Texans For Obama - Barack Obama in '08. - Front Page

Meetup tonight at Scholz Garten - January 19

Texans for Obama — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 21:23:57 GMT

In addition to our already scheduled program, we're also watching the Massachusetts election results. As you've probably heard, this is going to be a very close race for Ted Kennedy's old Senate seat between Democrat Martha Coakley and Republican Scott Brown. Thanks to all the Texas volunteers who have made over 10,000 GOTV calls on behalf of Coakley in the last few days.

We have an exciting program tonight, so bring your friends!

Texans for Obama Meetup - January 19
6:00 p.m. - Live Music Featuring Kalu James
6:20 p.m. - "Yes We Cans Food Drive" - MLK Service Project
6:30 p.m. - Agriculture Commissioner Candidate Hank Gilbert
7:00 p.m. - Massachusetts Election Results

Scholz Garten
1607 San Jacinto Blvd
Austin, TX 78701
Directions

It's not too late to help with today's election, so please call 5 voters to help win Ted Kennedy's old Senate seat!

See you tonight,
Texans for Obama

Texas, Make The Call For Health Care Reform!

kath25 — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 19:50:14 GMT

Last night, President Obama made his case to America for health care reform. Today, we need to continue that push here by calling our Congresspeople in support of real reform. We need to know that our voices were heard, and that the people of Texas had a say in the process.

Call and email your Representative today.

I don't care if your representative has already vowed to support the public option, or wouldn't vote to insure his own Mother. Get on the phone and call! Make your voice heard, make sure your representative knows what you think.

We need real health care reform in Texas.

Texas has the highest rate and number of uninsured residents. Texas has the highest rate of uninsured children, nearly double the national average. Over 80% of our uninsured residents live in working families. Texas has a lower rate of employer-sponsored health insurance than the rest of the country. Texas has higher insurance premiums than the average in the rest of the country. You name it, we're doing worse, we're falling behind.

Stand up for Texas, stand up for health insurance reform.

Whether you've been phonebanking for weeks, or you just finally got enough information last night to advocate in favor of health care reform, today is the day to do something about it. Pick up the phone, type a quick email, and send your support for health care reform from Texas to Washington today.

Congressperson	District	DC Phone Number	Email
Barton, Joe	TX-6th	202.225.2002	Email
Brady, Kevin	TX-8th	202.225.4901	Email
Burgess, Michael	TX-26th	202.225.7772	Email
Carter, John	TX-31st	202.225.3864	Email
Conaway, K. Michael	TX-11th	202.225.3605	Email
Cuellar, Henry	TX-28th	202.225.1640	Email
Culberson, John	TX-7th	202.225.2571	Email
Doggett, Lloyd	TX-25th	202.225.4865	Email
Edwards, Chet	TX-17th	202.225.6105	Email
Gohmert, Louie	TX-1st	202.225.3035	Email
Gonzalez, Charlie A.	TX-20th	202.225.3236	Email
Granger, Kay	TX-12th	202.225.5071	Email
Green, Al	TX-9th	202.225.7508	Email
Green, Gene	TX-29th	202.225.1688	Email
Hall, Ralph M.	TX-4th	202.225.6673	Email
Hensarling, Jeb	TX-5th	202.225.3484	Email
Hinojosa, Rubén	TX-15th	202.225.2531	Email
Jackson Lee, Sheila	TX-18th	202.225.3816	Email
Johnson, Eddie Bernice	TX-30th	202.225.8885	Email
Johnson, Sam	TX-3rd	202.225.4201	Email
Marchant, Kenny	TX-24th	202.225.6605	Email
McCaul, Michael T.	TX-10th	202.225.2401	Email
Neugebauer, Randy	TX-19th	202.225.4005	Email
Olson, Pete	TX-22nd	202.225.5951	Email
Ortiz, Solomon P.	TX-27th	202.225.7742	Email
Paul, Ron	TX-14th	202.225.2831	Email
Poe, Ted	TX-2nd	202.225.6565	Email
Reyes, Silvestre	TX-16th	202.225.4831	Email
Rodriguez, Ciro	TX-23rd	202.225.4511	Email
Sessions, Pete	TX-32nd	202.225.2231	Email
Smith, Lamar	TX-21st	202.225.4236	Email
Thornberry, Mac	TX-13th	202.225.3706	Email

You can also sign the petition at BarackObama.com in support of the President's three principles of reform: reducing costs, guaranteeing choice, and ensuring affordable care for all.

