No event is an official Democratic Committee function if Dutch Newman isn’t there.  Well, she was there this morning, front and center, to see her dear, dear friend Lolly Garcia get the annual Dutch Newman Award, given by the committee to the Democrat among us that has done the most over the past year to promote our party and our purposes.  And the annual award is kept under wraps.  It would be easier to stage a heist at Ft. Knox than it would be to get a heads up beforehand on who will be the winner.

Lolly, after receiving her award.

State Treasurer Clint Zwiefel, talking to Mary Halloran, former nun, former Iowa state legislator, current Ruckette and all-around hell-raiser – and occupant of one of the top spots on my list of favorite people.  

Mike Downing, Webmaster for the county committee website and blog.

Congressman Cleaver, Jackson County Sheriff Mike Sharp, and one of the many Democrats in attendance, talking after the brunch and the auction of Inaugural memorabilia.

County Executive Mike Sanders (center), County Committee Chairman Steve Bough (right) and Tony Miller (left).  All those lawyers and me with no legal difficulties to get free advice about while everyone is feeling magnanimous in a group of close friends.

Dutch and her daughter Michele.  I caught them as they were leaving after the brunch and auction.  I only took one shot – and it was this good – leading me to believe that these two have done this before!