The Duckworth event went well. Something like 40+ people showed up. Duckworth decribed her tour of duty in Iraq, her injury, and her recovery and answered questions on energy independence, Bush's impeachment (she's currently against it), the estate tax, political change at the local level, Amtrak, and many other topics. Even the most right-wing members of my family were extremely impressed, and even converted. The experience was altogether uplifting.

They took some pictures and I'll post them when I receive them.