This year's annual Jefferson Jackson Dinner was a great success. Our keynote speaker was Congresswoman Stephanie Herseth from South Dakota. Rep. Herseth was an appropriate speaker for an event titled "A New Generation". Congresswoman Herseth came to Utah at the request of fellow Blue Dog (a fiscally conservative group of congressional Democrats) Congressman Jim Matheson who is chair of the group. Herseth was both inspirational and gracious. Inspirational while speaking, and gracious as we took photo after photo from excited Utah Democrats.
The evening began with at 6:00 PM with a reception for our Chair Circle members (those who contribute $1,000 or more a year to the State Party. I always enjoy socializing, and I was pleased to finally meet State Secretary, Xavier Hermosillo's mother and step-father pictured below with myself and Xavier's glowing and pregnant wife Krista.
The evening began with at 6:00 PM with a reception for our Chair Circle members (those who contribute $1,000 or more a year to the State Party. I always enjoy socializing, and I was pleased to finally meet State Secretary, Xavier Hermosillo's mother and step-father pictured below with myself and Xavier's glowing and pregnant wife Krista.
Our 
special guest of honor this year was former Utah Governor, Calvin L. Rampton who was presented with a crystal symbol of our appreciation by former first lady Norma Matheson. The O.C. Tanner token was engraved with the words, "Luv the Guv" a slogan I have deeply engraved in my mind as my first campaign memory. After the presentation the former Governor in his on very special style told the story of his grandfather who was a lifelong Democrat, that is until he registered as a Republican when doctors agreed that he only had months to live. Why would a lifelong, dedicated Democrat do such a thing? The answer that Governor Rampton exclaimed had everyone in the room laughing. His Answer? "Better one of them to go then one of us!"
special guest of honor this year was former Utah Governor, Calvin L. Rampton who was presented with a crystal symbol of our appreciation by former first lady Norma Matheson. The O.C. Tanner token was engraved with the words, "Luv the Guv" a slogan I have deeply engraved in my mind as my first campaign memory. After the presentation the former Governor in his on very special style told the story of his grandfather who was a lifelong Democrat, that is until he registered as a Republican when doctors agreed that he only had months to live. Why would a lifelong, dedicated Democrat do such a thing? The answer that Governor Rampton exclaimed had everyone in the room laughing. His Answer? "Better one of them to go then one of us!"
After watching a short film honoring Rampton, and his well performed tale, Congressman Matheson introduced Congresswoman Herseth to our sold out room. Congresswoman Herseth spoke about her upbringing, and a family that supported her, and believed in her. She also mentioned that it would be wonderful if we could send some additional help to Washington D.C to assist the hardest working congressman from Utah, Rep. Matheson.
The last presentation was produced by Senate District 28 Candidate Emily Hollingshead, who had the executive officers and almost all of the Utah Democratic legislative candidates (sorry Bethanie Newbie) come up on stage while their names flashed on the screen to the beat of clapping hands and some very inspirational music (that's what you say when you don't know the title of the song. Overall the event was a great success, and as tradition, this event was held the night before the Democratic State Convention. Wayne Holland Jr. and I want to once again thank Tika Beard (at top with Rep. Matheson, Tika, Rob Miller, Rep Herseth, and Wayne Holland Jr.), Jeff Bell, and all of the volunteers who were responsible for bringing this grand event together.
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