Press Releases

Friends:

The time has come to elect a new Harris County Democratic Party Chair. As you know, I am a candidate because of my history as a grassroots organizer. I ask for the support and votes of the County Executive Committee this Tuesday, December 20th.

Over the past many months, I have visited with many of you. We have spoken about the challenges that face our party and about solutions to get us on the right track. Everyone knows that our task is hard, but we also understand that it is necessary. With a unified effort from every Democrat in Harris County we can succeed. It’s up to us!

This is an important time for us. As we gear up for the 2012 primary and general elections, we need an exciting and energizing vision for our party and a commitment from everyone that we can and will elect Democrats up and down the ballot. Through my many years as an activist, organizer, election judge, precinct chair, and senate district chair, I have developed the skills necessary to lead our party as we move forward – and that is why I ask for your vote this Tuesday, December 20th. We will work hard together knocking doors, making phone calls, and organizing our fellow democrats – and, if we all put our level best in, we can attain huge accomplishments.

When I announced my candidacy for HCDP Chair, I was deeply honored to see the groundswell of support. What started with the many precinct chairs I contacted grew to include the numerous elected officials and financial contributors you see listed below. Their commitment to our principles, and your energy devoted to our party, will be valuable as we prepare for 2012 and beyond.

Mayor Annise Parker
Ronald Green – City Controller
Harris County Attorney Vince Ryan
TDP Vice Chair Lenora Sorola-Pohlman
Sen. John Whitmire
Rep. Alma Allen
Rep. Jessica Farrar
Rep. Borris Miles
Rep. Sylvester Turner
Rep. Carol Alvarado
Rep. Garnet Coleman
Rep. Harold Dutton
Rep. Ana Hernandez Luna

Council Member Melissa Noriega
Council Member James Rodriguez

HISD Board Member Anna Eastman
HISD Board Member Carol Mims Galloway
HISD Board Member Paula Harris
HISD Board Member Juliet Stipeche

Martha Cottingham – County Chair’s At-Large Designee to Steering Committee
Wil Williams – Senate District 4 Chair
Sue Pilko – Senate District 4 Secretary
Lillian Villarreal – Senate District 6 Chair
Steve Gross – Senate District 7 Chair
Joy Demark – Senate District 7 State Democratic Executive Committee Member
Sherrie Matula – Senate District 11 Chair
Zeph Capo – Senate District 15 State Democratic Executive Committee Member
Anneliese Vogel – Senate District 15 State Democratic Executive Committee Member
Bert Anson – Senate District 17 Chair
Carol Wright – Senate District 17 State Democratic Executive Committee Member
Donna Bryant – President, Oil Patch Democrats & Environmental Democrats State Democratic Executive Committee Member
Almeda Dent – Texas Coalition of Black Democrats VP & Senate Democratic Executive Committee Member

Vicki Bellow – Pct. 5
Robert Starkey – Pct. 28
Scott Harbers – Pct. 32
Kenneth MacPherson – Pct. 33
Jack Valinski – Pct. 34
Victor Castillo – Pct. 39
Mary Flood Nugent – Pct. 40
Elizabeth Kloman – Pct. 43
Christina Walsh – Pct. 56
Shaun Nelson – Pct. 71
Shelley Kennedy – Pct. 73
Margurette Shows – Pct. 75
Vivian Alford – Pct. 83
Christy Hernandez – Pct. 93
Pearlene Jerome – Pct. 101
Rose Salas – Pct. 102 & Senate District 6 State Democratic Executive Committee Member
Osvaldo Hernandez – Pct. 117
Michael Studdert – Pct. 129
Louis Molnar – Pct. 139
Teresa Herrin – Pct. 146
Earnest Goodrich – Pct. 149
Richard Shaw – Pct. 165
Ella Tyler – Pct. 176
Clyde Phillips – Pct. 193
Kevin Hoffman – Pct. 207
Michael Neely – Pct. 252
Mary Lowrey Schlett – Pct. 270
Joyce Akins – Pct. 284
Mary Luckey – Pct. 316
Jeffrey Crews – Pct. 343
James Porter – Pct. 356
Demetria Nelson-McNaulty – Pct. 357
Carolyn Riggs – Pct. 380
Tom Rowan – Pct. 399
Jaymes Alexander – Pct. 407
Farrukh Shamsi – Pct. 441 & Senate District 7 State Democratic Executive Committee Member
Sheryl Ware – Pct. 520

