Three people were honored at the Erie County Democratic Party’s annual Jefferson and Jackson dinner.

The award recipients Friday included Judi Roth,  2012 committeewoman of the year, and Robert Merski Jr., 2012 committeeman of the year. Merski is an Erie city councilman.

Erie County Election Office Supervisor Sharon Drayer, who is retiring after the May 21 primary, was honored for more than 20 years of exceptional service, said Bill Cole, the party’s chairman. Drayer is retiring May 24.

Drayer said she couldn’t attend the event  due to a prior commitment.

– John Guerriero

Bill Cole, the chairman of the Erie County Democratic Party, must be pleased with the online Politics PA.

Bill Cole, Erie Times-News file photo

It named Cole as one of the 13 best Democratic and Republican Party chairs in Pennsylvania, including one of the six best  Democrats. There are 134 in the state.

Here’s what Politics PA said about Cole: “He comes well recommended by statewide Democratic campaigns and groups because his work ethic is significantly stronger than his ego; he’s willing to do what it takes.

“His effort was rewarded by excellent performances up and down the ballot in 2012, including a state Senate pickup (Sean Wiley in the 49th Dist.). Plus, he’s a press whiz – very skilled at hyping Dem events in the city by the lake.”

– John Guerriero

Democrats in Erie, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia are talking today about their upcoming trip to Washington, D.C., for President Barack Obama’s second inauguration.

In Erie, Democrats will gather at noon at Erie County Democratic Party headquarters, 1305 State St. They also will discuss their hopes for Obama’s second term.

Erie County Democratic Party Chairman Bill Cole will be among those at the news conference.

You can check out the Erie Times-News and GoErie.com on Sunday for a full story on some of the Erie residents’ plans and expectations for the inauguration and related festivities.

– John Guerriero

It’s pre-election rally time in the Erie area.

Today at 2 p.m., Erie County Democratic Party Chairman Bill Cole and former Congresswoman Kathy Dahlkemper of Erie will urge volunteers to attend get-out-the-vote neighborhood canvasses this weekend and discuss the importance of voting Tuesday.

Democrats also will hold a GOTV rally for President Barack Obama and other Democrats on Saturday at 4 p.m. in the Perry Square gazebo.

The Minority Political Caucus will hold a line dance party as part of a GOTV effort for Obama on Saturday, from 8 p.m. to midnight, at the Martin Luther King Center, 312 Chestnut St., in the gym. You’ll be asked for a $10 donation for that event, with refreshments provided.

Not to be outdone, the  Erie County Republican Party will hold a rally tonight at Waldameer Park’s Rainbow Gardens.

That “rally before the tally” for Gov. Mitt Romney and other GOP candidates on the ticket will be from 5 to 8 p.m.

The event will feature Congressmen Mike Kelly and Glenn Thompson, among other Republican candidates. That event, too, asks for a $10 donation, with food and beverages provided.

So are you ready for Tuesday?

– John Guerriero

With the Republican National Convention now in the books, it’s the Democrats’ turn.

Delegates from Erie County going to the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte will hold a kick-off news conference today at noon at Democratic headquarters, 1305 State St.

Similar events are being held in cities across the state.

In Erie, Mayor Joe Sinnott, City Councilman Curtis Jones, Washington Township Supervisor Mary Jo Campbell, Harbor Creek School Director Christine Mitchell, Linda McCabe, first vice chairwoman of the county party, former City Councilwoman Rubye Jenkins-Husband, Erie County Democratic Party Chairman Bill Cole and others will attend today’s event.

Jenkins-Husband is an alternate delegate.

Look for a story in Sunday’s Erie Times-News and GoErie.com about what the delegates expect to hear and see during the convention, which runs Monday through Thursday.

– John Guerriero