Progressive Democrat Issue 154

As my readership expands, so does my effort on publicizing local events and issues. Believe it or not, my latest contacts are in Alaska. I am also reconnecting with Progressive Majority, and organization I have plugged in the past but should plug more because they are about the best out there. I recently met with their president and was re-energized about their work. They are one of our main hopes for the future of the progressive movement.

An interesting aspect of the meeting with the president of Progressive Majority is that I was one of 5 people who showed up. I am not sure why they chose us. I can only imagine that I was being mistaken for a potential big donor or something. I'd love to find out why I was asked to show up. But in addition to just being asked to come, I noticed that among the packet of information they handed out was an article I wrote right here in Mole's Progressive Democrat. They didn't even realize that the person they invited was also the person who wrote the article. So I must have gotten their attention in two ways. All very strange to me!

This week Obama became the official frontrunner. Just about any way you calculate the delegates, Obama is in the lead. Hillary can still pull ahead with wins in Texas, Ohio and Pennsylvania. But this is the first time Obama is officially ahead. All I can say is it is an exciting race! Among my readers are avid Hillary supporters, avid Obama supporters, disappointed Edwards and Kucinich supporters, and those, like myself, who are happy with any of them. Yes...I have endorsed Obama. But if Hillary is our nominee I am happy with that. So I am focusing mostly on winning in November!

Here is this week's newsletter:

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

McCAIN'S THEME SONG

PROGRESSIVE MAJORITY: Taking ownership of the political process

WEB SEMINAR: A Target for US Carbon Emissions

IOWA FOCUS: Groups, Events, Alternative Energy

ILLINIOS FOCUS: CRITICAL Special Congressional Election

CALIFORNIA FOCUS: Alternative Energy, Charlie Brown, Groups, Events

NEW YORK STATE FOCUS: Groups and Events

NEW JERSEY FOCUS: Blue Jersey Radio, Impeachment, Groups and Events

TEXAS FOCUS: Alternative Energy, Rick Noriega, Groups and Events

ARIZONA FOCUS: Progressive Candidates, Groups and Events

FLORIDA FOCUS: Christine Jennings, Groups and Events

WISCONSIN FOCUS: Progressive Candidates, Groups and Events

NORTH CAROLINA FOCUS: Peace Rallies, Groups and Events

VIRGINIA FOCUS: Impeachment, Groups and Events

PENNSYLVANIA FOCUS: Groups and Events

ALASKA FOCUS: Groups and Events

McCain's Theme Song?

Here is a parody video using McCain's own words...though perhaps they are words McCain wishes we would all forget:



McCain: The Endless War Candidate

Taking Ownership of the Political Process: Progressive Majority

Howard Dean put it this way: "You have the power!"

His brother, Jim Dean, now head of Democracy for America, put it this way: "We have to take ownership of the process."

Since the highly flawed 2000 election, progressives have slowly, ever so slowly been waking up to the need for taking ownership of the political process. At first, in all honesty, we were pretty lame at it at first. As recently as 2005 I saw the progressive grassroots, at least in NYC, largely unable to get its act together in any effective way. But by 2006 we started to see real results from what began in 2000.

The extreme right wing of the Republican Party took some 30 years to take nearly complete control of our political system. They did it by patiently and doggedly focusing on every elected position, no matter how low, in every state. They did it by repeating their agenda, their talking points over and over until people started absorbing it without even realizing it. They did it by taking over the media, station by station, newspaper by newspaper. They did it by focusing on LOCAL politics.

Progressives had lost that connection with local politics. But they have been rediscovering it. And that has led to a wave of new organizations that are revitalizing grassroots politics and reconnecting Democrats with their local community, a connection that should never have been lost.

Democracy for America, Wellstone Action, Blue Tiger Democrats, and Progressive Majority are, each in their own way, probably the most effective of these new organizations. Each has its own focus, its own strategy, and collectively they are making a real impact.

Today I had the opportunity to meet Gloria Totten, president of Progressive Majority, and discuss her organization in a small group. In 2007 I highlighted candidates endorsed by Progressive Majority, but I think it might be worth discussing the organization itself.

From their website, here is the mission statement and agenda of Progressive Majority:

Mission Statement

Progressive Majority's mission is to elect progressive champions. We accomplish this by identifying and recruiting the best progressive leaders to run for office; coaching and supporting their candidacies by providing strategic message, campaign, and technical support; prioritizing the recruitment and election of candidates of color; and bringing new people into the political process at all levels.

Agenda

* Economic Justice: Prosperity should be accessible to everyone, not merely the few.

* Civil Rights: Every individual's civil rights must be protected; discrimination and harassment based on race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or physical and developmental ability should be banned.

* Health Care: Every individual should have affordable, quality health care.

* Education: It is essential that we invest in quality public education for all.

* Environment: We must commit to restoring and protecting our environment.

* Reproductive Freedom: Women and men - not politicians - deserve the right to make personal decisions about their reproductive health in accordance with their own personal and moral beliefs.

Nice, simple, and to the point. And an agenda that resonates well with the vast majority of Americans.

So what do they do to further this agenda? Very simply, they target specific states (currently up to eight: Arizona, Wisconsin, Washington, California, Colorado, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Minnesota) and on a local level recruit, train and help elect candidates for a wide variety of positions, from sheriff, port commissioner and school board, through state legislatures, up to secretaries of state. Local and state level positions are their focus because these are the next generation of national leaders. You can't pull many true progressive Congressional Candidates and Governors out of thin air. You have to start from the bottom and work up.

They begin with recruitment. They look ahead to upcoming elections--not just the next election, but they look for opportunities way in advance. They find candidates who fit their progressive agenda which resonates so well with Americans and who fit the community and the office being targeted. They then provide the following help to these candidates: (from their website)

* Regular small-group training sessions in the areas of campaign planning, fundraising and budgeting, targeting, voter contact, message development and delivery, and media;

* Help meeting key political benchmarks requiring that candidates are developing viable campaigns;

* Intensive one-on-one support with developing and implementing campaign plans and budgets, developing a winning message and stump speech, fundraising, developing effective websites, and building strong field and GOTV plans;

* Assistance with hiring campaign staff and recruiting volunteers;

* Individual mentor relationships with local and national political professionals;

* Comprehensive campaign manuals providing guidance at all stages of campaigning, including helping secure re-election once elected;

* Assistance raising money for their campaigns;

* Access to, and assistance receiving endorsements from, allied organizations and progressive leaders; and

* Direct financial support.

In addition to finding candidates who are true progressives and have good leadership potential, they also encourage women, minority and union candidates, and in particular like to encourage young candidates get their start.

They do this with a minimal staff and a modest (but rapidly growing) budget.

Their success rate? It varies from year to year, but they average about a 50% success rate. Which is actually quite good considering that they seek out relatively tough races and emphasize first time candidates. Most organizations, including some I have worked with, focus on easy wins to boost their win rate: opting for mainly incumbents and big money candidates. Progressive Majority doesn't do that, and they still reach a 50% success rate.

Eight states (so far), local elections, young candidates. This is shaping the future of politics in America. They have already recruited, trained and backed candidates who helped flip state legislatures from Red to Blue. You can check out their 2008 endorsed candidates (more to come) here. I will try to highlight some of these candidates, when I get the chance, in the State focus segments of this blog. So watch for their endorsed candidates in your area. You might want to help some of them out if you can, either with donations or, if you live in their area, with some time. Or you can join Progressive Majority to help expand the whole movement. THIS is the future of American politics and I am happy to be a part of it.

Web Seminar: A Target for U.S. Emissions Reduction

Interested in a discussion online about carbon emissions and real, science-based solutions to global warming? This comes from the Union of Concerned Scientists:

A Target for U.S. Emissions Reduction

Join Dr. Brenda Ekwurzel for free web seminar on the analysis for determining “A Target for U.S. Emissions Reductions.” Following a presentation on the findings, will be a Q&A session.

Date: February 20, 2008
Time: 2:00 pm (EST)
Click here to RSVP. Directions on how to join will be emailed to you.

Substantial scientific evidence indicates that an increase in the global average temperature of more than two degrees Celsius (°C) above pre-industrial average (i.e., prior to 1860) poses severe risks to natural systems and human health and well-being. The European Union as well as climate legislation moving through the U.S. Congress both employ 2°C as a guide for policy goals.

A recent study by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) and scientists at Stanford University and Texas Tech University analyzes available options for industrialized and developing nations’ respective share in reducing emissions. The study found that the United States must cut its emissions by at least 80 percent below 2000 levels by 2050, along with a global effort to make deep emission reductions, if the world is to stay below the 2°C policy target. Cutting emissions soon is essential.

Join Dr. Brenda Ekwurzel for free web seminar on the analysis for determining “A Target for U.S. Emissions Reductions.” Following a presentation on the findings, will be a Q&A session.

Date: February 20, 2008
Time: 2:00 pm (EST)
Click here to RSVP. Directions on how to join will be emailed to you.

Background: A Target for U.S. Emissions Reductions

To avoid severe and irreversible effects of climate change, the world must stabilize the concentration of heat trapping gases in the atmosphere at no more than 450 parts per million, according to a study by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) and scientists at Stanford University and Texas Tech University. This limit aims to avoid exceeding a 2 degree Celsius increase in a global average temperature above pre-industrial levels. Although this level does not avoid many severe consequences, international agreements and national policy goals have nonetheless set this limit, and the report uses the best available science to provide a rationale for a sound, long-term U.S. emissions reductions target.

Congress must act to help the world avoid the worst consequences of global warming. The policies currently under consideration in the United States vary in the timing and levels of emissions cuts, and many fail to achieve the minimum pollution cuts needed. Several pieces of legislation have been introduced that set mandatory reductions, but only two bills would keep U.S. emissions within the overall limits called for in this study.

Date: February 20, 2008
Time: 2:00 pm (EST)
Click here to RSVP. Directions on how to join will be emailed to you.

