David Walters Democratic National Convention Speech

Hon. David Walters, Co-Chair, Democratic Party Rules Committee Monday, August 25, 2008 at 03:35 PM It is my pleasure to present the Rules Committee’s nominations for Vice Chairs and Secretary of the convention. To serve this convention as Vice Chairs, the Rules Committee nominated Governor Chris Gregoire of Washington, Congressman Robert Wexler of Florida, Mayor Michael Coleman of Columbus and Maria Elena Durazno, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Los Angeles County AFL-CIO. As governor, Chris Gregoire has delivered real results to the people of Washington. Combining effective leadership with a tireless work ethic, Governor Gregoire has shown time and again that she has the courage and independence to stand up and fight for individuals and families. Under her leadership, Washington is building a better future for its families. Florida Congressman Robert Wexler has earned a reputation as a straight-forward and articulate legislator who energetically advocates for his constituents. Congressman Wexler has been named one of the “50 most effective legislators in Congress” by the influential magazine congressional quarterly and was named to the forward 50 list as one of the most influential leaders in the American Jewish community. Columbus mayor Michael Coleman took office with a goal of improving the quality of life for the city's citizens. Mayor Coleman is working to build Columbus into a leading 21st century city through his commitment to improving the safety and quality of life in neighborhoods, building a more vibrant downtown, creating and retaining jobs and building partnerships to solve community challenges. Maria Elena Durazno is the Executive Secretary - Treasurer of the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, which represents over 800,000 workers in every key industry. The daughter of Mexican immigrant farm workers, Ms. Durazno learned the importance of hard work and determination at a very young age when, as a child, she traveled from Oregon to California with her parents and nine siblings to work in the fields. I am pleased to nominate Alice Germond for the position of Permanent Secretary of the convention. Alice has served the Democratic Party for over 40 years. She has participated in every National Democratic Convention since the 1974 mid-term Charter convention and served as a co-chair of the 1984 convention Rules Committee. Ms. Germond currently serves as secretary of the Democratic National Committee. Our party is fortunate to have such an outstanding slate of dedicated leaders who will ensure a successful convention. Mr. Chairman, on behalf of the rules committee, I move the adoption of the rules committee report.