Texas
Related: About this forumTexas Turns Battleground as Cowboy Boots Win Hispanics
Alex Steele begins his pitch on how to turn Texas into a Democratic state like any good politician, with the story of how he got to this place.
It begins in Californias Central Valley, where he grew up: his father working two jobs to support four boys, his mother disabled by illness. He saw the importance of health care in his mothers treatments and his fathers hip replacements. Student loans and an athletic scholarship helped make him the first in his family to attend college.
He was inspired to politics by Barack Obama, and left his job and home to work for his campaign in Iowa in 2008 when few people thought the first-term senator from Illinois could win.
It took him to Colorado to work for Obamas 2012 re- election and now its brought him to Texas to try to build something even more lasting. And yes, Steele says to approving nods, hes always worn cowboy boots.
He is talking to a group of about 50 activists sitting on plastic folding chairs in Room 101 of the Killeen Community Center, about 70 miles north of the state capital in Austin. Steele is the field director for Battleground Texas, a group that is the offspring of the presidents data-driven grassroots organization that many credit with securing his second term. Local Democrats bring a sheet cake that says Welcome Battleground Texas. Game on Killeen.
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-04-08/texas-turns-battleground-as-cowbow-boots-win-hispanics.html
TxDemChem
(1,918 posts)I really hope we can move to purple sooner rather than later. I personally am tired if being almost completely surrounded by right wing nuts or apathetic non-voters
madamesilverspurs
(15,784 posts)If you've heard or read anything about Colorado's role in the last election, you know that OFA was huge. In our county, alone, we registered over 12 thousand voters. Nate Silver noted the importance of our efforts in tipping the balance.
Alex Steele was our field organizer. Our phone banking had begun in a converted garage, and Alex joined us there on a regular basis. He is highly informed, dynamic, and very committed to big D Democratic principles.
And, yes, he does wear cowboy boots. Well-worn boots that have done lots of walking through countless neighborhoods.
Go, Alex! I'm proud to know you!