Article Published: Friday, August 29, 2003 - 12:00:00 AM MST
Dems on lam embraced at fundraiser
AWOL Texans hailed in Adams
By Julia C. Martinez, Denver Post Capitol Bureau
Colorado Democrats gave a spirited welcome Thursday night to two of the 11 Texas Democrats who have foiled the GOP congressional redistricting plan in their state.
In less than an hour, about 150 supporters had raised $4,200 to help the Texas Eleven cover living expenses as they continue their self-imposed exile in New Mexico to block a vote in the Texas Legislature.
"You will never know how much energy and love we have received from Democrats across the country and in Colorado," Sen. Gonzalo Barrientos, D-Austin, told cheering supporters at the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers' hall in Adams County. "It gives us chills, it feels so ... good."
Barrientos and Sen. Eliot Shapleigh, D-El Paso, joined arms as they took to the podium, with supporters cheering loudly and Willie Nelson's "On The Road Again" blaring from loudspeakers. Between cheers, contributors munched on tamales and chips. (snip/...)
http://www.denverpost.com/Stories/0,1413,36~64~1598330,00.html