Daily Archives: 06/24/2011

Congressional District 35

Posted on 06/24/2011 | Leave a comment

(Community Matters)

San Antonio State Rep. Joaquin Castro will take on veteran U.S. Rep. Lloyd Doggett to vie for a newly-created congressional district that spans from San Antonio up to southern Travis County. Expect the Democratic primary to be a doozy.

It’s a false headline. Joaquin isn’t “taking on” Lloyd Doggett. This is a new Congressional District. Lloyd currently represents the 25th Congressional District. He and Joaquin are both choosing to resign their current seats and run in a new race.

no way will I defend the egregious gerrymandering of the Texas GOP. I hope it’s overturned in court. But, if it isn’t, then we have what we have. There is no entitlement to the seat.

Of course a San Antonio based legislator is going to run to represent their citizens. Question is, given the demographics of the new district which candidate would best reflect the interests & demographics of its residents?

The citizens of Bexar, Hayes, Caldwell and Travis counties didn’t redraw the congressional district. No county has any better claim to CD-35 than other resident within its boundaries.

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Pres Obama’s 2011 LGBT Gala

Posted on 06/24/2011 | 1 comment

(Community Matters) Big night in NY. 680ish in attendance last night for the President’s LGBT Gala at the Sheraton. Aside from the President, Andy Tobias received the most applause recognition – as he should. He’s been our community’s yeoman in the DNC for more years than anyone should have to.

Pres O, “. . . . and I believed that discrimination because of somebody’s sexual orientation or gender identity ran counter to who we are as a people. It’s a violation of the basic tenets on which this nation was founded. I believe that gay couples deserve the same human rights as every other couple in this country.” And, yet, he didn’t (yet) endorse marriage. I believe he’s with us, and he’s bringing the rest of the country around. Our community should continue to encourage him on marriage, ENDA and ridding us of DOMA;  my co-chair colleagues and I will continue to do so.

Neil Patrick Harris hosted the evening – what  a charming and unpretentious guy, thoroughly enjoyed my brief chat with him. Many friends up from Texas to celebrate with us, including Diane Land & Steve Adler plus Sarah and Catherine Clark. Ray Griffith and Anne Wynne joined us too; I think Fred was somewhere here in the city last night as well. Our friend from Marfa, Suzanne Tick made it (Terry & Gabe were confirmed but didn’t make it in the building before the President arrived and weren’t then able). Hilary & Brent were able to meet the President – Steven took them back stage while I hosted our table. New York City Speaker Christine Quinn joined our table. Lots and lots of friends from around the country and NY. Could only have been topped off by definitive good news from Albany – but we hear that’ll happen today, fingers crossed.

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