Progressive Democrat Issue 44: THOUGHTS

For all those who asked, yes my new job seems good. I am happy to be able to continue working as a scientist and the lab seems good and friendly. I am picking up all the new info slowly but surely. The most interesting thing about the job is that the lab itself is in the building where the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire occurred, though on a floor below where the factory was located. For those who are unfamiliar with this event in American history, the Triangle Shirtwaist factory was one of the birthplaces of the labor movement, though the workers were unsuccessful until a fire killed many of them due to the fact that the workers had been locked in. The fire showed the need for a labor movement and for better fire regulations and both the modern labor movement and modern fire regulations were shaped by this fire. So I now work in a building made famous by the deaths of many in a fire.

Coalition building is the topic on my mind this week. Here in NYC we now have to try yet again to piece together the diverse and divisive strands of the Democratic Party and try yet again to elect a Democratic mayor in what is often thought of as a very Democratic city. You think it would be easy to elect Democrats in NYC. But NYC, much like the rest of the nation, has a Democratic Party that is divided, lazy and sullen. We are the ones who need to bridge these divisions, inspire people out of laziness, and heal the wounds that has created so much sullen anger among Democrats.

How do we do this? I want to draw a little from a diary on MyDD by “kid Oakland” that discusses “our coalition.” Here’s a quote:

I grew up with parents who came out of farm depression families...and then morphed into urban community activists.

My dad, one of the political voices I trust the most has hammered one thing home to me over the years:

a) American politics is about broad-based coalition
b) coalitions must be based on need and mutual interest
c) coalitions must win victories or they have no reason to exist

He goes on to explain his view of our coalition. Well, we are Democrats. None of us will completely agree on what our coalition is or isn’t. But that is why we are Democrats and not lock-step Republicans. But there clearly are elements of our coalition that we can never forget about. Here is my partial list of groups that the Democratic Party MUST be relevant to in order to win:

Labor
Minorities
Working Families
Environmentalists
Farmers
The Poor

These are our core coalition members, more or less. What strikes me about this list is that a.) it is composed of people with often CONFLICTING interests and b.) it is composed of people who don’t have all that much money. That is why the Democrats have such a hard time winning—we are trying to win with a coalition that doesn’t always get along and that can’t fund huge campaign war chests. The Republicans are more united and can throw money at campaigns. So in order to win we have to a.) find common ground within our coalition and b.) work our asses off to counter act the effects of the big money the Republicans have.

You and I have to be a part of that…a very active part of that. That’s what this newsletter is all about—building our coalition, building our enthusiasm, and building our nation.

Progressive Democrat Issue 44: NATIONAL ACTION FOR AMERICA (last week)

As Rita hits land and ONCE AGAIN floods New Orleans, I want to continue for one more week to focus on the groups that I think will help the Americans displaced by Katrina (and now Rita) the most and will help preserve the wetlands that help protect our cities:

Donate to Habitat for Humanity


Ducks Unlimited conserves, restores, and manages wetlands and associated habitats for North America's waterfowl. These habitats also benefit other wildlife and people. The Southern Regional Office (SRO), located in Ridgeland, MS was established in 1990 to protect and restore wetlands and other wildlife habitat in the southeastern United States. Today, the SRO carries out conservation programs in 15 southern states that include some of the most important wintering habitat on the continent. More than one million acres of waterfowl habitat has been conserved from Kansas south to Texas, east to Florida, and north to the Carolinas.

One reason that Katrina’s damage to Louisiana and Mississippi was so bad is the fact that the wetlands around the inhabited areas are degraded. These wetlands help buffer inhabited areas from floods. Preservation of American wetlands can help limit hurricane damage to our cities.

Donate to Ducks Unlimited to help protect American wetlands.

These are good ways to help our nation in this crisis.

Progressive Democrat Issue 44: GIVING VOICE TO OUR VETS

I want to highlight some of the upcoming 2006 races where Iraq War vets are running as Dems. First off, I want to emphasize that almost ALL Iraq war vets who are running for Congress are doing so as Democrats. The most famous so far was Paul Hackett who did wonders in the OH-2 special election, losing by 4% when no other Dem has pulled even 30% for 15 years. He made the Repubs spend a bunch of money that they hadn't planned to spend!

But there are more Dems who are running. I have to emphsize something, though. Some of these folks may face primary challenges. I am highlighting them BECAUSE THEY ARE IRAQ WAR VETS. I think they are worth looking at to consider supporting them. But if they have a Dem primary challenge, please consider ALL candidates running. Furthermore, if anyone KNOWS of such primary challengers and want to provide informaion to balance what I mention here, I promise to include it in a future newsletter.

So, now on to the list of Iraq War candidates running as Dems:

1. First I want to highlight Tim Dunn, running for the NC-8 seat. Here is a dKos diary on his candidacy. His main plank in his platform is opposition to CAFTA. And here is his statement on announcing his candidacy:

A Note from Tim,

I wish to express to you my sincere appreciation for...your support of our campaign to return North Carolina values to the United States Congress.