IOWA FOCUS: Groups, Events and Alternative Energy

Here are some Alternative Energy Events:

American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy's 2nd National Forum on Energy Efficiency in Agriculture in Des Moines
Feb 20, 2008
Embassy Suites Hotel in Des Moines
"Food and Energy from the Ground Up: Efficiency's Role in Sustainable Agriculture." For information: http;//www.aceee.org/conf/08ag

Iowa Democratic Veterans' Caucus
Start: 23 Feb 2008 - 10:00am
End: 23 Feb 2008 - 1:00pm

Iowa Democratic Veterans' Caucus
Feburary Leadership and Member Meeting
Saturday, February 23, 2008 at 10:00 AM

Pappajohn Center
1200 Grand Avenue
Des Moines , IA 50309

Check out our web site at www.idvc.org


Here are some other important events:

Fast Track Home Ownership Class

Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement's Fast Track can help you save, budget and build good gredit and help you understand the process to find the right home for your family.

Fast Track helps with home buying steps; your needs and wants; what's on your credit report; how to improve your credit; ways to plan a workable budget; the best ways to borrow money; how to rate mortgage lenders and loans; provides information about available resources and MORE!

Classes held Mar. 13 and Apr. 17 will be:
9 am to 1 pm at the CCI office

Classes held Feb. 21, Mar. 18 and Apr. 24 will be:
5:30 pm to 9:30 pm at the CCI office

To register, or for more information, contact Jerri Scott at 515-255-0800 or jerri@iowacci.org.

February 28, 2008

Factory Farm Debate

Francis Thicke, Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement member and former EPC commissioner, will debate Aaron Putze, Director of the Coalition to Support Iowa Farmers, on the factory farm issue.

7:00 pm, Central College, Vermeer Science Center, Rm 180.

Speakers will get a chance to discuss their side of the issue. Following the debate, the floor will be opened to questions and comments. We urge you to come to this meeting to show support for family farmers and our environment.


And for those who are focused on combining fun and politics, here are the local Drinking Liberally groups in Iowa:

Ames, Iowa
* Every Friday, 5:00 pm onward
* Legends American Grill, 200 Stanton Ave, 7th Floor (in Campustown)
* The group will meet in the large accessible party room left of the elevators unless it is booked by a larger group. We will then be in the Sky Box. Ask a waiter for our location.
* Hosted by Jan Bauer and Brent Wynja, ames (at) drinkingliberally.org

Des Moines
* Every Thursday, 8:00 p.m. onward
* The Lift, 222 4th St (between Court Ave and Walnut)
* Hosted by Amanda Mittlestadt, Tricia Kell, Cassie Samspon and Matt Jesson, desmoines (at) drinkingliberally.org

West Des Moines
* Third Friday of each month, 5:00-7:00 pm
* Tonic, 5535 George M Mills Civic Pky (within West Glen Towncenter)
* Hosted by Cassie Sampson, Mikael Brown and Jenny Irlmeier, wdsm (at) drinkingliberally.org

Eating Liberally
* Second Monday of each month, 6:00-7:30 pm
* Continental Wine Bar, 428 E Locust St
* Hosted by Marcus Walsh and Tricia Kell, desmoines (at) eatingliberally.org

Iowa City, Iowa
* Every Thursday, 8:00 pm onward
* The Mill Restaurant, 120 E Burlington StIowa is one of my personal top states to focus on. My father was born there, so I feel an affinity to the towns my father and his relatives lived, from Eagle Grove and Fort Dodge, to Davenport. My family came from Iowa and I take that seriously.

Here are some Alternative Energy Events:

ACCEE's 2nd National Forum on Energy Efficiency in Agriculture
Feb 20-22, 2008
Embassy Suites in Des Moines
"Food and Energy from the Ground Up : Efficiency's Role in Sustainable Agriculture" For more info: http://www.aceee.org/conf/08ag

SEED Mid year conference
Apr 26, 2008
Davenport North High School
SEED ( sustainable ecological economic development ) will hold their mid year conference. To register or for more information contact: richlands@earthlink.net


Here are Democracy for America meetups I can find:

Cedar Rapids Democracy for America MeetUp
Event Date: Monday, January 14, 2008
Event Time: 7:00 PM
Venue Name: Java Creek Cafe
Address: 588 Boyson Rd. NE
City: Cedar Rapids
State: IA
Zip Code: 52402


And for those who are focused on combining fun and politics, here are the local Drinking Liberally groups in Iowa:

Ames, Iowa
* Every Friday, 5:00 pm onward
* Legends American Grill, 200 Stanton Ave, 7th Floor (in Campustown)
* The group will meet in the large accessible party room left of the elevators unless it is booked by a larger group. We will then be in the Sky Box. Ask a waiter for our location.
* Hosted by Jan Bauer and Brent Wynja, ames (at) drinkingliberally.org

Des Moines
* Every Thursday, 8:00 p.m. onward
* The Lift, 222 4th St (between Court Ave and Walnut)
* Hosted by Amanda Mittlestadt, Tricia Kell, Cassie Samspon and Matt Jesson, desmoines (at) drinkingliberally.org

West Des Moines
* Third Friday of each month, 5:00-7:00 pm
* Tonic, 5535 George M Mills Civic Pky (within West Glen Towncenter)
* Hosted by Cassie Sampson, Mikael Brown and Jenny Irlmeier, wdsm (at) drinkingliberally.org

Eating Liberally
* Second Monday of each month, 6:00-7:30 pm
* Continental Wine Bar, 428 E Locust St
* Hosted by Marcus Walsh and Tricia Kell, desmoines (at) eatingliberally.org

Iowa City, Iowa
* Every Thursday, 8:00 pm onward
* The Mill Restaurant, 120 E Burlington St

ILLINOIS FOCUS: Special Congressional Election IL-14

Dennis Hastert was the Congressman in the IL-14 district until he resigned in disgrace.

Now Bill Foster, an eminent scientist at Fermilab, is running to take his place. This race pits Foster, who is against the Bush/McCain Iraq quagmire and for affordable healthcare, against pro-Bush, pro-War right wing Republican Oberweis. The choice is clear. Bill Foster is the man.

Today Barack Obama has endorsed Bill Foster for Congress in the special March 8 election in IL-14. Here's an excerpt from the press release:

The campaign of scientist and businessman Bill Foster announced that Democratic presidential candidate and Illinois favorite son Barack Obama has cut a broadcast TV ad stating that Foster can "deliver change" in Congress.

"Barack Obama and I stand together for change. We want our troops home safely and responsibly, not in Iraq for 10 years or 100 years. We want to invest in American jobs, not send American jobs to China. We want health care that costs less, not an end to employers paying for health care for their workers," said Foster, a physicist who worked at Fermilab in Batavia for 20 years after starting a successful theater light company with his brother that has created hundreds of jobs in the Midwest.

The 30-second Obama endorsement spot is a positive ad that clearly establishes Foster as the change candidate in the special election to replace retired Congressman and former House Speaker Denny Hastert in Illinois' 14th Congressional District.

The Aurora Beacon News reported yesterday that a Foster poll has the March 8 special election in a "dead heat," with Foster leading 49-27% among Independents. The poll also showed that 41% of voters have a negative view of Foster's opponent, Jim Oberweis, after years of running campaigns for office that have featured negative, personal attacks on his fellow Republicans -- even using a fake headline to attack his opponents.

Here is a vedio of Bill Foster on Iraq:



Here is a video of Bill Foster on healthcare:



Bill Foster has been endorsed by (in addition to Barack Obama):

27 Nobel Prize winning scientists

Aurora Beacon News
Chicago Tribune
Chicago Sun-Times
Daily Herald
DeKalb Daily Chronicle
Elgin Courier News
Kane County Chronicle
Oswego Ledger-Sentinel

AFSCME State Council 31
Citizen Action/Illinois Policy Council
NARAL Pro-Choice America
Illinois Planned Parenthood Council
SEIU Illinois Council
United Hellenic Voters of America
Ronald J. Schultz Memorial Foundation

and many more.

Vote for Bill Foster on March 8. And if you can, give a small donation to turn Hastert's seat blue.

CALIFORNIA FOCUS: Alternative Energy, Charlie Brown, Groups and Events

Here are some progressive groups and events in California:

Environmental Nature Center Environmental Nature Center Founder, Robert House
Thursday, February 21, 2008 at 12:00 PM

Environmental Nature Center
1601 16th Street
Newport Beach , CA 92663
949-645-8489

Take a walk with Environmental Nature Center founder, Robert House and learn about the plant communities of California while enjoying the sights and sounds of winter at the ENC.

Hopefully, we'll also get a tour of their new LEED Certified building while it's under construction.

Admission is free and there are no tour fees.

Bring a sack lunch.

Environmental Nature Center

Fight Hunger in San Francisco - Volunteer at the San Francisco Food Bank
When: Saturday, March 29th 2008, at 12:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Where: San Francisco Food Bank
900 Pennsylvania Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94107

Host: San Francisco Young Democrats and Democrats Work
Contact: info@democratswork.org
Info: Join Democrats Work and the San Francisco Young Democrats at the San Francisco Food Bank on Saturday, March 29th from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.. Our work will mean that thousands of pounds of food will be distributed at meal and pantry programs throughout the city.

Be sure to wear your Democrats Work t-shirts! Free t-shirts for the first 10 folks to RSVP.


Here are some alternative energy events:

JPL Lecture Series: Where in the World Will Our Energy Come From?
Thursday, February 28, 2008 at 7:00 PM

Jet Propulsion Laboratory
4800 Oak Grove Drive
San Marino , CA 91108
(818) 354-0112

Where in the World Will Our Energy Come From?

Jet Propulsion Laboratories: California Institute of Technology presents this very exciting lecture on Feb 28:

Where in the world will our energy come from? What would it take for the world to get away from fossil fuels and switch over to renewable energy? It takes more than willingness to buy a Prius or to install solar panels on your roof. If we want to use wind, solar thermal, solar electric, biomass, hydroelectric and geothermal energy it will take a lot of planning, and willingness on the part of governments and industry. It takes R&D investment, a favorable price per unit of energy to get anyone to produce alternative energy, and plenty of resources to create those energy sources.

Speaker :
Dr. Nate Lewis
George L. Argyros Professor of Chemistry, Caltech

Date:
Thursday, February 28, 2008, 7p.m.

