Wow! What an incredible day it’s been in Denver. The national convention is amazing to experience. It’s grand, well-choreographed, and touching; we get to know each speaker well. Some pretty exciting stuff happened today!

But I’m leaping ahead to the end, because, well, it’s the end of the day, but let’s start at the beginning. We began with the early morning delegation meeting, and Carol Williams handed out small fabric stickers of the Montana flag for the delegation to wear. Senator Bob Casey of Pennsylvania spoke to the delegation (he spoke at the convention yesterday). Casey is a freshman senator, and began serving at the same time as our senator, Jon Tester. Casey talked about health care, and said that the SCHIP bill of earlier this year would provide six well-child visits within the first year of life. Early well-child care is very effective preventive health care, and the CHIP initiative to cover more kids is on the Montana ballot this year.

We (some of the Montana delegation) went downtown at 11, to the convention center to hear Hillary Clinton speak at 1:15. I bought a pin with Sox, the Clintons’ cat, and a caption that says, “Send Sox back to the White House”. It’s great.

Hillary Clinton thanked her supporters, and released her delegates for the convention’s Roll Call of the States today. She said, “I’m here to release you.” She said to her supporters and delegates that they might feel an obligation to the voters in their states, and to their own loyalties as pledged delegates, and said, “Today, I cast my ballot for Barack Obama.” She then left some wiggle-room for delegates, stating, “but I can’t tell you what to do.” After her speech last night in which she spoke so eloquently about being united as a party and supporting the Democratic candidate in the November election, Barack Obama, she spent a bit more time thanking her delegates today.

From the convention center, we left for the Pepsi Center and convention hall to be on the floor by 3 for the Roll Call of the States, in which each state reports its votes for the presidential candidates. On the walk into the Pepsi Center, I passed James Carville, then Al Sharpton. It’s lousy with politicos and celebrities around here!

I joined Bob Ream, former Montana Democratic Party chairman, in section 234, directly below the NBC News suite and with an excellent unobstructed view of the stage. When I went out to buy a hot dog for lunch, the server talked with me a bit while I ate at a standing table. He was very gracious and gave me a button that read, “Sheboygan, WI, “Brat City” supports “BRAT” OBAMA! Nice! I think I’ll start serving brat[wurst] obamas from the grill!

The Roll Call of the States was wonderful–it’s our pomp and circumstance, and our official vote tallying–and Montana’s delegates performed beautifully! Carol Williams, the first woman to serve as majority leader in the state senate, and Dennis McDonald, Montana Democratic Party chairman, reported the delegation’s votes to the secretary. The order in which states are called upon to report is alphabetical, and during the course of the roll call, California passed; so did Illinois (to reserve its votes to push the total for Obama over). US Senator Daniel Inouye reported the Hawaii votes, and it was great to see him. When New Jersey’s turn came up, it cast its votes (127) uanimously for Obama, and the entire convention hall started the “Yes, We Can” chant.

Then it got interesting and so exciting! (Just for background, many US Senators and Representatives are delegates, but not many spend much time on the floor.) When New Mexico’s vote came up, New Mexico yielded its votes to Illinois. Richard Daley, mayor of Chicago, spoke on behalf of Illinois, and accepted New Mexico’s votes along with Illinois’ 185. Then Daley yielded those votes to New York! All of a sudden, Hillary Clinton, with many security personnel, strode down the aisle to the New York delegation and read for New York its 282 votes. She moved that the rules of the Roll Call proceedings be suspended, and that the delegates adopt by acclimation the nomination of Barack Obama for president! It was a very gracious thing to do, and by Obama’s opponent in the primary. Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, chair of the proceedings, asked for a voice vote, and the motion to adopt passed overwhelmingly. It was amazing to experience.

A number of speakers followed the Roll Call of the States, including all of the women US Representatives in attendance. For the first time in history, the majority of delegates at the convention are women!

Michelle Obama sat down in a suite directly below me before the ‘big speakers’ of the evening, and people were leaning over the railing to take pictures of her. I got some great shots of her from directly overhead. After I’d taken a photo and sat back in my chair, the guy sitting next to me said, “You realize you have a bunch of Secret Service watching you right now.” Mmm, yup. So I was careful not to drop anything over the railing onto Mrs. Obama’s head!

President Bill Clinton’s speech was gracious and inspiring, and he echoed Hillary Clinton’s support for Obama. He spoke about more people losing their homes to foreclosure, more people without health insurance, and the US force in Iraq. He said, “People around the world have always been more impressed with the power of our example rather than the example of our power.”