While I am not the seasoned politician that my opponent is, I have served my country for 19 years as a United States Marine, and currently hold the rank of Lt. Colonel in the Marine Corps Reserve. I view this opportunity as a chance to serve my nation in a different capacity.

I care deeply about our nation and, like you, am deeply troubled by the direction that this Congress and this administration is leading us.

I believe that we need to give our men and women in the armed services the tools that they need to carry out their mission effectively, so that we can bring them home safely and soon. I believe that we need to stop playing Washington politics with people’s jobs and livelihoods and I believe that when a man gives his word it should be his bond.

I believe that we should value education and work over idle wealth and I believe that the promise of opportunity that we know as the American Dream should be available to all, not just the privileged few.

I hope you’ll join me in our effort to make America strong at home and abroad.

Our opponent has a proven ability to raise millions of dollars and is capable of spending significant personal funds in this campaign. We don’t have to outspend him, but we do need to be able to have the tools necessary to be competitive. Your contribution, no matter the amount, will go a long way to helping us put the North Carolina 8th back in the blue.

Thank you and best wishes,

Tim Dunn

Sounds like a good beginning to a campaign. If you like what you hear, consider giving him some support.


2. David Ashe is running for the VA-02 open seat. Endorsed by Max Cleland, former Senator from Georgia and disabled Vietnam Vet, Ashe’s name is synonymous with service. Excerpts from his website:

48 hours after the [9/11] attacks, David [Ashe] rented a car and made his way to Manhattan. He entered the perimeter with a group of police officers and spent several days at GroundZero searching for survivors with the rest of the "bucket brigades."

On abortion:

Abortion should be safe legal and rare. We must educate to prevent the situations where this choice must be made.

On the Hate Amendment:

David Ashe believes that marriage is sacred, just as the U.S. Constitution is sacred. David Ashe opposes a Constitutional amendment on marriage and believes the federal government should not intrude on religious matters.

Ashe strikes me as being more conservative than I prefer, but he also sounds reasonable, dedicated and appropriate for his community. He has my best wishes. Please visit David Ashe's website.

3. David Harris, a Bronze Star recipient, is running for the TX-06 seat. You can read a little about his views on the Iraq war in this article. Harris is opposing GOP incumbent Joe Barton in Texas' very red sixth district. So this in many ways is a close parallel to OH-2 where a long-shot Iraq war vet ran in a very red district. Barton is one of the 11 Republican Reps. who voted against giving aid to the victims of hurricane Katrina (the so-called Katrina 11). Maybe we can do even better in TX-6 than in OH-2. His website won't be up until October, I hear, so as far as I know we can't make direct donations to him. However, I believe this is part of Tarrant County (Fort Worth area) so I suggest a donation to the Tarrant County Democrats or the Tarrnat County Youg Democrats. This can set the county Dem party up for supporting whichever Dem candidate wins the primary in 2006. Or go to my Defeat the Katrina 11 website and donate to the general fund for the TX-6 race. I suspect that this race will be a sleeper for awhile, but will get hot in the last weeks of the campaign in 2006. That would parallel the OH-2 race. But this time we really have a chance to give this race some early attention. Please keep an eye on it and give when you can!

4. Patrick Murphy is running for the PA-08 seat. This may be the most likely pick up because Murphy is running against a vulnerable Repub in a moderate district. He is also a recipient of a Bronze star and served both in Bagdhad and in Bosnia. Here is a Daily Kos diary on him. His focus is on Working Families, Supporting Our Troops and Honoring Our Veterans, and Protecting Our Constitutional Rights. If you can only support one of these good vets, this might be the most practical race to focus on. Check out his website and help him out if you like what you see.

Progressive Democrat Issue 44: Defeat the Katrina 11

I want to continue this from last week as well because, as hurricane Rita hits, we have to continue to show Republican hypocricy and nail them for it. Also, I want to continue it because one of the Katrina 11 is also a race where an Iraq War vet is running as a Democrat. So, please consider donating time or money to one of these races (if you didn't donate to one of the Iraq war vets, of course).

The Republicans are well known for underfunding America's infrastructure, and that is one reason why New Orleans was flooded so badly. Everyone who live in NYC knows how badly funded our subways, roads and schools are. But when it comes to pork in their own districts, Republicans wallow in it. The city of Ketchikan, Alaska, with 14,000 residents, are building a bridge to Gravina Island, with a population of 50. Don Young (R-AK) pushed for and got Federal funding to build that bridge. Yet levees in New Orleans were neglected year after year. It is absolutely disgusting.

But at least most Republicans realized that after the fact they had to show sympathy. So Congress overwhelmingly passed, and Bush signed, a bill giving aid to the victims of Katrina. But 11 particularly cold-hearted Republicans couldn't even bring themselves to be this generous. These 11 Republican Reptiles voted to leave those affected by Katrina on their own. We have to make these bastards pay by forcing them to defend their callousness when they are up for re-election.