This issue is too important not to make our voices heard. Now get calling and typing!

Cross-posted on Burnt Orange Report

Republicans and paid thugs plan Town Hall takeovers

mariochampion — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 20:42:25 GMT

Don't be intimidated people! Here in Austin, my wife almost came to blows with a supposed "Nurse against ObamaCare" who was screaming at us and our 6 month old as she marched past what was a pretty peaceful pro-reform rally.

Its getting ugly, but we can't give up. Remember the "Brooks Brother Riots" which shut down the Florida recount and helped hand the presidency to W?

That cannothappen again.

The Democratic Party
There's been a lot of media coverage about organized mobs intimidating lawmakers, disrupting town halls, and silencing real discussion about the need for real health insurance reform.
The truth is, it's a sham. These "grassroots protests" are being organized and largely paid for by Washington special interests and insurance companies who are desperate to block reform. They're trying to use lies and fear to break the President and his agenda for change.
Health insurance reform is about our lives, our jobs, and our families -- we can't let distortions and intimidation get in the way. We need to expose these outrageous tactics, and we're counting on you to help. Can you read these "5 facts about the anti-reform mobs," then pass them along to your friends and family?
5 facts about the anti-reform mobs
1. These disruptions are being funded and organized by out-of-district special-interest groups and insurance companies who fear that health insurance reform could help Americans, but hurt their bottom line. A group run by the same folks who made the "Swiftboat" ads against John Kerry is compiling a list of congressional events in August to disrupt. An insurance company coalition has stationed employees in 30 states to track where local lawmakers hold town-hall meetings.
2. People are scared because they are being fed frightening lies. These crowds are being riled up by anti-reform lies being spread by industry front groups that invent smears to tarnish the President's plan and scare voters. But as the President has repeatedly said, health insurance reform will create more health care choices for the American people, not reduce them. If you like your insurance or your doctor, you can keep them, and there is no "government takeover" in any part of any plan supported by the President or Congress.
3. Their actions are getting more extreme. Texas protesters brought signs displaying a tombstone for Rep. Lloyd Doggett and using the "SS" symbol to compare President Obama's policies to Nazism. Maryland Rep. Frank Kratovil was hanged in effigy outside his district office. Rep. Tim Bishop of New York had to be escorted to his car by police after an angry few disrupted his town hall meeting -- and more examples like this come in every day. And they have gone beyond just trying to derail the President's health insurance reform plans, they are trying to "break" the President himself and ruin his Presidency.
4. Their goal is to disrupt and shut down legitimate conversation. Protesters have routinely shouted down representatives trying to engage in constructive dialogue with voters, and done everything they can to intimidate and silence regular people who just want more information. One attack group has even published a manual instructing protesters to "stand up and shout" and try to "rattle" lawmakers to prevent them from talking peacefully with their constituents.
5. Republican leadership is irresponsibly cheering on the thuggish crowds. Republican House Minority Leader John Boehner issued a statement applauding and promoting a video of the disruptions and looking forward to "a long, hot August for Democrats in Congress."
It's time to expose this charade, before it gets more dangerous. Please send these facts to everyone you know. You can also post them on your website, blog, or Facebook page.
Now, more than ever, we need to stand strong together and defend the truth.
Thanks,
Jen
Jen O'Malley Dillon
Executive Director
Democratic National Committee

The Obama Boom begins again in Austin ; )

mariochampion — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 14:24:13 GMT

thanks to jamie for sending this in -- and congrats to the new parents!