John Kerry spoke after President Clinton, and then Beau Biden, Delaware Attorney General, introduced his dad, Joe Biden, nominee for Vice President! Biden is such a natural and easy speaker; he just seems so real. His working class upbringing is deeply ingrained, and he has some scrappiness in him that I don’t think will ever go away. Biden introduced his mom in the crowd, as well as Jill, his wife. He said about hardship that “failure, failure in life is inevitable, but giving up is unforgiveable.” He also said that the promise of America is that our tomorrows will be better than our todays, a sentiment to which our generations have always subscribed; that the future will be better for our kids than it was for our parents or for us.

The surprise of the night was Senator Barack Obama joining Joe Biden on stage. One of my favorite comments of his was that we could understand why he picked Joe Biden, and Jill Biden, and Beau Biden, and mama Biden, to join him!

There is such enthusiasm! The convention is a spectacle to be sure, but it’s also the rally for change and for the election season, and I’m so humbled and honored and touched to be here to experience it. As I described to someone, it’s my SuperBowl. Something big you’d like to get to, but don’t think you’ll ever manage. I can’t believe it’s almost over! One more day, and a big night tomorrow. I’ll post more as we go!

There’s a good collection of video bits from the Democratic National Convention here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sst0u0S_8ng&feature=related

We started the morning with our delegation meeting, where we received our credentials for the day; after breakfast, the Montana legislative women’s caucus met with Senator Max Baucus.

For about half an hour, we each expressed what Montanans in our districts and statewide are saying, and what state and federal elected officials should be working to change. Health care, health care insurance coverage, unavailability of health care providers in rural areas, a lack of mental health services (no psychologist east of Billings!) were top priorities for many of us. Baucus said that the effectiveness of Montana health care is superior to that of other states, and we get twice the result of care for the cost that other states do. I made the point that the most effective care is done when a situation becomes so bad that someone must seek care, and that care probably does make a dramatic difference, but usually treats one main injury or illness. In other states, perhaps preventive care and ongoing care flattens the curve a bit with statistical success. For the care we provide, there are still vast numbers of Montanans that cannot afford to get sick. Another problem is the distinction to be made between “health care” and “health coverage”: health care, to me, means that if you’re sick or injured, you’ll be treated. Health coverage is insurance, and companies can deny coverage, terminate policies, ignore pre-existing conditions, etc. Next, I asked the senator about tax relief, but Baucus said that the Congress is down to 17 or 18 more working days this year, and the bills that will be passed from now on will not be the large idea, big change bills but rather housekeeping and appropriation bills. Others in the women’s caucus expressed the dire situation of families filing bankruptcy due to monstrous medical bills, and I asked about payday lending for medical bills. The Montana legislative women’s caucus has priorities for next legislative session, and we continually work hard at policy and legislation that will improve health care and health coverage for all.

Next, we took the bus downtown to the convention center. The Montana delegation lunched at Rioja together, then we attended convention events. Michele Reinhart and I visited the Google tent and listened to Eli Pariser, founder of MoveOn.org, and Arianna Huffington, who talked about press doing more investigative journalism. The topics at the convention, and those invited to speak on them, are the hot topics of all of us: economy, jobs, health care, home ownership, etc.

After attending a number of events downtown, we walked over to the Pepsi Center. The Montana floor delegation had wonderful seats to hear our governor’s speech! Governor Schweitzer spoke primarily on the resources that America and Montana offer, and that we can use alternative energy sources much better. Montana has wonderful opportunities to develop alternative energy from wind, solar, and clean technologies for coal production. After a full afternoon and evening of speeches, Governor Schweitzer put a spark in the crowd and engaged the whole convention hall when he spoke.

Hillary Clinton took the stage as the last speaker of the night, and she hit the mark beautifully in her remarks. Many devoted Hillary Clinton supporters would rather have Hillary giving the acceptance speech on Thursday night; tonight, Hillary’s speech was a unifying message. I’ve said for a long time that all the reasons for which people were excited about the primary still apply. The work that has been done for a candidate can translate to another who will promote the same ideas. Hillary asked the crowd if people were in the campaign because of her, or because we believe in good jobs and a strong economy? Hillary gave her resounding support to Barack Obama for president, and was respectful, strong, and motivational. She will of course continue her service as US Senator, so a champion for health care, pay equity, and many social justice and economic, health, and job-related issues is still working. It was an amazing night.

I was interviewed by Montana Public Radio on the convention floor, and by a European paper for a reaction after Hillary’s speech, and I said that electing a president is like throwing a stone in a pond: the center is the presidential candidates, who always make a big splash, but the ripples from that selection–the policy and focus of an administration–reach far and wide. We elect a president, but there are also Supreme Court Justice appointments, foreign policy decisions, cabinet positions, etc. appointed by that president. The election in November is very important.

After the convention, we walked over to Big Sky Night, a party of Montana expatriates. Drive By Truckers were the main band; they should play the convention!

Watch for a new photo album later today!