Location:
The von Kármán Auditorium at JPL
4800 Oak Grove Drive
Pasadena, CA

Cost: FREE

For directions and more info.

Photovoltaic System Design for Engineers & Designers: A 3-Day Course on Production
2/25/2008 - 2/27/2008

Location: Santa Monica, CA
Cost: $1050 gen/ $900 stud
Organization: High Sun Engineering
Phone: 707 869 9391
Website: http://www.sunengineer.com/workshops.htm

Description:
High Sun Engineering, the West Coast’s leading solar engineering firm, presents an intensive solar workshop for design professionals on the skills needed to produce high quality PV system designs, feasibility reports, drawings and specifications that are currently in high demand by architectural design teams, engineering firms, developers, and discerning property owners. Who Should Attend: EE’s, ME’s, Designers, Engineering Students, & Industry Professionals. Course Mat`ls: Workbook & CDR with references, calculation tools, sample specifications & sample drawing sets to use as a guide for your future designs. Classes offered quarterly.

Grid-tied Photovoltaics
2/25/2008 - 2/28/2008
Location: San Diego, CA
Cost: $700 ($650 SEI Membe
Organization: Solar Energy International (SEI)
Phone: 970.963.8855
Website: http://www.solarenergy.org/workshops/gridtiedpvd.h

Description:
This course was developed for those seeking employment in the booming solar industry or for homeowners looking to install their own systems or hire a contractor. The curriculum provides a strong foundation on the batteryless grid-tied market and will not cover battery-based systems. If you know you will be working in an urban area with a focus on batteryless grid-tied installations, the Grid-tied PV class is for you.

Grid-tied Photovoltaics
3/17/2008 - 3/21/2008
Location: Aram Solar- Manteca, CA
Cost: $850 ($800 SEI Membe
Organization: Solar Energy International
Phone: 970-963-8855
Website: http://solarenergy.org/workshops/gridtiedpvd.html

Description:
Join Solar Energy International (SEI) and Aram Solar for a 5- day workshop on grid-tied photovoltaics. Get your hands-on and learn to design and install a complete solar electric system. This workshop is for the beginner who wants to use PV on their home or business and for those seeking employment in the solar industry. It will take place March 17th- 21st at Aram Solar in Manteca, CA. The state of California offers some great renewable energy tax credits for installing solar hot water and photovoltaic systems on homes and businesses, and the time is ripe to learn how to design and install these systems. Register by visiting SEI`s website, www.solarenergy.org or call Matthew Harris at 970-527-7657 or email him at matthew@solarenergy.org.


For those in the 4th Congressional District of California (Modoc, Lassen, Plumas, Sierra, Nevada and Placer Counties), here are some chances to meet Congressional Candidate Lt. Col. Charlie Brown:

Nevada City House Party
Saturday February 23, 2008 | 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Auburn House Party
Sunday February 24, 2008 | 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Rocklin Fundraiser
Sunday March 16, 2008 | 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

To RSVP, or for more information abuot any of these events, call (916) 782-7696 or e-mail info@charliebrownforcongress.org

Camarillo Democratic Party Annual Pizza Night Fundraiser
6 p.m. March 7 (preceding our GENERAL MEETING at 7 p.m.)

$15 for pizza, salad, dessert & beverages
Join us, hang out with your fellow members & have some fun!

Info and reservations: Joan Rust, 484-6601, joan@rusts.net

MONTHLY DEMONSTRATION: Seniors Against War Seal Beach
Last Saturday of every month from 10 to Noon
Contact: email: to2runners @ verizon.net
Details: Senior Patriots Against the War in Seal Beach

End the war-Bring the troops back home-Take care of them when they do come home.

Senior Patriots Against the War is tightly focused on the above agenda only. We ask that other demonstrators joining us not bring signs regarding other causes which may dilute our message.

Protest at Seal Beach Blvd
At the entrance to Leisure World right next to Boeing plant and not too far from the Naval Weapons Stations, Seal Beach exit off the 405. Parking is at the Seal Beach Market. People need to bring their own signs.

For more info: Tom Pontac at: to2runners@verizon.net
or Jackie Bunnell at jackie.bunnell@verizon.net


WEEKLY PEACE VIGIL IN HUNTINGTON BEACH: Every Sunday, 7 PM

It's hard for most people to imagine a world at peace. We are a very small group of people who believe that this is indeed possible and that peace will happen once enough people believe that it can. So we stand at the pier every Sunday night with a sign that says: "Visualize World Peace. It's up to you". We also believe in non-violence both physically and in our thoughts. We will discuss peace and non-violence with anyone who is rational and smile quietly at those who aren't. We hold this vigil in a spirit of dignity and respect for all as we try to build bridges with those who don't share our philosophy.

Please bring a candle or just help us hold up our banner (no signs please; we have our banner!)

Contact: mtheriault@socal.rr.com


California for Democracy:
Here are some local Democracy for America groups (click on the link for more info)

DFA Marin

Dean Democratic Club of Silicon Valley

Democratic Club of Coarsegold

DFA - Central Coast

DFA-CFD of Fresno & Madera Counties

DFA-CFD of Mariposa and Tuolumne Counties

Democracy for Monterey County

DFA-Orange County

East Bay for Democracy

Sacramento for Democracy

San Diego for Democracy

(San Fernando) Valley Grassroots for Democracy

San Francisco for Democracy

San Mateo County Democracy for America

Santa Barbara Progressive Coalition

Sonoma County DFA


Democrats of North Orange County
Bill Daly, President
714-990-6767
Bruce Sandercock, Vice-President
714-871-5244
P. O. Box 6597
Fullerton, CA 92834
Monthly meeting: First Thursday, Sizzler Restaurant,
1401 N. Harbor, Fullerton; 6 p.m. dinner, 7 p.m. meeting

Santa Clara County (San Jose) Democratic Party Meetup
We meet at 7:30pm on the second Tuesday of each month at the Dem Party Office, 2102 Almaden Road, Suite 114, San Jose, 95125. Feel free to bring snacks to share.

Brought to you by the Santa Clara County Democratic Party (http://www.sccdp.org).... Please join us to learn ways to help elect Democrats in Santa Clara County and beyond.

~~Together, America Can Do Better!~~

On Almaden ROAD (not Expwy), between Curtner and Canoas Garden. It's OK to park in the big lot, despite posted warnings.

Internet directions usually suggest taking Almaden Expressway, which is sometimes backed up. A lower stress route is to take Bird Avenue west from 280 and follow it all the way until it dead-ends at Malone. Left on Malone, Right on Almaden Road and 2102 is on the first corner on your left.

We meet in Suite 114, first door on your left as you enter the glass doors marked Main Entrance.


Drinking Liberally:

For those who like a more social, and beer focused, environment, there's Drinking Liberally. Here are the Drinking Liberally groups in California:

San Jose
* Second Thursday of each month, 6:30 and on
* Trials Pub in downtown San Jose, 265 N 1st St (main cross streets: W St James and W Julian)
* September is our first meeting with our new host! I'm looking for a co-host, so let me know if you are interested
* Hosted by Mia White, sanjose (at) drinkingliberally.org

Downtown Los Angeles
* Third Wednesday of each month, 6:00-8:00 pm
* The Edison, 108 West 2nd St
* We'll be in the area past the bar, known as the "Generator Lounge" (the entrance to the bar is through the alley off of 2nd street)
* Hosted by Vincent Jones, Cecilia Cabello, Becca Doten, Roxi Reeves and Jim Kennedy, downtownla (at) drinkingliberally.org

Hollywood
* Second Wednesday of each month, 7:00-9:00 PM
* Molly Malone's Irish Pub, 575 South Fairfax Avenue, Los Angeles 90036 (near corner of 6th avenue)
* http://www.mollymalonesla.com/
* Hosted by Vincent Jones, Jim Kennedy and Mary Jack, la (at) drinkingliberally.org

Pasadena
* Every Tuesday, 7:30-10:00 pm
* Madeleine's Wine Bistro, 1030 E Green St (between Wilson and Catalina)
* We'll start out in the wine bar, then move out to the front patio.
* Hosted by Asa Hopkins, pasadena (at) drinkingliberally.org

San Fernando Valley
* First and third Thursday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
* The White Harte Pub, 22456 Ventura Blvd, Woodland Hills (Two blocks west of Shoup Ave.)
* Hosted by Andy Beaton and Jon Hytowitz, sfv (at) drinkingliberally.org

Westside
* Fourth Wednesday of each month, 7:00-9:00 pm
* Cock and Bull Pub, 2947 Lincoln Blvd, Santa Monica
* Hosted by Vincent Jones, Mary Jack, Robert Coyner, Gisele Perez, Jeremy Bloom, Tami Reiss, Marc Saltzberg and Jim Kennedy, westsidela (at) drinkingliberally.org

Monterey, California
* First Wednesday of each month, 6:30 pm onward
* Ol' Factory Cafe, 1725 Contra Costa St (In Sand City, off of Del Monte Blvd)
* http://www.olfactorycafe.com/
* Please note that The Ol' Factory Cafe currently only takes cash and local checks.
* Hosted by Annie Ho, monterey (at) drinkingliberally.org

Santa Ana
* Every Thursday, 8:30 pm onward
* Memphis Bar, 201 N Broadway (Artists Village)
* Hosted by Mike Lawson, orangecounty (at) drinkingliberally.org

Rancho Santa Margarita
* Every Thursday, 7:00 pm onward
* Canyon Fireside Grille, 22312 El Paseo
* Hosted by Gary Kephart, rsm (at) drinkingliberally.org

Huntington Beach
* First and third Thursday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
* Oggi's Pizza & Brewing Co. - Out Back On The Patio, 19461 Main St
* Next Meeting will be on Thursday November 15th
* Hosted by Scott McKown and Louise Stewardson, huntingtonbeach (at) drinkingliberally.org

Sacramento, California
* Second Thursday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
* BJs Restaurant and Brewery, 3531 N Freeway Blvd (Natomas)
* Come check out our new venue and meet some new people!
* Hosted by Leslie Simmons, sacramento (at) drinkingliberally.org

