Needed! Planning and Action for State!

[thevoiceofreason]

In Houston, our emails are starting to heat up with what may be a substantial issue. Lots of folks are having difficulty arranging and affording transportation and lodging for the state convention. We are mulling ideas for fundraisers, etc., but I also wondered if our brethern and sistern in Austin and the nearby area might be able to house a few folks for a few days? We need to find someone who is adept at planing these things and have them get to work.

Please share your thoughts! Thanks

[sonias]

1. Ha - great minds

We're way ahead of you TVOR.

See this thread - it's not just a social gathering.
So, is it time for another Austin brunch or what?

If I remember correctly, when Democracy for Texas (DFT) did DemocracyFest a few years back they had some kind of web board to do that exact type of thing with sponsor/host/guest housing.

I'm sure that technology is available. I'll ask the Texans for Obama tech people like Mario what we can do. It does seem logical that those of us in Austin can help out. At the very least we can put out a call through the Travis County Party Mailing list to ask for guest homes. But arranging it with a web application would be the best way.

We'll get back to you on more ideas.

:yourock:

Sonia

[sonias]

2. Arrange a bus or buses for transport

If you're going to fund raise for one thing, for sure do it for the transportation. When the convention was in Houston in 2004, the TCDP rented a bus and asked people to buy a seat. I think it was about $35/person then. But even at those rates some people still might find it hard to pay. So fund raise to help people get on the bus to Austin.

Yes we can!

Sonia

[thevoiceofreason]

3. Both are good ideas.

Luckily, our state senate chairman (SDEC) is an Obama backer - I want to set it up for all the Obama folks first.

[sonias]

4. Well of course - Obama folks first

As a matter of fact if we work this through the Texans for Obama group, then I think both guest homes and guests will have to be matched by presidential preference. I'm opening my home, but it sure as hell is going to be to Obama people. Otherwise there might be some hard feelings, if you know what I mean.

I did ask Mario and he said yes he had written that application for DemocracyFest but he didn't think it was around any more. So he's going to run it by the Texans for Obama group and see what can be done.

Both of my SDEC committee members are Obama supporters - yea! SD25 rocks!

Sonia

[Lisa0825]

5. Please let me know if you do plan a fundraiser or anything.

I would be willing to contribute to help someone get to state!

[TexasThoughtCriminal]

6. Delegates, be careful about raising money!

If you're a convention delegate and raise money, you may have to file reports with the FEC. Ugh, I know that sucks. I'm no lawyer, but I ran across this:

FEC Rules for National Convention Delegates

To Whom Do These Rules Apply?
These rules apply to any individual who is seeking selection as a delegate, or who has already been selected as a delegate, at any level of the delegate selection process (local, state or national). 11 CFR 110.14(b)(1).

Do Delegates Have to File Reports with the FEC?
No. Individual delegates are not required to register or file regular reports of the funds they raise and spend for their personal delegate activity. 11 CFR 110.14(d)(3) and (e)(2). However, delegates acting as a group may have to file reports as a delegate committee. See "Do delegate committees have to file FEC reports?" below.

How are Funds Raised and Spent for Delegate Activity Treated Under Federal Campaign Finance Law?
Funds raised and spent for delegate selection are considered "contributions" and "expenditures" made for the purpose of influencing a federal election 1 and are therefore subject to the federal law's prohibitions. 2 11 CFR 110.14(c)(1) and (2). Although the law does not limit contributions per delegate, certain other contribution limits apply. 11 CFR 110.1(m)(1) and 110.14(d). Please note that these prohibitions and limits apply to contributions of goods and services (inkind contributions) as well as to monetary contributions. 11 CFR 100.52(d).

<snip>

blah,
blah,
blah...

[sonias]

7. Good to know TTC

I believe TVOR is a lawyer so we'll leave it up to him to read this over and educate the rest of us.

:hi:

Thanks

Sonia