Arkansas Blog

Wow, Max in San Fran. Who would have ever guessed that?

The developers won a big one yesterday, and it smells like money. After four years of work, the Fayetteville City Council adopted a Hillside Development Ordinance on Wednesday. On Friday, developer-friendly Mayor Dan Coody vetoed the most meaningful provisions of the bill--including the requirements on preserving the tree canopy, an issue that led to the defeat of the previous mayor.

http://www.nwanews.com/nwat/News/39883/

Watch out Max! Hunkahillbilly is in San Francisco too! Keep an eye out for him as you.........as you...uh....Max is in SF at the same time the wizard of Izard County is in SF......Holy Shades of Evil Twins Batman!

Could Max and Hunk be the same person? Could it be one of those multiple personalities...that Sybil thing? And if Hunk is Max, or is it, Max is Hunk...could either of them be Jo Carson?

I'm going to lay down now.

Max, do you vacation all the time?

Have you run into"Make my day" Dirty Harry yet?

That model for Cupids Lingerie sure looks deformed to me. Is she double jointed at the hips? Her right leg and hip appears 90 to 180 degrees out of sync with the rest of her body.

A great analogy on the value of luring new retail with tax breaks. Fayeteville's Mayor & C of C pushing for the new Sam's outlet with adjoining liquorama. Cut a pizza into 24 slices instead of 12 and you can increase the yield twofold. They claim it will generate much more sales tax revenue for the city. How?
Will the folks start drinking more or will the teatotalers switch from Lipton to Jack Daniels?

You want us to believe you're looking at that Cupid model's HIPS??? When the logo is over her hips and her assets are prominently displayed elsewhere??

obviously youre one of them there teatotalers Mystery Shopper is talking about here. Have you been into the Sams Club boxed wine again? I wish I had some.

"They claim it will generate much more sales tax revenue for the city. How?
Will the folks start drinking more or will the teatotalers switch from Lipton to Jack Daniels?"

Sam's Wholesale will do mucho more in general sales than booze sales. Chickendale lost close to a $million in tax revenues when dumbass Jim Holt helped run off Sam's by opposing their liquor permit.

Many of us in Fay-Sprgdle look fwd to Sam's liquor..saves a trip to Missouri to get decent prices.
Bottoms up.
_

Just came from the Jefferson-Jackson Day Dinner at the Clear Channel Metroplex. Just a few thoughts and facts.

* It was reported there were well over 900+ attendees. It was wonderful seeing that many Arkansans in one room.

* Mike Beebe gave a hell of a speech. He laid out his vision and spoke very convincingly about biodiesel fuels and their economic impact for the Delta and South Arkansas.

* General Wesley K. Clark looked and sounded like a President. He was a wonderful emcee and got the crowd fired up.

* Congressman Marion Berry as usual stole the show. Told of his first campaign and how in a parade he ran out of candy. A kid asked for some and Berry reported he was all out. The kid said, "Well what the hell did you show up for then?"

* Jason Willett as always showed respect to many, including former Chairman Ron Oliver. Our party is getting united.

* Everyone from Clark down pulled out the stops for the Democrat who will replace Jim Trimble as the last Democrat elected to Congress from the 3rd C.D., Woody Anderson.

Let me be the first to say on here. He's rough around the edges, but he's genuine. Woody Anderson WILL win the 3rd C.D. and with it will guarantee a Democratic House.

* Saw Bill Halter, Mike Hathorn, Tim Wooldridge, Jay Martin, and heard them at the debate. One of them will make Arkansas an awesome Lt. Governor.

* Beebe noted the female Democrats and we had a star in the crowd tonight .... the NEXT State Treasurer, Martha Shoffner.

* Max Cleland as always, a living testimony to everything about service above self.

All in all, this evening was alive, electric, and vibrant. The Democrats are going to sweep this state....I guarantee!

I volunteered yesterday setting up the literary estival and today floating thoughout the festival helping where I could.

It was wonderful as always.

The Wal Mart Illinois story is being played out in our own state. It may pull out of McGehee, where it is currently over 30% of the tax base, and if wal mart pulls out, the hospital will have to fold.

THe JJ dinner was the best I have seen in four years. All went well, and it made me proud I am a dem. I feel confident we will sweep the state.

Drew,

Listen buddy, you are the worst commerical for the democratic party ever. You are just plain stupid. Mike Beebe "laid of his vision"?

