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June 13, 2007
U.S. Senator John Edwards - candidate for President of the United States - spoke at Scholtz's Bier Garden here in Austin yesterday during lunch. Austinist was in attendance.
Edwards was introduced by Texas Senator and former Austin Mayor Kirk Watson, as well as by former Texas Agricultural Commissioner Jim Hightower, Texas' favorite anti-everything-corporate rabble-rouser. Marcia Ball - a staple performer at most Texas Democratic events - opened the event with a few swingin' tunes. The official Edwards campaign slogan was plastered all over the place: "Tomorrow begins today."
Continue reading "John Edwards Campaigning in Austin Yesterday"
| June 8, 2007
Jeff Friedman (1945-2007) became involved in politics at the young age of 26 (fresh out of law school), when he joined the city council in 1971. Friedman's run for office was part of a reaction of progressives/pacifists city-wide to Austin officials' refusal to allow an anti-war protest after the shootings at Kent State [Statesman]. In 1975, Friedman became Austin's "hippie mayor", indicative of the new liberal movement taking charge of local politics (and it's pretty much been that way ever since). During his tenure as mayor, he helped to equalize electric rates, instated a public ambulance service, and aimed to make city hall a more accessible place.
After one term as mayor, he retired from politics to focus on his law practice. He died yesterday of complications from a heart attack. Services will be held at Temple Beth Israel.
Photo from Friedman & Weddington official site
June 7, 2007
Democratic Presidential-hopeful John Edwards will be making a short stop in Austin next Tuesday, and his campaign team is hoping that regular folks (besides the typical big-money donors at such fundraising events) will be able to stop by. By donating $15 to his campaign, you can get in to hear him speak about his plan for America. Austin musician Marcia Ball will be his opening act.
We don't expect anything near Obama-sized crowds, but we imagine a good amount of fans/donors/Travis County Dems will show up to support the former vice-presidential-candidate from North Carolina.
John Edwards: Small Change for Big Change [RSVP]
Tuesday, June 12th, Noon-1:30 p.m.
Scholz Garten
1607 San Jacinto [map]
Photo by Rachel Feierman for John Edwards 2008 on flickr