Report From Allred Rally-Ellis And Alvarado Have A Lot Of Campaign $

​

​Today I went to a rally for Democratic Texas U.S. Senate nominee Colin Allred.  Above you see a picture I took with Congressman Allred front and center. 

Here are some observations from the event:

1. The rally took two hours because many elected officials spoke. Rep. Allred spoke for something like just 8 minutes. I wish our elected officials could be counted on to be present to canvass voters and take part in phone banks, just as much as we see them taking the opportunity to talk.

2. Three protestors who at various times disrupted the program expressing concerns about Gaza were removed. I get that if you start yelling you can expect to be tossed. I'm certain the protestors knew that as well. At the same time, the removals were aggressive. I saw one woman very forcefully pushed out after the program had ended. It was not necessary. It was not something consistent with the spirit of a Democratic Party event. It's mistake to think that level of aggression will not be applied to people protesting Republican refusal to accept election results this November. It is somebody else today. It'll be you tomorrow.

3. The speakers at the program told us to volunteer, donate and vote. That's fine. But please remember we are asking the same systems that have taken us so close to an open authoritarian such as Donald Trump coming back as President, to now rescue us. That's not a solid wager. Elected officials could easily hold "Democracy Town Halls" where they discuss the stakes of this election, a readiness to protest if needed, &  self-protection from the right as it suits individual homes. They could detail their specific plans for taking part in Campaign 2024 rather than just saying easy things and applause lines.    

Two of the speakers at the Allred event were County Commissioner Rodney Ellis and State Senator Carol Alvarado. Commissioner Ellis has $6.2 million in campaign cash on hand and Senator Alvarado has $1.2 on hand. Both are on the ballot in 2024 in races they should easily win. They could both offer up campaign funds to help protect democracy in Texas and the nation. When Commissioner Ellis and Senator Alvarado start putting up some cash, then you will know they are serious.      

Congressman Allred has not been an active campaigner. His campaign has not set up field offices in Texas cities. There has been little or no contact between the campaign and Democratic Club leaders in Harris County. If he seems in a strong position to defeat Ted Cruz come October, then we should be active for his campaign. If the effort seems lackluster, there are plenty of other races that require our attention.    

Please sign the Houston Democracy Project petition to make the pledge to show up for freedom in 2024 no matter what.

The Houston Democracy Project works daily to inspire, organize and strengthen pro-democracy coalitions in Houston and Harris County.  

Please share word of the Houston Democracy Project and support the effort with your contribution. If you have a question about the Project or a suggestion, please send an e-mail to [email protected]       

---

Please CONTRIBUTE