So i am guessing that Beebe said 1001 times in 15 minutes that he beleives in Arkansas. He has no vision. Just a slimball that needs a few swift kicks to the nuts.

You would have to be an idiot to follow beebe or think that he is worth anything. You can tell alot about a person that supports that Moron. Could the democrats not find anyone better?

I would suppose the poster above is a product of the George W. Bush - Asa Hutchinson school. As Marion Berry said it best : "Poor George. They bought him all them books and sent him to school and the joker still can't say the word - NUCLEAR!"

2007 - Arkansas will become a Hutchinson Free Zone!

I also attended the JJ dinner and I would just like to add:
- The food was beyond awful
- the chairs were uncomfortable
- There were plastic flowers on my table
- The lighting made it impossible to see said food
-and last but not least, because it was a buffet, I spent the whole time bringing plates of food to the elderly who could not manage on their own. Can we not do better than this? What happened to the Peabody? I mean come on, a Sam's club building? Bad Food equals Bad Attitude and I will no longer be attending if things don't shape up!

Nuclear or not W is at least SOBER when he says the word, that's more than we can say for Marion (hic-up) Berry....................oh yea say HEY to his mistress for me.

Drew,

Try attending a Reagan Day Dinner we:
- have GREAT food
- chairs that are comfortable
- real flowers on the tables
- sufficient lighting
- and College Republicans for taking care of the errands, and helping the elderly. We also have great attitudes on life......................come to the light.

"

Drew,

Try attending a Reagan Day Dinner we:
- have GREAT food
- chairs that are comfortable
- real flowers on the tables
- sufficient lighting
- and College Republicans for taking care of the errands, and helping the elderly. We also have great attitudes on life......................come to the light."

Yeah, but you're still the party of the worst administration in the history of the United States. I'd more than gladly take Marion Berry, drunk or sober eating fried eggs off a naked whores belly at a bus stop in Toad Suck than sit in comfortable chairs, eating good food with a room full of criminally insane Bush supporters.

Democrats will sweep the nation this November just in time to save America's battered old ass from the mess the Republicans have made with their endless greed and total incompetence. Come January it will be impeachment time! Can't wait!

Wrong is wrong. The 15,000 homeless Katrina refugees living God knows where in this state couldn't get a home for almost 9 months, and still can't. Huckabee sure didn't turn them lose and give the refugees keys to those trailers. Don't get me wrong, Arkansans devastated by the tornadoes should definitely get assistance, but let's don't cut in line here. Katrina folks paid their taxes and FEMA dollars first. At least 15,000 of those trailers belong to people living in Arkansas.

Residents Move Into FEMA Trailors

Posted on 4/22/2006 11:03:15 PM

http://www.fox16.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=cc975a54-c4bb-4f96-a5bb-2fb37cd8e1c5&rss=315
by Nicole Holt

In may not be home, but tornado victims in Northeast Arkansas now have a place to stay.

After FEMA mobile homes, were turned over to them Saturday. Over 285 applications have been submitted, but so far only 12 families have received the homes.

The Mize family who lives near Wynne, an area that was hit hard, says they're thankful for the assistance.

Bruce Mize, a mobile home recipient says, "This is a lot when you need a place to stay this is a lot, they got beds and dressers."

A lot more than what Bruce Mize had, after a tornado ripped through his home at Fitzgerald's Crossing near Wynne, Arkansas, earlier this month. He's stayed with family and friends, but Saturday FEMA came through for him, when he signed on the dotted line and agents handed over the keys to this new mobile home. A mobile home that is one of the 10,000 or so that have sat empty for months at the Hope Airport.

Mize says, "It came with a microwave, refrigerator, a nice stove this is all brand new this has not been lived in, it's a brand new unit." "

Mize isn't the only one to receive a mobile home from FEMA. The agency set his mom up with one right next door and ten others were moved to areas throughout Cross and Greene Counties. They went to places like Marmaduke that were devastated by the storm. And help is on the way for many other storm victims in the seven counties declared federal disaster areas.

Brad Crane with FEMA says, "A dozen trailers have already been pulled out of our staging area in Marmaduke. As those are being pulled out and as the need, we see a need which there is a need 5 at a time will come back in to Marmaduke to replace those trailers that are going out."

Brad Crane with FEMA says things are going slow because some places are not safe to move the mobile homes to, because of all the debris and some property is just too small to put a mobile home on. Mize was one of the lucky ones but he doesn't plan to stay here long.

