Liveblogging from the TDP Convention - Saturday

The Blogger's Caucus shindig was a monumental success. Big thanks to Anna for organizing and publicizing the event. Also, big thank you's to Vince for organizing and publicizing blogger participation at the TDP convention. I managed to get a few hours of sleep, but I was up early this morning to watch England defeat Paraguay. (I loves me some World Cup soccer.) I'm back on the floor for Saturday's general session, which is about to begin. We will hear speeches from Democratic candidates for statewide office, including Barbara Ann Radnofsky. Then we will elect a party chairman. That election could get interesting. Stay tuned!

11:30 a.m. BAR begins her speech. She tells an inspiring story about how a fellow crewman saved her father's life during a WWII bombing mission. She doesn't have to say much more about her appreciation of the men and women serving in our armed forces. She expresses appreciation for teachers as well.

"Government does great things for people," she says, recalling that her father was able to attend college because of the GI Bill.

BAR criticizes KBH for a variety of things. Apparently, KBH is not too keen on debating BAR. KBH served as "cohostess" of the K Street Project. Should we trust KBH? The crowd responds with an emphatic "no."

BAR states her position on various issues (referring us to her website for more details). She brings her speech to a close. The music plays. Guess the song. (Hint: Think Beach Boys.)

12:20 p.m. After Eddie Bernice Johnson introduced the Texas Democrats serving in the U.S. House and the other Democratic candidates for the U.S. House, we heard an interesting speech from U.S. Rep. Chet Edwards. Edwards says his district is the most Republican district represented by a Democrat in Washington. Edwards shared some of the lessons to be learned from his 2004 victory. He says that Democrats must define themselves clearly and concisely. He delivers my favorite line of the convention so far. Democrats are "the party that truly cares for the dignity of every individual." Edwards also says Democrats must define their opponents, and the truth is a powerful weapon in doing so.

We are now hearing speeches from the candidates for statewide office, including Maria Luisa Alvarado (Lt. Gov.), David Van Os (AG), Fred Head (Comptroller), and Hank Gilbert (Ag. Comm.).

Convention chair Slagle has indicated that he plans to begin the chairman election around 1:00 p.m. It is expected to take 1.5 to 2 hours. I will likely sign off at that point, as I am also a convention delegate and I intend to exercise my vote.

4:34 p.m. Boyd Richie and Glen Maxey are in a runoff for party chairman. In the initial vote, Richie got just over 47% of the vote. Maxey received just over 38%. Charlie Urbina-Jones received about 13.2%. Chants of "Maxey-Jones" started almost as soon as it was clear that we were headed for a runoff. It's really getting interesting.

5:03 p.m. Maxey concedes. The votes from all but two senatorial districts had been announced, and Richie had approximately 53% of the vote. Maxey and Richie are on the stage together in a show of unity.

Maxey mentions the importance of the dialogue about the direction of the party that was sparked by the chairman election. He pledges his support to Richie and the party.