About 200 people came out Sunday to hear local and top state candidates from the Democratic Party speak about the upcoming election. Each of the candidates told the crowd what they would do to help solve hard-hitting issues, if elected, during a political rally Sunday in the Huntsville High School cafeteria.

The event was hosted by the Walker County Democrats, in partnership with the NAACP, Battleground Texas and the Bearkat Democrats of Sam Houston State University, in an effort to help “Turn Texas Blue.”

Cindy Blaylock, chairwoman of the Walker County Democratic Party, said the goal of the afternoon event was to get people to come out and hear candidates’ platforms.

“The event turned out great. Everyone came out and was interested in what the candidates had to say, and got the opportunity to hear what their platforms were directly from the candidates,” Blaylock said.

The event was also geared toward getting people excited about voting in the upcoming November elections, which Blaylock says is more important than ever in this crucial election.

“If you don’t vote, you’re just assuming things are just going to change. But what’s going to happen is the same people will stay in there,” Blaylock said. “So if you don’t want to change government for your children and your family, then stay at home. But if you want to change this government so the schools are better, everybody has health care and everybody has equal rights, then go out and vote in November.”

The event kicked off with free hot dogs and chips while local singer/songwriter Mary Brett serenaded attendees with some sweet guitar sounds. Attendees even had the opportunity to register to vote before the seven candidates got up to talk about their platforms and what changes they would make to improve Texas’ future, if elected to office.

Steve Brown, candidate for Texas railroad commissioner, addressed the importance of protecting the environment and climate change to strengthen the Texas of tomorrow.

“We need to step up and take control of our future, of Texas’ future, so our kids can inherit a Texas that we are proud of,” he said.

Cade S. Reece, candidate for Walker County Justice of the Peace in Precinct 4, talked about how he will work to help better the lives of everyone living in Precinct 4, and that even after an unknown person defaced his campaign signs, he would “not allow his position to be compromised by bigotry.”

Sam Houston, candidate for Texas attorney general, addressed the importance of stopping unneeded funding for government lawsuits and putting it back into the classrooms, stating that “this is the year” for Texas to turn blue.

“Unlike the Republican candidates, we’re correct about the issues because we go out and talk about them with people,” Houston said. “The Republicans have been in office for way too long and we need to change that this election. We need a lawyer in the attorney general’s office, not another politician.”

Other candidates included State Senate District 5 candidate Joel Shapiro, who talked about ending election corruption such as corporate sponsorships of candidates; candidate for state comptroller Mike Collier, who spoke about spending more money on education; and candidate for land commissioner, former mayor of El Paso John Cook, who talked about the importance of voting.

“Texas is not a red state. The people who tell you that are only looking at the people that go out to the voting booth,” Cook said. “The Democrats that stay home during voting is like casting a vote for the Republicans.”

President of the Bearkat Democrats Liz Turner believes that not only is it important for everyone to go out and vote in November, but that it is critical for college students and young people everywhere to be politically active.

“Sam Houston students are a huge part, huge voting block of Walker County, and if we organize and get motivated, we can move mountains,” she said. “We need our voices heard and we need to be sure to show up for them so they can show up for us.”

Sunday’s headliner was candidate for lieutenant governor, State Senator Leticia Van de Putte, who shared a tear-jerking speech about her family history and how a promise fulfilled by her grandmother shaped her into the person and candidate she is today.

Van de Putte told the crowd how she plans to reshape Texas’ future starting with education.

“We must first give the students and classrooms back to our teachers — no more standardized testing,” Van de Putte said. “I want to return all $2 million that got cut out from educational programs in 2011 back to our schools.”

“When you get to the Capitol, it shouldn’t be about who’s on the red team, who’s on the blue team. It’s about being on the red, white, and blue Lone Star State team.

“We need to put Texas first.”

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