Mize says this will be his motivation to rebuild, every morning when he wakes up in his temporary home he'll see what little is left of his old home of 14 years. "If I have to I'll sell blood and buy a 2x4 then I'll wait and sell blood and buy another 2x4."

And this is very well says Crane, because FEMA Assistance is only meant as a temporary fix.

Crane says, "The mobile homes up to 18 months rent free we're hoping while they're in there, they're rebuilding this is simply a temporary measure we don't bring the mobile homes and say here's the keys good bye."

If you're a tornado victim, whether you're a business owner, a homeowner or renter, you can apply for FEMA Housing Assistance. To find out more you can call FEMA at: (800)621-FEMA or (800)621-3362

But if you're a LA/MS/AL Hurricane victim:

FEMA = F orget E Ebout Mah Assistance. Not gonna happen.
?

Matayo introduced this bill in the ledge, and it PASSED.

What do you want to bet this is the purpose of the Real ID Act S. 418? Real ID forces drivers licenses - and under 2575 that would automatically register them for selective service. One man on the selective service board in AR told me that they had been issued a letter telling them they were on standby to begin the draft at any time-and this was back in October 04 when he told me this.

Church leaders oppose license-draft link
04/13/2005 Ed Langlois

The Oregon Catholic Conference and Ecumenical Ministries of Oregon have teamed up to oppose a bill that connects drivers' licenses with a military draft.

House Bill 2575 would automatically register young men for Selective Service when they sign up for licenses or state identification cards.

"There is a significant difference in moral judgments that an individual makes between applying for issuance or renewal of a driver's license, permit or an identification card on the one hand and registering with the Selective Service System on the other," says a statement written by Oregon Catholic Conference executive director Bob Castagna and read to the House Transportation Committee March 30 by Philip Kennedy Wong of Ecumenical Ministries.

"To combine the two acts - one enabling participation in society and the other an act agreeing potentially to engage in warfare - raises issues of conscience and moral concern," the church statement said. "To combine two very distinct public acts . . . is not good public policy because it erases the legitimate and quite profound distinction between two very different public activities."

Signing up for a driver's license does not involve moral questioning, the statement said, but registering for Selective Service "raises issues of the most critical judgments and moral decisions a person may be called to make in life: potentially placing oneself in the position of agreeing to engage in warfare, use all the weapons in our nation's arsenal and take human lives."

The statement recognized two traditions in Christian moral teaching on warfare - the just war tradition and the non-violent tradition.

Rep. Jeff Kropf, the Sublimity Republican who introduced House Bill 2575, calls the legislation a matter of fairness and a help to the 10 percent of Oregon men age 18 to 26 who fail to register.

Those who don't sign up for selective service may miss out on college aid, federal jobs and even naturalization, Kropf told the Transportation Committee last month.

"Some young men simply don't think they need to do it or they forget," Kropf said. "This simply assures it's going to get done. . . . It ultimately has a very negative consequence if you just forget."

Kropf, whose father was a registered conscientious objector during the Korean war, said the government makes provisions for those opposed to fighting on religious or moral grounds, but that men must register to object legitimately.

"The notion that this can impinge on someone's religious views is simply not accurate," he said.

The American Civil Liberties Union opposes the bill, calling it unconstitutional. Andrea Meyer, legislative council for the ACLU, told lawmakers that the bill is an affront to religious freedom because it forces registration. Meyer argued that the proposed legislation treats men and women differently for reasons that have no connection to drivers' licenses.

Gary Lockwood, Oregon's director of Selective Service, told the House panel that he often gets calls from immigration lawyers and schools hoping to get federal benefits for men who missed signing up.

If the men are past 26, they are out of luck, Lockwood explained, advocating for the bill.

"What we're trying to do is get compliance," he said. "This is the fairest way to go about it."

Copyright 2002, Catholic Sentinel, Portland, Oregon | Published by Oregon Catholic Press | Legal Information | Privacy Policy

Democrats will sweep the nation this November just in time to save America's battered old ass from the mess the Republicans have made with their endless greed and total incompetence. Posted by: Deathbyinches

Yes, we must, and we will, take some control from our power-drunk, corrupt masters. But can you imagine the mess we will be handed, and what a short time it will be before the people are blaming the Democrats for all the troubles the Republicans have gotten us into. It's like looking forward to the party but dreading the hangover.