We started bright and early at 7 am with a delegation breakfast and credential meeting, which will be a daily occurrence. All of us get our floor credentials, reminders about key convention happenings, and updates about convention logistics at the morning meeting. Dennis McDonald, chairman of the Montana Democratic Party, spoke, and then we all organized and departed for downtown.

Julie and I took the bus to the convention center, then a cab to the Denver Aquarium, where the Democratic National Committee was hosting a lunch. See more photos here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2006247&l=8a22e&id=1002190929

From the luncheon, we worked our way back downtown, then to a reception for elected officials at the Oxford Hotel. The Oxford is on 15th and Wazee, and Wazee goes west directly to the Pepsi Center, where the convention action takes place.

It’s amazing to see the convention floor! The most memorable events of the night were the speech by Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, a tribute to the humanitarian work of President Jimmy Carter, and a tribute to Ted Kennedy introduced by Caroline Kennedy; Ted Kennedy took the stage afterward, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.

Here’s part of Caroline Kennedy’s introduction to the tribute video to Ted Kennedy, before Ted Kennedy took the floor to speak.

A link to a video, much smoother than mine, of Caroline’s introduction: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnbHZhy87IY

Here’s a link to a YouTube video of the tribute: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTysI_72J-M

Celebrities in the crowd included filmmaker Spike Lee, filmmaker Morgan Spurlock, and Chevy Chase, and Joe Biden, VP nominee was in the house, too.

Michelle Obama gave the keynote speech and was very warmly received. Her background is that of many Americans’, and she speaks easily about the experiences most of us have, and have had.

I’ll blog more, but for the day’s pictures (with captions, for more info), visit http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2006247&l=8a22e&id=1002190929

After the convention, I was interviewed by a journalist from southern China. I told her that Michelle Obama had spoken well, and that she knows Barack Obama best; Michelle’s descriptions of her upbringing, and the way the Obamas are raising their daughters, speak to the values we wish to instill in all our kids, and the futures we hope for them, too.

Just found out that Bon Jovi and Bruce Springsteen are playing here at Invesco Field Thursday night! Governor Howard Dean starts the program Thursday at 4pm, then there will be other illustrious speakers. Bon Jovi will play before Barack Obama gives his acceptance speech for the Democratic nomination for President, and Bruce Springsteen plays after that! What a fine Democratic celebration!

I’m very excited about tonight at the convention; President Jimmy Carter speaks. His humanitarian efforts have been so groundbreaking, such a model for people to follow, and so successful in changing people’s lives that I’m humbled to hear him tonight.

More news as I know it.

Whew! It’s just Day One of the Democratic National Convention in Denver, and I already have so much to report!

I flew into Denver this morning. On my flight was Laura McGee, candidate for House District 18 in Great Falls. We met my fellow representative Julie French in the airport and all took the shuttle to our hotel. We found a number of our fellow delegates there, and drove into downtown Denver, where all the convention events are taking place.

We walked the 16th Street Mall, a wonderful walking mall two blocks from the convention center, and found many Democrats, along with peaceful anti-war protesters and a strong police presence, just to keep everyone in line. I saw a delegate there, with his Democratic dog:

There are many images from the kick-off to the convention; check out my photos from day one at my facebook page, here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2006187&l=8422c&id=1002190929

From the 16th Street Mall, we proceeded over to the Denver Convention Center and listened in to a labor rally, then attended a discussion on civil rights between US Rep John Conyers, House Judiciary Chairman and the longest-serving African-American Congressman, and John Nichols, a writer for the Nation, the oldest weekly mag in the US. The event began with a musical performance by Steven Taylor, vocalist, who sang operatic pieces of speeches by President John F Kennedy, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Attorney General Robert F Kennedy. The pieces were written for and performed originally at the 1968 convention. That was followed by three pieces by the Colorado Children’s Chorale, including a piece that used a traditional Lakota round dance melody. Very nice!

Congressman Conyers spoke about how Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. would appreciate the involvement of people in this year’s election, and how civil rights must always be actively protected.

Next, to the Friends of New Orleans event at the Korbel Ballroom in the convention center, a reception for Katrina relief in the gulf and in New Orleans. The band was great, and the spirit of recovery for Louisiana and The Big Easy was, too.

Then the inimitable Randy Newman! Randy Newman, I couldn’t believe it! Newman sang “Louisiana”, which was so touching, especially with appeals earlier in the evening for help rebuilding New Orleans, the gulf coast, and Louisiana from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.

After Randy Newman, Democratic National Chairman Gov. Howard Dean took the stage for a brief address and welcome to the delegates.

Following Dean’s welcome, the Friends of New Orleans ended the evening with a rousing round of “When the Saints Go Marching In”.

