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An East Texas Democratic Summit is scheduled for Feb. 1 and 2, at the Ramada Inn-Tyler, 3310 Troup Highway.

The event kicks off with a "Blue Bash" from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, which will include a silent auction and "smash the elephant."

On Saturday, "Think Blue" workshops will cover political topics from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

For more information or to register, call 903-530-5157.

The Great Decisions discussion series continues at noon on Wednesdays at the Tyler Public Library. Each of the weekly meetings will address a current foreign policy topic, with one or more experts on the subject leading the discussions.

The series is part of a national effort launched in 1954 by the Foreign Policy Association. In Tyler, the event is sponsored by the American Association of University Women - Tyler Branch, the League of Women Voters of Tyler/Smith County and the Tyler Public Library.

Dr. Robert Sterken, associate professor of political science at The University of Texas at Tyler, serves as chair of the Great Decisions steering committee.

For more information, call 903-565-6655.

Upcoming discussions include:

Jan. 30: Private Philanthropy - Joe Cuthbertson of Pacific Islands Medical Aid (an Edom, Texas-based non-governmental organization), and Dr. Robert Sterken, associate professor of political science at UT Tyler. Billionaire Warren Buffet's June 2007 pledge to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation prompted headlines about the size of the gift and the impact it could have on global education and health initiatives. Can private donors be more effective than governments in tackling world problems?

Feb. 6: Russia - DVD featuring Strobe Talbott, president, The Brookings Institution; Ret. Gen. Wesley Clark, former Supreme Allied Commander, NATO; Jessica T. Mathews, president, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace; and John Bruton, ambassador of the European Union to the United States. During his two terms as president, Vladimir Putin has attempted to remake Russia into a major, independent world power. Some of his recent policies have provoked concern in the United States and Europe. With a 2008 Russian presidential election expected, what course will Russia take?

The League of Women Voters of Tyler/Smith County has scheduled a candidate forum for 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Feb. 18 at the Tyler Public Library. Candidates for Smith County sheriff and county commissioner, as well as state district judge, are invited.

Smith County Republican Club will host a forum for sheriff's candidates at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 7 at Heartland Ham, 3400 S. Broadway Ave. Incumbent J.B. Smith is challenged by Andy Dunklin. The forum is open to the public. For information, call 903-521-5635.

The March 4 primary elections are approaching. Offices up for election include county commissioner Precincts 1 and 3, tax assessor/collector, sheriff, all constables, some state district judges, all state representatives and all U.S. House of Representative seats.

Important dates:

Feb. 4: Last day to register to vote, in order to participate in March 4 primary.

Feb. 19-29: Early voting.

March 4: Election Day.

Political Happenings are compiled by staff writer Roy Maynard, who can be reached at 903-596-6291 or at roymaynardtmt@gmail.com.