The Obama Baby Boom began in Austin, TX.
Inside the Beltway
By Jennifer Harper INSIDE THE BELTWAY | Monday, July 27, 2009
'Generation O'

Cara and Jamie Vernon have begun the "Obama baby boom " - a phenomenon the press predicted would begin nine months after President Obama was elected.
It's a girl.
Mia Nicole Vernon was born eight weeks premature June 6 in Austin, Texas, weighing 3 pounds and 4 ounces. She is in fine fettle these days, home and happy. Mia's arrival gave her parents more than a pregnant pause.
"We did not choose to be a part of the 'Obama Baby Boom'. Shortly after her birth, I began to wonder if Mia would still be considered a part of the Obama baby boom, and it hit me: She may have started the 'Obama Baby Boom' - perhaps Mia is the first 'Obama Baby Boom' baby. We can leave the official determination to others, but until it is shown otherwise, Mia is the first, to us," Mr. Vernon told Inside the Beltway.

Free parking for today's health care rally

Texans for Obama — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 13:59:53 GMT

Don't miss today's big rally for insurance reform!

Obama Health Care Rally
Saturday, July 25
1:00 - 3:00pm
AFL-CIO Auditorium
1106 Lavaca
Austin, TX 78701
(corner of 11th & Lavaca)

Free Parking Available
Parking Garage at 13th & Lavaca
Entrance on 13th Street
301 West 13th Street
Austin, TX 78701
(see map below)

View Larger Map

2009 TFO Speaker Series

Texans for Obama — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 04:47:53 GMT

Fellow Texans for Obama,

Because of your volunteer efforts in 2008, Barack Obama is now the President. Thank you for all your hard work!

Now let's keep up the momentum. Around 1 million people participated in the Texas Democratic precinct caucuses, and this new generation of activists will help turn Texas blue. 2010 will see the strongest statewide Democratic ticket in recent memory, and you're encouraged to meet the various candidates and get involved.

Our regular Texans for Obama monthly meetups are every 3rd Tuesday at Scholz Garten at 6:00pm.

2009 TFO Speaker Series:

May 19 - Mayor Bill White
June 15 - John Sharp
July 21 - Kinky Friedman
August 18 - Ronnie Earle
September 15 - Sen. Kirk Watson
October 20 - Tom Schieffer
November 17 - Jack McDonald
December 15 - Holiday Party Featuring Reps. Valinda Bolton, Donna Howard & Diana Maldonado

We've got a great team of Democratic leaders, so let's keep up the momentum and turn Texas blue!

5/19: Meet Bill White at Scholz Garten

Texans for Obama — Tue, 19 May 2009 16:26:28 GMT

President Obama unveiled today a bold new plan to increase auto fuel efficiency. This will reduce our dependency on foreign oil and help our environment. Obama's delivering real results and creating change we can believe in!

Today's news is welcome after eight long years of the Bush/Cheney era, but we must keep pressing forward. In order to pass Obama's full agenda, we need to elect more Democratic Senators who won't filibuster Obama's call for change.

Here in our own backyard, Texas Democrats have a unique opportunity to win the open U.S. Senate seat being vacated by Republican Kay Bailey Hutchison.

Houston Mayor Bill White is a nationally recognized leader on alternative energy, and he's announced his candidacy as a Democrat for this Senate seat. Tonight, he'll be at Scholz Garten to answer your questions about his policy proposals. This is an important race with national implications, so we look forward to seeing you at Scholz Garten.

Texans for Obama May Meetup
Featuring Mayor Bill White
Tuesday, May 19
6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Scholz Garten
1607 San Jacinto Blvd
Austin, TX 78701
Free Admission
RSVP on Facebook

Thanks for everything you did to help elect Barack Obama. Now let's continue the momentum and elect a Texas Senator who will support Obama's agenda.