And that was just the first day! Visit my blog, get the YouTube videos, and be sure to visit the photo albums on my facebook page (link above) to get the latest and greatest from the convention. I have to hurry up and sleep now so that I can be up and ready at 7 a.m. for the delegation meeting, where we get the schedule for the day, our credentials, security updates, etc.

More to come from the Democratic National Convention in Denver–stay tuned!

A family friend, Chris Stevens, sent photos today of support for Pomnichowski in Ireland. I’m international!

Here I am on a road sign, helping guide your way. Just follow me; I won’t lead you astray.

The spiritual are Pomnichowski faithful, too, in church, and out.

A bright and shiny Pomnichowski bumper sticker on a car, with the Head of Howth in the background. That’s one side of Dublin Bay, and where the final chapter of James Joyce’s Ulysses is set. (The book covers the course of the day, starting on one side of the bay and ending at the other.)

The signature blue and gold of the Pomnichowski campaign complement the blue on a Bank of Ireland door. The colors of Montana State University (Go, Bobcats!) translate nicely to Eire, eh?

Many thanks, Chris. The Emerald Isle is good to me.

If you’d like to sport a Pomnichowski bumper sticker, email me and I’ll get one to you.

Last week, the Gallatin County Commission approved a new zoning district, the Bozeman Pass Zoning District, in my House District 63. An emergency zoning district was created two years ago when a company bought the mineral rights on parcels in the area, planning to drill for coalbed methane.

In the intervening two years, landowners in the area championed a citizen-initiated zoning effort with an emphasis on protections from coalbed methane drilling, but state zoning regulations require other specifics for zoning districts, like density, setbacks, and access, so the residents solved those issues, too.

With dedication and perseverance, the Bozeman Pass residents crafted a zoning district that indeed offers protections from the effects of coalbed methane drilling. That’s a great thing, but why did the residents have to educate themselves, organize, and craft their own protective district? Because bills failed in the 2005 Montana legislature that would have afforded protections to ALL landowners facing the practices and ill effects of coalbed methane extraction. Senate Bill 258 would have required mineral rights owners to notify surface owners of lease agreements, and it would have included a requirement that subsurface (mineral rights) owners and surface landowners reach an agreement about access and compensation for loss of the use of the land due to drilling. SB258 also would have prohibited entry onto a surface owner’s land until notice had been given, and would have required a bond to be posted by the oil or gas company.

These types of protections should be provided to landowners statewide. What will people do without diligent and dedicated citizens forming their own zoning districts?

Split estates–separate parts of a piece of land owned by a surface owner and a mineral rights holder–need to be solved at the state level.

I’m grateful that citizen activists were dedicated enough to take charge of their own destiny for the Bozeman Pass area. The district they created offers protections that landowners across the state deserve. There are places in eastern Montana and along the front range of the Rockies that are primed for drilling, and for protection. I’ll work for protections from coalbed methane drilling statewide as a legislator. That’s what all Montana landowners deserve.

And oil and gas companies, with bonds posted for reclamation of a site, and with due consideration of surface landowners, can practice their business. Previous extraction practices have shown the dangers of the release of salinated and mineralized waters on surface lands, so we’ll have to solve water discharge. We’ll have to address recharging the aquifers, too. This must be done for the benefit of the state and the landowners within it, with legislation.

I and the other residents of the greater Bozeman Pass area have a vested interest in this because it’s our home. Montanans have a vested interest in it because it’s our state. And anywhere we can apply protections and best-practices, let’s legislate to do it.

The campaign is a full-on effort every day, and it’s proceeding full speed ahead, mostly via the campaign-mobile. I’m visiting neighborhoods, meeting people, talking about all of the quality-of-life issues we all talk about.

You might think that only candidates and some political devotees are paying attention to campaigns now, still nine weeks from a primary election, but I’ve found that most people are following issues and candidates with an eye to the future. People are talking about growth and development, energy, education, health care, hunting and fishing access, business development, all the things I’ve been working on for years now.

I decided to run for state legislature because I’ve worked for years on city and county issues, and more and more found myself saying, “The legislature should…” and “If the state would pass a law that…” until I realized that I can help with this! I started going to the legislature a few years ago to watch the proceedings and to testify on bills, and I’ve identified legislating as the job I want. More importantly, I’ve worked hard to be able to offer something in that role.

I’ve served on Bozeman’s Planning Board for five years, and I’m the president of that body (and the only three-term member). I chair the Zoning Commission, and I’ve served on county boards, one of which, the Transfer of Development Rights Committee, has worked to keep open spaces open and development closer to urban services. I’m proud of these efforts, and I’d like to apply our successes at a statewide level.

Talk to me about anything. All my contact info is on the website at www.jpforthehouse.com. I have a lot of experience and knowledge to offer, and I know I want the job. I’d really appreciate your vote June 6.