Daily Archives: 10/31/2008

(Community Matters) You go girl!

(Community Matters) Kirk Rudy and I are off to Grand Rapids this morning; Amy will join us tomorrow. Haylie Rudy is working for Obama and in charge of GOTV in Grand Rapids. We’ll be knocking on doors all weekend. Governor Granholm kicking off the canvassing Saturday morning. I suspect Kirk will sneak away to watch the UT game that evening. Hmm, maybe a chance for Amy & me to run out to the lake house for a couple of hours.

We’ll drive into Chicago on Tuesday evening.

(Community Matters) The California referendum to overturn same sex marriage is cataclysmic. Polls have gone from against (which is my position, i.e., not overturning gay marriage) at +8 to 10, to -5 last week back to +4, even or slightly below. Who to believe?

The Mormon Church has poured money into this race and so have (on the other side) unions, corporations, celebrities, fair-minded Americans from all over the country. The Right cyber attacked No on Prop 8’s website on Wednesday night, preventing online contributions (Florida’s was attacted yesterday). This has just further infuriated supporters. I’m on a list serve with gay lesbian leaders from around the country. Tim Gill immediately donated another $30k. Tens of others donating similarly, albeit most in slightly lesser amounts (I did too – regrettably at a significantly reduced amount). However, one wonderful lesbian couple who’d saved up money for a formal wedding donated their $50k to No on Prop 8 instead. For now, I think the Nos have the financial advantage but they won’t if another call goes out from the Mormon Church, which it will.

(Community Matters) from Andrew’s site, Karl Rove’s latest map showing “the race tightening” a bit but too late and Obama already with enough states to win (311 electoral votes)

(Community Matters) Attended a KUT donor luncheon yesterday featuring Quorum Report’s Harvey Kronberg. Retired State Senator Ray Farabee introduced Harvey (Ray by the way just published his memoirs).

Interesting presentation, lots of insightful wit and historical perspective. I take exception with a few citations, especially his recent polling information and know he’s confused about Hillary touring the Valley this week for Rick Noriega, that was three or so weeks ago, though he’s right, she is still helping (a la yesterday’s conference call). Harvey is bullish on Dems winning 4 House seats which reconciles with other information I’m receiving. He’s bearish about Senate seats and the Supreme Court. And, he’s a lot less optimistic about Harris County’s turning blue than any other operative I’m talking with. Additionally, cites stats indicating low youth turnout in Harris County early voting. Interesting that I (and friends) can’t find any good stats on this, though observational data says otherwise – I’m not a fan of “observational data” and appreciate the challenge of this information. Friends in the Obama campaign are now looking into this. I’ve asked it of Travis County officials too. Interesting opinions on both sides all over the web.

I hadn’t heard how the Senate has basically stripped Dewhurst of his authority. Evidently final-straw pushed by an over-the-top attack Dewhurst initiated against Whitmire during the Vote ID debate, Republican and Democratic state senators came together to cut him.

Lots of friends in attendance including Mary Margaret Farabee, Lynn Meredith, Chris Mattson, Brigid Shea, Robin Shivers, Alyson Suttle, Sandy Dochen, Ben Bentzin and Lydia Agraz.

(Community Matters) “This is the only job I’ve got, and I’m trying to save it,” Goolsby said. “Obama’s got people coming from the rafters.” Republican Texas House Member Tony Goolsby, Dallas (chairman of House Administrative Committee)