Spring Break
Denton Democrats gather for chili fundraiser
Local candidates for upcoming elections attended
Arlinda Arriaga
Issue date: 1/29/08 Section: NEWS
Supporters and party members came together to talk politics Saturday at the Denton County Democratic Party's Annual Chili Supper fundraiser and candidate's forum.
About 200 Democratic Party members and supporters filled the Denton Visual Arts Center to enjoy chili and hear nine candidates speak about their political plans.
Neil Durrance, chairman of the Denton County Democratic Party, said he recalled when there used to be three tables and 18 people in attendance.
"This is a time to get together and recognize our new democrats and reacquaint ourselves," Durrance said.
The NT chapter of College Democrats was in attendance to support the Denton party chapter.
Hanna Ol'Bridge, treasurer of the College Democrats and NT junior, said the group's goal is to recruit more young people into the party.
"Since the young people are the future of our party, we are just trying to get them involved and bring them out to the rest of the community," she said.
Candidates attending the event were Karen Guerra, candidate for 16th District Court judge; Tom Love, candidate for U.S. House District 24; John McClelland, candidate for State House Representative for District 64; Edra Bogle, candidate for State Board of Education District 14; Jesus Carrillo, candidate for State Rep. District 63; Phyllis Wolper, candidate for County Commissioner Precinct 1; Mike Ballard, candidate for Constable Precinct 5; and Ken Leach, candidate for US House District 26.
Barbara Judkins of Lewisville, who has been in the party for more than 20 years, said she sees the party "coming out of a long dry spell."
"Maybe we are going to see a democrat in the White House this year, and we just might see change," Judkins said.
Profits from the supper and silent auction will support the local party.
Durrance said there is not an exact count of the party membership because in Texas, when people register and vote in the primary, they are considered a registered Democrat. Durrance said the Republican Party is not delivering on its promises.
"Their ideas have run out of standing and our party is doing what they need to do and carrying out our campaign promises," Durrance said.
About 200 Democratic Party members and supporters filled the Denton Visual Arts Center to enjoy chili and hear nine candidates speak about their political plans.
Neil Durrance, chairman of the Denton County Democratic Party, said he recalled when there used to be three tables and 18 people in attendance.
"This is a time to get together and recognize our new democrats and reacquaint ourselves," Durrance said.
The NT chapter of College Democrats was in attendance to support the Denton party chapter.
Hanna Ol'Bridge, treasurer of the College Democrats and NT junior, said the group's goal is to recruit more young people into the party.
"Since the young people are the future of our party, we are just trying to get them involved and bring them out to the rest of the community," she said.
Candidates attending the event were Karen Guerra, candidate for 16th District Court judge; Tom Love, candidate for U.S. House District 24; John McClelland, candidate for State House Representative for District 64; Edra Bogle, candidate for State Board of Education District 14; Jesus Carrillo, candidate for State Rep. District 63; Phyllis Wolper, candidate for County Commissioner Precinct 1; Mike Ballard, candidate for Constable Precinct 5; and Ken Leach, candidate for US House District 26.
Barbara Judkins of Lewisville, who has been in the party for more than 20 years, said she sees the party "coming out of a long dry spell."
"Maybe we are going to see a democrat in the White House this year, and we just might see change," Judkins said.
Profits from the supper and silent auction will support the local party.
Durrance said there is not an exact count of the party membership because in Texas, when people register and vote in the primary, they are considered a registered Democrat. Durrance said the Republican Party is not delivering on its promises.
"Their ideas have run out of standing and our party is doing what they need to do and carrying out our campaign promises," Durrance said.
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