Posted 11:59 pm Sunday, March 30, 2008
Party Representatives Attend Smith County Conventions Saturday
By ROY MAYNARD
Staff Writer
A record number of Democrats and some Republican heavy-hitters participated in their respective parties' county conventions on Saturday. Both parties selected delegates to their state conventions, slated for June, and on the Democratic side, those delegates could help sway the still-close presidential race between Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. Hillary Clinton.
Staff Writer
A record number of Democrats and some Republican heavy-hitters participated in their respective parties' county conventions on Saturday. Both parties selected delegates to their state conventions, slated for June, and on the Democratic side, those delegates could help sway the still-close presidential race between Sen. Barack Obama and Sen. Hillary Clinton.
"It started off a little chaotic this morning, but it got better," says Smith County Commissioner JoAnn Hampton, who helped direct the Democratic convention. "More than 900 people participated. That's a record for this county, and it's the most people I've ever seen at a convention, and I've been doing this for a lot of years."
The turnout could have broader political implications for the region, she adds, by revitalizing the local Democratic Party.
"When you have participation like this, you're bringing new people into the party and into the process who haven't been a part of it before," she says. "By the time the November election rolls around, I think we're going to see a change in the politics of Smith County."
Republicans met later in the day, but Sen. John Cornyn revealed some GOP strategy secrets.
"We have a secret weapon this year: the Democrats," Cornyn quipped. "Bless their hearts."
Republican leaders have learned their lessons after losses in 2006, he said.
"Too many Republicans in Washington had lost sight of conservative principles," Cornyn said. "We had become part of the status quo, not the party of reform. We as Republicans always win as the party of reform."
He warned that both of the Democratic presidential contenders have designs on the nation's health care system.
"If Uncle Sam takes over health care, you will be shocked at how expensive free health care is," he said.
Congressman Louie Gohmert, R-Tyler, urged the party to unite behind its presumed nominee, Sen. John McCain.
"I've had my concerns about John McCain," Gohmert said. "And some of them are legitimate. But look at our choices."
Obama "gives great speeches," Gohmert said, "but that's not a leader."
And as for Sen. Clinton, he added, "she just has a little trouble with the truth ... that's something she can work on."
Neither Democratic candidate understands the threat posed by Islamic extremism, Gohmert said.
"You either defeat those people (terrorists) or you head for another Dark Ages," he said. "This election is crucial."
Delegates chosen at both county conventions will travel to their parties' state conventions. Republicans will gather in Houston June 12-14. Democrats will meet in Austin June 5-7.
Of the 46 delegates Smith County will send to the state Democratic convention, 42 are pledged to Obama.
