Dallas Democrats did not let rain ruin their parade, despite the weather Tuesday evening.
More than 150 people, including candidates, showed their support for the Democratic Party at the Jack Daniels Club in the American Airlines Center, though the watch party was originally planned for the plaza at Victory Park.
Although the night started off slow, Democrats’ spirit soon filled the bar.
“Dallas County is the bluest spot in the state,” County Chair for the Democratic Party Darlene Ewing said.
TV monitors portrayed messages such as “Welcome, Democrats. Victory 2010,” while “Defend Change, Vote Democrat” posters were placed around the room.
People crowded around the screens, watching the results come in, though the results were not always in Democratic favor.
“I think it was way too early to have a Republican take over,” Dallas resident Jim White said. “The Democrats didn’t have enough time to accomplish what’s on their agenda.”
Some Democrats felt the hype about Republicans taking control of the House and Senate affected voters locally and nationally, due to American frustration with President Barack Obama and his administration.
“I think it has affected Texas more than we thought it would,” Regional Communications Director for the Texas Democratic Party Mike Ogulnick said. “A lot of really good moderate Democrats are going to lose tonight.”
Sharina Fowler, court reporter for Judge Cañas, believes “it has come down to Democrat versus Republican,” instead of citizens actually voting for the best candidate for the job.
Though to many it did not come as a shock that Gov. Rick Perry would be re-elected as governor, it was still disappointing to those at the watch party.
“We live in a Republican state, and it will take an extraordinary effort to elect a Democratic governor. Bill White was an extraordinary candidate and ran a good, race but it is what it is—a reflection of the country,” Ogulnick said.
However, others were more positive and hopeful for races such as District Attorney.
Twelve men who have been affected by Watkins’s decision to check DNA attended the party to show their support for the DA.
Steven Phillips, one of the 12 who had been imprisoned, voted for the first time in 28 years today, supporting Watkins.
“We can’t stand to go lose what he has done. We don’t want to go back to where we were before he was elected,” Phillips said.
Regardless of the results, State Senator Royce West said, “We will still be a Democratic County.”
