: REACH of Plano, 720 East Park Blvd, Suite 104, Plano, TX 75074
Phone: 307-314-ABLE (2253)
WOW Dems General Meeting
Join WOW Dems for the September general member meeting where we'll host our WOW Dems endorsed Texas House Representative Ana-Maria Ramos, State Senator Royce West, and guest speakers from RideShare2Vote.

When: Thursday, September 19 at 7:00 p.m. (Doors open at 6:45 p.m.)
Where: Collin College Spring Creek Campus, 2800 E Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano, TX 75074 [ Map]
Link: Facebook
Frisco Democratic Club - General Meeting
Save the Date.

When: Sunday, September 22 at 5:00 p.m.
Where: Rudy's "Country Store" and Bar-B-Q, 9828 Dallas Parkway, Frisco [ Map]
Ice Cream, Chocolate & Wine FUNdraiser
Do you like chocolate? How about ice cream infused with alcohol like Bailey’s Irish Cream? You will love WOW Dems’ fall fundraiser!

You’ll roll your own chocolate truffles with the guidance of Yeli Marshall, owner of artisan chocolate company: Yelibelly, and get to take home all of the chocolate you make! You’ll also enjoy two flavors of Yelibelly’s famous alcohol-infused liquid nitrogen ice cream plus toppings - as much as you can eat in 2 hours!

Your ticket also includes a chance to win one of ten bottles of wine you can enjoy at home with your handmade truffles

Chocolate, ice cream and wine to support women Democrats? Isn’t that all we could ever want and more?

When: Thursday, September 26, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Sam Johnson Recreation Center at 401 W 16th St, Plano, TX 75075 [ Map]
Links: Facebook
Meet and Greet With MJ Hegar, Democrat for US Senate
Veteran and Democratic candidate for US Senate MJ Hegar brings her campaign to Plano for a Meet and Greet with Collin County Democrats. Don't miss this chance to meet MJ and hear about her campaign for Senate.

This event takes place at Collin College Spring Creek Conference Center, Room C on Wednesday, October 2 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. (Doors open at 6:00 p.m.) The Conference Center is located at 2800 E Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano, TX 75074. [ Map ]

The event is free, but you must sign up here to reserve your seat.

An Evening of Magic
Join Team Sharon and the amazing James Munton on Thursday, October 3rd , for an evening of magic and merriment as we raise money for our campaign. James has performed at the White House and has the amazing and peculiar talent of making elephants disappear. With your help and his, we may just be able to turn a red state blue!

Appetizers, desserts, and beverages are included in your ticket or sponsorship. Sponsors will receive special recognition for their contribution.

Location: North Texas Performing Arts in The Shops at Willow Bend (Chapel Hill Entrance, 2nd floor near Dillard's) 6121 West Park Blvd. B216, Plano, TX 75093 [ Map ]
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Reserve your tickets here.
Ann Richards Dinner 2019
The 2019 Ann Richards Dinner will be Friday, October 25th , 7:30 p.m. at the Delta Marriott Allen Hotel. This annual dinner brings together hundreds of Democrats from across the DFW Metroplex to support our work to transform and improve Collin County, elect our Democratic candidates, and turn Texas blue.

We are thrilled to host Samantha Power as the keynote speaker at this year's Ann Richards Dinner. Power was the United States Ambassador to the United Nations under President Barack Obama from 2013 to 2017.

Called by Forbes "a powerful crusader for U.S foreign policy as well as human rights and democracy" when it named her one of the "World's 100 Most Powerful Women," Ambassador Power has also been named one of TIME's "100 Most Influential People" and one of Foreign Policy's "Top 100 Global Thinkers." A Pulitzer Prize winning author, Power is the Anna Lindh Professor of the Practice of Global Leadership and Public Policy at Harvard Kennedy School and the William D. Zabel '61 Professor of Practice in Human Rights, Harvard Law School.

As a known fighter for LGBT and women's rights, atrocity prevention, and combating human trafficking, Ambassador Power is set to provide sharp and powerful insight and inspiration for Democrats across the Metroplex at this year's Ann Richards Dinner. Don't miss the 2019 Ann Richards Dinner.

Delta Marriott Allen is located at 777 Watters Creek Blvd., Allen, TX 75013 [ Map ]
Sponsorship and tickets for the Ann Richards Dinner are available here .
Socialize to Organize Plano
Collin County came very close to electing Democrats to the Texas House in 2018. In 2020, we aim to change the balance of power. With your help, we can make this happen!

Come gather with Democratic neighbors on Sunday, September 22 at 4:30 p.m. to get acquainted and learn how you can help turn Collin County blue! Appetizers and drinks will be provided. Since this event’s location is a private residence, please email for more details.
Looking for Communication Volunteers
Collin County Democratic Party (CCDP) is ramping our volunteer communications teams to increase messaging during the 2020 election cycle. Get involved and help turn Collin County blue!

First, we need another editor for our weekly e-newsletter, The Rally. Experience with writing and/or Constant Contact is preferred but not required. We will train.

Next, we need 1-2 more volunteers to work on social media on our main Communications team. Experience with social posting tools like Social Pilot/Hootsuite or graphics editing is preferred but not required. We will train.

Finally, we need 3-4 people to work on our Coordinated Campaign team to develop CCDP core messaging and messaging calendar. Experience with messaging, writing and/or Adobe Illustrator are preferred but not required. We will train.

A New Way to Vote
Collin County voters will be using a new voting system beginning with the November, 2019 election. This new system features touch-screen technology and produces a marked paper ballot for voter review and tabulation.

The new voting machine made its debut at BITHOC where many of the attendees where able to “test vote” the system. If you didn’t get to try the voting machines at BITHOC, you still have an opportunity to do so at the Collin County Democratic Party office (1915 N. Central Expy, Ste 150, Plano) during regular office hours.

Watch for our fall and winter hours soon. After Labor Day, the office will have occasional evening and weekend hours to try out the new voting machine.

The new voting machine will be in the CCDP office through the November 2020 election.
Yes, We Can Talk Politics
Drinking Liberally and Living Liberally are informal, inclusive progressive social groups. Raise your spirits while you raise your glass, and share ideas while you share a pitcher. Drinking Liberally gives like-minded, left-leaning individuals a place to talk politics. You don't need to be a policy expert and this isn't a book club - just come and learn from peers, trade jokes, vent frustration and hang out in an environment where it's not taboo to talk politics.

Plano - Rugby House Pub
When: Friday, September 13, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Where: 8604 Preston Rd #100, Plano [ map]

When: Friday, September 13, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Where: 2600 W, FM 544, Wylie [ map]

MADC joins Living Liberally in September.
When: Friday, September 20, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Where: 301 E. Virginia, Suite 103, McKinney [ map]

Allen - Cafe Del Rio
When: Friday, October 4, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Where: 401 Central Expy S, Allen [ map]

Frisco/Little Elm - The British Lion Pub
When: Friday, October 4, 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Where: 5454 Main St #123, Frisco [ map]

While drinking liberally, always remember to drink responsibly, and make liberal use of designated drivers. Drinking and driving is reckless and irresponsible, like a neocon war or corporatist tax cut. Liberals, don't do it!