The

Bluebonnet
The Newsletter of Texas College Democrats November 2012
2012 was a big election year, and that rings true for state Texas College Democrats is very excited about the results elections as well. We are proud to report that Texas Dem- of the 2012 elections, both around the country and in our President Obama has been reelected with a majority of ocrats have made gains across the state, working towards great state. the electoral college (332 votes) and popular vote our goal of turning the Lone Star State blue. (50.9%). Mr. Romney gave his concession speech at Now is the time to look forward to a new generation of about 1:00 am EST, with most major networks calling the The Texas House of Representatives will hold 55 Demo- leaders, not only in Washington and Austin but also withrace for Mr. Obama slightly after 11:00 EST. crats, a gain of seven seats from the last legislative ses- in College Democrats itself. While one of the most exsion. Twelve proud Democrats have been voted into the citing periods of the political season has come and gone, Three states (Maine, Maryland and Washington) voted to Senate, a solid hold that will prevent GOP legislators from but we must persevere by maintaining this momentum legalize same-sex marriage by a popular referendum, passing partisan legislation. within our own local chapters. while one (Minnesota) rejected a constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriage. Democrat Wendy Davis won reelection in her hotly- TCD has the utmost faith in its chapter leaders to convey contested Fort Worth-based Texas Senate race. Mark this enthusiasm to new and prospective members, enPossibly one of the biggest historical victories of the night Shelton, her opponent, was propelled to take out Davis couraging growth even without a major election looming was the legalization of marijuana in Colorado and Washwith large amounts of special interest money behind his on the horizon. ington. These are the first states to outright legalize cancandidacy. nabis since its federal criminalization in the early 20th As the one of the largest college political organizations in century. Oregon chose to reject a similar measure. Democratic State Senator Mario Gallegos passed away the state, it is our duty to set the standard for community prior to his posthumous reelection in District 6. A special involvement at universities around Texas. What we do Massachusetts became the 18th state in the union to leelection will be scheduled soon by the governor to elect within our College Democrats groups echoes around galize medical marijuana. It received overwhelming suphis successor. campus. Lets move forward, and always remember to port with 63% of voters approving the initiative. keep it blue this upcoming year. While Ted Cruz was elected to the Senate on the 6th, he The Puerto Rican status referendum concluded with obtained the smallest percentage of votes for a winning mixed results. While it displayed historical levels of supClass I Texas senator since 1970. Paul Sadler received the port for statehood, many Puerto Ricans disagree with the most votes for a Democrat in the Class I senate race since idea. The first question, which asked if voters supported Lloyd Bentsen. Sadler called Cruz on election night to Puerto Ricos status quo, concluded with 54% against. congratulate him on his victory and wish him well. The second question, which about one-third of voters left blank, asked what relationship with the U.S. was preBy taking away their supermajority, Texas voters have ferred. 61% of Puerto Rican voters responded with given Republicans a mandate. Now is the time for both statehood to this question. The commonwealths govsides of the aisle to work together in the best interests of ernor-elect asked President Obama to reject the results. all Texans. The era of one party dominance is gone, and Keep up the momentum in 2013, Texas Democrats! we must encourage bipartisanship during the upcoming Texas College Democrats is happy with the support the state legislative session. American people have given towards progress this year. Voters have resoundingly rejected Tea Party politics in favor of a new era of bipartisanship and compromise. We are excited to continue fighting for change across the great state of Texas, even after the general election has come and gone. Lets move forward, Democrats and lets get to work.

President Wins a Second Term; Many Initiatives Successful

The Face of a New Texas

Looking Forward

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Texas College Democrats is the collegiate arm of the Texas Democratic Party. Our monthly newsletter, the Bluebonnet, is read throughout the state by both College Democrats and politically-involved citizens. If youd like to be featured in next months edition, please send an email to dkhalil@txcollegedems.org!
Thank you for all your hard work this year. Democratic State Representative-elect Philip Cortez celebrates victory in Texas House District 117 with his parents.