Here is my Act Blue list dedicated to defeating the Katrina 11. Please donate and please circulate this list now because we will need some really serious effort to make these seats competative. Let's show America that blaming the victim is not acceptable.

I also want to continue to call people's attention to two other Act Blue lists put together by someone else targeting the 10 most vulnerable Repblicans, and protecting the most vulnerable Democrats. Donations to these lists would be more practical than donating to my list, but donating to defeat the Katrina 11 will give you better Karma because you will be going for the most cold-hearted of the lot.

Progressive Democrat Issue 44: TARGET THE CORRUPT REPUBLICAN: Reform Ohio

I have covered Republican Corruption in Ohio several times (see my other blog for my articles on this: http://corruptrepub.blogspot.com/ ). Now there is a movement to Reform Ohio which we all can help. Here is the Reform Ohio website. And let me tell you the Republicans are going all out to block this reform movement. If we want a clean, fair Ohio, we have to act to REFORM OHIO!

Here is a Daily Kos diary on the movement that focuses on what we can do, both those living in Ohio and those of us who don’t.


I will focus on a few that apply to ALL of us, but please also check the diary for more ideas:

3. Wherever you live, Donate to the Reform Ohio Now Campaign. We are up against some REALLY big money determined to maintain the corruption and gerrymandered districts (RON is worth an extra 6 congressional seats!). If all you can spare is $10 - spare it for Ohio.

4. Letters to the Editor. Anyone can do this. Before you write a diary, write a letter ! We really need to educate Ohio Voters about Issues 2 thru 5 and LTE's are a great way to do that - let's flood those news rooms. The DNC has a pretty neat tool - just hit this link, enter your zip code and write your letter! Couldn't be easier. IF you live outside of Ohio - here is a list of Ohio Zip codes.

5. If you have a Blog - Blog it ! Grow Ohio has a ton of info, and you can always check the Ohio lefty blogs aggregator too to keep up to date. Every time someone googles RON it better come up with our responses ! Also put up a link to RON - graphics here.

Fight for honesty in Ohio!

Progressive Democrat Issue 44: NYC FOCUS

Here we go folks. Ferrer is our candidate. Ferrer is our man. Let’s build that coalition, build that enthusiasm, retake our city. We can’t wait and neither can our city.

My step-daughter calls Bloomberg “the Grinch.” He looks like the Grinch and he acts like the Grinch. I find it embarrassing that he represents our city. As I outlined last issue, in almost every way he has failed our city. Sure, he isn’t as bad as Bush. But that is a pretty damned low standard. He is adequate, no more. Do we want to settle for just adequate? Our city deserves better.

Is Ferrer the person to do better? Honestly, I don’t know yet. But one thing I DO know is that Freddy Ferrer, as Bronx Borough President, was in touch with the people, talked to the people. He won’t be the dictator that Bloomberg has been. Ferrer also is much more representative of New Yorkers than Billionaire CEO Bloomberg. Ferrer, to me, looks, acts and talks like a real New Yorker. To use a standard often used on a national scale, I would MUCH rather sit down and have a beer with Freddy Ferrer than sip cocktails with Mike Bloomberg. And, for that matter, I get the feeling Freddy Ferrer would be willing to have a beer with me while Mike Bloomberg is only interested in sipping cocktails with rich developers.

To quote the same person whose diary I quoted in the Thoughts section:

“In some ways NYC needs to see Ferrer win in order to understand why Ferrer should win.”

I think this may be true. Electing Ferrer will restore New York to New Yorkers. It will deliver us from being run by developers and rich Republicans. It will recognize the diversity of NYC. And once we have elected him, Freddy Ferrer will then have to show us how a real New Yorker runs NYC.

You and I need to work our asses off to elect Freddy Ferrer because Bloomberg is trying to buy the election. I don’t know about you, but I find it kind of disgusting when someone thinks he can buy the city I live in. Elections are supposed to be decided by the people, not bought by the rich. Let’s show America that this is still true.

Marjorie and I are in contact with Ferrer’s Brooklyn organizer, Paul Thomas. We are trying to help him build a coalition and to SHAPE that coalition. This is our chance as progressives to tell the Ferrer campaign what WE want. But to do that we also have to be OFFERING something. Paul Thomas is very open to listening to us. He asked me extensively about local politics and politicians and I gave him my view. He listened, of course, because I am offering to help organize Brooklyn. Give-and-take. That is what we have to do. We need to offer our time and money and ideas…in return they will listen to us and, we hope, let us help shape their campaign.

You can contact the Ferrer campaign through his website.

Or, contact me and I can try and put you in touch with the right person in his campaign for your Borough and/or your issue.

Or you can contact the group Boot Bloomberg Out of Town.

For those who live in Brooklyn, Marjorie and I are arranging an initial get together with Paul Thomas, Ferrer’s man in Brooklyn, to talk and strategize. It will be Thurs, 9/29 in Park Slope. Please contact me if you are interested in attending. It will be a good way to start our coalition building.

And PLEASE, everyone get active in your closest DFNYC or Drinking Liberally group and discuss in those groups coalition building and electing Ferrer.

