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Mole's Progressive Democrat

The Progressive Democrat Newsletter grew out of the frustration of the 2004 election. Originally intended for New York City progressives, its readership is now national. For anyone who wants to be alerted by email whenever this newsletter is updated (usually weekly), please send your email address and let me know what state you live in (so I can keep track of my readership).

Name:
Location: Brooklyn, New York, United States

I am a research biologist in NYC. Married with two kids living in Brooklyn.

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  • Thursday, September 25, 2008

    COLORADO FOCUS: Organizing, Progressive Candidates, Alternative Energy, Groups and Events

    Colorado is the latest state I am adding to my list.

    BLOGGING COLORADO: Square State, The Progressive Political Blog for Colorado

    Some stories of interest:

    Schaffer: Criminal and/or Incompetent?

    Palin feeds Colorado her favorite lie.

    Colorado Amendment 49 - Eliminate Public Employee Unions

    Colorado Amendment 48 - Outlaw Abortion

    Colorado Ballot - A-46 Eliminate Affirmative Action


    ORGANIZING IN COLORADO:

    Democracy for Colorado is taking Think Precinct on the road in 2008
    Do you want to increase Democratic voter turnout in your county?

    Attend a Think Precinct Training already scheduled by your county Democrats, or help us organize one in your area.

    We have created an energetic and engaging one-hour event that is based on
    Think Precinct®, The Grassroots Organizing Guide for a Progressive America. Click here to download the Guide.

    The Plan: Develop trained and active leadership in every Colorado precinct
    The Goal: Democratic victories in 2008

    Click here to see the trainings already scheduled.

    To sign up for one of these free trainings or to inquire about setting up your own, contact:

    * Democracy for Colorado
    gro (at) democracyforcolorado (dot) com

    * Robin Van Ausdall
    Northeast Regional Field Coordinator
    Cheyenne, Crowley, Elbert, Kiowa, Kit Carson, Larimer, Lincoln, Logan, Morgan, Otero, Phillips, Prowers, Sedgwick, Washington, Weld and Yuma counties
    rvanausdall (at) coloradodems (dot) org

    * Daryl Grant
    Southwest Regional Field Coordinator
    Alamosa, Archuleta, Chaffee, Conejos, Costilla, Custer, Dolores, Fremont, Gunnison, Hinsdale, LaPlata, Mineral, Montezuma, Ouray, Park, Rio Grande, Saguache, San Juan, San Miguel and Teller counties.
    dclaygrant (at) coloradodems (dot) org

    * Kim Phillips
    Northwest Regional Field Coordinator
    Clear Creek, Delta, Eagle, Garfield, Gilpin, Grand, Jackson, Lake, Mesa, Moffat, Montrose, Pitkin, Routt and Summit counties.
    kphillips (at) coloradodems (dot) org

    * Sal Pace
    Southeast Regional Field Coordinator
    Baca, Bent, Huerfano, Las Animas, Prowers and Pueblo counties.
    sal_pace (at) hotmail (dot) com or paces (at) dnc (dot) org


    Here is a candidate endorsed by the Indigenous Democratic Network (INDN List):

    Senator Suzanne Williams
    Candidate for Colorado State Senate, District 28
    Enrolled Member of Comanche Nation

    Senator Suzanne Williams is seeking re-election in Colorado’s State Senate District 28. She is a citizen of the Comanche Nation of Oklahoma and the only enrolled tribal member in the Colorado state legislature.

    Senator Williams’ 12 year tenure in Colorado’s State Legislature is marked by bills that benefit all Colorado citizens. In 2008, the legislation she sponsored promoted a second chance program for minors with felonies who did not commit or assist in committing the act, a dual enrollment program for Native American students in Colorado, and a bill that would establish a two-year pilot program to improve the efficiency of Colorado’s Division of Vocational Rehabilitation. Moreover, Senator Williams has sponsored bills in previous sessions of Colorado legislature that included anti-graffiti (1987) and Child Care Professionals Loan Forgiveness Program (2001).

    She has held many leadership positions in the state legislature. She was elected the Assistant Caucus Chair for the Senate Majority Caucus (2007), the Vice Chair of the Transportation Committee (present), the Legislative Chair for the Early Childhood Commission, and is a member of the Education Committee.

