Unconventional Conventions

The Green Party of Texas and the Libertarian Party of Texas will hold their state conventions this weekend in San Antonio and Fort Worth, respectively.

The Green Party of Texas meets June 9-10, just outside San Antonio at the Grey Forest Scenic Clubhouse (18249 Sherwood Trail, Grey Forest). The party aims to select its statewide candidates and national convention delegates (see "Vote: Go Green," Newsdesk blog, May 10, for more on the former). The weekend's guest speakers will include Jill Stein, Roseanne Barr, Rhett Smith, Kent Mesplay, and Star Locke, and some of the events will be livestreamed: See www.txgreens.org for more information.

Meanwhile, the Libertarian Party of Texas will gather in Fort Worth at the DFW Airport Marriott South (4151 Centreport Drive, Fort Worth). The event, called Occupy Liberty!, will include a six-person debate for the Libertarian nomination to the U.S. Senate (tonight, 7pm). Tomorrow, nominees will be chosen for all statewide and party leadership positions by the convention delegates; Sunday brings presidential candidate and former Republican governor of New Mexico Gary Johnson to the fore.

Other speakers this weekend in Fort Worth include national chair Geoff Neale on leadership (Saturday, 8:30am), Mary Ruwart on government medicine (Saturday, 9am), University of Texas Professor Brian Roberts on money and politics (Sunday, 9am), and many others. See event and registration details at www.lptexas.org/2012convention.