Retail Campaigning

I have been campaigning on a retail level this past week or so. On Sunday, May 20, 2007 I was at the Strawberry Festival in Pasadena, Texas (home of the world's largest strawberry shortcake) shaking hands and handing out cards and buttons.

I shook about 500 hands and handed out a huge number of buttons and cards. People stopped and were interested in what I was saying, and wished me good luck. They were shocked to learn that there are zero elected county-wide Democratic judges in Harris County, and agreed we need to restore balance.

Then, on Monday night I was at the Meyerland Democrats meeting at Poblano's in the Meyer Park shopping center, near the big box store that starts with a W. Melissa Noriega and Peter Brown spoke, and I got a chance to stand and introduce myself and describe the great Democratic expectations for 2008 in Harris County. Loren Jackson was there -- an excellent candidate who is running for Justice of the Peace in Precinct 7, I believe. The group was very welcoming and I got to know many of the members, including the President, Tom Vinson, and his lovely wife. I also got to see my friend Hermann Litt, former HCC board member and city council candidate. And I got to see Richard Schechter, who is currently on the HCC board, and is a Democratic big-wig, and nephew of Ambassador Arthur Schechter. Since it was dinnertime, my wife, Eva, and our 2 boys came along to the meeting. Luckily, we sat in the corner and the boys were well behaved and charming as usual. But, my youngest, once again stuffed too much food into his mouth and managed to barf all over himself. Eva quickly hustled him out of the room (we were near the door) and got him cleaned up. He didn't cry -- I was very proud. ;-). No one seemed to notice, happily.

On Wednesday night, I went to the AFL-CIO meeting at the hall on Sutherland Street off of I-45. There were many union reps there and several candidates, including, Melissa Noriega. She thanked the members for their hard work and invited everyone to her office down the road a piece. Several other candidates spoke, and I got to speak for a couple of minutes. I was wearing one of my prized possessions: a union badge/pin that my grandfather, Harry Avrutin, left me. He was for many years the Secretary of the New York Central Labor Council. I told the group that it felt very natural and "right" for me to be there because it was in my blood, as I had explained. There were nods and smiles of approval, which was nice. I am looking forward to visiting them again soon. Thanks to Richard Shaw for inviting me.

On Monday, I will be at Veterans Memorial Park on Tidwell between noon and 3 p.m. for the Memorial Day festivities. I will be shaking hands and handing out cards and buttons. This time I'll put sunscreen on my face and wear a hat. Got burned at the Strawberry Festival. Ah, well, small price to pay for getting the message out to county voters who probably haven't seen a Democratic judicial candidate in eons.

Next Thursday, I will be at the Katy Area New Democrats to speak. Really looking forward to that, as well.






Political advertising paid for by Michael C. Engelhart, 4402 Holt Street, Bellaire, Texas 77401 in compliance with the voluntary limits of the Judicial Campaign Fairness Act.