    Her community involvement makes Senator Williams a valuable resource to her district on a local level. She has been a member of many diverse boards, including D.A.R.E Colorado, United Cerebral Palsy Association, Colorado Special Education Advisory Board, Aurora Sister Cities President, and Co-chair of the Early Childcare and Education Commission. Senator Williams’ accolades include being chosen by the Aurora Chamber of Commerce as “Aurora Woman of the Year” in 2007.


    Here are some great candidates running for office in Colorado (all are endorsed by Progressive Majority):

    Joe Neguse
    Candidate for University of Colorado Regent - District 2 (Open Seat)



    Joe Neguse is a first-time candidate running for the University of Colorado Board of Regents to represent Congressional District 2. Joe is a young, African American law student at the University of Colorado. He was appointed by the Boulder City Council as a Commissioner on the Boulder Housing Authority, and is a co-founder and former Board Chair of New Era, Colorado, an organization that engages young people around voter registration and mobilization. Congressional District 2 encompasses Boulder, the northern Denver suburbs and about four counties on the western slope. Joe's election will bring a more progressive, diverse voice to the board. Joe got top line at the Congressional Assembly and kept his primary opponent off the ballot. He has been endorsed by numerous elected officials at all levels of government, labor groups and prominent community members.

    Click here to support and learn more about Joe.

    AJ Clemmons
    Candidate for University of Colorado Regent - District 6 (Open Seat)



    AJ Clemmons is running for the first time for the CU Board of Regents in Congressional District 6. AJ is a Colorado native and has been an active board member for the Colorado Women's Agenda. She currently works for the city of Denver as a community liaison for the Denver Police Department, where she co-developed an award-winning program for successful citizen-police mediation. Congressional District 6 sits in southeast Denver and includes Arapahoe, southern Jefferson, Douglas, and Elbert counties. AJ's election to the CU Board of Regents, alongside a Democratic victory in Joe Neguse's regent race in district 2, would create a power shift on the CU Board of Regents. AJ's election to the Board of Regents would also further representation of people of color on the Board. Incumbent Paul Schaur recently dropped out of the Republican primary in part due to 527-group attack mail that was sent out against him. This clearly changed the dynamic in this race, as now AJ is running against Jim Geddes - an extremely conservative doctor.

    Click here to support and learn more about AJ.

    Dan Gibbs
    Candidate for State Senate - District 16 (Incumbent)
    Eagle, Summit & Lake counties



    Dan Gibbs was appointed to Senate District 16 when Senate President Joan Fitz-Gerald resigned her seat to run for congress. This is an important seat for the senate to protect. Senate District 16 is a large district which encompasses both sides of the continental divide and goes from Jefferson/Boulder counties to Summit County. Progressive Majority successfully fielded Dan in 2006 when he ran for the House of Representatives. Dan is a 32 year-old former congressional staffer and forest firefighter. He is a champion on environmental issues around both renewable energies and the bark beetle. Dan is running against a businessman, who is relatively unknown, but will push a very pro-business agenda. Despite his solid 2006 win and impressive legislative session, this race will be competitive.

    Pam Berry
    Candidate for El Paso County Commissioner - District 3 (Challenger)



    Pam Berry is running for the El Paso County Commission in District 3, representing Western Colorado Springs. Pam is a Colorado Springs native who has spent the last 30 years working for the Colorado Springs, D-11 School District as an administrator and teacher. Pam grew up in a military family. She has been an active member of the African American community in Colorado Springs her entire life. Pam is a first-time candidate and a current member of AFSCME. Progressive Majority first recruited Pam to run for office at the 2007 Color Colorado Conference. Her opponent is incumbent Commissioner Sallie Clark. El Paso County is going through tough economic times and will need to make some cuts in the county budget. This commission needs progressive leaders like Pam making these decisions.

    Click here to support and learn more about Pam.

    Evie Hudak
    Candidate for State Senate - District 19 (Open Seat)
    Arvada, Westminster



    Evie Hudak is running for Senate District 19. She is a retired educator who has spent the last 20 years working to build a stronger early education program in Colorado. She has twice been elected to the State Board of Education. District 19 is currently held by term-limited progressive Senator Sue Windels, who is running for Jefferson County Commissioner. Her opponent is Libby Szabo, a right-wing conservative. Evie is strong voice for children and will lead on educational issues. This is an important race for the State Senate and will generate quite a bit of attention and resources from both candidates and their supporters.