Try attending a Reagan Day Dinner we:
- have GREAT food
- chairs that are comfortable
- real flowers on the tables
- sufficient lighting
- and College Republicans for taking care of the errands, and helping the elderly. We also have great attitudes on life......................come to the light."

I didn't know that Barbara Bush posted on this blog.

I'd be happy for hard-to-please "starving" to go over to the dark side just to get comfortable chairs and real flowers, but for the rest of us, I think we have more serious matters to consider.

* If electing eating bad food means we have more money so we can elect Mike Beebe as Governor and a Democratic Congress so there are less Arkansans who are starving or clients of DHS, then so be it.

* If there are uncomfortable chairs its still not half as uncomfortable as the lack of biodiesel fuels and lack of jobs in the Delta. If we elect the Democrats, that can change, and we'll stop seeing gas prices soar like they do. If they do soar, the Democrats will work hard to convert our vehicles to biodiesel fuels anyways and eventually to other alternative fuel cells.

* The flowers maybe plastic but that has more life than a Holier-Than-Thou ticket of Asa Hutchinson, Jim Holt, Gunner DeLay, and Jim Lagrone spitting out false promises of tax cuts and "moral" issues.

The Democratic Party is the party who has brought the deficit down. It was the Democrats who worked towards peace in this world. It was the Democrats who fought for those who are the least in society.

* Finally, you took a servant's attitude to serve, but now grumble about it. Jesus says in the Bible its better that you never did anything than to do something for the wrong reasons.

If you don't want to come, then do so, but JJ Dinner is not about a fancy dinner with all the trimmings. We had our reward last night in fellowship and going to what is basically a glorified pep rally.

Personally, I thought the food was okay, the chairs were okay, the lighting and music set the right mood, and I saw many people helping many, getting food & desserts for not just the elderly, but for everyone around them. Last night was a positive experience and the DPA should be very proud!

Did Mike Beebe really endorse Martha Shoffner over Mac Campbell and Don House for the Democratic nomination for state Treasurer? Seems like bad politics. Could someone who was at the JJ dinner confirm Mr. Pitt's statement?

Drew all of this does not change the fact that you are stupid and really fat. Looks like you have more than your fair share of food at the dinner.

Dear Drew - Thank you for endorsing Martha Shoffner.

"Beebe noted the female Democrats "

Ironically Drew he was praising Blanche Lincoln and all the "young talent" that has made Arkansas so powerful and unique in Democratic politics. Methinks Beebe wants Campbell and his work ethic (and fundraising ability) on the ticket more than the capitol tour guide. No one is for the preacher-man.

Well, you can see that Mac's young turks are nervous as hell. They're trying to imply Beebe's support which is laughable.

And attacking Martha by calling her a tour guided just shows your lack of maturity. Martha was chair of an important committee and anyone that has worked with her knows better. She did the tour guide because she loves this state and it's history. She's very proud of the capitol and our state.

And calling Don a preacher-man instead of a business man is interesting. I guess by your standards then we should refer to Mac as a bank teller?

This state is a great Democratic state because of our older Democrats like Jimmie Lou Fisher. We need youth too, but they have a lot to learn. Your tacky post attacking fellow Democrats just proves this point.

The grownups need to take back control of our Party before it's run into the ground by those with little real world experience.

I guess my only question was whether or not the JJ was worth $100 a pop to attend?

"And calling Don a preacher-man instead of a business man is interesting."

Why? He is a Church of Christ preacher isn't he?

"And calling Don a preacher-man instead of a business man is interesting."

Why? He is a Church of Christ preacher isn't he?

===============
He was. Mac was a bank teller. I'll refer to him as such from now on....

That's like calling Jay Martin a preacher when in fact he is a lawyer as well.

"This state is a great Democratic state because of our older Democrats like Jimmie Lou Fisher."

Like Sharon Priest too - who endorsed Campbell this week.

I thought it was a great evening for Democrats. There were no public endorsements made for any of the candidates other than Beebe. I got to meet many of the candidates for the first time and as a some-what older Democrat I feel so happy to see new talent coming up within the party.

Max Cleland was funny, inspiring and dead-on right about the current administration. He truly is a great American! Marion Berry just about stole the show. He had everyone in stitches.