Progressive Democrat Issue 44: BROOKLYN/QUEENS GROUPS AND EVENTS

ALL NYC:

HELP US SAVE THE SUPREME COURT AT WEEKLY PHONEBANKS EVERY WEDNESDAY every Wednesday until the Senate votes on Roberts’ nomination. 6:00-9:00 PM at the People For the American Way New York office, 149 Fifth Avenue at 21st Street, 7th Floor. To RSVP, please call Tony Simone at (212) 420-0440 x13, or email tsimone@pfaw.org. Please indicate whether you are willing to use your cell phone to make calls throughout NY State. We have many calls to make, but only a limited number of phone lines -- donating your minutes for this effort is a great help.

CRITCAL MASS BICYCLE MOVEMENT! Critical Mass is a bicyclist movement (NOT an organized group!) that holds weekly protests all over the world to protest pollution. Rides last Friday starting in Union Sq. Park North, 7PM! And see their NYC calendar for Bike Workshops and other rides (including ones in other Boroughs).


BROOKLYN EVENTS:


Democracy for America Meetings: CLICK HERE!

Park Slope/Crown Heights, Brooklyn, NEW LOCATION! Heights Coffee Lounge, 335 Flatbush Ave (btwn. Park Place and Prospect), with hosts Wole Parks and Merle McEldowney

Williamsburg, Brooklyn, Royal Oak, 594 Union Avenue (@ North 11th) with hosts Ben Morrison and Paul Nocera

Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, Wycoff-Bennette Homestead, 1669 East 22nd. St. (between Quentin & Kings Highway), with hosts Annette Mott and Estelle Glasser


MARJORIE'S OZZIE’S MEETUP: Thurs, 9/29. An ACLU 30 minute film, a birthday with cake, a meeting with Freddy Ferrer’s rep. 249 5th Ave at Garfield, Park Slope, best subway is R to Union, east one block, and down three blocks. I also recommend getting Marjorie’s very informative newsletter which you can get by contacting her at: johnkerry57@covad.net

Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats (CBID) (mostly covers Park Slope, Windsor Terrace, and Kensington.


Lambda Independent Democrats (Brooklyn’s gay and lesbian organization) for meeting info contact LID@LIDBrooklyn.org.

DRINKING LIBERALLY: An informal, inclusive weekly Democratic drinking club. Raise your spirits while you raise your glass, and share ideas while you share a pitcher. Drinking Liberally gives like-minded, left-leaning individuals a place to talk politics. You don't need to be a policy expert and this isn't a book club - just come and learn from peers, trade jokes, vent frustration and hang out in an environment where it's not taboo to talk politics. Here are our local Brooklyn groups:

Park Slope: First Wednesday of each month, 7:00 pm onward, Commonwealth, 497 5th Ave (at 12th Street). Hosted by Emily Farris and Peter Wohlsen, parkslope (at) drinkingliberally.org

Williamsburg: Every Tuesday, 8:00 pm onward the Levee, 212 Berry St. (corner of N. 3rd). Hosted by Elana Levin and Michael Freedman-Schnapp, williamsburg (at) drinkingliberally.org

To find your nearest Brooklyn Democratic club, please CLICK HERE.

QUEENS:

Democracy for America Meetings: CLICK HERE!

NEW! Jackston Heights Meetup Novo, 78-23 37th Avenue, Jackson Heights, with host Henry Baranczak. Take any train to the Roosevelt Avenue stop in Queens. Click here for a map.

Bayside, Queens, The First Edition, 41-08 Bell Blvd, right near the LIRR stop, with host Steve Behar


Queens Jefferson Democratic Club: Our meetings are normally held the first Thursday of every month, @ 8:00 p.m. (the doors open @ 7:30 P.M.) except for July, August, and months in which a holiday falls on the First Thursday. Meetings are held at the Auburndale American Legion Hall, 198-09 33rd Ave Flushing, New York 11358 (just off Francis Lewis Blvd. near 33rd Avenue).

Queens County Young Democrats: for information CLICK HERE.

DRINKING LIBERALLY: An informal, inclusive weekly Democratic drinking club. Raise your spirits while you raise your glass, and share ideas while you share a pitcher. Drinking Liberally gives like-minded, left-leaning individuals a place to talk politics. You don't need to be a policy expert and this isn't a book club - just come and learn from peers, trade jokes, vent frustration and hang out in an environment where it's not taboo to talk politics. Here are our local Queens groups:

ASTORIA: Third Wednesday of each month, 7:30 pm onward. Cassidy's, 34-16 Broadway (at 35th Street). Hosted by Bob Chamerda, astoria (at) drinkingliberally.org

To find your nearest Queens Democratic club, please CLICK HERE.

