April 22, 2008Senator Royce West, ChairAdvisory Committee on the Texas Democratic Party Convention/Caucus System5787 South Hampton Road, Suite 385Dallas, TX 75232Dear Chairman West:Texas has experienced an historic election cycle thus far in 2008. We have witnessed over 2.2million Democrats vote in our Primary, and yet another approximately 1 million participate inour convention/caucus system. With such a groundswell of participation by Texas Democrats,we have much to be optimistic about as we head into the General Election, ready to take back seats from the White House to the courthouse.However, this surge of participation, when combined with Texas’ unique hybrid primary/caucussystem, presented some logistical challenges for many of our Precinct and County/SenatorialDistrict conventions – particularly in the urban areas. After the Precinct Conventions inparticular, the Texas Democratic Party heard from convention participants throughout Texas whoexpressed concern over the use of the hybrid system in Texas.As you are undoubtedly aware, the Rules of the Texas Democratic Party preclude anymodifications to the primary/convention system without the approval of Delegates to the StateConvention. However, given that the State Convention is six weeks away, we are afforded awindow of opportunity to study the dynamics of the Convention system in advance of the June6

convening date. Such an examination, in turn, may help inform and educate our Delegates,Alternates, elected officials and guests about how best to approach the issue of potentialmodifications to the Convention process in Texas.As such, I respectfully request the Advisory Committee to do the following:1)

Hear and consider voter testimony of Texas Democrats who wish to speak in support of or against the current structure of the Texas primary/convention hybrid system;2)

Consider any other relevant data/information presented before the Committee whichhelps inform the committee’s deliberations and investigation;