Daily Skiff

Several Tarrant County Democratic Party candidates will speak on campus Saturday at a political rally, a member of the TCU Democrats said.

James Russell, a sophomore religion and anthropology major, said 30 Democratic candidates are slated to attend Saturday's rally, seven are scheduled to speak at the event. The keynote speaker is current state Rep. Rick Noriega, who is also a U.S. senatorial candidate.

Other speakers include Tracey Smith, who is running for the 12th District seat in the U.S. House of Representatives, Wendy Davis, for the state senate's 10th District seat and Chris Turner for the 96th District seat in the Texas House of Representatives.

Two other candidates for the position of chair of the Tarrant County Democratic Party, local attorneys Steve Maxwell and Rod Tanner, are on the bill for the event.

State Rep. Marc Veasey from District 95 will serve as master of ceremonies, said Doreen Geiger, founder of the New Democrats of Southwest Tarrant County. Attendees will be able to meet Democratic candidates from Tarrant County and will receive help with voting registration if needed.

"This is a great way to get to know these candidates so people can make informed decisions when they go vote," Geiger said. "Voters should use the convenience of hearing candidates and meeting them all in the same place to their advantage."

The primary election for the various Tarrant County districts is set for March 4, according to the Texas Secretary of State Web site.

Texas House District 97, which covers Southwest Tarrant County and includes TCU, has been in Republican control for the last 30 years, Geiger said.

Anna Mowery, a Republican representative of District 97 for 19 years, resigned with one year left on her term in August leaving a vacancy in the Texas House, according to the governor's office.

Gov. Rick Perry called a special election Dec. 18, in which Dan Barrett, a Democrat from Fort Worth, captured a surprising victory when he replaced Mowery, Geiger said.

Up for re-election to the Texas House of Representatives, Barrett will be speaking at the political rally.

The suggested donation for the event, which will include a light meal with a vegetarian option, is $15 per person and $5 for TCU students, payable at the door.

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