Carlos De Hoyos Gutierrez – Pct. 543
Karen Wheaton – Pct. 552
Bruce Menke – Pct. 590
Alton Smith – Pct. 594
Tamika Harris – Pct. 597
Kristen Capps – Pct. 631
Sylvia Medellin – Pct. 635
Patricia Pinkley – Pct. 658
Lloyd Gauthier – Pct. 660
Sean Carter Hammerle – Pct. 661
Sharon Messa – Pct. 710
Roberta Toppin – Pct. 745
Deborah Mowrey – Pct. 760
AJ Durrani – Pct. 772 Asian American Democrats State Democratic Executive Committee Member
Joseph Tijerina – Pct. 795
Sylvia Pitre – Pct. 861

Brooks Ballard
Honorable Chris Bell – Former Congressman
Marc Campos
Hector Carreno
Liz Lara-Carreno
Virginia Galloway
Kathryn Graf Garcia
Honorable Robert Hinojosa – Former Judge
Bette John
Ernest McGowen Jr.
Philip McNutt
Amber and Steve Mostyn
Oak Forest Area Democrats
Jennifer Rene Pool
Sheryl Roppolo
Ambassador Arthur Schechter
Jane Vidales

I look forward to working with you as we move our party forward.

In solidarity,
Lane Lewis

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 3, 2012

Douglas Funded By Big Republican Donor and Activist

Houston, Texas – Lane Lewis for Harris County Democratic Party Chair today calls on Douglas to explain why her campaign is being funded by a Republican donor and activist. Half of Douglas’ campaign contributions have come from Paul Kubosh, who has made significant contributions to Republican candidates and party committees, has a solid Republican voting history and is currently the campaign treasurer for a Republican judicial candidate.

Republican Paul Kubosh, who has bankrolled half of Douglas’ campaign for chair, has:

• Voted Republican in the 2008 Presidential primary
• Voted Republican in the 2000, 2002 and 2010 primaries
• Donated at over $30,000 to Republican candidates in since 2008
  • including $5,000 to the Harris County Republican Party
  • including $12,000 to Republican State Representative Allen Fletcher
  • including $14,000 to Republican judicial candidate Ed Casanova
• Serves as campaign treasurer for Republican judicial candidate Ed Casanova

“I am shocked to learn that my opponent has such close ties to the Republican Party,” said Democratic Party Chair Lewis. “I think Democratic Primary voters should expect more from candidates for Party Chair. How can voters expect Douglas to work to get Democrats elected in 2012 when she is relying on Republicans to try and get herself elected?”

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Houston, Texas – Rev. William Lawson and Howard Jefferson have endorsed Lane Lewis’ re-election for Harris County Democratic Party Chair.

“I have been impressed with the work Lane has done for the Democratic Party and I am hopeful that he continues in his role as Party Chair. He is putting us on the right track and I am proud to support his re-election,” said Rev. Lawson.

“Lane’s vision, passion and political experience as a grassroots activist, makes him well qualified to lead our county party. He will work with the total community to ensure we are successful this November and beyond,” said Mr. Jefferson.

William Lawson is the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in Houston. Howard Jefferson is a longtime civil rights leader.

Houston, Texas – Lane Lewis for Harris County Democratic Party Chair today announced he has secured the endorsements of the Tejano Democrats and the Houston Black American Democrats.

“It is a great honor to have the endorsement of these two great organizations,” said Lewis. “I am proud to stand with the Tejano Democrats and the Houston Black American Democrats as we work to build a stronger Democratic Party in Harris County. Our goal has always been to build capacity and ensure that we are organizing all communities all year long, and not just in the lead up to the election. The endorsement of these two organizations sends a strong message that my vision for our party is the right one.”

