The Galveston County Democratic Party sponsored a Get Out The Early Vote Rally on Sunday, October 22, 2006, at Pepper’s, 220 Gulf Freeway S. in League City.

Democratic Party Chair Lloyd Criss noted that early voting in the November 7 election begins on October 23, and introduced elected officials and candidates for office.  Listen Download

212th District Court Judge Susan Criss, a candidate for reelection, was master of ceremonies.  Listen Download

"This is exciting that we have so many people here the night before early voting starts," Criss said.  "Elections are about choices, about who we choose to have govern us." John Patrick, director of the U.S. Steelworkers Union and a member of the Democratic National Committee, introduced Congressman Mike Congressman Honda, who is vice chair of the DNC.

Patrick noted the importance of the campaign of Nick Lampson for the 22nd Congressional District and Shane Sklar for the 14th Congressional District.

"In light of the redistricting fiasco that was perpetrated by Tom DeLay, wouldn't it be a huge irony for the Democratic Party to win both of those coveted seats," Patrick said.

Honda, who represents Silicone Valley in Congress, said victory in those two races could help return the Democrats to power in the House of Representatives.

"The message is this, there is going to be a new direction," Honda said.  "When we take over the committee chairpersonships, you will see some movement in this country that is going to heal all the wounds that have been opened over these last six years."

Shane Sklar could not attend the rally because of a previous commitment, but he was represented by his wife, Jill.

"This campaign has always been about bringing effective representation to the 14th Congressional District" Sklar said in a letter read by his wife.  "I have been a constituent of Ron Paul for a long time and I have seen the impact his tenure has had on this district." 

"Isn't it horrible that we have been hearing nothing but a politics of fear?" Lampson asked, urging his fellow Democrats to vote for change in Washington.  "It's not about fear!  It's got to be about hope.  We can hope for a better tomorrow."

Lloyd Criss was enthusiastic about the rally. Listen Download

"It was a great turnout, this place is packed," he said.  "We are competitive from one end of Galveston County to the other."

Galveston County Clerk Mary Ann Daigle has posted locations and schedules for early voting on her website. Click Here