Our next monthly meetup is scheduled for June 16. The special guest will be John Sharp, another great Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate. Fired up and ready to go!

5/5: OFA Listening Tour at Victory Grill

Texans for Obama — Tue, 05 May 2009 17:10:14 GMT

It's exciting that Organzing for America is investing real resources into Texas. We worked hard in 2007 and 2008 to build a strong grassroots network, and now it's time to keep the momentum going.

Join us tonight to learn more about the future of the Obama movement and offer your suggestions. Fired up and ready go!

Meet Luke Hayes
Texas Director of OFA
Tuesday, May 5
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Victory Grill
1104 East 11th Street
Austin, TX 78702
RSVP on Facebook

Also, if you haven't already, go read today's news story from the Austin American-Statesman:

A dozen years ago, a little-known schoolteacher shocked the state's political establishment by winning the Democratic U.S. Senate nomination while driving the state in a little white pickup truck.
Luke Hayes isn't running for office. But like Victor Morales before him, he has been driving around Texas lately in a white pickup as part of a national effort to keep Democrats energized after last year's presidential race.
Hayes, 25, is the recently arrived state director of Organizing for America, a political committee overseen by the Democratic National Committee. He's among directors placed by the DNC in 20 states, ranging from Democrat-leaning bastions such as California to GOP strongholds such as Alaska and Texas, which probably hasn't had anything close to a national political operative assigned to fanning grass-roots support for a Democratic president's policies since at least Lyndon Johnson's era.
The directors have been holding "listening tour" events focused on fueling grass-roots support for the Obama administration. And Hayes is penciled in to host his second Austin stop at 6 p.m. today at the Victory Grill.
Natalie Wyeth, the committee's spokeswoman, said: "We're also asking supporters and people new to the effort for their ideas on how we can best organize around the president's agenda in their community. The 'bottom up' philosophy served us quite well during the campaign."

Endorsements in Austin City Council races

Texans for Obama — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 19:23:52 GMT

President Obama has encouraged us to get involved on the local level and make a difference in our communities. On that note, early voting begins this week in the Austin City Council races. The deadline to vote early is Tuesday, May 5.

Texans for Obama does not make endorsements in local races, but we're happy to share relevant information from other local organizations. Please do your homework and make your voice heard!

(Attention campaigns: If there are any needed additions or edits to this list, please contact us at texansforobama@gmail.com.)

ENDORSEMENTS FOR MAYOR:

Brewster McCracken:
* Austin American-Statesman
* Austin Lesbian / Gay Political Caucus
Carole Keeton Strayhorn:
* Austin Board of Realtors
* Building Owners & Managers Association
* ChangeAustin.org
* Hilltop Views, St. Edwards University Student Paper
* NOKOA The Observer
* Small Business Group
* Villager Newspaper
David Buttross:
* No endorsements
Josiah Ingells:
* No endorsements
Lee Leffingwell:
* Austin Chronicle
* Austin Firefighters Association
* Austin Lesbian / Gay Political Caucus
* Austin Neighborhoods Council
* Austin Police Association
* Austin Progressive Coalition
* Austin Sierra Club
* Austin Tejano Democrats
* Austin Women's Political Caucus
* Austin / Travis County EMS Employees Association
* Better Austin Today PAC
* Black Austin Democrats
* Burnt Orange Report
* Capital Area Asian American Democrats
* Capital Area Progressive Democrats
* Capital City Young Democrats
* Central Austin Democrats
* Central Labor Council
* Circle C Area Democrats
* Clean Water Action / Texas Vote Environment
* College Democrats of St. Edward's University
* Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas
* Daily Texan
* League of Bicycle Voters
* Mexican American Democrats
* Northeast Travis County Democrats
* South Austin Democrats
* Southwest Austin Democrats
* Stonewall Democrats
* Texas Environmental Democrats
* Travis County Sheriff's Law Enforcement Association
* Travis County Sheriff's Officers Association
* University Democrats
* West Austin Democrats

