National Democrats Bow out of Texas Convention

EL PASO, Texas -- National Democratic leaders bowed out of the Texas convention later this month amid concerns that they could hamper the Democratic effort in Republican President Bush's home state.

"It was caused by all the flak -- should they come, should they not come," said Jesus "Chuy" Reyes, who is active in the political operation for his brother, U.S. Rep. Silvestre Reyes, D-El Paso.

Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, House Minority Leader Richard Gephardt and the other national Democrats didn't want their presence in Bush's home state to "cause any problems for anyone," Chuy Reyes was quoted saying in the Times. "They want to support the Democratic ticket. They want to make sure that Tony Sanchez wins in Texas."

Daschle has deleted his attendance from the schedule, as has Democratic Party National Chairman Terry McAuliffe, the El Paso Times reported in Sunday's editions. Gephardt, once a tentative speaker, now has a scheduling conflict and can't make the convention. Sen. Joe Lieberman, D-Conn, also cited a scheduling conflict.

Spokesmen for Daschle, the Democratic National Committee, Gephardt and Lieberman did not immediately return phone calls from The Associated Press on Sunday.

Some party leaders have been concerned that bringing national party leaders into Texas could alienate independent voters who support Bush. Republican U.S. Senate nominee John Cornyn has already characterized his contest with Democrat Ron Kirk as a choice between Bush's team or Daschle's team.

Democratic gubernatorial nominee Tony Sanchez and lieutenant governor candidate John Sharp have said the meetings should focus on state Democrats.

"When you are invited and then you hear you are not wanted, it makes you say 'adios,' " said Blanche Darley of El Paso, a member of the Democratic National Committee. "I feel bad for our congressman because he really tried hard" to get national leaders to attend.

Longtime El Paso Democratic leader Bob Neill said it's a mistake not to bring Daschle and others to El Paso for the convention.

"But I don't think it's the end of the world," he said. "Everything we can do, we can still do whether they come to this convention or not. It's just that it might have been a good jump start -- certainly for some of the party activists."

Invitations to the national Democrats were never withdrawn, said Texas Democratic Party spokesman Mike Hailey.

"It's true that there's a very small group of people who would rather fight within the party than stay united for the battle in the fall," Hailey said. "The truth is, the vast majority of Texas Democrats are in this together and united like never before. That's a clear and resounding message that we are hearing all over the state -- from the grass roots to all levels of leadership."

PING, Registered:

Care to give us a picture of Tommy Boy and Little Dick's reaction to this news?

National Democratic leaders bowed out of the Texas convention later this month amid concerns that they could hamper the Democratic effort in Republican President Bush's home state.
"It was caused by all the flak -- should they come, should they not come," said Jesus "Chuy" Reyes, who is active in the political operation for his brother, U.S. Rep. Silvestre Reyes, D-El Paso.
Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle, House Minority Leader Richard Gephardt and the other national Democrats didn't want their presence in Bush's home state to "cause any problems for anyone," Chuy Reyes was quoted saying in the Times. "They want to support the Democratic ticket. They want to make sure that Tony Sanchez wins in Texas."

The best that they can do to serve their party is to stay home. Funny thing is, the best thing that they can do to serve their country is to stay home!

P.S. Maybe we'll name a couple of bombs after them ala "Fat Man and Little Boy"!

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