Boyd & Betty Richie to Endorse Barack Obama

[sonias]

According to BOR

Burnt Orange Report
According to sources in both presidential campaigns, Texas Democratic Party Chairman Boyd Richie and his wife and DNC member Betty Richie will announce their public support for Barack Obama later tonight.

Both are Democratic superdelegates, though as chairman of the Texas Democratic Party, Boyd Richie's superdelegate vote is dependent upon his re-election at the Texas State Democratic Convention June 6-7. Barack Obama's delegates are expected to control the Texas convention by a margin of at least 10% points.

:wow:

:woohoo:

Sonia

[tammywammy]

1. Well

He did seem pretty pissed about the rumors of the Clinton campaign suing to stop the senate district conventions.

:)

[twompy]

2. Reelection

Richie is running for re election and there are more Obama delegates than Clinton delegates, I thought that he might decide to endorse Obama before the convention.

[Melissa G]

3. yep.. that was what I was thinkin....reelection....n/t

[tammywammy]

6. Indeed

[PDittie]

8. And particularly since

his opponent, the vice-chair of the party, is a long-declared super for Obama.

First though, Boyd tried to muscle Roy Laverne Brooks out:

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/casey/5808894.html

[sonias]

4. TDP Chairman Boyd Richie Endorses

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Hector Nieto [phone]
[phone] Cell

May 29, 2008

TDP Chairman Boyd Richie Endorses

Senator Barack Obama for President

Below is a statement by Texas Democratic Party Chairman Boyd Richie regarding his endorsement of Senator Barack Obama:

"Today, I am proud to announce my support for Senator Barack Obama for President of the United States. I believe Senator Obama is the candidate who can best provide the leadership and change Texans desire. Too many Texas families find themselves unable to make ends meet, much less save and invest in the future, due to Republican policies that burden the middle class and divide Americans. Senator Obama has the skill and ability to unite Americans from all walks of life and put our country back on the right track."

"I am also grateful for Senator Obama’s commitment to help build the Texas Democratic Party. Senator Obama and his campaign understand something that Texans have known for at least a couple of years – that when Democratic candidates invest the time and resources necessary, Texas Democrats have the numbers to compete and win across every region of our great state. We made progress in 2006, and in 2008, the Texas Democratic Party is more energized, better organized, and we are poised to make significant gains this fall."

"This was a difficult decision to make, because I have great respect for Senator Clinton and her Texas supporters. I sincerely appreciate how hard she worked in Texas to deliver a message that resonated with so many voters, and I commend her campaign and the important role she played in the historic participation our Party is experiencing this year. As always, the Texas Democratic Party will conduct party business with absolute fairness and respect for every Democrat, without regard to whom one supports in the primary or convention, and I am confident Texas Democrats will unite and work together side by side to win this November."

:applause:

Sonia

[sonias]

5. Texas Democratic chairman, wife endorse Obama

AAS 5/29/08
Texas Democratic chairman, wife endorse Obama
By KELLEY SHANNON
AP Political Writer

AUSTIN — Texas Democratic Party chairman Boyd Richie endorsed Barack Obama for president Thursday as the final primaries and Texas' state party convention approach.

Richie's wife, Democratic National Committee member Betty Richie, also endorsed Obama. They are two of Texas' 32 superdelegates and were among the few remaining who had not committed to either Obama or Hillary Clinton.

Until recently, Boyd Richie had said he had no plans to make an endorsement before the state convention June 6-7, where Clinton and Obama delegates are expected to battle again over pledged caucus delegates.

"I believe Senator Obama is the candidate who can best provide the leadership and change Texans desire," Richie said in a statement issued by the party. "Senator Obama has the skill and ability to unite Americans from all walks of life and put our country back on the right track."

Richie also said he's grateful for the Illinois senator's commitment to help build the state party.

Sonia

[MagickMuffin]

7. I didn't think he would endorse before the Convention, but I'm sooooo glad he did

:woohoo: is right.

:applause: to the Richie's

Form the press releases you posted below, they are absolutely correct in that Senator Obama has energized the Texas Democrats. Whenever I attend an Obama meeting the organizers also mention how big the crowds are becoming. The last meeting I attended there were probably 75-80 people. Now mind you this was just the ones who knew about it, it probably would have had more people if they knew there was a meeting.

I will attend a Pre-Caucus on Saturday. This is exactly how to energize and mobilize involvement in the movement.


Do you think BR's endorsement will help BR get reelected?.?.?

I'm getting excited about next week.



Fired Up and Ready To Go

[PDittie]

9. Yes, it's good that he and Betty

finally climbed off the fence. But I still have a few other questions I would like to see him answer.