I met Mac Campbell. Nice kid answered my questions well. To be so young, he certainly is knowledgable. Woody Anderson may not be the most charismatic candidate running but he has a great head on his shoulders. Most impressed with Paul Suskie. My sister-in-law has raved about him for months and I see why. He answered my questions directly and seems like a good guy. I also truly appreciate his military service. I really enjoyed speaking with his wife as well.

All in all, it was a fantastic evening. I thought the food was just fine and who cares what's on the tables. I don't agree with a lot of what Jason Willett has done, but he and the Democratic Party staff did a great job last night.

Yeah, but you're still the party of the worst administration in the history of the United States. I'd more than gladly take Marion Berry, drunk or sober eating fried eggs off a naked whores belly at a bus stop in Toad Suck than sit in comfortable chairs, eating good food with a room full of criminally insane Bush supporters.

I don't know you, dbi, but I'm on your side of these competing festivals. Compared to a rich, white Republican ditto head fest, I'll join 'that party' any day.

Republicans helping the elderly...are you delusional? Republicans are no more interested in helping the elderly than Bush is in helping the average Iraqi (unless, of course, it doesn't cost them a dime and they can fleece more funds from them for the pharmaceutical bonanza that Bush sold as the Medicare something or other).

"Like Sharon Priest too - who endorsed Campbell this week."

We women will remember that the next time she runs for statewide office. That is if her husband will let her next time.

I guess a woman winning would hurt her chances of running somewhat. I've heard she wants to run for Treasurer in 2010. The deal is that Mac will run for senate making it an open seat. If shoffer or House wins that seat will be taken for 8 years.

Beebe has the edge at this point over Asa! but it's not going to be a blowout come November. We need to have a ticket that is at least somewhat diversified.

We will have a young AG candidate regardless of who wins. There's a 50/50 chance that we will have a young Lt. Gov. candidate. It seems to make sense to pick a older female for Treas. That might help Democrats turn out more women to vote.

The last thing you'd want on the ticket, while trying to attack your opponent as being a DC lobbyist, is a DC candidate with ties to lobbyists and money from lobbyists.

Sorry Mac but you got in the wrong race. You should have ran for the 3rd CD. With all your DC connections/money, Wal-Mart money, and Republican support, I think you could have won it for us.

When Max Cleland was introduced to speak Drew Pritt walked out on him and left the event! Disgusting, Drew.

You couldn't remain and listen to a veteran who lost three limbs, wasthe target of an awful Republican smear campaign and traveled from Brazil to speak with us?

You're a disgrace.

I have heard Senator Cleland quite a few times in my life, accompanied him when he campaigned in Wisconsin for Kerry, and have met him on numerous occasions. In fact, if you'd like to see, I have a nice autographed picture from him when he was in Wisconsin.

At 10:30 p.m. I chose to leave the dinner because my strength was waning. I had spent that morning doing doors, then went to the debate, then was putting up signs in the hot heat. I showered and changed clothes to come back for the dinner. I don't think anyone faults me for leaving a political dinner (of which I have been to many and many more to attend) to get some much deserved rest.

The disgrace is a "Democrat" and I use the word loosely attacking me on this board based on shoddy information. Even more so, maybe I should be a little leery of a stalker, who was paying attention more to my movements then what the Senator had to say!

I want to commend Drew Pitt. Here is a man who spent the morning putting up signs in "the hot heat" -- no cool heat for our man -- and showered before dinner, not even waiting for his usual Saturday night scrubdown. He even changed clothes. We who were downwind were particularly grateful for that! God bless you, Drew. You're one in a million. Well, at least a hundred.

Well, what I don't understand is why Drew had to leave the party at 10:30, since he had already showered, and didn't have to have his usual Saturday night bath. I happen to know that Drew takes a bath every Saturday whether he needs it or not, but not TWO!

Nothing changes the fact that drew pritt is an idiot. And a fat one at that.

Look out folks drew is on a mission. He here in arkansas to prove to everyne that a fat fag can be normal and run for office. And that everyone should accept him.

I;ll tell you what drew...I would be more receptive to your homosexual ways if you were in shape. No one like a fat fag.

I am personally offended by these comments made about Mr. Pritt. If this disgusting filth keeps up it shows how scared his enemies are of him. But this is not the place for such gutter talk.

Nothing changes the fact that drew pritt...

Posted by: drew is still fat

"No, that's wrong, Cartman. But don't worry, there are no stupid answers, just stupid people."
--Mr. Garrison

Dude...so I am fat. What about it? For most of my life, I kept a steady weight of 185 lbs. When I was diagnosed with the Hodgkins and took treatments, my weight dropped to 130 lbs. Its been as much as 240 lbs.