Progressive Democrat Issue 44: MANHATTAN GROUPS AND EVENTS

HELP US SAVE THE SUPREME COURT AT WEEKLY PHONEBANKS EVERY WEDNESDAY every Wednesday until the Senate votes on Roberts’ nomination. 6:00-9:00 PM at the People For the American Way New York office, 149 Fifth Avenue at 21st Street, 7th Floor. To RSVP, please call Tony Simone at (212) 420-0440 x13, or email tsimone@pfaw.org. Please indicate whether you are willing to use your cell phone to make calls throughout NY State. We have many calls to make, but only a limited number of phone lines -- donating your minutes for this effort is a great help.

CRITCAL MASS BICYCLE MOVEMENT! Critical Mass is a bicyclist movement (NOT an organized group!) that holds weekly protests all over the world to protest pollution. Rides last Friday starting in Union Sq. Park North, 7PM! And see their NYC calendar for Bike Workshops and other rides (including ones in other Boroughs).

Democracy for America Meetings: CLICK HERE!

Research & Advocacy Group Meeting, Wed, 09/28/2005 - 7:00pm: Join us for an exciting new initiative the DFNYC Research & Advocacy group and work on your issue.
The Research & Advocacy group or R&A provides you with an opportunity to on the issue or project you are most passionate about and develop an advocacy plan for other DFNYC members.

Some possible issues and project are: How City Government Works; Potential Reforms to the NY State Legislature; or National Health Insurance. Advocacy plans for these issues could include: a forum or panel discussion; flyering in a representative’s district; writing to our representatives; or joining another organization’s advocacy plan.

Each R&A member will focus on a specific issue and gather the information necessary to form an advocacy plan. The members will form teams around similar issues. The teams will help each member revise their ideas and hone in on an advocacy plan. The entire R&A group will work to empower the DFNYC membership and make us more informed and effective advocates.

Wed, 10/05/2005 - 7:00pm: DFNYC Linkups:

Upper West Side, 420 Bar and Lounge, 420 Amsterdam Avenue @ 80th

Upper East Side, Manhattan Lounge, 1720 2nd Ave. (btwn. 89th & 90th) with hosts Lewis Cohen and David Kogelman

West Village, Kettle of Fish, 59 Christopher St. (near 7th Ave.) with hosts Nicole Shore and Dana Northcraft

East Village, Raven, 194 Avenue A (@ 12th St.) with hosts Josh Skaller

Hell's Kitchen O'Flaherty's Ale House, 334 West 46th (btwn. 8th & 9th), with host Abhishek Misty


DRINKING LIBERALLY: An informal, inclusive weekly Democratic drinking club. Raise your spirits while you raise your glass, and share ideas while you share a pitcher. Drinking Liberally gives like-minded, left-leaning individuals a place to talk politics. You don't need to be a policy expert and this isn't a book club - just come and learn from peers, trade jokes, vent frustration and hang out in an environment where it's not taboo to talk politics. Here are our local Manhattan groups:

Upper East Side Last Tuesday of each month, 6:30 pm onward, Doc Watson's, 1490 2nd Avenue (at 77th). In the backyard, weather permitting. Hosted by Matthew Bachiochi, ues (at) drinkingliberally.org

In Manhattan: Thursday, 7:30 pm onward, Rudy's, 627 9th Avenue (between 44th & 45th Streets). Hosted by Justin Krebs and Matthew O'Neill, nyc (at) drinkingliberally.org

Bar Hopping Manhattan: Second Tuesday of each month, 6:00-9:00 pm
A monthly Democratic drinking club at different gay bars around Manhattan. Join the mailing list to receive updates of future venues. Hosted by Dirk McCall, outnyc (at) drinkingliberally.org

East Village: Last Wednesday of each month, 8:00 pm onward, Grassroots Tavern, 20 Saint Mark's Place (between 2nd and 3rd). Hosted by Quinn Raymond, Elena Morin and Abby Cook-Mack, eastvillage (at) drinkingliberally.org

For those who prefer running to biking, you can join RUNNING FOR CHANGE: Building a progressive America through organized runs and other grassroots activities.

To find your nearest Manhattan Democratic club, please CLICK HERE.

Progressive Democrat Issue 44: NEW JERSEY FOCUS

Continued from last week because THIS is how we build a coalition and defeat Republicans. Try to donate at least a couple hours of your time to save America.

NEW JERSEY’S VICTORY 2005 CAMPAIGN: Victory 2005 is running volunteer phone banks and canvasses every week, and we need everyone to pitch in and reach out to our communities.

Visit Your Local Field Office to sign up:

Victory 2005: LD 1
106 North Main St, Rt 9
Cape May Court House, NJ 08201
609-463-1602
Field Director: Myles Duffy (myles.duffy@njdems.org)

Victory 2005: LD 2
6716 Black Horse Pike
Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
609-272-1119
Field Director: John Brigandi (john.brigandi@njdems.org)

Victory 2005: LD 3
142 West Broad Street
Salem, NJ 08079
856-845-9043
Field Director: Sarah Donahue (sarah.donahue@njdems.org)

Victory 2005: LD 4
108 C. Johnson Road
Turnersville, NJ 08012
856-401-0100
Field Director: Gabe Kader (gabe.kader@njdems.org)