San Diego, California
* Every other Tuesday, 7:30 pm onward
* Nunu's Cocktail Lounge, 3537 5th Ave (Between Brookes and Ivy Ln)
* We will also be meeting periodically at Firehouse in Pacific Beach for special editions of Drinking Liberally. 722 Grand Avenue Pacific Beach, CA 92109
* Hosted by Jesse Rubin and Jason Miller, sandiego (at) drinkingliberally.org

San Francisco
* Every Monday, 7:00-9:00 pm
* Nickie's, 466 Haight Street (between Fillmore & Webster) (Look for our red, white and blue striped bottle!)
* Hosted by Susan Harrison, sf (at) drinkingliberally.org

Oakland
* Second and fourth Wednesday of each month, 6:00 - 9:00 PM
* Luka's Taproom & Lounge, 2221 Broadway
* Join us for the Eating Liberally Oakland Brunch at Luka's
* Hosted by Cyril Allen and Philip Combs, oakland (at) drinkingliberally.org

Napa
* First and third Monday of each month, 5:00-6:30 pm
* Compadre's, 505 Lincoln Ave
* Hosted by Mick Winter and Lauren Coodley, napa (at) drinkingliberally.org


San Luis Obispo, California
* First and third Wednesday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
* The Graduate, 990 Industrial Way
* Hosted by Lorrie Toles and Sergio Monge, slo (at) drinkingliberally.org

Santa Barbara, California
* Every Wednesday, 8 pm - 10 pm
* Elsie's Bar, 117 W de la Guerra St (behind Paseo Nuveo Mall)
* Elsie's is 21+ and cash only
* Hosted by Daryl Chrisman and Bart Woolery, santabarbara (at) drinkingliberally.org

Santa Clarita, California
* Second Wednesday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
* Mulligans, 25848 Tournament Rd (Near Cal Arts)
* Hosted by Michael Cruz, Bill Bailey and Minerva Williams, santaclarita (at) drinkingliberally.org

Santa Cruz, California
* First Tuesday of each month, 8:00 pm onward
* Cafe Pergolesi, 418 Cedar St (In the orange room to the right and back)
* Hosted by Brandon Smith and Natalie Rojas, santacruz (at) drinkingliberally.org

Stockton, California
* Third Friday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
* Stockton Grand Hotel, 2323 Grand Canal Blvd (Front of Bar)
* Grand Hotel tel. 209-957-9090
* Joel's Cell: 209-351-3397
* Hosted by Joel Carignan, stockton (at) drinkingliberally.org

Ventura, California
* Second and fourth Wednesday of each month, 8:00 pm
* JJ Brewsky's, now and forever, 2344 Ventura Blvd, Camarillo (in the heart of Old Town Camarillo)
* Join us every second and fourth Wednesdays at 8:00 PM for a pint and some politics!
* Heather, Marie, Mark and Brian
* Hosted by Heather Schmidt, Marie Davis, Mark Eggertsen and Brian Mack, ventura (at) drinkingliberally.org

NEW YORK STATE FOCUS: Groups and Events

Here are events and groups in NY State:

Global Marine Renewable Energy Conference
April 17th-18th

http://www.globalmarinerenewable.com

New York, New York
Millennium Broadway Hotel

The Global Marine Renewable Energy Conference will convene international and U.S.-based leaders and innovators to exchange the latest information on marine renewable energy. Speakers include experts from the IEA-OES, U.S. federal and state government leaders, and other recognized industry representatives on the cutting-edge of this growing business area.

Don't miss cutting-edge dialogue on:

- The performance results of marine renewable technology demonstrations
- Evolution of permitting (consent processes) and siting in various countries
- The most effective financing instruments and public subsidies
- Understanding and mitigating potential environmental risks and future studies

Explore and exchange knowledge on best practices from international experts, including our moderators and keynote speakers:

- Dr. Dan Arvizu, Director, U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Technology Laboratory
- Dr. Robert Thresher, Director, National Wind Technology Center, U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory
- Robert LaBelle, Director, Department of Interior’s Mineral Management Service
- Roger Bedard, Ocean Energy Leader, Electric Power Research Institute
- Gouri Bhuyan, Chairman of the IEA-OES and Principle Advisor, Alternative Energy, Powertech Labs Inc.
- Ed Feo, Millbank and Tweed
- Michael O’Connell, Stoel Rivers, LLP
- Matt Simmons, Chairman, Simmons & Company International

Panelists on our Executive Overview panel include:

- George Hagerman, Virginia Tech
- Keith Martin, Chadbourne & Park
- Carolyn Elefant, OREC
- Bonnie Ram, Energetics Incorporated

Visit our website for more information: www.globalmarinerenewable.com
Sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact: CS@energetics.com

Phillipstown for Democracy Demonstration against the War in Iraq
Every Saturday at the intersection of Route 9 and 9D from 12-2. For information contact Connie Hogart at conart1_at_optonline.net

Mountaintop to Tap Exhibit Reception at the Queens Museum of Art
Friday, May 16
Mountaintop to Tap exhibit reception at the Queens Museum of Art in Flushing Meadows Park: http://www.queensmuseum.org/
The exhibit will be in the space with the Panorama.

Film Screening - Flow for the Love of Water
April 17, 2008

Screening of a new Sundance documentary
Flow for the Love of Water
The Linda at Quail and Central, Albany, NY
http://flowthefilm.com/

There will be panel discussion following the screening.

Riverkeeper Honors Patty Smyth McEnroe and John McEnroe
Tuesday, May 13th
Cocktails 6:30 PM
Dinner 7:30 PM

This year Riverkeeper proudly honors Patty Smyth McEnroe and John McEnroe at our Annual Dinner on the Hudson at Pier Sixty, Chelsea Piers.

For more information, please contact Teresa Walsh at Riverkeeper
(914) 478-4501, ext. 243


DEMOCRACY FOR NYC MEETINGS:
First Wednesday of every month

Upper West Side, The Parlour, 250 West 86th(btwn Broadway & West End), with host Merle McEldowney,7pm

West Village, Kettle of Fish, 59 Christopher St. (near 7thAve.) with host Abhishek Mistry,7pm

Astoria, Queens, at Sanford Diner, 30-13 Broadway, with hosts Costa Constantinides and Jeremiah Frei-Pearson.Note: this Linkup will begin at 7:30.

Sunnyside, Queens, at The Grind, 39-24 Queens Blvd. in the back room, with host Dan Jacoby. Note: this Linkup will begin at 7:30.

Bayside, Queens, The First Edition, 41-08 Bell Blvd, right near the LIRR stop, with host Steve Behar of Democrats for New Politics, 7pm

Park Slope, Brooklyn, Ozzies, 249 Fifth Avenue with host Josh Skaller, 7pm

Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, Wycoff Bennett Homestead, 1669East 22nd Street, 7pm with host Annette Mont


DRINKING LIBERALLY MEETINGS IN NY STATE:

Clifton Park, New York
* First Wednesday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
* Old Dublin Inn, 130 Meyer Rd (Google maps is wrong, please contact me for directions.)
* Hosted by Chris Selkirk, cliftonpark (at) drinkingliberally.org

Ithaca, New York
* Every Wednesday, 6:30 pm onward
* Felicia's Atomic Lounge, 508 W State St
* Hosted by Joseph Cannon Murtagh, ithaca (at) drinkingliberally.org


New York City, New York:

The Original Drinking Liberally
* Every Thursday, 7:30 pm onward
* Rudy's, 627 9th Ave (between 44th and 45th)
* In the backyard, weather permitting
* Hosted by Justin Krebs, Matthew O'Neill and Katrina Baker, nyc (at) drinkingliberally.org

Drinking Liberally Steps Out
* Third Tuesday of each month, 7:00-9:00 pm
* XES Lounge, 157 W 24th St (@ 7th Avenue)
* In conjunction with the Stonewall Democrats of New York City www.sdnyc.org.
* Hosted by Matthew Carlin and Greg Rae, outnyc (at) drinkingliberally.org

Harlem
* Second Wednesday of each month), 6:30 pm onward
* Soundz Lounge, 3155 Broadway (between 123rd and 124th)
* Hosted by Yolanda (Shoshi) Shoshana, harlem (at) drinkingliberally.org

Park Slope
* Second Wednesday of each month, 7:30-10:00 pm
* Commonwealth, 497 5th Ave (at 12th Street)
* Hosted by Anthony Accurso, Emilie Harkin and Emily Farris, parkslope (at) drinkingliberally.org

Queens
* Fourth Wednesday of each month, 7:30 pm onward
* Bohemian Hall and Beer Garden, 29-19 24th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11102 (group of young liberals taking up one lane)
* Hosted by Donald Graff, queens (at) drinkingliberally.org

Upper East Side
* Last Tuesday of each month, 7:30 pm onward
* Doc Watson's, 1490 2nd Ave (at 77th)
* Hosted by Matthew Bachiochi, ues (at) drinkingliberally.org

West Bronx
* First and third Friday of each month, 7:30 pm onward
* An Beal Bocht, 445 W 238th St (between Waldo and Greystone)
* 1 to 238th, turn left, straight on 238th, just past the top of the stairs
* Hosted by Jamin Sewell and Scott Kennedy, westbronx (at) drinkingliberally.org

Rochester, New York
* Every Thursday, 8:00-10:00 pm
* Monty's Korner, 355 East Ave
* Hosted by Tom Tucker and Tracy Logan, rochester (at) drinkingliberally.org

And then we have: Shooting Liberally
Tuesday, Feb 19
From your friends at Drinking Liberally comes the debut of SHOOTING LIBERALLY...

For the First Amendment enthusiast ready to move on to the Second. A social evening at the gun range including training & weapon rental.

For more info and to reserve your spot, contact: Stanley Sherman - maskarts (at) worldnet.att.net

NEW JERSEY FOCUS: Blue Radio, Impeachment, Groups and Events

Every Saturday Morning: Blue Jersey Radio
Saturdays 10:30 - 11:00

Listen Live every Saturday morning from 10:30a-11:00a - or download the podcast anytime to listen to the latest hot topics, gossip and opinion on New Jersey politics with hosts Jeff Gardner and Jay Lassiter.