Currently I am at 210 lbs. I work out and am eating healthy. I am lucky to be alive and quite honestly, I am happy. I mean, Mo'nique is correct in her stand up, when she says "Skinny Bitches are evil."

Seriously, no matter what I write, you will berate. I strongly suspect you are not a member of one of the campaigns. You only make yourself look pathetic attacking me. Yeah, I am responding and should ignore you, but anyone knows me knows I am direct.

Your name is not bsteel and quite honestly, Courtney and everyone else, this person has a bad psychological problem. Join me in ignoring these posts.

Call me names, talk about me, say whatever you want. It doesn't matter and quite honestly, I don't give a damned.

Peace out people!

I agree with Courtney...the personal comments about Drew Pitt are juvenile, nasty and demonstrative of their author's lack of intellect.

Clearly Mr. Pitt is hitting some one's buttons...doing something right.

Truth in posting: Drew Pitt is a complete stranger to me.

Max Cleland is an American hero; and another example of the Bush administration's willingness to destroy any one who gets in its way. Bush/Rove/Cheney are not worthy of spit shining Cleland's shoes.

Your name is not bsteel and quite honestly, Courtney and everyone else, this person has a bad psychological problem. Join me in ignoring these posts.
Posted by: Drew Pritt

No way am I connected to [drew is still fat],
in fact that reply was directed to drew is still fat's awful comments.

I'm personally sick of these Democrats that attack others not in their little click. It's like Jr. High all over again. I was in the "popular crowd" but was nice to everyone. I still remember catching slack from by "friends" because of it.

I think Drew Pritt is behind every positive and negative Drew Pritt post. In fact I think Drew is really the only poster on this board. That's right, I'm outing myself.

I think Drew Pritt is behind every positive and negative Drew Pritt post. In fact I think Drew is really the only poster on this board. That's right, I'm outing myself.

10-year-old, maybe.

WAIT WAIT WAIT.

Drew SHOWERED?

Um...

Now, let's get down to the important things about the JJ Dinner. I didn't get to make it...can anyone tell me what Mrs. Suskie was wearing?

Bonus points for anyone who got photos!

First of all, I can't believe the Democrats held the JJ Dinner at Clear Channel's metroplex. I saw that on the invitation and said
'I don't think so'.

Here's a couple of reasons why I feel this way about them: Clear Channel's owner is a close friend of GW Bush.

Clear Channel is the block station who's 1500 stations DJ's pulled the character assassination on the Dixie Chicks and had tractors run over their CD's in 2004.

Why would the Democrats rent their place? I know Pryor has used it a few times, that fits.

But the Democratic people should have protested the location. Clear channel propaganda goes against everything the Democrats USED to stand for.

Drew, leave the homophobe/hatemonger be and don't encourage him.

I actually was impressed by what Drew Pritt did in that LG race, he had some verve that other candidates lack. They all should be so outspoken. He also seemed to have a backbone. Many of the rest are missing spines. I will also say that since you dropped out of the race it's been fairly boring. Thanks for the bit of excitement...

Re: khaki's and catfish - last year that party was a blast, had a live band, dancing, food and fun for the whole family. This year I heard it was pretty boring, candidates talked way too long and no dancing music.

The description of bad food, uncomfortable chairs boredom makes me glad I didn't bother.
DPA, let's go back to the old way of doing JJ and Khaki's, at least those were popular events the folks enjoyed.

I do like Max Cleland tho, sorry to have missed both he and Marion's speech.

The Clear Channel Metroplex isn't made for an event like the JJ dinner. The layout was stupid. Surely their is a better alternative than it in central Arkansas.

Walking and standing in long lines on concrete floors is rough for many of us older dems.

The buffet was a bad idea since everyone had to get in line and the speaking couldn't start till everyone had gotten their food. When you have it served, they can do that while you listen to the speakers saving an hour or time.

I'm truly concerned that we have people working at the party that can't even put together a JJ dinner better than this. I hope the can put together campaigns better than that.

While I'm bitching, whose bright idea was it to have only one check-in table? The line was way out the door and the sun was brutal. We were outside about 20 minutes at least. This could have easily been prevented by having more than one table and also having the tables further up in the building instead of right at the door. Can you imagine the mess if it had been raining?