ENDORSEMENTS FOR PLACE 1:

Chris Riley:
* Austin American-Statesman
* Austin Apartment Association
* Austin Board of Realtors
* Austin Chronicle
* Austin Lesbian/Gay Political Caucus
* Austin Police Association
* Austin Progressive Coalition
* Austin/Travis Co. EMS Employee Association
* Burnt Orange Report
* Capital Area Asian American Democrats
* Capital City Young Democrats
* Central Austin Democrats
* Circle C Area Democrats
* Daily Texan
* Downtown Austin Neighborhood Association
* League of Bicycling Voters
* NOKOA The Observer
* North by Northwest Democrats
* Northeast Travis County Democrats
* Sierra Club
* Small Business Group of Central Texas
* St. Edward's Democrats
* Stonewall Democrats
* Texas Environmental Democrats
* University Democrats
* Villager Newspaper
* West Austin Democrats
Perla Cavazos:
* Austin Firefighters Association
* Austin Neighborhoods Council
* Austin Women's Political Caucus
* Better Austin Today
* Black Austin Democrats
* Capital Area Progressive Democrats
* Central Labor Council
* Mexican American Democrats
* North by Northwest Democrats
* PODER Pac
* South Austin Democrats
* South West Austin Democrats
* Stonewall Democrats
* Tejano Democrats
* Texas Environmental Democrats
* Texas Hispanic Police Officer's Association

ENDORSEMENTS FOR PLACE 2:

Joe Quintero:
* Mexican-American Democrats
Mike Martinez:
* Austin Board of Realtors
* Building Owners & Managers Association
* Austin Chronicle
* Austin Firefighters Association
* Austin Lesbian / Gay Political Caucus
* Austin Neighborhoods Council
* Austin Police Association
* Austin Progressive Coalition
* Austin Sierra Club
* Austin Tejano Democrats
* Austin Women's Political Caucus
* Austin / Travis County EMS Employees Association
* Better Austin Today PAC
* Black Austin Democrats
* Burnt Orange Report
* Capital Area Asian American Democrats
* Capital Area Progressive Democrats
* Capital City Young Democrats
* Central Austin Democrats
* Central Labor Council
* ChangeAustin.org
* Circle C Area Democrats
* Clean Water Action / Texas Vote Environment
* College Democrats of St. Edward's University
* Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas
* Daily Texan
* League of Bicycle Voters
* Northeast Travis County Democrats
* Small Business Group
* South Austin Democrats
* Southwest Austin Democrats
* Stonewall Democrats
* Texas Environmental Democrats
* Travis County Sheriff's Law Enforcement Association
* Travis County Sheriff's Officers Association
* University Democrats
* West Austin Democrats

ENDORSEMENTS FOR PLACE 5: (uncontested race)

Bill Spelman:
* Austin American Statesman
* Austin Apartment Association
* Austin Board of Realtors
* Austin Chronicle
* Austin Firefighters Association
* Austin Lesbian/Gay Political Caucus
* Austin Neighborhoods Council
* Austin Police Association
* Austin Progressive Coalition
* Austin Tejano Democrats
* Austin/Travis Co. EMS Employees Association
* Austin Women's Political Caucus
* Better Austin Today PAC
* Black Austin Democrats
* Building Owners and Managers Association
* Burnt Orange Report
* Capital City Young Democrats
* Capital Area Progressive Democrats
* Central Austin Democrats
* Central Labor Council of Austin
* ChangeAustin.org
* Circle C Area Democrats
* Daily Texan
* League of Bicycling Voters
* Mexican American Democrats of Austin
* North by Northwest Democrats
* Sierra Club
* South Austin Democrats
* Southwest Austin Democrats
* Stonewall Democrats
* Texas Environmental Democrats
* University Democrats
* West Austin Democrats