Victory 2005: LD 7
214 High St.
Burlington, NJ 08016
609-239-4400
Field Director: Seth Williams (seth.williams@njdemsorg)

Victory 2005: LD11
1 Main St
Eatontown, NJ 07724
732-389-3103
Field Director: Tiffany Ellis (tiffany.ellis@njdems.org)

Victory 2005: LD 12
30 South St
Freehold, NJ 07728
732-845-9624
Field Director: Michael Giglio (mgiglio@njdems.org)

Victory 2005: LD 14
541 Highway 33
Hamilton, NJ 08690
609-689-9940
Field Director: Laurie DePalo (laurie.depalo@njdems.org)

Victory 2005: LD 36
363-365 Paterson Ave
Wallington, NJ 07057
201-935-7035
Field Director: John Duthie (john.duthie@njdems.org)

Victory 2005: Burlington County
214 High St.
Burlington, NJ 08016
609-239-4400
Field Director: Malik Cupid (malik.cupid@njdems.org)

Victory 2005: Bergen County
50 Main St
Hackensack, NJ 07601
201-487-0001
Field Director: Katie Allen (katie.allen@njdems.org)

Victory 2005: Camden County
2240-15 Rt 70 West, Garden State Pavillions
Cherry Hill, NJ 08002
856-424-5757
Field Director: Jim Jefferson (jimj@ccdems.org)

Victory 2005: Hunterdon & Warren Counties
127 Main St
Flemington, NJ 08822
908-782-3388
Field Director: Michael Lang (mike.lang@njdems.org)

Victory 2005: Mercer County
541 Highway 33
Hamilton, NJ 08690
609-689-9940
Field Director: Silvio Marcacci (silvio.marcacci@njdems.org)

Victory 2005: Middlesex County
491 Raritan Ave
Highland Park, NJ 08904
732-227-9125

Victory 2005: Monmouth County
22 Throckmorton St
Freehold, NJ 07728
732-294-9008
Field Director: Joshua Phoebus (joshua.phoebus@njdems.org)

Victory 2005: Morris County
11 Washington St, PO Box 306
Morristown, NJ 07960
973-984-8080
Field Director: Justin Zimmerman (justin.zimmerman@njdems.org)

Victory 2005: Ocean County
26 Main St, Ste 102
Toms River, NJ 08753
732-244-6742
Field Director: Steve Duron (steve.duron@njdems.org)

Victory 2005: Passaic County
668 McBride St.
West Paterson, NJ 07424
973-279-4647
Field Director: Jasaun Boone (jasaun.boone@njdems.org)

Victory 2005: Sommerset County
58 North Bridge St
Sommerville, NJ 08876
908-218-0330
Field Director: Naomi Ages (naomi.ages@njdems.org)

Victory 2005: Sussex County
93 Spring St 5th Floor Suite 501
Newton, NJ 07860
973-383-0168
Field Director: Mallory Sharpe (mallory.sharpe@njdems.org)

PLEASE remember. Elections are won on the local level. So get out there and get involved. Make the grassroots STRONG in New Jersey.

Progressive Democrat Issue 44: NEW JERSEY GROUPS AND EVENTS

Democracy for America Meetups: DFA is one of the best hopes we have of retaking America. I strongly urge you to get involved with your local group. New Jersey for Democracy Meetups take place on the first Wednesday of every month @ 7pm. There are many meetups around the state: North, Central and South Jersey.

Edison fundraiser house party for Anne Wolfe: Saturday, September 24 2005, 7:00pm - 9:00pm, Edison house party for Anne Wolfe, candidate for 5th district

You are invited! Come meet Anne Wolfe, a 2004 Dean's Dozen candidate who will be running in 2006. Help Anne get an Emily's List endorsement.

Guests are being asked to write checks to WOLFE for Congress, and Rich and I will be contributing $500.00 plus hosting the event. Please contribute what you can. We are asking for $10.00 from students and a sliding scale of $25.00 to $250.00 for adults.


Candles For Jon Corzine! Tues. November 1, 2005, Dusk - 9pm, One week before Election day, Light a candle and place it on your front porch or window (preferably in a blue glass container) Let’s light up the night and show that NJ is a BLUE state and your choice for our next Governor is Jon Corzine.

Annual Spaghetti Dinner November 4th, 2005 Location: Washington Club Address: Route 130 Penns Grove, NJ Time: 6:00pm Price $30 per person

Common Cause: Common Cause is a major force in Progressive Politics. It was founded in 1970 (by a Republican, mind you!) to counter the influence of special interests in Washington. Today they work on many of the same issues I am trying to highlight. Check out the NJ Common Cause website.

Here is how you can find your local Dem clubs. Go to HERE and click on your county.