    Click here to support and learn more about Evie.

    Joe Whitcomb
    Candidate for State Senate - District 23 (Challenger)
    Broomfield, Frederick, Firestone



    Joe Whitcomb is a first-time candidate running for State Senate District 23. Joe is a 38-year-old Iraq veteran and recent law school graduate who has served his community by working with the Denver Area Youth Services Center as a mentor for at-risk young men. Joe came to Progressive Majority nearly two years ago when he first considered running. Progressive Majority trained Joe on campaign fundamentals, primarily stump speech and messaging. He is running against ultra-conservative incumbent Shawn Mitchell, who has a history of extreme right-wing bills and votes in the Senate, although he represents a relatively moderate district. Joe is a passionate, committed candidate, and will be a leader on progressive issues.

    Click here to support and learn more about Joe.

    Joe Miklosi
    Candidate for State Representative - District 9 (Open Seat)
    Southeast Denver



    Joe Miklosi, former Progressive Majority Colorado State Director, is running for State House District 9. The incumbent Democrat is a term-limited moderate who is running for higher office - State Senate. The district is located in Southeast Denver and is comprised of older, stable neighborhoods with a large Jewish population. Joe will bring passion, dedication and a progressive voice to all House District 9 residents. He secured the top line on the ballot through the caucus process, and is out walking and talking to primary voters every day.

    Click here to support and learn more about Joe.

    Dennis Apuan
    Candidate for State Representative - District 17 (Open Seat)
    Western El Paso County

    Dennis Apuan is a first-time candidate running for House District 17 in Western El Paso County. A member of the Asian-Pacific Islander community, he has a strong background in community organizing and brings a base of grass-roots support. His top issues are economic justice, development of renewable energy sources and affordable healthcare. District 17 is a unique district in that it encompasses a large military base. There is a Republican primary, so Dennis won't know his opponent until mid-August. Dennis is a strong progressive and will be another voice for progressive issues in the Statehouse.

    Camille Ryckman
    Candidate for State Representative - District 22 (Challenger)
    Lakewood, Littleton, Conifer



    Camille Ryckman is running for State House in District 22. Camille is a native of Jefferson County and has been active in the community for years. As a teacher, volunteer, and mother of two, she has the experience and passion to be the next representative. A former teacher, Camille was active in her union and is currently involved with the PTA. House District 22 is an area where Progressive Majority-endorsed Kathy Hartman won in her 2006 County Commissioner race. Camille's primary opponent is a New Democrat who changed his party affiliation in the last few years. In the general election, she will face conservative incumbent Ken Summers.

    Click here to support and learn more about Camille.

    Dianne Primavera
    Candidate for State Representative - District 33 (Incumbent)
    Broomfield, Louisville, Erie, Superior, Westminster



    Representative Dianne Primavera is running for re-election to the state House in District 33. Dianne is a progressive leader on healthcare issues and needs to return to the Capitol to finish the job she started. She received the Colorado Legislator Award from the CO Women's Chamber of Commerce and Denver Women's Commission. This year her opponent is Nick Kleibenstein, a graduate of the Leadership of the Rockies, a very conservative leadership training group in Colorado. Rep. Primavera represents a key county in the state and one where Progressive Majority has worked on both state and city races. Dianne is a passionate, dedicated and hard working progressive legislator.

    Click here to support and learn more about Dianne.

    Su Ryden
    Candidate for State Representative - District 36 (Open Seat)
    Araphoe County

    Su Ryden is a first-time candidate running for House District 36 in Arapahoe County. Su is a business owner and community activist involved in the arts and historic preservation. House District 36 has had progressive representation for the last four years with Morgan Carroll, who is now running for Senate. Morgan is a strong progressive leader and Su's election will provide that continued progressive leadership. Su is a champion of economic opportunity, healthcare and transportation. She has been endorsed by several federal, state and local elected officials as well as by AFSCME, UTU, CEA and the AFL-CIO.

