Swinging through Southern Colorado
It was another weekend of visits to the southern part of the state. On Saturday I drove down to Trinidad to have lunch with the Las Animas County Democratic Executive Committee. Pete DeLuca, chair of the Las Animas County Dems, did a great job of getting everyone together.
It is exciting to go into a county with so many elected Democrats. After a briefing on the “state” of the party and an update on plans for the 2008 Democratic National Convention, the topic of the day was on the table. In Las Animas County is deeply concerned about the U.S. Army’s proposed expansion into the Pinon Canyon site. Senator Ken Salazar will be coming down to Trinidad to discuss the issues this week. Local Democrats expect 500-600 people to attend.
Jim Montoya, county commissioner, said that there are other options. Even though some have called the opponents anti-patriotic and anti-Army, they disagree. Many of the folks have relatives in the military service. Instead, local ranchers woul dbe displaced.
As a result of the discussion, the executive commitee passed a resolution opposing the expansion of the Pinon Canyon training area. I was able to compose a press release on my Blackberry, and Mike Weissman got it out statewide.
From Trinidad it was on to Monte Vista where I met up with Bennie Chacon, chair of the Rio Grande County Democrats. We drove over to Del Norte, where the town was having its parade, potato roast and dance. Glenn Graham, mayor of Del Norte and former chair in Rio Grande, spent time with us discussing caucus participation. One of the big topics is the reporting system that will be put in place for the caucus results. A committee is working on the different methods of reports.
Overnight in Monte Vista, where I had the opportunity to walk for a few miles. Then it was off to Conejos. 150 people showed up for a barbeque lunch following mass. Here is another county with a lot of local elected officials. Selso Lopez, Chair of the Conejos County Democrats, emceed the speaking program where once again I was able to talk about the Colorado party and the excitement over the year ahead. Other speakers included House Rep. Rafael Gallegos and Leroy Salazar, who represented his brothers, Senator Ken and U.S. Rep. John. The crowd included guests from Saguache, Alamosa and Costilla Counties. Both most of the attendance was composed of local residents. Daryl Grant, the SW Field Director, who is part of the DNC State Partnership Program, was welcomed back by old friends and former classmates.
Congratulations to our counties for their great work last fall. We expect to continue as we build towards a Colorado 2008 victory.