Texas Democrats life of the party
From coast to coast, the quorum-busting lawmakers' move inspires others and makes them fund-raiser attractions
02:20 AM CDT on Monday, October 20, 2003
By PETE SLOVER / The Dallas Morning News
CAPE ELIZABETH, Maine – It was a cool clear fall night – perfect for baseball – with New England's beloved Boston Red Sox in a televised pennant fight.
But, the tube was shut off at one stately oceanside home, with the conversation focused on the guests of honor and their Mother's Day journey to Ardmore, Okla. – or, in lobsterman patois, "Odd-moore."
"Democrats for too long have not stood up to the arrogance and the lies and the things that
have been saying. And it's time we do," said Rep. Jim Dunnam, D-Waco, one of five Texas House members honored at a fund-raiser at the home.
Even before finally losing the fight in Austin, Texas Democrats began barnstorming the nation, converting their status as out-of-state quorum busters into a new role as cheerleaders, poster children and – by their own description – the must-see fund-raising attraction of their party. (snip/...)
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