My Visit to the Governor’s Mansion, And Other News
(Cross-Posted to DemNotes at: www.DemNotes.com)
Thursday evening, I went to the Governor’s Mansion to join the Colorado Young Democrats at their event there. We were happily joined by the Governor and the First Lady, and the crowd was simply ecstatic to be there. You see, they were there about nine years ago, for a similar event sponsored by Governor Romer.
The Colorado Young Democrats are resurgent, and there’s a reason why: Colorado’s youth are increasingly supporting and volunteering for Democrats. Part of this event was about honoring and thanking those who led the CYD and Denver Young Democrats in years past. Several great leaders were honored, spanning decades of Colorado Young Democrat leadership. But we certainly have a great group of folks leading the CYD today, as well — I’m so proud of how well-organized the youth vote will be under their leadership in the year ahead.
The Governor took several questions, and I was impressed by how many really good energy-related questions that people had. The Governor was excited to point out the solar panels that were being installed, quite literally, as he spoke, on the top of the Mansion’s Carriage House.
But, to be frank, the highlight for me was just being in the Governor’s mansion. Of course, it is the People’s House, but I’d never before been given the opportunity to enter. The interior of the home is just stunning, with details in every nook and cranny at which to marvel. The art is amazing, and the antique furnishings are exquisite. My only complaint: they haven’t yet updated the room with the photos of all of the Governors and First Ladies to include Governor and Mrs. Ritter. Otherwise, it is certainly worth the time to visit if you get the chance.
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The day before, I had gone up to Denver as well, to see the Governor at the State Party’s breakfast a few blocks away from the Governor’s Mansion, at the Crawford Hill Mansion. It, too, was a beautiful venue, and we were in the back yard. Several dozen folks showed up to help the Party financially and meet the Governor. Governor Ritter has long been a strong supporter of the State Party, and Wednesday morning was no exception. We certainly appreciate his help; I don’t know where we would be without his assistance. Heck, he’d even spent the day before on the phone raising money for the National Convention in Denver!
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Speaking of the National Convention, Governor Dean made an announcement that hasn’t received much press yet today: he’s appointed a co-chair for the National Convention. Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin will co-chair the Convention in Denver next August. Here’s some of the article from an Atlanta news station:
Howard Dean, Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, announced Monday his intention to nominate Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin as a permanent convention co-chair.
Franklin has served as Mayor of Atlanta since 2001. She was the first female mayor of Atlanta and the first African American woman to serve as mayor of a major southern city.
“It is a great time to be a Democrat,” Franklin said. “Our diverse leadership for the convention represents the core values of Democrats everywhere. As we prepare for the Democratic National Convention and to send our nominee to the White House, we will also showcase the best in our party and in America.”
Mayor Franklin is also the first woman to chair the National Conference of Democratic Mayors.
The recommendations by Dean will be presented to the Convention Rules Committee next summer. Delegates to the 2008 Convention will then vote at the opening session.
UPDATE: It would help if I read the DNC’s press releases in my inbox before I hit the “post” button. The Governor made more announcements than just the one above. Rather than screwing it up again, here is an excerpt from the release:
Governor Howard Dean, Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, announced today his intention to nominate Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi of California to serve as Permanent Chair of the
2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver. Dean also announced that three outstanding leaders, Kansas Governor Kathleen Sebelius, Chair of the Democratic Governors Association; Texas State Senator Leticia Van de Putte, President of the National Conference of State Legislatures; and Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, President of the National Conference of Democratic Mayors, will be nominated as Permanent Convention Co-Chairs.This distinguished group of strong Democratic leaders from all levels of government and all parts of the country exemplifies the vision, values and commitment to America’s future that the Democratic National Convention will showcase in Denver.
“Our Party is bringing a new kind of leadership to our country at all levels,” said Governor Dean. “We are extremely fortunate to have such a distinguished group of strong Democratic leaders chairing our Convention. I want to thank Speaker Pelosi, Governor Sebelius, state Senator Van de Putte and Mayor Franklin for their commitment to putting our presidential nominee on the path to victory for the November 2008 election.”
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Of course, you probably haven’t heard much about that due to the news that is dominating the storyline today: the President has commuted Scooter Libby’s prison sentence, allowing him to get away without any prison time and only a fine.
Wow. Kinda’ makes you nostalgic for Nixon, doesn’t it?