The Harris County Democratic Party will welcome US House Majority Whip, Rep. James E. Clyburn (D-SC) as the featured speaker at the 2009 Johnson-Rayburn-Richards Dinner.

WHAT: The annual Johnson-Rayburn-Richards Dinner is HCDP’s signature fund raising event. This year, themed “Charting the Course,” the program will celebrate the gains made by the Democratic Party in 2008 and showcase plans for 2010. In addition to the keynote speaker, House Majority Whip Jim Clyburn, the event will include a special tribute to Nick Lampson, a former Member of Congress from Houston.

Initiated 20 years ago as a memorial to Texas Democratic legends President Lyndon Johnson and Speaker of the House Sam Rayburn, the event was renamed in 2006 to include Governor Ann Richards. The list of guest speakers in previous years includes notables such as Vice President Joe Biden, Howard Dean, Wesley Clark, and James Carville.

WHEN: Saturday, October 17, 2009. Sign in and silent auction begin at 6:00 pm. The VIP reception honoring the guest speaker begins at 6:00 pm. The program begins at 7:00 pm.

WHERE: The event will be at the Hilton Americas Hotel, 1600 Lamar, Houston, TX, 77010, in the Ballroom of the Americas, on the second floor.

WHY: The Johnson-Rayburn-Richards Dinner largely funds the Harris County Democratic Party’s Coordinated Campaign. The event also introduces local and statewide candidates who plan to run in the 2010 Demorcatic Primary.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS: The JRR Dinner has become a “must attend” event in recent years. This year between 1200 and 1500 guests are expected. Go to www.jrrdinner.org for more information. Please contact Martha at HCDP at 713-802-0085 or martha@hcdp.org to obtain press credentials in advance of the event.