Politics in Texas

A project spurred by Channel One led to me taking on her entire English class in a Presidential debate. I was the only student in my class to support Clinton, which didn't bother me in the least. This wasn't surprising, as I had been debating school board members, often monthly, on issues since I was 12.

Channel One had announced plans to hold a poll across the country regarding who students would vote for President. Our school decided to expand the idea, adding a research project and debate to the poll.

Each student could pick one of four sides-- Bush, Clinton, Perot, or undecided. In each class the students would group together according to which side they chose. They would then work together on a research project, learning everything they would need to participate in a debate. Afterwards each class held a debate between the groups (there were some great Perot and Clinton impersonations across the classes).

In my class, I was the only one to choose Clinton as my candidate. My teacher didn't think it was fair for me to do the research project on my own, so two undecided students were assigned to my group (I did all the work, as their views on Clinton were't all that positive).

At that time, her only way to get information was via the news and the county Democratic Party. Upon visiting their office, I was quickly signed up to volunteer. Before I knew it she was answering phones, stuffing envelopes, and more.

From that point on, I became very involved in the county party. I worked on the “Take Back the Ninth” campaign to beat out Steve Stockman, a Christian Coalition backed Congressman and on numerous other campaigns, including Ann Richards for Governor.

While working on the Richards campaign, I helped show other young people how important they were to the campaign. We put together a rally at College of the Mainland, a local community college, for young people in which Ann Richards was the special guest. The place was packed with 14-30 year olds, as we had publicized the event at local high schools and at the community college.

After the rally we had voter registration forms ready so that all those inspired to vote could sign up to do so.

Jenni and Congressman Dick Gephardt
at the "Take Back the Ninth" rally I helped to plan.

The "Take Back the Ninth" rally was my first major political event. While there I met a county commissioner, Wayne Johnson, who had been following my writing in the local paper (Texas City Sun). Wayne said he was a big fan, and became a political mentor for me. He was one of the ones to encourage me to run for office. I was heartbroken in 1999 when he collapsed while leaving for vacation with his wife, and passed away.

I also served as recording secretary for the West Galveston Co. Democrats, and was president/founder of the Galveston County Young Democrats. I had become a member of the WGCD in 1994, and worked with them until late 1999 when their behavior towards those non-white finally caused her to leave.

I founded the GCYD in 1994, and it stayed active until I left for college in late summer 1996. Unfortunately, I lived in an area where young people were not appreciated. I learned that not appreciating young people could lead to more of them not voting at all, or as was often happening, them voting Republican. The attitudes of Democrats in the area towards young people kept the Young Democrats Club from ever being able to gain strength. At the same time the Republican Party was making great strides in adding young people to their ranks.

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