Candidate for
Democratic Party Central Committee; Assembly District 13

I am sharp. I learn quickly. I love games of strategy. I have learned to stay serene in situations where ugly egoistic fights are taking place. I am not afraid to speak the truth. I know when it is better to hold my tongue. I have a very strong sense of integrity. I understand that real alliances are built with organizations and leaders who truly represent other communities of interest. ALL of these traits will serve me well on the DCCC.

I am a lifelong Democrat, having worked to build the party from the time I became involved in Austin, Texas in 1980. After using my first vote in favor of Jimmy Carter, I watched us enter the dark ages of Democratic politics as Ronald Reagan was elected. I never voted for another winner for President until another southerner, Bill Clinton, was elected. During those dark ages, I volunteered in the field campaign of Jesse Jackson for President, helping register thousands of new voters in that effort, and serving as a Jackson delegate to the state convention. During the late `80s and `90s, I was less active in Democratic politics because my focus was on gay and HIV activism as a member of several groups in Washington, D.C.

I have been increasingly involved in local Democratic politics since my arrival in San Francisco in 1997. I volunteered on several housing initiative camapaigns, as well as the campaigns of Ron Albers for Judge, Ammiano for Supervisor, and Ammiano for Mayor. I started "Run Tom Run" last April to draft Ammiano as a candidate. It is my belief that a base in community activism is necessary to serving on the DCCC in order that the committee become more responsive to the real needs of our communities. I will bring such a background to the DCCC.

I am mainly a housing rights attorney, representing people of all stations of life and from all groups in their efforts to protect their rights to shelter. I have previously worked as a legislative aide to Texas State Senator Kent Caperton, one of the best and most progressive senators to serve Texas. I was a Briefing Attorney to the presiding judge of the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals, routinely reviewing death penalty appeals. I was a Trial Attorney in the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., dealing daily with corporations and their representatives. I went to the University of Texas on scholarships and fellowships and obtained a joint degree in Law and Public Policy. Thus, I have a solid background of experience and training to make decisions on the policy matters coming before the DCCC.

I come from a working class background in Beaumont, Texas, where my father worked as a printer, a laborer in a tire store, and as a tire salesman, while always operating separate businesses on the side. My mother worked as a secretary and receptionist. I am the only person in my family to have graduated from a university. Both my parents still throw a paper route on the side so as to make enough money to pay their mortgage. Although I do different work than did my parents, I have never tried to leave my roots behind as some have. I am even more proud of my parents than they are of me. My identification is working class and I am committed to helping the ordinary working people of our city. These are qualities that we need on the DCCC.