ENDORSEMENTS FOR PLACE 6:

Sam Osemene:
* Mexican American Democrats
* Southwest Austin Democrats
* Small Business Group
* ChangeAustin.Org
* Travis County Republican Liberty Caucus
* Texans For Accountable Government
Sheryl Cole:
* Austin Board of Realtors
* Building Owners & Managers Association
* Austin Chronicle
* Austin Firefighters Association
* Austin Lesbian / Gay Political Caucus
* Austin Police Association
* Austin Progressive Coalition
* Austin Sierra Club
* Austin Women's Political Caucus
* Austin / Travis County EMS Employees Association
* Black Austin Democrats
* Burnt Orange Report
* Capital Area Asian American Democrats
* Capital Area Progressive Democrats
* Capital City Young Democrats
* Central Austin Democrats
* Central Labor Council
* Circle C Area Democrats
* Clean Water Action / Texas Vote Environment
* College Democrats of St. Edward's University
* Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas
* Daily Texan
* League of Bicycle Voters
* Mexican American Democrats
* NOKOA The Observer
* Northeast Travis County Democrats
* South Austin Democrats
* Stonewall Democrats
* Texas Environmental Democrats
* Travis County Sheriff's Law Enforcement Association
* Travis County Sheriff's Officers Association
* Villager Newspaper
* West Austin Democrats

CENTRAL EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS

Travis County Airport Blvd Offices
* 5501 Airport Blvd
* Mon-Sat 7 am-7 pm, Sun Noon-6 pm
Travis County Courthouse
* 1000 Guadalupe Street
* Mon-Sat 7 am-7 pm, Sun Noon-6 pm
Fiesta Mart Central
* 3909 North IH-35 @ Delwood Shopping Center
* Mon-Sat 7 am-7 pm, Sun Noon-6 pm
University of Texas
* 2400 Inner Campus Drive
* Flawn Academic Center Lobby, West Mall, UT Campus
* Mon-Sat 7 am-7 pm, Sun Noon-6 pm
Goodwill Industries
* 701 Newman Dr
* Mon-Sat 10 am-7 pm, Sun Noon-6 pm

NORTH EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS:

Ben Hur Shriners Hall
* 7811 Rockwood Lane
* Mon-Sat 7 am-7 pm, Sun Noon-6 pm
Round Rock ISD Performing Arts Center
* 5800 McNeil Drive
* Mon-Sat 7 am-7 pm, Sun Closed

NORTHEAST EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS:

MT Supermarket
* 10901 N. Lamar Blvd., Bldg G at Chinatown Center
* Mon-Sat 10 am-7 pm, Sun Noon-6 pm
County Tax Office, Pflugerville (Community Room)
* 15822 Foothill Farms Loop
* Mon-Sat 7 am-7 pm, Sun Noon-6 pm
Goodwill Industries
* 1015 Norwood Park Boulevard
* Mon-Fri 8 am-7 pm, Sat 9 am-7 pm, Sun Noon-6 pm

NORTHWEST EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS:

Randalls Research and Braker
* 10900-D Research Boulevard @ Braker Lane
* Mon-Sat 7 am-7 pm, Sun Noon-6 pm
HEB Four Points, FM 620 and RR 2222
* 7301 FM 620 North (temp building in parking lot)
* Mon-Sat 7 am-7 pm, Sun Noon-6 pm

SOUTH EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS:

HEB South Congress
* 2400 South Congress (temp building in parking lot)
* Mon-Sat 7 am-7 pm, Sun Noon-6 pm
Randalls Ben White and Manchaca
* 2025 West Ben White Boulevard @ Manchaca Road
* Mon-Sat 7 am-7 pm, Sun Noon-6 pm

SOUTHEAST EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS:

