Democratic Party to host delegate forum Saturday

Texas Democratic Party officials from Senate District 24 will host an information session for Democratic activists interested in becoming delegates to the state and national Democratic Conventions in 2008. The event is Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Killeen Community Center, room 101, 2201 E. Veterans Memorial Blvd.

Training is part of a statewide effort by the Texas Democratic Party to encourage diverse grassroots participation in the electoral process and ensure Texas' delegation reflects the state's cultural and geographical differences at the party's national convention.

At the training, participants will be given detailed instructions on the delegate selection process, and all Democrats interested in attending the 2008 conventions are encouraged to attend.

"This delegate selection training is the first step for prospective delegates who want to play a role in our selecting the party's presidential nominee," said Dian Rudd, State Democratic Executive Committee member for Senate District 24. "The valuable information provided at these sessions will help educate Democrats on how to get involved and encourage greater participation as we move toward the 2008 election."

Texas Democratic Party Chairman Boyd Richie said Democrats believe it is important that grassroots activists from all over the state are given the opportunity to participate in the electoral process. "I am proud that the Texas Democratic Party is poised to send one of the most diverse group of delegates to represent our state at the Democratic National Convention."

The 2008 State Democratic Convention will be June 6-7 in Austin, followed by the national convention Aug. 25-28 in Denver, Colo. As the second most populous state in the nation, Texas will send 228 delegates to the national convention.

Also, a political candidate forum is set Sunday from 2-4 p.m. at Lady Bird Johnson Park in Fredericksburg, sponsored by a coalition of Democrats from surrounding Hill Country counties.

Dale Henry, Democratic candidate for railroad commissioner, will speak at the forum. He will be joined by Rick Noriega from the Noriega for Texas campaign; Tommy Calvert Jr., the senior advisor for the Watts for Senate campaign; 212th District Court Judge Susan Criss, a candidate for Texas Supreme Court, Place 8; Daniel Boone, candidate for state representative, District 73; and Floyd Crider of San Angelo, who is forming an exploratory committee to run for U.S. Congress, District 11, held by Republican Mike Conaway.

Candidates will take questions following their presentations.

After the forum, a picnic with the candidates will be held. Bring lawn chairs and a picnic basket for lunch.

For additional information, phone (830) 997- 5455.