Drinking Liberally: An informal, inclusive weekly Democratic drinking club. Raise your spirits while you raise your glass, and share ideas while you share a pitcher. Drinking Liberally gives like-minded, left-leaning individuals a place to talk politics. You don't need to be a policy expert and this isn't a book club - just come and learn from peers, trade jokes, vent frustration and hang out in an environment where it's not taboo to talk politics. Find your local drinking liberally group or start your own with a few buddies: Currently there is only one group in New Jersey:

Hoboken, New Jersey, Second Tuesday of each month, 7:30 pm onward, Mulligan's, 159 1st Street (between Bloomfield and Garden), Hosted by David Alpert and Ali Savino, hoboken (at) drinkingliberally.org

Princeton, Every Thursday, 7:00 pm, Annex Restaurant at 128 Nassau St., Princeton. princeton@drinkingliberally.org

RUNNING FOR CHANGE: For those who prefer running to biking, you can join RUNNING FOR CHANGE: Building a progressive America through organized runs and other grassroots activities.

Progressive Democrat Issue 44: VIRGINIA FOCUS

I am continuing this from last week since THIS is how we build our coalition.

Elections are won thanks to LOCAL volunteers getting out LOCAL voters for LOCAL candidates. This November’s election is in your hands right now. Get in contact with the Local Virginia Leader in your area and ask what you can do to win in 2005. Even a few hours a week can make the difference and it is the ONLY way we can beat the big money that drive Republican campaigns.


I also want to highlight this from the Virginia Grassroots Coalition:

Voting rights. After 40 years, parts the Voting Rights Act are due to expire. The assault on voting right has not lessened in the least. As is the case with so many tools of discrimination, the practitioners have become more skilled and subtle. Our parents were there to see the Voting Rights Act got enacted. It’s now our turn to assure Americans that barriers to voting are removed for all citizens permanently. It’s the responsibility of each and every one of us to make a difference. It’s the aggregate efforts of individuals that make up the character of a country. Our voices have been too quiet for too long. America’s standing as a voice of freedom in the world has suffered for it.
http://www.movingideas.org/minblog/archives/05/08/index.html#007282
http://www.sentencingproject.org/rights-restoration.cfm
http://www.advancementproject.org/
http://www.bradblog.com/archives/00001650.htm
http://www.thinksouth.org/
http://news.pacificnews.org/news/view_article.html?article_id=f66659c28f2f6f4d2d35e6f451692795

Progressive Democrat Issue 44: VIRGINIA GROUPS AND EVENTS

Democracy for America: One of the best ways to get active! FIND YOUR LOCAL DFA MEETUP AND GET INVOLVED!

***Verified Voting Hearings in Richmond: Virginia is holding hearings to consider requiring voter-verified paper audit trails for voting equipment. Many Virginia jurisdictions have purchased paperless electronic voting machines, and others are considering doing so. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU GET INVOLVED WITH THESE HEARINGS. Your future vote may depend on it!

Digital voting machines that lack a voter-verified paper trail are subject to programming errors and possible fraud, with no ability for meaningful audits or recounts.

Attend the hearings and show support for voter-verified audit trails by wearing orange shirts or ribbons. A large audience will show that Virginians care about the integrity of our elections, and that we demand transparent and reliable elections.
Joint Subcommittee Studying Voting Equipment, General Assembly Building, Richmond
· Monday, November 21, 2005, at 1:00 p.m. in House Room C
More information can be found at http://www.vavv.org and http://www.verifiedvoting.org.


The Democratic Party: Here are links to some of your local Dem clubs. This is another very important way to be active.

Albemarle County Democratic Committee, Albemarle County, VA

Arlington County Democrats, Arlington VA. Contact Name: Elizabeth Weitzman mewsician1@msn.com (703) 528-8588

Arlington Young Democrats, Arlington VA. Contact Name: Jaime Mulligan publicity@arlingtonyoungdems.org 571-334-7626

Democratic Party of Fluvanna County, Virginia, Bremo Bluff, Virginia VA

Hanover Democrats, Ashland VA

Loudoun County Democratic Committee, Leesburg, VA. Contact Name: Steve Deak chairman@lcdems.com

Norfolk Democratic Party Meetup, Norfolk VA. Contact Name: Alma D. Kesling akesling@yahoo.com 757 333-8694

Rappahannock County Democrats, Rappahannock VA.

Stafford County Democrats, Fredericksburg VA:

Virginia Beach Democrats, VA

Virginia Young Democrats, Richmond, VA. Contact Name: Justin Wilson justin@justin.net


Drinking Liberally: An informal, inclusive weekly Democratic drinking club. Raise your spirits while you raise your glass, and share ideas while you share a pitcher. Drinking Liberally gives like-minded, left-leaning individuals a place to talk politics. You don't need to be a policy expert and this isn't a book club - just come and learn from peers, trade jokes, vent frustration and hang out in an environment where it's not taboo to talk politics. Find your local drinking liberally group or start your own with a few buddies. Currently there are only two Drinking Liberally groups in all of VA (see below). But it is easy to start your own!

