As the crowd gathered for State Senator Lou Correa’s annual holiday reception in Santa Ana, a different kind of event was taking place. Quiet lobbying for support to lead the Democratic Party of Orange County between Jeff LeTourneau and Henry Vandermeir. It was fun to watch the two men and their suporters work the room, greeting elected and appointed officials and quietly seeking support in a bid to replace outgoing Chairman Frank Barbaro.
Sources tell TheLiberalOC, former State Senator Joe Dunn is likely not to pursue Barbaro’s job, which LeTourneau said he’d step aside if Dunn entered the fray.
There were a number of elected officials to lobby from new Rancho Santiago college board members Nalida Yanez and Jose Solorio, Garden Grove school board member Bao Nguyen, and Santa Ana Mayor Miguel Pulido dropped by for about 10 minutes. But not another member of the Santa Ana city council made it. It was a terrific event and we’ll note what a great job the senator’s staff did speaking with residents, making introductions to the senator, and Senator Correa was clearly in his element and enjoying the evening.
LeTourneau and Vandermeir are likely to see each other at a number of other ceremonies and parties throughout the holiday season. We’re left with the impression that regardless of who emerges as the new chairman, both will work together to continue the progress Barbaro has made during his tenure which the goals of increasing Democratic Party registration and increasing the numbers of Democrat electeds in Orange County.
Enjoy the photos from the party including photographic evidence of Jose Solorio without his mustache:
Isn’t that overweight balding guy hovering over the buffet table in the last picture Chris Leo? I recall that he got fired by Lou Correa for blogging on a State owned computer in Sacramento while on taxpayer time. Is that him and do I have my facts right?
Never met him; wouldn’t know him.
I have to disagree with the headline. Jeff and Henry are quite similar at heart — with both of them being respectful and appreciative of, but different from, the outgoing Chair Frank Barbaro. Some of what B
So if there’s a “battle for the heart of DPOC,” it’s already over. The question is over how best to implement the shared vision of DPOC — and I think and hope that you are right that both of these men will be a critical part of that.
Right counselor. You didn’t see the same dance I did.
What do you see the “battle” as being about, then?
who’s going to take over. Who’s going to lead? Isn’t it obvious?
I don’t generally weigh in online, but I am doing so now to express what I believe is a prevailing sentiment among Democrats and progressives throughout Orange County and that is that we must learn how to leverage our strength. We have a new Congressman — Alan Lowenthal — and two new Assemblymembers — Sharon Quirk-Silva and Tom Daly. We know that there is a much larger constituency of Democrats and progressives than people think. Unless we learn how to build a positive, collaborative and inspiring platform that will connect and strengthen the many and varied segments of our local Democratic and progressive network, we will continue to undermine our own objectives. There should be unanimous support for one person rather than transitioning the Chair position amidst conflict. Are we capable of that level of discipline and respect for our common aspirations? I can think of nothing that would inspire more hope and optimism as we head into this new year.
Thanks for commenting Beth. Perhaps a meeting between Jeff and Henry can resolve this issue in a unified manner.
I agree with Beth but disagree with her conclusion. We do need a collaborative network of Democratic Party activists to rally around our mutually inspired platform, but the question is which leader has the best vision for that. What, when, and how do we get it done. A spirited race and debate is always an asset, unanimity will be the end result not the means for getting there. Thanks all who are involved! Dr Bill
Bravo Dr. Bill. Dead on correct. A spirited race and debate is going to give rise to the best chairman possible. We are going to have an outstanding session of the central committee this next cycle.