Get well soon JL....the kids are apparently lost without you.

Perhaps the DPA staff should have been getting to bed early Friday night instead of drinking all night? I'd guess that one or two had to do all the work and did the best they could without the help of the others (drunks).

The Literary Festival was fabulous! I certainly will not miss it again. For those of you that have yet to attend, I encourage you to make an effort next year.
While Joe Klein's Sat talk was the only talk I attended, I really enjoyed it. If my weekend hadnt been crammed with other activities, there were other authors on the agenda I would have loved to hear.

After the Saturday's noon event, i had a chance to shop for books in the large tent outside........and listened to a reggae band playing for the festival near the book tent......as little kiddos danced around---or begged their parents for a 2nd visit to the Yarnell's trailer....

The Literary Festival was a much larger operation than I imagined. Well staffed with volunteers for guidance. Many free events. And all for such a wonderful cause. Make it down to the Rivermarket area for the event next year--you'll be glad you did!

Drew sat in the Amen Corner right in front of Wooldridge at the Saturday debate. At one point there was a very obvious nod and an honest-to-God wink from Wooldridge to Pritt. Hathorn did okay, Halter did maybe a little better. Martin came off as a great guy but lacking ideas. Wooldridge was Wooldridge: empty rhetoric and attacks on Halter and Hathorn. There was no clear winner or loser but maybe Halter and Hathorn tied for first.

Saw Wooldridge and Pritt eat lunch together at DPA BBQ later as well.

Did everyone already know that Martin and Halter's wives were pregnant? Martin's wife is supposed to be having twins and both Mrs. Martin and Mrs. Halter are due November 6! I'm suprised I haven't heard anything on this blog considering the LG race traffic that's usually here.

The Attorney General candidates' debate was good. Liked Suskie the best. He seemed comfortable talking about the issues and not relying on rhetoric to win over the crowd, even when he was talking to lowly YDs.

The only thing I don't like is his STUPID idea to have district Veterans Affairs offices around the state. Its just a very obvious ploy to get people to remember his recent jaunt overseas without having to brag on himself directly. If you're reading, Suskie camp: Drop the bit, if you actually did establish such offices it would be a huge waste of state tax dollars and if you don't you have broken a campaign promise... just drop it.

Old young dem- I speak from experience on this one. Just call Paul and ask him about his veterans program. I work for another campaign and shortly after Paul released his veterans plan I saw him at an event and asked him about it. There is absolutely no way you could walk away from him thinking this plan is a "ploy" or a "bit". He believes so strongly about veterans issues.

I've never been in the military before and I don't know what soldiers go through when they come home. Paul does, so I will defer to his judgement on this. So I hate to break it to you, but Paul is doing what he thinks is right and I'm sure he will continue to do so.

On a completely personal note, Paul is probably the most decent candidate out on the campaign trail (not including my candidate of course). I sure as hell hope he wins the AG race.

Well if the likes of a liberal like Drew Pritt isn't afraid to be seen with Tim Wooldridge then maybe he's not so bad. He's a lot better choice than Bill Halter and I am curious why Mike Hathorn is not too visible in the Rock!

Seriously, Democrats.

I know this post is late, but I can't take you people anymore.

We had great JJ Dinners under Chairman Oliver. It was great to fellowship with so many Democrats in one room, hear from our elected and soon-to-be-elected officials, and honor those who have made significant contributions to our cause.

The dinners may not have had 1000 people in attendance, but everybody got a clear view of the stage and we didn't run out of food (although, of course, it was hotel food).

We have great JJ Dinners under Chairman Willett. It is great to fellowship with so many Democrats in one room, hear from our elected and soon-to-be-elected officials, and honor those who have made significant contributions to our cause.

Attendance borders on 1000, quite a few are seated in the back forty, and the food is great (Flying Burrito, Whole Hog, etc.) but it doesn't last quite all night.

Goodness, fellow Democrats. There are trade-offs in life. Let's focus on the purpose these Democratic functions are supposed to serve: unite and rally.

I don't care who my party chairman is, as long as he/she works tirelessly to get Democrats elected.

I don't care if I get to go back for a second helping of BBQ (I didn't) so long as I get to help my party out in a way slightly more exciting than simply giving money or working a phone bank.

Lets give ourselves a break for a while and lay it to the other side. I hear we don't get along with them, either.

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I just bought a new car and I love it!