The National Museum of Women in the Arts was filled with excitement and Democratic pride at last night's "Paint the Nation Blue" DNC fundraiser. It was very exhilarating to see the museum packed with loyal and enthusiastic Democrats. They had good reason to be excited, the number of great Democratic leaders in attendance was incredible. The night started at 7:00 P.M. when I introduced House Minority Whip Steny Hoyer at the VIP reception. It was an especially great pleasure to introduce him because he is a representative of the great state of Maryland.
At the general reception I introduced Eleanor Holmes Norton, Congresswoman from D.C. She spoke of the need for voting rights in Washington D.C. Another great Democrat I introduced was Patricia Madrid, she is the 1st ever Latina attorney general from New Mexico. I also introduced Patrick Lynch, attorney general from Rhode Island. Reducing crime was the main topic of Lynch's speech. Madrid and Lynch, both being Attorneys General, emphasized how many top Democratic officeholders started out as Attorneys General. The last person I introduced was Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin. Durbin told a funny story about fellow Illinois Senator Barack Obama. Finally came Howard Dean. Dean emphasized the importance of grassroots activism. Also, he stated that the largest mistake that Bush made in his presidency was not respecting people who do not agree with him. He got the crowd extremely energized.
By the end of the night, the audience was ready to start painting the nation blue. I would say that the night was a complete success.
-Terry Lierman
Chair, Maryland Democratic Party