Click here to listen!

Weekly Impeachment Rally in Butler City:
Support your country 4:30-6:30 p.m. every Monday on Highway 23 North in Butler!
Bring your HONK 2 IMPEACH! signs and flags to the Butler footbridge that spans over Highway 23. We display our signs and flags from the footbridge and along the highway. Be sure to bring water and a sun hat! Directions are easy: click Intersection of Cascade Way & State Rte. 23 North, Butler, NJ 07405. When you approach driving northbound, there will be a traffic light with Cascade Way on the southbound side of the highway. Be in the right lane, go through the intersection and turn right immediately into a small parking area. There's a safe grassy place where we can stand along the highway, in addition to the footbridge where we hang our huge sign. We don't show when it rains. See YOU Monday afternoon! Contact Vigil Organizer


Here are a few upcoming events in New Jersey:

SOUTH JERSEY: MONTHLY ACTIVISM ORGANIZING MEETING
Tuesday FEB 27th at 7:30 pm. Joint Event/Meeting with Progressive Democrats of South Jersey and Democracy For America
Location: Hadden Twnshp Branch Library. 15 MacArthur Blvd, Westmonth, NJ 08108.

South Jersey: CITIZENS EMPOWERMENT TRAINING
Saturday March 10th from 10:30 - 12:30. FREE.
Learn how to run for a local committee seat to represent your neighborhood!
Please RSVP here or email : roses4joanne_at_snip.net

Reversing Environmental Damage and Improving Public Health with the Precautionary Principle
March 3rd, 9 AM until 4:45 PM

A Conference Presented By The Environmental Education Fund
The Environmental Studies Program of Seton Hall University
with support from The Science and Environmental Health Network

Seton Hall University
400 South Orange Avenue
South Orange, NJ 07079

Main Lounge: University Center
For more info and agenda, click here.


New Jersey for Democracy:
Here are the local Democracy for America groups in New Jersey:

North Jersey -

Bergen County
Ethical Culture Society
687 Larch Ave
Teaneck, NJ 07666
RSVP at www.dfalink.com/bergen

Essex County
Cryan's Beef & Ale House
24 First Street
South Orange, NJ 07079
RSVP at www.dfalink.com/essex

Hudson County
The Hard Grove Cafe
319 Grove St.
Jersey City, NJ 07302
201-451-1853
RSVP at www.dfalink.com/hudson
(First Wednesday of the Month, 7:30pm)

Morris County
Morris County Democratic Headquarters
11 Washington St
Morristown, NJ 07960
RSVP at www.dfalink.com/morris

Passaic County
Puzo's Restaurant (Upstairs)
4 Garfield Ave.
Hawthorne, NJ 07506
RSVP at www.dfalink.com/passaic
(First Thursday of the Month)

Union County
Rockin Joe Cafe
20 Prospect Street
Westfield, NJ 07090
908-232-1660
RSVP at Union Meetup

Warren County
MS Health Software Corp
605 Grand Ave.
Hackettstown, NJ
RSVP at www.dfalink.com/nwnj

Central Jersey -

Hunterdon County
Friendly Grounds Coffee
36 Mine St.
Flemington, NJ
908-788-8983
RSVP at www.dfalink.com/hunterdon

Mercer County
Carl A Fields Center
86 Olden Street
(Corner of Olden St and Prospect Ave on Princeton Univ campus)
Princeton, NJ
RSVP at www.dfalink.com/mercercounty
(please check DFA-Link for schedule)

Middlesex County
Panera Bread
1551 Route 1 South
Edison, NJ 08837
(732) 516-1611
RSVP at www.dfalink.com/middlesexNJ

Monmouth County
Racioppi's Kitchen
107 Oakland St. (at the train station at Bridge Ave.)
Red Bank, NJ
(917) 863-2408
RSVP at www.dfalink.com/monmouth

Somerset County
Somerset County Complex
40 North Bridge St. (off of High)
Somerville, NJ
RSVP at Somerset Meetup
(Second or Third Tuesday of the Month)

South Jersey -

Camden County
Haddon Township Library
15 MacArthur Blvd
Westmont, NJ 08108
856-854-2752
RSVP at Progressive Democracy South Jersey
4th Tues. of month

Gloucester County
RSVP at Democracy for Gloucester County
(Please check DFA-Link for date & location)

Ocean County
Joshua Huddy Brew Pub and Grill
1250 Hooper Ave.
Toms River
RSVP at www.dfalink.com/oceancounty
(First Tuesday of the Month)

Cape May County Federation of Democratic Women Meeting
Sam DiVico Senior Center
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
Join the Cape May County Federation of Democratic Women to discuss important local, state and federal issues. All are encouraged to join!

2nd Thursday of every month.
7:00pm
Sam DiVico Senior Center
Romney Place
Cape May Court House, NJ 08210

For more information, please contact:
Virginia Hesel
609-884-5848

Drinking Liberally:

For the more social and fun-oriented (and booze oriented), there's Drinking Liberally. Here are the New Jersey Drinking Liberally Chapters:

Hillsborough, New Jersey
* Second and fourth Wednesday of each month, 8:00 pm onward
* Petrock's Bar and Grill, 419 Amwell Rd (at Amwell and 206)
* Hosted by Matthew Dawson, hillsborough (at) drinkingliberally.org

Montclair, New Jersey
* Second Thursday of each month, 7:30 pm onward
* Just Jake's, 30 Park Street (b/t Bloomfield & Claremont)
* We meet in the REAR DINING ROOM. Turn left after entering, go past the juke box, bar and W.C.
* Ample parking in municipal lot next to Just Jake's (free after 7 pm)
* ** Mtclair DL ON THE ROAD, TUES, NOV 13, from 8PM at PAUL'S BAR & BOWLING, 377 CROOKS AVE, PATERSON, NJ (973) 278-1982 http://local.yahoo.com/details?id=10780514 **THIS IS AN ADDITIONAL MEETING, WE STILL HAVE OUR USUAL 2nd THURSDAY
* Hosted by Kevin Kelly and Dan Evans Farkas, montclair (at) drinkingliberally.org

Morristown
* Third Thursday of each month, 8:00 pm onwards
* Hennessey's Tavern, 140 Morris St (Corner of Elm & Morris, next to the train station)
* There's plenty of public parking behind train station or on Elm Street.
* Come on by & raise a pint with other fun loving local progressive's! Hope to see you there...
* Hosted by Jim Long, Chip Robinson, David Cochran and Linda Humphries, morristown (at) drinkingliberally.org


Dover
* First Thursday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
* The Hop, 14 N Morris St
* Hosted by Jim Long, Chip Robinson, Dave Cochran and Linda Humphries, dovernj (at) drinkingliberally.org

New Brunswick, New Jersey
* Second and fourth Wednesday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
* Doll's Place, 101 Paterson St (corner of Paterson & Joyce Kilmer)
* Hosted by Bob Scardapane and Chris Swasey, newbrunswick (at) drinkingliberally.org

Pennsauken, New Jersey
* First and third Wednesday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
* Kings Row Sports Bar and Billiards, 6030 S Crescent Blvd (Route 130 N)
* Hosted by Art Williams and Denise Williams, pennsauken (at) drinkingliberally.org

Toms River, New Jersey
* First Tuesday of each month, 8:00 pm onward
* Joshua Huddy Brew Pub, 1250 Hooper Ave (across from Ocean County Mall)
* Hosted by Robin Kinlin and Ian Valentine, tomsriver (at) drinkingliberally.org

TEXAS FOCUS: Alternative Energy, Rick Noriega for Senate, Groups and Events

Here are some groups and events in Texas:

College Democrats of Midland, TX
Start: 21 Feb 2008 - 12:00pm
End: 21 Feb 2008 - 1:00pm

College Democrats Meeting
Thursday, February 21 at 12:00 PM
Midland College (Midland, TX)
3600 N Garfield ST
Midland, TX 79705

Motivating the youth vote in the heart of Bush Country.
Host: ANNIE Brackens

Obama 2008, San Marcos, TX
Start: 21 Feb 2008 - 6:45pm
End: 21 Feb 2008 - 9:00pm

Get out the vote for Obama in Texas
Thursday, February 21 at 6:45 PM
1000 W. Bluebonnet
San Marcos, TX 78666

Everyone is welcome, whether they support Obama or Clinton. However, my primary purpose is to bring out the vote for Obama. I'll have the debate on the radio, but I do not have a television.

Host: Jeffrey Dell
Contact Phone: 512.618.7519


Here is a special Democratic Presidential Fundraiser in Dallas:

Presidential Fundraising Party for the Democratic presidential candidates
March 2nd, 2008, 7:00PM - 10:00PM
Adolphus Hotel
1321 Commerce Street, Dallas, Texas

Proceeds go to their campaigns.
Sign up and help us take over the White House in November!
For more info contact March-on.org


Now some events for Rick Noriega's run for Senate:

Meet Rick Noriega, candidate for Texas Senate:

Rick to attend Meet Up
Fort Sam Houston 01/27/08, 3pm
Location: 1804 E Walters St, Off IH35 and Walters St, near Fort Sam Houston

Corpus Christi: breakfast with state representatives
Corpus Christi 01/28/08, 7:30am
Where: Executive Surf Club, 309 Water St.

Robstown: coffee and doughnuts
Robstown 1/28/08, 9:30am
Where: Nueces County -- Oak Pavilion, 415 Mainor Rd.

McAllen: State of the Union Rally McAllen 01/28/08, 6pm
Location: Cine el Rey, 311 S 17th St.

Weslaco: meet with local veterans Weslaco 01/29/08, 10am
Location: Weslaco City Hall, 255 S Kansas Ave.

Edinburg: lunch meet w/local leaders Edinburg 01/29/08, 12pm
Location: The Social Club, 205 Conquest Blvd.

Zapata: rally with local citizens Zapata 01/29/08, 5:30pm
Location: Holiday Inn Express, 1675 S US Highway

Laredo: meet and greet and GOTV event Laredo 01/29/08, 7:30pm
Location: Phillip V Room, La Posada Hotel, 1000 Zaragosa St.