Houston, Texas – Harris County Democratic Party Chair Lane Lewis has earned the endorsement of the AFL-CIO in his re-election bid for the chair seat.

“It is an honor to have the Harris County AFL-CIO endorse my re-election bid for HCDP Chair,” said Lewis, formerly a classroom teacher and member of the Texas State Teachers Association.

“Republicans are attacking working families across the country, in state houses from Ohio and Wisconsin to Arizona. We are at a pivotal moment. The working class is under assault and continues to work harder and harder while getting less and less. This is morally unacceptable and profoundly undemocratic. This is the reason I sought election as the Harris County Democratic Party chair and the reason I am seeking re-election in 2012.”

Lane Lewis has spent the last 20 years as a grassroots activist, precinct chair, senate district chair and now HCDP chair. Lewis is committed to creating a strong county party that is committed to organizing all year in order to elect Democrats up and down the ballot.

Houston, Texas – Lane Lewis, Democratic Chair for Senate District 15, was tonight elected the Harris County Democratic Party Chair. He will serve the remainder of retiring chair Gerry Birnberg’s term. Lewis has also completed his filing as a candidate for HCDP chair on the April 2012 primary ballot.

“Words cannot express the profound sense of responsibility I feel right now,” said Lewis moments after his election as HCDP Chair. “I am grateful so many fellow Democrats have entrusted me to lead during such a pivotal time. We have much work to do over the next several months to get our county and our candidates ready for the November 2012 election. This enormous task will take the work of current elected officials, precinct chairs and activists working in unison. My job will be to foster a new vision for our party and work to keep us all focused on our common goal.”

During Lewis’ acceptance speech, he spoke briefly about the direction and his vision for the party.

“A unified effort from every Democrat is the key to winning elections,” Lewis said. “It’s plain and simple. The middle class is under attack; the work we do in 2012 will be key to protecting the future and the promise that the American Dream provides.”

Lane Lewis was elected by an overwhelming amount of the County Executive Committee. He will begin operating the HCDP immediately.

Representative Senfronia Thompson of District 142 today endorsed the candidacy of Lane Lewis for Chair of the Harris County Democratic Party in both the interim election to be held December 20 and in the March primary.

“Lane Lewis will provide the leadership Harris County Democrats are looking for and deserve” according to Representative Thompson.  ”Lane has the vision, the background, the energy and the desire to take our party to the next level.  His candidacy is one of the people - the voters, candidates, officials and backers all; by the people – his life experience as an advocate and educator; and, for the people – ALL people - as we move forward to providing equal opportunity for all.  One thing I am certain of”, stated Rep Thompson,

“Lane Lewis will include all Democrats as we hold fast to the traditional values of our party and do the work needed to benefit all Democrats.”

Representative Thompson is the longest current Democratic member of the Texas House of Representatives, its first elected female Black member and the Dean of House Democrats having first been elected to represent her Northeast Houston and Harris County district in 1972.  She currently serves as Chairperson of the House Local and Consent Calendars Committee.  Representative Thompson is well known for her grass roots political work and involvement in her district and currently serves as one of Texas’ representatives on the Democratic National Committee.  She has been a Delegate to multiple Democratic National Conventions and is a practicing attorney.

Houston, TX — Houston community leaders Amber and Steve Mostyn announced today that they have endorsed local advocate Lane Lewis as the next Chair of the Harris County Democratic Party.

“Steve and I are very happy to support Lane Lewis in this campaign,” said Amber Mostyn. “From his childhood in Pasadena to his work as a social worker and teacher, and from his time advising the Houston Police Department to his tireless efforts on behalf of Democratic candidates across the state, Lane has proven he has the deep roots and right record to lead Houston Democrats into the future.”

“Lane is deeply respected by local elected officials, and our representatives in Austin and Washington, D.C.,” said Steve Mostyn. “Amber and I have supported our local party and leaders for years, and after meeting with many of them to discuss the county party, we are proud to join them in supporting Lane.”

“Democrats will win in 2012 and beyond by aggressively communicating to voters that our party will fight for good jobs and great schools. Lane Lewis will be a key part of leading those efforts,” Amber and Steve concluded.