Dan Ruiz Public Library
* 1600 Grove Blvd
* Mon-Thur 10 am-7 pm, Fri Closed, Sat 10 am-5 pm,
* Sun Closed
Fiesta Mart Stassney
* 5510 S. IH-35 @ Stassney
* Mon-Sat 7 am-7 pm, Sun Noon-6 pm

SOUTHWEST EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS:

Randalls South Mopac and William Cannon
* 6600 South Mopac @ William Cannon
* Mon-Sat 7 am-7 pm, Sun Noon-6 pm
Randalls Brodie and Slaughter
* 9911 Brodie Lane @ Slaughter Lane
* Mon-Sat 7 am-7 pm, Sun Noon-6 pm

EAST EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS:

Parque Zaragoza Recreation Center
* 2608 Gonzales Street @ East 7th
* Mon-Fri 10 am-7 pm, Sat 10 am-5 pm, Sun Closed
Northeast Health Center
* 7112 Ed Bluestein Boulevard, Suite 155
* (Springdale Shopping Center)
* Mon-Sat 7 am-7 pm, Sun Noon-6 pm

WEST EARLY VOTING LOCATIONS:

Flagship Randalls at Westlake Hills
* 3300 Bee Caves Road
* Mon-Sat 7 am-7 pm, Sun Noon-6 pm
Randalls Lakeway
* 2301 RR 620 South
* Mon-Sat 7 am-7 pm, Sun Noon-6 pm
Bee Cave City Hall
* 4000 Galleria Parkway
* Mon-Sat 7 am-7 pm, Sun Noon-6 pm

Tomorrow: OFA Listening Tour at Scholz Garten

Ian — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 21:14:20 GMT

Fellow Texans,

It's been a busy spring, and President Obama continues to fulfill his campaign promises.

Just yesterday, he signed legislation that triples the size of the AmeriCorps service program over the next eight years and expands ways for students to earn money for college. While Republicans want Obama to fail and have even criticized this important national service program, it's refreshing to finally have a Democrat in the White House who's willing to fight for change we can believe in.

Here in Texas, we have been inspired by Obama's call to national service. We recently got organized and went door-to-door to collect canned food for the Capital Area Food Bank. Our team collected over 3,000 pounds of food, and we're planning future service opportunities throughout the year.

Yes we can!

-----

ORGANIZING FOR AMERICA - LISTENING TOUR

Want to learn how to get more involved?

Our next volunteer meetup is scheduled for tomorrow evening, April 23rd. Normally, we meet every 3rd Tuesday, but this month, we're joining up with the official Organizing for America campaign. They've launched a statewide listening tour, and they'll be in Austin tomorrow evening at Scholz Garten.

It's exciting that OFA is investing real resources into Texas, so you're encouraged to come learn more about the future of the Obama movement and offer your suggestions.

OFA Listening Tour
Featuring Luke Hayes, Texas Director of OFA
Thursday, April 23
6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Scholz Garten
1607 San Jacinto Blvd
Austin, TX 78701
RSVP on Facebook

-----

UPCOMING EVENTS CALENDAR

Next month, we'll return to our normal volunteer meetup schedule. (Every 3rd Tuesday at Scholz Garten at 6:00 p.m.)

You're invited to meet the two leading Democratic U.S. Senate candidates to replace Kay Bailey Hutchison when she steps down. Both Bill White and John Sharp are excellent candidates, and with your help, we can turn Texas blue!

The election date isn't yet certain, but most people believe that Sen. Hutchison will step down later this year to challenge Rick Perry in the 2010 gubernatorial race. This will present a unique opportunity for Texas Democrats to win a rare open U.S. Senate seat. The election is extremely important because it could provide Obama with the all-important 60th Senate vote to stop future Republican filibusters.

