Texas Democrats proved to be the party of inclusion at this year's state convention. Pro-life and pro-gun rights Democrats were given a place at the table.
Christy Hoppe reports in the Dallas Morning News:
CORPUS CHRISTI – At the Democratic state convention, it's easy being green, but loving guns and opposing abortion are still a work in progress.
n meeting rooms throughout this Gulf Coast city's convention center, various interests cloistered themselves to discuss their issues: environmentalists, Tejanos, blacks, veterans, the techno-savvy, young Democrats and the groups working for union rights – both gay and labor.
But interspersed among the Democratic family were the new in-laws of issues. For a party that hasn't won statewide office in 15 years, anti-abortion and pro-gun advocates are the freshly minted relatives in a marriage of inclusion and necessity.
"I'm a liberal Democrat, and this is an issue that should affect all of us," said gun caucus leader Daniel Barnett of Dallas.
Barnett, wearing a black T-shirt with the Texas Independence battle logo "Come and Take It" printed in white letters, turned his back to the gathered enthusiasts and threw a stuffed toy donkey over his shoulder like a bridal bouquet.
But the donkey was a stand-in for the real prize: a 30-round magazine. Two nearby women scrambled until the gleeful claimant waved the captured toy over her head and gratefully accepted the (empty) magazine.
About 60 people attended, and a number of candidates popped in – Barbara Ann Radnofsky for attorney general, Jeff Weems for Railroad Commission, a "Sportsmen for Bill White" representative.
"Why have we allowed Republicans to own this issue?" asked Neil Durrance, a gun owner challenging U.S. Rep. Michael Burgess of Lewisville. "They have convinced people that only Republicans believe we should own guns. Wrong!"
At the other end of the convention hall, Lois Kerschen of Democrats for Life America, was leading a smaller and less rambunctious group of about two dozen believers.
"No other issue kills 3,600 children a day," said the Houston woman, who prays outside of abortion clinics.
But Democrats, she said, offer the best solutions on myriad social issues and other issues. She said there are many anti-abortion Democrats, and more need to speak up.
But it's not easy, especially if a single issue trumps all others.
"Voting is a very strong problem for pro-life Democrats," she said.
Kerschen said she loves the party's nominee for governor, Bill White, but he supports abortion rights. "It's tough if you think it's the most important issue," she said.
Tom McCasland, who attended the meeting on behalf of White, said the candidate wants to reduce the number of abortions.
"The 'rare' part is something we can work with. It's a big-tent party, and there is room for all of us," he said.
And tents provide plenty of breeze to air out differences.
Democratic Party spokeswoman Kirsten Gray said that all of the 34 groups that requested meeting space were granted it by the party chairman.
It is a little different for the Texas Republican Party, which has denied issue booths to gay Republicans. This year, the GOP also refused space to We Texans, a group begun by tea party favorite Debra Medina, who unsuccessfully challenged Gov. Rick Perry in the primary.
Democratic tolerance is high, but it is not complete. One dissenter was asked to leave the convention center.
Perry spokesman Mark Miner showed up Friday to retrieve a guest pass that had been issued in his name. He had some Tylenol, NoDoz and Perry talking points to distribute.
"I guess they should have done a better job of screening guests," he said.
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/politics/state/stories/062610dntexcaucuses.1dd2a65.html