Steve and Amber Mostyn are local attorneys and business owners with over 200 employees in Houston. They have supported candidates across Houston, the state of Texas, and the entire country. Steve and Amber are dedicated to supporting public education, and partner with school districts across East Texas, the Gulf Coast and the Houston area to work to bring joy to needy children through the Mostyn-Moreno Foundation.

Houston, Texas – Senate District 15 Chair and Harris County Democratic Party Chair candidate Lane Lewis today announced that his campaign has earned the support and endorsement of numerous elected officials. These elected officials join a growing list of County Executive Committee members that are supporting Lane. The CEC is the body of Precinct Chairs that will elect the interim HCDP chair on December 19, 2011.

“I am honored to have the support and trust of so many elected officials,” said Lewis. “Their confidence in my candidacy and vision for the Harris County Democratic Party will give me the energy to work each and every day to get Democrats elected up and down the ballot.”

Elected officials publicly endorsing Lane Lewis for HCDP Chair are:

• Mayor Annise Parker
• Senator John Whitmire
• TDP Vice Chair Lenora Sorola-Pohlman
• Harris County Attorney Vince Ryan
• Representative Alma Allen
• Representative Jessica Farrar
• Representative Borris Miles
• Representative Sylvester Turner
• Houston City Council Member James Rodriguez
• HISD Board Member Paula Harris
• HISD Board Member Juliet Stipeche

Houston, Texas – Senate District 15 Chair and Harris County Democratic Party Chair candidate Lane Lewis today announced that his campaign has earned the support of 49 members of the County Executive Committee, the body that will vote to elect a new HCDP Chair.

“It is exciting to see so many members of the County Executive Committee support my candidacy for HCDP Chair.  Our campaign is off to a strong start and I’m honored and humbled by the out-pouring of encouragement,” said Lewis.

CEC members publicly endorsing Lane Lewis for HCDP Chair are:

Martha Cottingham	County Chair’s At-Large Designee to Steering Committee
Wil Williams	Senate District 4 Chair
Sue Pilko	Senate District 4 Secretary
Steve Gross	Senate District 7 Chair
Joy Demark	Senate District 7 State Democratic Executive Committee Member
Sherrie Matula	Senate District 11 Chair
Anneliese Vogel	Senate District 15 State Democratic Executive Committee Member
Zeph Capo	Senate District 15 State Democratic Executive Committee Member
Bert Anson	Senate District 17 Chair
Carol Wright	Senate District 17 State Democratic Executive Committee Member
Vicki Bellow	Pct. 5
Scott Harbers	Pct. 32
Kenneth MacPherson	Pct. 33
Jack Valinski	Pct. 34
Victor Castillo	Pct. 39
Mary Flood Nugent	Pct. 40
Elizabeth Kloman	Pct. 43
Shaun Nelson	Pct. 71
Shelley Kennedy	Pct. 73
Margurette Shows	Pct. 75
Vivian Alford	Pct. 83
Christy Hernandez	Pct. 93
Pearlene Jerome	Pct. 101
Osvaldo Hernandez	Pct. 117
Louis Molnar	Pct. 139
Teresa Herrin	Pct. 146
Richard Shaw	Pct. 165
Clyde Phillips	Pct. 193
Kevin Hoffman	Pct. 207
Mary Lowrey Schlett	Pct. 270
Joyce Akins	Pct. 284
Mary Luckey	Pct. 316
Joseph Madden	Pct. 324
James Porter	Pct. 356
Demetria Nelson-McNaulty	Pct. 357
Carolyn Riggs	Pct. 380
James Alexander	Pct. 407
Sheryl Ware	Pct. 520
Bruce Menke	Pct. 590
Alton Smith	Pct. 594
Tamika Harris	Pct. 597
Kristen Capps	Pct. 631
Sylvia Medellin	Pct. 635
Patricia Pinkley	Pct. 658
Lloyd Gauthier	Pct. 660
Sean Carter	Pct. 661
Sharon Messa	Pct. 710
Deborah Mowrey	Pct. 760
Sylvia Pitre	Pct. 861