Testimonials
Because I rarely do endorsements myself, I’m uncomfortable with actively seeking them out. Here are some testimonials that supporters have offered.
Deborah Angell Smith – County Chair 2003 – 2007; Former State Democratic Executive Committee Representative
In the 20+ years I’ve been involved with the Collin County Democratic Party, one of the constant bright spots has been the intelligent and thoughtful leadership of Mike Rawlins. I was proud to support his election in 2014, and we are extremely fortunate he has agreed to serve another term.
When I was County Chair and during the terms of each of my successors, Mike was always the obvious choice to lead any challenging project. With his professional expertise in software development and project management, he knows how to prioritize, structure workable plans, implement fair processes and lead diverse teams to successful results.
And we’ve seen positive results during his three terms as County Chair. Like Barack Obama, Mike took over in very challenging circumstances. In many respects, the Party was in a financial and organizational ditch, and thanks to his dedication and positive leadership, we’ve not only pulled out of the ditch, we’re considered one of the leading county parties in the state of Texas.
The steadily increasing numbers of volunteers, effective programs, regular media attention and constant activity demonstrate Mike’s excellent team building skills. That he’s created and maintained a strong leadership team and vibrant committee system speaks volumes about his collaborative style. With competing priorities for every volunteer’s time, it’s hard to get individual commitments and keep teams working together over time, but he and his team have done it with remarkable success.
I’ve always been a fan of Mike’s and I continue to be. Like Barack, he offers “change you can believe in.” You can believe in it, because he’s done it, and continues to create positive change. Mike has proven he can bring Democrats together to create the forward momentum that will bring us steadily towards our goals. He has my vote for County Chair, and he should have yours too.
Rebecca Arredondo
In 2013, when the Collin County Democratic Party needed new leadership, Mike was the only individual who stood up to run for County Chair. After his election in 2014, Mike loaned the Party money from his personal funds to pay the back rent of the County Party office and keep the lights on. He immediately went to work on establishing a budget and providing financial statements to the County Executive Committee. Mike has worked to build the local Party and continues to work to bring wins to Collin County in 2020.
Susan Lavigne
You’ve done a remarkable job in bringing the party back from the abyss and making it a healthy viable Democratic Party.
John Lingenfelder
Mike Rawlins and the team he assembled have really turned the Collin County Democratic Party around. Several years ago, the party was a horrible mess and needed a fresh beginning. Then Mike stepped up and was elected to become the new party chair.
Such a change. There is enthusiasm; there are excited volunteers; there are contested primary races; and this party actually has surplus funds. This is not all because Mike did it. But it is because Mike established the environment where willing, intelligent people came together to get things done, that needed doing.
Thank you, Mike. I urge everyone who votes in the March Democratic Primary in Collin County, vote for Mike Rawlins, Collin County Democratic Party Chair.
Nancy Button
I’ve known Mike since 2004 when my husband Bob and I became involved with the Collin County Democratic Party. Particularly, when he founded the progressive Christian Democratic book club. A fellow Episcopalian, he founded the group as a response to the view held by many on the right who said you couldn’t be a Christian if you’re a Democrat. Also, he and his wife Diana joined our Progressive church, Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration where they have been not only wonderful fellow parishioners but also very dedicated and involved in our church. We’ve enjoyed our friendship with Mike and Diana and have seen what a hard working and dedicated chair of the CCDP Mike is! He took over as chair when the party was in disarray and helped to bring stability and unity back to the party. Mike is a progressive, hard working and dedicated Democrat who will continue to be an excellent Chair of the Democratic Party. Re-elect Mike in the March primary!
Bob Button
I want to enthusiastically endorse Mike Rawlins for Collin County Democratic Party Chair. I have been involved in the Collin County Democratic Party since 2004 and have seen the massive improvements made under his leadership. I served as Party Treasurer from 2014 through 2016 and saw firsthand the financial chaos left by the previous administration. Under Mike, the party eliminated its massive debt, began steady streams of revenue, moved out of substandard headquarters into a better yet still affordable office space, and began recruiting outstanding candidates. Mike has done a magnificent job of restoring stability and health to our party and is leading us to a bright and BLUE future. We all need to realize the precarious position the party was in before Mike took over. There was no quick fix and this turnaround did not happen overnight. But now thanks in large part to Mike’s leadership, the Democratic Party is in position to win now in one of the historically reddest counties in the state. Please join me in supporting Mike Rawlins for Collin County Democratic Party Chair!
Another Word on Endorsements
I’m very grateful to have received the endorsements I have in past years. That said, one of the dirty little secrets about endorsements by prominent individuals is that most of the endorsers have rarely carefully evaluated all of the candidates in a race, and instead endorse because someone they know directly or indirectly has asked them.
As well, endorsements by organizations also need to be take with a grain of salt. In past years some have made endorsements without any clear process. As well, some still make endorsements using flawed processes, such as not inviting candidates who filed close to the filing deadline to participate.
Finally, I can’t help but think of our Republican County Judge Chris Hill’s claim of over 3,000 endorsements in this year’s primary. He’s still a lousy County Judge who needs to be replaced.