Charlottesville, Virginia Drinking Liberally: Every Tuesday, 7:30 pm, Mellow Mushroom, 1320 West Main Street, Hosted by Jared Jenkins, charlottesville (at) drinkingliberally.org

Richmond, Virginia Drinking Liberally: Every Thursday, 7:30 pm onward Commercial Taphouse, 111 N Robinson St. Hosted by Scott Goode, richmond (at) drinkingliberally.org


RUNNING FOR CHANGE: And if you want a healthier alternative to Drinking Liberally (or want to do some running after your drinking), you can RUN for progressive causes. Building a progressive America through organized runs and other grassroots activities. To find your local Running for Change events, CLICK HERE.

Progressive Democrat Issue 44: NATIONAL ACTION

Howard Dean is saying it like it is about John Roberts:

A few weeks ago more than 100,000 of us filed a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request for key documents on Supreme Court nominee John Roberts. This week, just before the legal deadline for a response, the Justice Department formally brushed aside the public interest and refused to release the documents.

Senate Democrats waited for the Bush Administration to come clean about Roberts's record -- the administration chose not to. During the hearings, they asked Roberts serious, precise questions about his record and his views -- but Roberts dodged question after question.

Our Senate Leader, Harry Reid, is right: there are simply too many questions left unanswered. John Roberts, and the sham process that has accompanied his nomination, does not deserve our support.

But it is obvious that the Republican-controlled Senate will confirm John Roberts. Some people even say that it's useless for us to speak out against him. They say we're wasting our time.

But how will we win any battle if we don't stand up for what we believe and speak the truth? More importantly, how will Americans know what to expect from a Democratic Congress and Democratic president if we don't fight for our values at every opportunity?

Democrats can disagree with Democrats in good faith -- and many do on this issue. But when political calculations silence our conscience, we have abandoned our true values. We cannot let that happen.

Our party must speak plainly and fight for the values of equality, opportunity and security that bring our party -- and the vast majority of Americans -- together.
And that's exactly what we're going to do.

If you want to take a stand in your community, you can start by writing a letter to the editor of your local paper about why John Roberts is the wrong man at the wrong time. Nearly 75,000 letters have already gone to newspapers.

Don't be afraid to fight:

http://www.democrats.org/robertsletters

Thank you.

Governor Howard Dean, M.D.

Please write one more letter to the editor regarding the failed Bush appointees (e.g. FEMA and FDA) and the unsuitability of John Roberts as the Chief Justice or the US.

Progressive Democrat Issue 44: GETTING LOCAL AROUND THE NATION

This is how our coalition will be built: through out local action. Our success depends on you and your activism. There are many ways you can get active. Below I try to provide a good variety of options and urge you all to find a couple that suit you. These groups below are the way we can get our country back. If we don’t get involved we won’t win in 2005, 2006 and beyond. Joy and I are currently involved in two groups plus our own organizing efforts bringing different groups together and we are finding it a good boost to our social life. We are meeting cool people and it makes us get out a couple of times a month more than we would otherwise.

Finding your local groups:

Democracy for America: Founded by Howard Dean, now run by his brother Jim Dean, this group is very effective at the local grass roots. Many think this is the future of the Democratic Party. I think this is partly true, though the neighborhood Dem party clubs will continue to be vital to our efforts as well. This is a group that you really should be active in either by joining a local meetup or starting one of your own.


Drinking Liberally: An informal, inclusive weekly Democratic drinking club. Raise your spirits while you raise your glass, and share ideas while you share a pitcher. Drinking Liberally gives like-minded, left-leaning individuals a place to talk politics. You don't need to be a policy expert and this isn't a book club - just come and learn from peers, trade jokes, vent frustration and hang out in an environment where it's not taboo to talk politics. Find your local drinking liberally group or start your own with a few buddies.


The Democratic Party: Now that Howard Dean is in the driver’s seat I am hoping the Democrats will become more effective on the local level. One of the main complaints against the DNC in the past couple of elections is that they didn’t help the local parties in most parts of the nation. If you go to the DNC website and find the “Get Local” pull down menu on the left, you can find your local Dem groups. I strongly urge you to get involved with your local Dem club since it is often these groups that actually do much of the footwork to win each district.

Critical Mass: Critical Mass is a bicyclist movement (NOT an organized group!) that holds weekly protests all over the world to protest pollution. Go here to find the closest Critical Mass action in your area (site covers ALL of North America).


Wellstone Action: Paul Wellstone started something in Minnesota and his death hasn’t stopped it. Wellstone’s family is continuing his work and expanding it throughout the nation. Wellstone Action trains activists and grassroots candidates and they did very well in the last election. I urge you to look into any nearby Wellstone Action events.


Common Cause: Common Cause is a major force in Progressive Politics. It was founded in 1970 (by a Republican, mind you!) to counter the influence of special interests in Washington. Today they work on many of the same issues I am trying to highlight. Look for your state’s Common Cause organization.

To find the League of Conservation Voters branch in your state, CLICK HERE. This is the group you should be involved with if the environment is your thing.

To find the NARAL branch in your state, CLICK HERE. This is the group you should be involved with if choice is your thing.

Finally I suggest Americans for Democratic Action. ADA is a progressive branch of the Democratic Party. Email: adaction@ix.netcom.com for info on local groups.