By Shelley Kofler
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-715398.mp3
Dallas, TX – Texas democratic party chair Boyd Richie believes this is the year Texas democrats can break the Republican Party's domination of Texas.
The Obama-Clinton contest set the table in March by shattering turnout for the democratic primary.
Richie, who has endorsed Obama, says democrats can build on that enthusiasm at this week's state convention, if Obama and Clinton supporters overcome bitter feelings.
Richie: And that may be a hard thing to do. People feel very passionately about their candidates, particularly because this was their opportunity to have the first female for the highest office in the land just as it was to have the first African American.
No question Hillary Clinton's Texas Campaign Manager Garry Mauro is a little miffed. He says Obama's campaign hasn't reached out.
Mauro: If he thinks he has it won why he didn't give her the delegates she's won. Why did he take away four measly delegates in Michigan? The Obama people haven't learned how to act like winners yet.
And Mauro, a long-time friend of Clinton, is urging her not to concede.
Mauro: Why would you concede when there are less than 100 votes separating your pledge delegates and the reality is super delegates have changed their minds twice in this process and might change their minds again.
Richie has said a joint convention appearance by Clinton and Obama could be just what's needed to begin the healing. As of now, Virginia Gov. Tim Kaine, Obama's national co-hair is scheduled to speak at the Texas democrats' convention.
Mauro says Clinton is still considering an appearance.