Eagle Pass: breakfast, meet with local citizens Eagle Pass 01/30/08, 8:30am
Location: Cactus Steak House, 1916 E Main St., Eagle Pass

Del Rio: meet with local citizens Del Rio 01/30/08, 10:30am
Location: Falcon International Bank, 504 S Main St.

Uvalde: meet with local citizens Uvalde 01/30/08, 12:30pm
Location: Uvalde County Courthouse

Hondo: meet with veterans and local citizens Hondo 01/30/08, 3:30pm
Location: Medina County courthouse steps

San Antonio: Bexar County headquarters grand opening San Antonio 01/30/08, 6pm
Location: Noriega Campaign Headquarters, 7121 New Highway 90, Ste. 214

Here are some alternative energy related events coming up in Texas:


How about some alternative energy events...Texas isn't ALL about oil:

Wind Energy Institute 2008
Tue Feb 19, 2008 7:30 AM - Wed Feb 20, 2008 6:00 PM
Presented by The University of Texas School of Law and The Oil, Gas and Energy Resources Law Section of the State Bar of Texas

Austin Convention Center

Standard Registration - $495 | $545 after Feb. 8, 2008
State Employees - $325 | $375 after Feb. 8, 2008

Exhibitor Space Available!
For more information call 512-475-6700.

Windpower 2008 Conference & Exhibition
WINDPOWER 2008 Conference & Exhibition will be held June 1 - 4, 2008 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas.

EXHIBITION
The Exhibiton at WINDPOWER 2008 will be an impressive display from close to 500 of the leading companies from all facets of the wind energy industry. Exhibitor reservations are currently being accepted - book now to ensure a prime location!

CONFERENCE PROGRAM
The WINDPOWER conference program includes 300 speakers and moderators, 150 poster presentations, and over 50 sessions on leading wind energy topics organized into tracks with policy, business, and technical focuses. There is no better place to learn the latest industry developments and new technology than WINDPOWER 2008. Attendees can also participate in several day-long pre-conference seminars for more in-depth education on various topics. The Call for Papers will be available in the summer of 2007 for anyone interested in becoming a speaker or poster presenter at WINDPOWER 2008. For more information, contact Sakura Emerine at semerine@awea.org or (202) 383-2540.

NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES
Whether you are an industry veteran, or a newcomer to this exciting field, interaction with over 7,000 wind energy professionals is key to advancing your business interests. With various receptions, a conference dinner, and numerous meal functions included in the conference schedule, you are sure to catch up with existing colleagues and make many new contacts.

And here are some political meetings:

College Democrats of Midland, TX

Start: 21 Feb 2008 - 12:00pm
End: 21 Feb 2008 - 1:00pm

College Democrats Meeting
Thursday, February 21 at 12:00 PM
Midland College (Midland, TX)
3600 N Garfield ST
Midland, TX 79705

Motivating the youth vote in the heart of Bush Country.

Host: ANNIE Brackens

Obama 2008, San Marcos, TX
Start: 21 Feb 2008 - 6:45pm

Get out the vote for Obama in Texas

1000 W. Bluebonnet
San Marcos, TX 78666

Everyone is welcome, whether they support Obama or Clinton. However, my primary purpose is to bring out the vote for Obama. I'll have the debate on the radio, but I do not have a television.

Host: Jeffrey Dell
Contact Phone: 512.618.7519

Plano Democrats Fellowship Gathering
Friday, April 11, 18:30
Where: TBA - Plano TX 75074
For more info: office@collindems.us
Join area Democrats for an evening of conversation, food, and friendship


Here are the Texas Drinking Liberally groups for those who like to socialize with fellow Liberals:

Austin, Texas
* Every Tuesday, 6:30 pm onward
* The Dog and Duck Pub, 406 W 17th St (at Guadalupe)
* Hosted by Ben Andrews, austin (at) drinkingliberally.org

Corpus Christi, Texas
* Third Thursday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
* Cassidy's Irish Pub, 601 N Water St
* Hosted by Teresa Klein and Jim Klein, corpuschristi (at) drinkingliberally.org


Dallas
* Second Friday of each month, 6:00 pm onward
* The Stoneleigh P, 2926 Maple Ave (at Wolf across from the historic Stoneleigh Hotel)
* Check out our blog for announcements of Eating Liberally, Screening Liberally, Drinking Coffee Liberally and other nonsmoker-friendly gatherings. Also, please "friend" us at MySpace.com/DallasDrinkingLiberally.
* Hosted by Melissa Morgan, dallas (at) drinkingliberally.org

Addison
* Third Thursday of each month, 6pm until 8pm
* The Quarter, 15201 Addison Rd (next to Sambuca)
* http://www.myspace.com/addisondl
* There is road construction! However, Addison Rd is now re-opened in both directions for the time being.
* Hosted by John McClelland and Erica Stockbridge, addison (at) drinkingliberally.org

Mid-Cities
* First and third Wednesday of each month, 6:30 pm onward
* Esparza's Tequila Factory and Grill, 3314 Harwood Rd, Bedford
* Hosted by Kathleen Thompson and Todd Hill, midcities (at) drinkingliberally.org


El Paso, Texas
* Third Tuesday of each month, 6:00 pm to 8:00pm
* Hemmingways, 214 Cincinnati Ave
* Hosted by Michael Apodaca and Lily Ruiz, elpaso (at) drinkingliberally.org

Houston, Texas
* First Thursday of each month, 7 PM onward
* Dog House Tavern, 2517 Bagby St
* TRYING SOMETHING NEW. GOING TO MEET 1ST THURS FOR A FEW MONTHS.
* Visit or post on the Houston forum: http://drinkingliberally.org/forum/viewforum.php?f=6
* Hosted by David Robertson, houston (at) drinkingliberally.org


New Braunfels, Texas
* Third Wednesday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
* The Black Whale, On the Plaza in Downtown New Braunfels
* Hosted by Steve Woolbert and Greg Woodall, newbraunfels (at) drinkingliberally.org

San Antonio, Texas
* Second and fourth Thursday of each month, 6:00 pm onward
* The Cove, 606 W Cypress St (The Cove is located just west of San Pedro, where Cypress runs into Fredericksburg.)
* Hosted by Bill Livermore, Livi Bogrand and Ned Allen, sanantonio (at) drinkingliberally.org

Waxahachie, Texas
* Every Thursday, 6:30 pm
* Library Lounge, downstairs in the Rogers Hotel, 100 E Main St (Take the elevator or stairs from lobby)
* Location changes from time to time. Be on the email for updates!
* Food available; no smoking. Conversation-friendly environment!
* Hosted by Nathalie Guyol, waxahachie (at) drinkingliberally.org

ARIZONA FOCUS: Progressive Candidates, Groups and Events

Here are some candidates for office in Arizona I would like to introduce you to (all are endorsed by Progressive Majority):

Corey Woods
Candidate for Tempe City Council - At Large (Challenger)



Corey Woods is running for the non-partisan Tempe City Council. Corey ran unsuccessfully for this position in 2005 and has since become more involved in the community by serving on the City of Tempe's Transportation Commission, the Boards of Directors for the Boys and Girls Clubs, Communities in Schools, Kiwanis Club of Tempe, and Tempe Community Action Agency. This spring's election will include three city council seats and the mayor's seat, with two incumbents on the council running for reelection. Two of Corey's opponents are insurance agents who would represent the insurance lobby on the council. Corey, if elected, will be the first African American to serve on the council of Tempe.

Click here to support and learn more about Corey.

Don Jorgensen
Candidate for Arizona State Assembly - District 26 (Open Seat)
Northern Tuscon and Oro Valley



Don Jorgensen, Ph.D., is running for an open seat in the Arizona House of Representatives Legislative District 26. He is a small business owner who serves on the Board of the Compass Healthcare Foundation and the Tucson/Pima County Commission on Addiction, Prevention, and Treatment. He has also served on the Arizona State Board of Behavioral Health Examiners, the YMCA of Metropolitan Tucson and is the former President of Great Tucson Leadership. In 2006, farm team member Lena Saradnik picked up this seat for the Democrats when an ultraconservative Republican emerged from the primary. Three Republicans have filed to run at this time; two are far right-wingers and one is positioning himself as a moderate.

Click here to support and learn more about Don.

Marquisha Griffin
Candidate for Maricopa City Council - At Large (Challenger)



Marquisha Griffin is a 32-year-old candidate seeking a seat on the nonpartisan Maricopa City Council. If elected, she will be the only female and the only person of color on the city council. Three seats are open on the council - two incumbents are seeking re-election and six additional candidates have filed. Marquisha is currently serving her third term on the City of Maricopa Planning and Zoning Commission. She volunteers at local charity events and city sponsored activities and is currently employed by the City of Mesa as a City Council Assistant to its council. The incumbent, Kelly Haddad, may be removed from the ballot for soliciting nominating petition signatures from city employees at city hall.

Click here to support and learn more about Marquisha.