We need to stand up to Republican obstructionism so we can enact progressive legislation that helps improve people's lives. So come join us at one of our upcoming TFO meetups and get involved:

"TFO Meetup: Meet Bill White, Candidate for U.S. Senate"
* Mayor of Houston
* 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
* Tuesday, May 19
* Scholz Garten
* RSVP on Facebook

"TFO Meetup: Meet John Sharp, Candidate for U.S. Senate"
* Former Texas Comptroller
* 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.
* Tuesday, June 16
* Scholz Garten
* RSVP on Facebook

If you'd like to get more involved on the local level and support your Democratic clubs, then please also consider attending these great events below.

"TCDP Reception: President Obama's 100th Day in Office"
* Fundraiser for the Travis County Democratic Party
* 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
* Wednesday, April 29
* Speakeasy
* 412 Congress Ave
* $20 Tickets at the Door
* Contact the TCDP Office: (512) 477-7500
* RSVP on Facebook

"Celebrating University Democrats: A History of Change"
* Fundraiser for the University Democrats
* 7:00 - 8:00 p.m.
* Friday, May 1
* UT-Austin Business School Events Room (CBA 3.304)
* $5 Tickets at the Door
* Contact Jimmy Talarico: (512) 587-8961

Thanks for continuing to work hard and fighting for change we can believe in. Fired up and ready to go!

Best regards,
Texans for Obama

p.s.
Early voting in the Austin city council elections starts on April 27th. Our next newsletter will provide helpful information about early voting locations and Democratic club endorsements.

Today's meetup rescheduled for Thursday, 4/23

Ian — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 21:37:22 GMT

Today's normal monthly meetup has been moved to Thursday.

The new Texas Director of OFA will be in Austin on Thursday at 6:00pm. His name is Luke Hayes, and this is pat of his OFA Listening Tour.

Hang out with fellow Democrats and learn about the future plans for Obama organizing in Texas.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Ian — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 18:19:50 GMT

Instead of having our regular monthly meetup tonight at Scholz Garten, we're headed downtown to Fado's Irish Pub to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. O'Bama has Irish roots, so come join the fun!

If you want to wear your St. Patrick's Day Obama buttons tonight, then come visit The Obama Store.

Hope to see you tonight. Remember to wear your green!

Yes We CANS Food Drive - Over 3,000 Pounds Collected!

Ian — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 16:23:19 GMT

Many of you joined us last month for our incredibly successful National Day of Service food drive benefitting the Capital Area Food Bank. We went door-to-door, and our goal was to collect one ton of food.

We're excited to announce that thanks to your help and the support of Council Members Martinez and Leffingwell, we've now raised over 3,000 pounds of food!

Thank you for acting upon President Obama's challenge to get involved in community service. In these these difficult times, food donations are even more important as we try to meet the growing hunger challenge. While Obama's bold economic stimulus plan will make a huge difference in turning things around, it's our responsibility to take action on the local level. So if you still have extra food in your cabinet, please continue to support this food drive and help our neighbors in need.

Going forward, we'd like to harness this collective grassroots Obama energy to tackle additional community service projects. In that spirit, we've connected with a wonderful local environmental group called TreeFolks, and we'll help them plant new trees in our local parks. Over the last 20 years, this group has planted hundreds of thousands of trees in public settings across the area, and we're excited to help with that effort. Council Members Martinez & Leffingwell have generously agreed to buy breakfast tacos for our volunteers, so come out and help improve our local environment. (See below for more information.)

Remember, the 2008 election was not the end of our journey. It was only the beginning. Please join your fellow Texas Obama supporters and let's volunteer to make a difference in our own backyard. Yes we can!

Obama's 1st Presidential Address to Congress

Ian — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 16:17:36 GMT

Come meet your neighbors and support Obama! The speech starts at 8:00pm CST, and we'll start gathering at Scholz Garten at 7:00pm.

Tuesday, February 24
7:00pm - 9:30pm
Scholz Garten
1607 San Jacinto Blvd
Austin, TX 78701
Click here to RSVP

Organizing for America 2.0

Ian — Thu, 29 Jan 2009 20:03:49 GMT

This is an exciting project that will help keep the momentum going. Stay tuned for more details...