    Diana Holland
    Candidate for State Representative - District 37 (Challenger)
    Littleton, Englewood



    Diana Holland is running for State House District 37. Diana has served two terms on the Littleton School Board and is well-respected in the education community. She is a board member of the Southeast Englewood Water District. Her opponent is the extreme conservative Representative Spencer Swalm, who was nearly beaten by Angela Engel, a Progressive Majority candidate in 2006. With her high name recognition and two previous wins in the district, Diana has a strong base. She has created a training geared specifically for progressive School Board candidates. Once elected, Diana will be a strong leader on many issues, including education.

    Click here to support and learn more about Diana.

    Mollie Cullom
    Candidate for State Representative - District 39 (Challenger)
    Centennial



    Mollie Cullom is running a third time for State House District 39. She is a school social worker and a former Broadway actress. Mollie first approached Progressive Majority for support and help with her campaign plan nearly three years ago, when she decided to run for the seat in 2006. In 2006, Mollie lost to right-wing incumbent David Balmer by a margin of just 500 votes. Mollie has an impressive campaign structure and volunteer base. She is a promising candidate who, once elected, will be a great advocate for progressives.

    Click here to support and learn more about Mollie.

    Sue Windels
    Candidate for Jefferson County Commissioner - District 1 (Open Seat)



    Term-limited state Senator Sue Windels is running for Jefferson County Commissioner. Sue has served as a strong progressive in the state Legislature since 1998 - one term in the state House before her 2000 election to the state Senate - representing northern Jefferson County. Sue is a retired teacher and long-time community volunteer. Her work includes service in the Peace Corps and as legislative chair for the state PTA board. Sue has previously won three elections to the state Legislature. In her run for County Commissioner, she will be competing in a district ten times the size of her Senate seat. Jefferson County (immediately west of Denver) will also be a major target for Democrats running statewide campaigns in 2008. Sue's election to the Jefferson County Board of Commissioners would bring a power shift to the Board of Commissioners in the fourth largest (and long-time bellwether) county in Colorado. Sue is running against current Jefferson County Treasurer Faye Griffith, who will have substantial Republican support.

    Click here to support and learn more about Sue.

    Jason Bane
    Candidate for Jefferson County Commissioner - District 2 (Challenger)



    Jason is running for Jefferson County Commissioner. Jason is a communications staff member for SEIU International. He is 30 years old and a third generation Jefferson County native. He is a member of the Rotary Club, serves on the boards of Denver SCORES, a nonprofit after-school program and the Jefferson County PTA. Jason's opponent is an incumbent who has recently come under attack for rumored involvement with another commissioner to use county funds to privately investigate county workers. Jason is a champion of economic justice, responsible growth and education. He has received the endorsement of Congressman Ed Perlmutter and many labor organizations. Jason is a strong progressive candidate whose leadership is needed on the Jefferson County Commission.

    Peter Tregillus
    Candidate for La Plata County Commissioner - District 1 (Challenger)



    Elected! Too Close To Call This is a Hot Race This Candidate is part of the Racial Justice CampaignPeter Tregillus is running for La Plata County Commissioner in District 1. Peter is a long-time community activist and program developer for Southern Ute Community Action Programs. Over the last 35 years, Peter has worked to improve La Plata County, from serving on the Durango Planning Commission to directing an affordable housing program. Progressive Majority recruited Peter to run for office at a Road Show in 2005. A successful campaign would sweep the La Plata County Commission in 2008. With La Plata County facing major oil, gas and growth issues, this race will be extremely competitive.

    Click here to support and learn more about Peter.

    Wally White
    Candidate for La Plata County Commissioner - District 3 (Incumbent)



    Commissioner Wally White is running for re-election to the La Plata County Commission. Wally is a long-time community activist and a llama farmer. Over the last 20 years he has served the La Plata County communities on a number of local planning commissions and boards. La Plata County is a largely rural county in southwest Colorado that includes the city of Durango. Wally is a champion of planning, water and oil and gas regulations issues, all of which are top priority in this rural county. He has been endorsed by numerous community leaders. La Plata County has been a priority area for Progressive Majority, in 2006 we successfully fielded Joelle Riddle for La Plata County Commission. Wally's continued leadership is important in this corner of the state.