Here are some Groups and Events in Arizona:

Monthly Meeting - District 17 Democrats - Pyle Center
When: second Tuesday of every month, 6:30 PM
Where: 655 E Southern Ave, Tempe, AZ

Northeast Phoenix Women in Blue
Monthly at 6:30 PM on the second Monday of each month at The Market Place, 777 Thunderbird, Phoenix

District 20 Democrats Meeting
Monthly at 7:00 PM on the second Monday of each month at the Ahwatukee Fire House

For more info go here: http://ld20.maricopademocrats.org/

Distroct 10 Democrats Meeting
Monthly at 7:00 PM on the first Thursday of each month at the Denny's at I17 & Dunlap


And for those who are interested in combining social events and politics, here are the Drinking Liberaly events in Arizona:

Flagstaff, Arizona
* Second Thursday of each month, 6:00-8:00 pm
* Bigfoot Bar-B-Q, 120 N Leroux St (basement of Old Town Shops)
* Hosted by Andy Stevenson and George Castleberry, flagstaff (at) drinkingliberally.org

Phoenix
* Every other Thursday, 5:30-9:00 pm
* Rosie McCaffrey's Irish Pub, 906 E Camelback Rd (9th St & Cameback on the North Side)
* http://www.rosiemccaffreys.com/index.htm
* Hosted by Stuart Dollar, phoenix (at) drinkingliberally.org

Scottsdale
* First Saturday of each month, 5:30 to 8:30
* Epicurean Wine Bar, 7101 E Thunderbird Rd (Southwest corner of Scottsdale Rd & T'bird)
* On T'bird at the west end of the retail area. It's tucked away and not hugely visible from the road.
* Starting in February, we will be meeting the first Saturday of each month.
* Please join us for a quick drink or the entire evening as we unite in promoting democracy one pint at a time! Cheers!!!
* Hosted by Vicki Billing, Susan Fletcher and Maureen Young, scottsdale (at) drinkingliberally.org

Tucson, Arizona
* Every Thursday, 6:00 pm onward
* The Shanty, 401 E 9th St (Fourth Ave. at the underpass)
* Please visit our chapter's web site for schedules, book club info, and more: http://arizona.typepad.com/drinkingliberally
* Hosted by Michael Bryan, Tasha Nelson and Shasta McManus, tucson (at) drinkingliberally.org

FLORIDA FOCUS: Christine Jennings, Groups and Events

Here are some Florida groups, events and chances to help out some good candidates.

Weekly Peace Vigil in Homosassa
Every Tuesday, 4:00 PM
Meet at Hardee's at Route 19 & Hall's River Road - Homosassa

Call Ed Murphy 382-0876 for more info

Weekly Peace Vigil in Inverness
Every Thursday, 5:00 PM
Old Citrus Courthouse

Call Beverly at 400-4174 for more info

Planned Parenthood Mixer
Join us at On Tapp Lounge for our monthly mixer with Planned Parenthood. On Tapp is located on New Haven Haven just before you go over the Melbourne Causeway on the left side.

We meet at 5:30 pm the 4th Tuesday of every month. Brevard NOW and Planned Parenthood will celebrate the 35th anniversary of Roe v Wade and discuss the 2008 plans for both our organization. For more info, please call Michele Paccione/President at 480-9295 or e-mail at shellymk1@aol.com
Organization: Brevard NOW
Event link: www.myspace.com/brevardnow

Sumter County Democratic Club
P.O. Box 1066 Wildwood, FL 34785
General Meeting at 7:00 p.m. on the 2nd Thursday of every month Sumterville Community Center

Tri-County Women's Democratic Club
General Meeting at 9:30 a.m. on the 1st Monday of every month at the Sumter County Sheriff's Annex on Highway 466 @ Morse Boulevard.

Charlotte County Democrats meeting
The Charlotte County Democratic Club meets on the second Saturday of every month. Please join us at 9:30 AM for coffee and snacks. The meeting starts at 10 AM. Location is the upstairs meeting room at the Public Library on Aaron Street in Port Charlotte. Call 743-5560 for directions or more info.

House Party for Christine Jennings in Bradenton
Mar 13 2008 - 10:00am - Mar 13 2008 - 11:30am
Bradenton, FL
Call our Campaign HQ at 941/366-8121 for more information.

Rollins College Youth Forum
This will be an event based around educating our youth voters on the issues that will comprise this next election. They are hoping to have speakers/representatives from both the Democratic and Republican Parties (even more specifically on certain candidates) to showcase their party's stance on each issue. The forum will be taking place at the beginning of March.

Time: Saturday, March 15 at 6:00 PM
Duration: 2 hours
Host: Brittany Fornof
Location:
Rollins College (Winter Park, FL)
1000 Holt Ave
Winter Park, FL 32789


House Party for Christine Jennings in Venice
Mar 20 2008 - 5:00pm - Mar 20 2008 - 6:30pm
Venice, FL
United States

Call our Campaign HQ at 941/366-8121 for more information.


Denim & Diamonds Gala Event (Fundraiser)
Seminole County Democrats will host a fundraising Gala event. We will be having country/western music, line dance lessons,poker & black jack tables, BBQ dinner,bar,silent auction and so much more.

Time: Saturday, May 3 at 7:00 PM
Duration: 5 hours
Host: Seminole County Democrats
Location: Lake Mary Event Center (Lake Mary, FL)


2008 Black Caucus Convention
The Democratic Black Caucus of Florida will host its 23rd Annual Convention May 15-17, 2008. Invited Guests: Presidential Candidates, National and State Elected Officials.

Time: Thursday, May 15 at 9:00 AM
Duration: 3 days
Host: Democratic Black Caucus of Florida
Contact Phone: 941-773-9177
Location:
Hyatt Hotel & Resorts (Sarasota, FL)
1000 BLVD of the ARTS
Sarasota, FL 34236


And for those interested in a more fun way to be liberal, here are Florida's Drinking Liberal groups:

Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
* Every Thursday, 7:00 pm onward
* Island Jack's Patio Bar and Grille, 5425 W Atlantic Blvd, Margate (just East of 441)
* Hosted by Jacqueline Hope Derby and Dave Pfeffer, ftlauderdale (at) drinkingliberally.org

Orlando, Florida
* Every Wednesday, 6:00 pm onward
* Johnny's Fillin' Station, 2706 S Ferncreek Ave (NE corner of Michigan and Fern Creek)
* Hosted by Dan Hill, orlando (at) drinkingliberally.or

Pensacola, Florida
* Every Thursday, 7:00 pm onward
* Intermission, 214 S Palafox St
* Hosted by Terry Welch, pensacola (at) drinkingliberally.org

Tallahassee, Florida
* Third Thursday of each month, 6:00 pm onward
* Gill's Tavern, 2545 North Monroe Street
* Hosted by Sharon Collins, tallahassee (at) drinkingliberally.org

South Tampa
* First Thursday of each month, 7:00 pm onward
* MacDintons Irish Pub, 405 S Howard Ave, Tampa (map)
* Hosted by Shadia Alame and Kirk Sander, southtampa (at) drinkingliberally.org

St. Petersburg
* Last Thursday of each month, 8:30 pm onward
* Limey's Pub, 1492 4th St N
* Hosted by Connor Davis and Dave Lee, stpetersburg (at) drinkingliberally.org

Brandon
* Every Thursday, 7:00 pm onward
* Old Chicago, 2042 Badlands Dr (Outside patio)
* Hosted by Joe Litton and Shirley Litton, brandon (at) drinkingliberally.org

Land O Lakes
* Second Tuesday of each month, 7:00-9:00 pm
* Rapscallions, 4422 Land O Lakes Blvd (US-41)
* Hosted by Brian Reach and Michael Greenman, landolakes (at) drinkingliberally.org

WISCONSIN FOCUS: Progressive Candidates, Groups and Events

Here are some Progressive candidates running in Wisconsin (all are endorsed by Progressive Majority):

Lena Taylor
Candidate for Milwaukee County Executive (Challenger)



State Senator Lena Taylor is a Milwaukee native who was first elected to the State Legislature as an Assemblywoman in 2003, and quickly ascended to the State Senate after winning a special election in 2004. Lena has championed progressive values for her entire political career, and currently serves as Vice-Chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin. Lena earned a Bachelor's Degree in English from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1990, and a law degree from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in 1993; she is a member of the Milwaukee Boy Scouts advisory board, the Girl Scouts of Milwaukee Area, the NAACP, and Urban League of Milwaukee. Her opponent, conservative incumbent Scott Walker, is rumored to run for Governor in 2010. If Lena wins, we can stop him now.

Click here to support and learn more about Lena. (I have donated to her campaign)

Daniel Cody
Candidate for Milwaukee County Board - District 15 (Challenger)



Dan Cody is an information technology administrator at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Dan is challenging current County Supervisor Lynne DeBruin, because of her alignment with conservative County Executive Scott Walker, who has continued to slash county services including cuts to transportation and closing all but two of the public pools. DeBruin is out of touch with the progressive area she represents, including parts of Milwaukee, where Dan resides. Dan is a member of American Federation of Teachers (AFT) Wisconsin, is active in his neighborhood association, and is also a well-regarded blogger commenting on national and local political issues.

Click here to support and learn more about Daniel.

Jan Balestreri
Candidate for Milwaukee County Board - District 9 (Challenger)

Jan is running for the Milwaukee County Board against ultra-conservative Paul Cesarz in the 9th district. Jan was recruited by AFSCME, and is an AFSCME member working in the County Transportation Department, where she drives snow plows. Jan ran for this seat unsuccefully four years ago. In her second attempt to win the seat, Jan started early - she'll work hard as a candidate, and Progressive Majority is right behind her.

Chris Kuester
Candidate for Milwaukee Common Council - District 13 (Challenger)



Chris Kuester is a resident of the South Side of Milwaukee who is challenging Terry Witkowski for his seat on the Milwaukee Common Council. Chris is the founding member of his neighborhood association and is running on a platform of responsive representation. The incumbent, Witkowski, voted against requiring prevailing wage on a key redevelopment project. Chris supports prevailing wage and, as a union plumber, he will be a strong voice for labor.

Janis Ringhand
Candidate for Rock County Board - District 1 (Open Seat)



Janis has been a member of our farm team since 2005 and, in 2006, she was a Progressive Majority candidate for the State House in the 80th Assembly District. Despite hard work and a valiant effort on her part, she came up short by less than 200 votes. Now, Janis is running for an open seat on the Rock County Board. Janis is a former mayor of Evansville and, if elected, she will hold a progressive seat in one of the more conservative parts of the county.

Jessica King
Candidate for Wisconsin State Senate - District 18 (Challenger)
Oshkosh, East Winnebago County



Progressive Majority in Wisconsin helped Jessica win election to the Oshkosh City Council in 2007, where she ran an aggressive race that unseated an incumbent. During that race she impressed us with her work ethic; she raised over $12,000 for her race and knocked thousands of doors. Jessica is now looking to move up and challenge Carol Roessler, a conservative member of the State Senate. This seat is one of our top targets for 2008 because an additional victory will bolster the one-seat majority in the State Senate. Jessica has attended Wellstone training and is a recent graduate of Emerge - an intense, eight month leadership development program for Democratic women. Jessica is a practicing attorney and is active on numerous community boards including the Boys and Girls Club and United Way.

