Colorado DNC Member Mannie Rodriguez prepares for Lunch on Friday

Mannie and Colorado Party ED Sherry Jackson at Friday's lunch

Mannie and I at Friday's lunch

DNC Western Regional Caucus Chair Karen Marchiaro

Former Congressman Pat Williams gave a rousing speech on Friday at lunch

The interior of the Montana State Capitol in Helena

Sherry Jackson and Howard Dean's Chief of Staff from the DNC

America's first female Member of Congress was from Montana. She also has the distinction of being the only vote against both World Wars.

The interior of the House of Representatives Chambers in Helena

ED Sherry Jackson sitting at one of the House Member's desks

I'm at the podium for the Speaker of the House of Montana

We hear about the history of the State Capitol from the former Secretary of State of Montana

Sherry and Mannie discuss the Party in the Montana State House

The largest Charles Jackson painting in the world hangs over the Montana State House chambers

The Montana State Senate chambers

One of the art pieces originally commissioned for the Montana capitol from East Coast Italian artists who had never seen Montana.

Some of the paintings were a little humorous. This one was supposed to depict the hand-over of Louisiana Territory from France to the US. The problem? Napoleon (right) and Jefferson (left) never actually met...

The ceiling of the Montana Senate

Montana's Party Vice Chair speaks to the group about the work to include Native American tribal members in the Party's efforts in Montana.

This is another of the humorous original art at the Capitol. Note the placement of the gun in the shooter's hands.

Looks like he's about to knock his face clean off.

Montana's US Senator, Max Baucus

The exterior of the Montana State Capitol

The view of the Capitol from the Governor's mansion a few blocks away.

Sherry and Mannie enjoy the Governor's reception

Reception at Gov. Schweitzer's mansion

Sherry gets ideas from other states. To her right is Montana's Executive Director.

Mannie also discusses party successes with other states

Sherry Jackson and Gov. Schweitzer, who went to school right here in Canon City, Colorado!

Sherry and I with Gov. Schweitzer

Mannie and the other auction winner with Gov. Schweitzer

Mannie and the other bolo tie auction winner with the Governor and his wife

The outstanding Montana Democratic Party Headquarters -- owned by the Party!

Blogger David Sirota addresses the caucus members on the new media opportunities

Pollster Celinda Lake discusses the results of exit polling, and the challenges and opportunities in the West

Participants ask questions of Celinda Lake

Washington Chair Paul Berendt recaps the election challenges going on right now in Washington State.