    Debbie Pilch
    Candidate for Weld County Commissioner - At Large (Challenger)



    Debbie Pilch is running for Weld County Commissioner at-large. Debbie has served two terms on the Greeley City Council, and has been a progressive voice there for the last eight years. Before her election to City Council, Debbie served on the Greeley Airport Authority and on a number of other local planning and community service boards and commissions. Debbie approached Progressive Majority in January of 2008 for help with her campaign. Debbie's election to the Weld County Commission will help put us in a position to take the majority in future years on a board that is currently entirely Republican and in the pocket of big developers. Weld County is a largely rural county that starts about 30 minutes north of Denver and continues to the Wyoming border. There is widespread discontent throughout the county with the current commissioners, and Democratic Governor Bill Ritter also won Weld County in the 2006 gubernatorial election. Debbie's opponent is yet to be determined as there is a two-way Republican primary between Sean Conway (Sen. Wayne Allard's chief of staff) and Mike Freeman.

    Click here to support and learn more about Debbie.

    Tom Pettit
    Candidate for Weld County Commissioner - District 3 (Challenger)



    Tom Pettit is running for Weld County Commissioner in District 3, representing east-central Weld County. Tom is a fifth generation Weld County native with a long history of leadership in the county. He has served as Mayor Pro-Temp on the Kersey Town Board, and was elected at-large to the Weld County Council. Progressive Majority recruited Tom to run for Weld County Commission in 2007 after he attended a Progressive Majority Road Show and Camp Wellstone. Tom's election to the Weld County Commission would put us in the position to gain a majority in future years on the Commission, which is currently comprised entirely of development-oriented conservatives.

    Click here to support and learn more about Tom.


    ALTERNATIVE ENERGY:

    Here are a couple of biodiesel cooperatives in Colorado. If you drive a diesel car or truck, please check them out.

    Boulder Biodiesel Cooperative
    Boulder, CO
    Phone: 303-449-3277
    Check out their website (site was down when I checked it but hopefully will be up again)

    Roaring Fork Biodiesel Coop
    Roaring Fork, CO
    Check out their website

    Here are some other alternative energy groups in Colorado:

    Alliance for Sustainable Colorado: The mission of Alliance for Sustainable Colorado is to catalyze the shift to a truly sustainable world by fostering collaboration among nonprofits, businesses, governments, and academia. We are working to advance economic, environmental, and social sustainability in Colorado by building cross-sector alliances and networks.

    Colorado Green Tech Group, Boulder
    A gathering of people involved and/or interested in Green Tech including Energy generation, transportation, construction, and efficiency technologies.
    We meet on the 2nd Thursday of each month at (NEW TIME) 7:00PM (6:00 for networking).

    Sign up here to find out where they meet.

    Boulder Sustainable Energy Group
    We welcome anyone looking for an interesting, informative, and social forum for the exchange of ideas that will help each of us reduce our 'personal' consumption of fossil fuels and emission of greenhouse gasses, and make greener consumer choices in general. Sign up here to find out when and where they meet.

    Alternative Energy Resources in Colorado. A short summary of alternative energy resources for Colorado. For more information on each technology, visit the State Energy Alternatives Technology Options page.

    Colorado Alternative Energy: Alternative energy news for Colorado

    Colorado Reewable Energy Society: The Colorado Renewable Energy Society (CRES) is a nonprofit membership organization that works for the sensible adoption of cost-effective energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies by Colorado businesses and consumers. Check out their website for local events and chapters.


    Here are some other groups and events in Colorado:

    Colorado Young Democrats Chapters: Find your local Young Democrats chapter and contact them to find out what you can do to organize your community.

    Adams County Young Dems
    Edward Casso, Representative
    edwardcasso_at_hotmail.com
    720.495.3861

    Adams State University Undergraduate College Dems
    Ryan Crick
    ChefCO_at_gmail.com

    Arapahoe County Young Dems
    Derek Dye, President
    derekodye_at_hotmail.com
    303.921.1685

    Boulder Young Dems
    Sara Lu Hanley, President
    saraluhanley_at_google.com
    303.501.2575

    Broomfield Young Dems
    Samara Kapich, President
    samarajbrown_at_yahoo.com
    720.231.2072

    College Democrats of Colorado
    Jay Hazen, jay_at_coloradoyoungdems.com
    303.884.7083
    http://www.cocollegedems.com/