Click here to support and learn more about Jessica.

Sandy Pasch
Candidate for Wisconsin State House - District 22 (Open Seat)
Fox Point, River Hills, Glendale, Whitefish Bay, Shorewood



Sandy Pasch is running in an open seat vacated by Democrat Sheldon Wasserman, who is running for the State Senate to challenge conservative Alberta Darling. The 22nd is a seat that Democrats must protect. Sandy Pasch entered the race early and has been campaigning aggressively. Sandy has attended Camp Wellstone and secured the endorsement of the Inspector of the Milwaukee County Sheriff's Department, the Milwaukee District Attorney, and many prominent progressive activists. Sandy is a registered nurse and 21-year resident of the 22nd district. She is married and has rasied three grown children. As a second job, Sandy teaches ethics, mental health, and community nursing at Columbia School of Nursing. She also serves on numerous community boards and works with the Milwaukee Police Department conducting training on how to effectively deal with people living with mental illness.

Click here to support and learn more about Sandy.

Paul Tubbs
Candidate for Wisconsin State House - District 34 (Challenger)
Oneida and Vilas Counties



Paul Tubbs is running for State Assembly in Wisconsin's 34th District. This will be Paul's second run for the 34th Assembly District. As latecomer to the 2006 election, despite having a small budget, he out-performed all other Democratic challengers who had run for this seat since 2000. This cycle we recruited Paul to run again. Paul is currently a member of the Rhinelander School Board, has worked as a school counselor for 34 years, is a member of Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC), and is a 30-year resident of his district. Paul owns a small business that has sold recreational equipment since 1988. His wife Cheryl is a teacher and they have three children.

Kristen Dexter
Candidate for Wisconsin State House - District 68 (Challenger)
Altoona, Eau Claire, Fall Creek



Kristen is running for the State Assembly in the 68th District, a top target for us in 2008. Kristen has lived in this district for 14 years and was elected to the Altoona School Board in 2002. She serves on the Regional Steering Committee for Health Literacy Wisconsin. She owned a small business working as a metalsmith for several years. She has been married for 15 years to David Dexter, a neurologist at Luther Midelfort/Mayo, and she is a mother of 3 children. Kristen was a star campaign volunteer for Pat Krietlow, a Progressive Majority candidate elected to the State Senate in 2006.

Dale Klemme
Candidate for Wisconsin State House - District 96 (Challenger)
Prairie du Chien, Gays Mills, Viroqua, Hillsboro



Dale Klemme is running for the 96th Assembly District seat - a top target for us in 2008. We identified and recruited Dale to run in the Spring of 2007. Dale is working to unseat Lee Nerison, a conservative Assembly member who has consistently voted along party lines. Dale is a community development planner who has lived in the district for 30 years, and his wife is the Mayor of Prarie du Chien. He is an active member of the Praire du Chien community, participating in the Praire du Chien Chamber and School Board. He is also a Vietnam veteran.

Click here to support and learn more about Dale.

Adam Warpinksi
Candidate for Brown County Board - District 1 (Incumbent)



Adam has been a member of our farm team since late 2005, and was successfully fielded by Progressive Majority to the Brown County Board in 2006. At 25 years old, Adam is currently the youngest member of the board. He is an organizer for the League of Conservation Voters, a partner organization and member of our Advisory Council. Adam has drawn two opponents for his strong progressive views. Adam is a great champion for progressive values, and Progressive Majority will stand with him against conservative attackers.

Dan Bertrand
Candidate for Brown County Board - District 13 (Challenger)

Dan Bertrand was recruited to run for the Brown County Board this fall by our recruitment task force. Dan is a retired warden and currently serves on multiple community boards. Dan doorbells daily and has a very aggressive field strategy to build a true grassroots campaign. Currently there are six progressives out of 19 seats on the board and Dan's election would bring us one step closer to a progressive majority.

Rob Zerban
Candidate for Kenosha County Board - District 5 (Challenger)



Rob Zerban is running for Kenosha County Supervisor as part of our strategy to put progressives on the Kenosha City Council, County Board and School Board in 2008. Rob is an enterpreneur who has started several tech companies in Illionis and Wisconsin. Rob was recruited by our Kenosha County Task Force in July 2007 to take on the conservatve incumbent who has an anti-labor and anti-environmental record. Rob has an aggressive campaign strategy and is going to run a great campaign.

Jennifer Jackson
Candidate for Kenosha County Board - District 20 (Incumbent)



Jennifer Jackson is the most outspoken progressive on the Kenosha County Board, and the lone progressive woman. She is leading our recruitment task force, and this year she has worked with us to recruit eight new candidates to Kenosha local elected positions. Jenn is a stay-at-home mom and a leader in the environmental community. She is currently serving in her third two-year term. Progressive Majority assisted Jenn in getting a conservative opponent removed from the ballot this cycle due to forged signatures and multiple other problems with his nomination papers; he is currently being investigate by the DA's office.

Tara Johnson
Candidate for La Crosse County Board - District 18 (Incumbent)

Tara Johnson was recruited to the Progressive Majority Farm Team in the fall of 2007 as a potential candidate for the State Senate in 2008 - however, she must win this race first. Tara is currently serving her second term on the La Crosse County Board and will face a challenger this spring. The Center for Responsible Government (GRC), a conservative anti-government organization, has been recruiting local candidates and its chairperson is running against Tara. Tara is the former executive director of United Way and currently a stay-at-home mom. On the La Crosse County Board, she is the chair of Health and Human Services Committee and Second Vice-Chair of the board. Tara is well respected and admired for her ability to fight for progressive values while building consensus among her peers.

Katie Kusnasik
Candidate for Rock County Board - District 29 (Challenger)



Katie Kusnasik is challenging a conservative member of the Rock County Board as part of a strategy to create a progressive majority in the next two election cycles. She is currently a legislative assistant to progressive Assembly Representative Michael Sheridan and specializes in constituent relationships. Katie is supported by United Auto Workers and the local Labor Council. Katie has attended training by Progressive Majority and this is her first run for public office.

Celestine Jeffreys
Candidate for Green Bay City Council - District 7 (Incumbent)



Celestine is currently one of Wisconsin's rising political stars and, because of her courageous progressive politics, she has drawn two challengers in this election. Celestine was elected to the Green Bay City Council and is currently the only woman and only person of color on the council. Progressive Majority recruited her in 2006, when she successfully won her first election. In her first term as Councilwoman, Celestine stood for the separation of church and state against a controversial ordinance that allowed a nativity scene to be placed a top City Hall. We need more progressive champions like Celestine, and her victory this spring is critically important for Wisconsin progressives.

Michael Orth
Candidate for Kenosha Common Council - District 5 (Challenger)



Michael is a lifelong Kenosha resident who is running his first campaign for elected office. Michael and his wife have two small children and are active members of the community. Both he and his wife are teachers in the Kenosha public schools - Michael teaches history and is very active in the local teachers union, as well as Wisconsin Education Association Council (WEAC), the Wisconsin chapter of the NEA. The current alderman is a conservative who voted to advance the building of a Super Wal-Mart, which drew much outrage within the community. Michael is a great candidate and we see him as a rising star in the progressive movement.

Click here to support and learn more about Michael.

Carl Bryan
Candidate for Kenosha Unified School Board - At Large (Challenger)



Carl is an eighteen year-old running for an At-Large seat on the Kenosha Unified School Board. He is currently working with our Farm Team member Rebecca Stevens, who is an elected School Board member. He is running a coordinated campaign with Michael Orth, who is also his high school history teacher. Carl attended Camp Wellstone in October 2007 with several of his campaign volunteers and is running a serious race despite his young age. Carl's ability to engage young voters in this race is very exciting.


Here are some Wisconsin Groups and Events:

Madison Veterans for Peace:
Website: http://www.madison.com/communities/madveteransforpeace/
February Monthly Meeting
Date: 2/20/2008

The February business meeting will be held at the Main Library in downtown Madison, 2nd floor, starting at 6pm. This month's business will include consideration of an annual budget and plans for 2008 programs and events. Guests are always welcome and need not be veterans.

March Monthly Meeting
Date: 3/19/2008

The March business meeting will be held at the Main Library in downtown Madison, 2nd floor, starting at 6pm. Guests are always welcome and need not be veterans.

Milwaukee County Democratic Club:
We meet on the fourth Monday of most months in the Hall of Fame Room of the Pettit National Ice Center at Wisconsin State Fair Park. We look forward to seeing you there!

Petitt National Ice Center
500 S. 84th St
Milwaukee, WI, 53214
United States

Ozaukee First Friday Forum
Mar 07 and May 2, 12:00 pm - 12:00 pm
First Friday Forums - public affairs breakfast forums co-sponsored by MATC-Mequon, UW-Extension and the Ozaukee County Board.

Held on the first Friday of every other month from 730am to 900 am at MATC-Mequon. $5 registration fee per session.
Additional information: Sandra Webster 262-238-2205/ websters@matc.edu

March 7, 2008: Land Preservation - How can we preserve Ozaukee's Rural Character.
May 2, 2008: Downtown Development-Reinventing Main Street

For the bicycilists in Madison, here's Critical Mass Madison:

Critical Mass is a movement (not an organization) that advocates for better transportation alternatives. Meets 5:30 PM, the last Friday of Every Month, no matter the weather. Gather where West Washington meets Capitol Square . Where the ride goes after that is decided by whoever shows up.


And for those who like to combine social events with politics, here are the Drinking Liberally Groups in Wisconsin:

Fitchburg, Wisconsin
* Second Thursday of each month, 5:30-7:00 pm
* Kelly's Grill, 2685 Research Park Dr
* Hosted by Alice Jenson and John Mosman, fitchburg (at) drinkingliberally.org

Sister Bay, Wisconsin
* Every Tuesday, 7:00 pm onward
* Shipwrecked Restaurant & Brewery, 7791 Egg Harbor Rd (Hwy 42), Egg Harbor (village center on Hwy 42)
* ALERT! We are currently on seasonal hiatus with our next gathering in May of 2008.
* Hosted by Dick Kaiser, sisterbay (at) drinkingliberally.org