Ready, Set, Go

Heading to Denver - by Pat Canady

It is time to head to Denver for the 2008 Democratic National Convention. Being inundated with event invitations, Caucus materials, and Special Interest Group packets, tells me this is going to be a very busy and informative convention.

The Arizona Delegation is staying at the Hyatt Regency Tech Center Hotel which is 25 miles south of Denver. We will be leaving in the morning via Light Rail and most likely not be returning until midnight. This makes for a very long day so I have been in training.

Besides getting up early to walk the dog and exercises, I have been volunteering for candidates and the Pima Democratic Headquarters. More recently I've been working on Barack Obama Fund Raisers and an upcoming event, G.O. Tucson (Generation Obama) to be held September 27th. For late night endurance, the Olympics have been keeping me up until midnight for two weeks. It remains to be seen if my training works!

One of the first Caucus Sessions I am attending is Senior Power '08, sponsored by Alliance for Retired Americans, AFT Program on Retirement, AFSCME Retirees, National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, Retirees Dept of the IAM. I am attending as a Steering Committee Member for Grandparents for Obama. You can find out more about this group on www.barackobama.com. With a history of high voter turnout, older people will be key to a Democratic victory in November. More recently, senior voters have been "swing" voters. We cannot afford to have this group voting Republican this year!

For my enjoyment, I am attending Emily's List Luncheon with keynote speakers, Nancy Pelosi, Hillary Clinton and last by not least Michelle Obama. I have been told this luncheon is worth attending and look forward to meeting these women Democratic leaders.

I have also signed up for Delegate Service day, hosted by Michelle Obama. My assignment is working with Meals on Wheels sorting and packing food. There are a variety of community service events going on all over Denver that day. This is a great way to support Obama Works such as community events we've held in Tucson this year.

Floor time at the Pepsi Center and Senator Obama's acceptance speech will be highlights for me as well. I look forward to participating in as many events as possible.

My husband is driving 5 women to the convention and back. We are meeting another friend, from Seattle, there who will be staying with our group at their hotel. All of these women have been volunteering for Obama for over a year and they will be volunteering in Denver. We are a dedicated team! And husband, Ron, deserves a medal for driving us and being so supportive!

Many people have signed up to Blog for Arizona. I may occasionally share my daughter's lap top and do the same if time allows. We will be checking in at the media tent and find our Arizona friends there.

Meanwhile, keep up the HOPE and support Barack Obama '08! YES WE CAN!