    Colorado School of Mines College Dems
    LB Williams, President
    csmdemocrats_at_gmail.com

    CSU Graduate School
    Sunshine Swetnam, President
    970.482.2025

    Denver Young Dems
    http://www.denveryoungdems.org/

    Jefferson County Young Dems
    Kyle Anderson, President
    kylea1979_at_gmail.com
    303.971.0370

    School of Mines College Dems
    LB Williams
    MinesDemocrats_at_Gmail.com

    Steamboat Springs Young Dems
    Harris Reitman-Swiss, President
    904.742.8061

    University of Colorado at Boulder College Dems
    Daniel Ramos
    Daniel.Ramos_at_Colorado.edu

    University of Denver College Dems
    Jeff Graves
    Jgraves2_at_du.edu

    University of Denver Law School College Dems
    Kelley Rider
    KRider09_at_law.du.edu

    Denver Democracy for America Meetup
    Meet others to learn more about Democracy For America and discuss local strategies. Get the latest news at your Democracy for America Meetups! This Meetup is officially brought to you by Democracy for America. Join here to find out more.

    The Denver Barack Obama Meetup
    We want -and need - Barack Obama as the next President of the United States. With Colorado being a swing state, we have to work our hardest to be sure our 9 electoral votes go to the man from Illinois. Go here to find out more.


    And for those who like to combine social and political activities, here are the Drinking Liberally groups in Colorado:

    Avon
    o Fourth Wednesday of each month, 5:30 pm
    o Loaded Joe's, 82 East Beaver Creek Blvd Suite 104
    o Hosted by Cheryl Bottomley

    North Boulder
    o First and Third Thursday of each month, 7:00 pm
    o Murphy's Grill, 2731 Iris Ave (By the bar in back)
    o Hosted by Richard Bateman | Marc Sobel

    Downtown Boulder
    o Second Tuesday of each month, 7:00 pm
    o Pearl Street Pub, 1108 Pearl St
    o Hosted by Carrie Jackson

    Cañon City
    o First and Third Wednesday of each month, 5:30 pm
    o McClellan's Grill & Brewing Company, 413 Main St
    o Hosted by Alain Chamot | Brandy Johnson

    Colorado Springs
    o First and Third Tuesday of each month, 7:30 pm
    o he Coffee Exchange, 526 S Tejon St (In between McCabe's and Southside Johnny's)
    o Hosted by Jeff and Amanda Courtright

    North Colorado Springs
    o Second Tuesday of each month, 7:30 pm
    o Old Chicago, 7115 Commerce Center Dr
    o Hosted by Lucy Wolboldt | Jan Hejtmanek

    Denver
    o Every Wednesday of each month, 7:30 pm
    o Skylark Lounge, 140 S. Broadway
    o Hosted by Kathy Brandon | John E. | Sarah Fong

    South Metro Denver
    o Second Thursday of each month, 8:00 pm
    o Lansdowne Arms Bistro & Bar, 9352 Dorchester St (Near HR Tattered Cover)
    o Hosted by Rick Munoz

    Lakewood
    o First Wednesday of each month, 7:00 pm
    o Dino's, 10040 W Colfax Ave (SW Corner of Colfax and Kipling)
    o Hosted by Bill Simpson

    Durango
    o Third Wednesday of each month, 6:00 pm
    o Joel's, 119 W 8th St
    o Hosted by Brandon Donohue

    Fort Collins
    o Second and Fourth Thursday of each month, 5:00 pm
    o The Crown Pub, 144 S College Ave (between Oak and Mountain)
    o Hosted by Anne Wilseck

    Frisco
    o Second Wednesday of each month, 7:00 pm
    o The Boatyard, 3rd and Main
    o Hosted by Heather Christie | Karin Mitchell

    Grand Junction
    o First Wednesday of each month, 5:00 pm
    o Kannah Creek Brewing Company, 1960 N 12th St

    Greeley
    o Second and Fourth Tuesday of each month, 6:30 pm
    o Island Grill, 809 9th Street ((look for our table in the resturant area))
    o Hosted by Ed Craig | Judy Craig

    Longmont
    o First and Third Wednesday of each month, 7:00 pm
    o RedZone, 540 S Main St
    o Hosted by Andi Hill

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