Here we are with some 67 days left until the November General Election and all the Democratic candidates I know, have donated coin to and for whom I have been out knocking doors, all sense a great dissatisfaction with incumbency along this the most conservative stretch of Old Route 66. Many were present on Thursday evening for an Oklahoma Democratic Party fundraiser hosted by former TCDP Chairman Mike Whelan and the Ross Group. The guest of honor was the up and coming Democratic Congressman representing the Texas 20th Congressional District, Mr. Joaquin Castro.
Given there are no Democrats in the Oklahoma Congressional delegation, it was nice to have a visit from a Democrat from the Texas delegation. It was a friendly audience and the Congressman’s stump speech was well received and loudly resonated with all the attendees. Congressman Castro is a descendant of immigrants from Mexico. His identical twin brother is former San Antonio mayor and current Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development, Julian Castro.
There were several ODP officials on hand to welcome Mr. Castro including our DNC Committeeman Jim Frazier, the Tulsa County Democratic Party Chair and Vice-Chair Jo Glenn and Greg Bledsoe and the ODP Chairman Mark Hammons.
ODP Chair Mark Hammons and Congressman Joaquin CastroIt was a good feeling to spend and evening in the company of so many fellow Democrats. The Congressman was kind enough to provide a few good photo ops.
Congressman Castro and Norman Democrat Rico Smith.Mr. Castro was quite personable and even granted the request of Yours Truly to autograph my very own pocket copy of the U.S. Constitution.
Hats off again to Mr. Kazir Kahn for his DNC speech and letting it be known that I am not the only fan of the U.S. Constitution who walks around with a copy of it in my pocket.
As political fundraisers go, a wonderful time was had by all. The Labor Day holiday next Monday marks the start of the sprint to the finish of this campaign cycle. Regardless if you are in for sweat or financial equity or both for any candidate, the campaign turns into a full time job for all involved, volunteers included, after next Monday until the polls close on November 8th.
I wish to extend my thanks to all who made Congressman Castro’s visit to Tulsa possible. It is events such as this that help those of us representing the liberal minority along this the Mother Road’s most conservative stretch maintain our sanity.