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We, Democrats United for Progress, are dedicated to the spread of the ideals of freedom by offering hope to our community for a better life in Mendocino and Sonoma Counties and our nation, through leadership, education, creative ideas, progressive action and local and national activism. 

Election Countdown: Democrats Shift into High Gear
Want to make a difference in the direction of this country? So do we. This fall Democrats United for Progress is marshalling community passions, energies and resources to influence the outcome of one of the most important elections in recent history. The election of Barack Obama as President in November will bring us both hope and action to address this nation’s most confounding issues: the economy, wars, health, the environment, education…and American’s standing in the world. As we’ve learned the hard way, such vital actions need a Super-Majority in Congress.
Fall fund-raising events will include an evening to watch Obama’s acceptance speech on August 28. E-mail Linda Lambert at Linlambert@aol.com or call 785-1733 to RSVP.
On September 20, Wes Chesbro, the Democratic candidate for California’s lst Assembly District will attend a special event in his honor sponsored by Democrats United for Progress.
Another major event planned for the fall is an evening of exciting festivities at the Arena Theater. On October 10, singer and entertainer Holly Near will perform. Dynamic speaker and Vice-Chair of the Progressive Caucus of the California Democratic Party Ajamu Makalani will offer a rousing speech and local entertainer Texas Jon and a “cast of thousands” will ensure a fun and entertaining political night. Pre-event tickets will be sold for $27.00 at the usual venues and also sold the night of the event. Everyone is invited!
In addition, Democrats United for Progress is organizing an “invitation only” Gala Fundraising event at a private home in our area. This special event is for passionate Democrats interested in donating $250. or more to help elect a Super Majority in Congress.
Several voter registration events have already been held, most recently at the Art in the Redwoods. This fall, Sonoma and Mendocino county citizens will have an opportunity to register to vote in Pt. Arena at the high school, at the Holly Near Event at the theater on October 10, and in Gualala during the week of October 13-17 (Monday, 11:00-1:00; Tuesday, 4:00-6:00; Wednesday, 11:00-1:00; Thursday, 4:00-6:00; Friday, 11:00-1:00). If you have moved or didn’t vote in the last general election, keep in mind that October 20 is the cut-off date for registration.
All funds raised from this fall’s fundraising events will be distributed to congressional candidates who are in particularly challenging races and need our support. Since our own congressional candidates are more secure, starting the weekend of September 13-14, local members will begin spending some of their weekends in Congressman Jerry McNerney’s Dublin, California, campaign headquarters working for his re-election. On September 22, we will initiate our “Get Out the Vote” phone-banking effort to help ensure victory in November.
On election night we will gather to celebrate Democratic victories as the nation turns away from eight disastrous years and welcomes a hopeful and productive future!
 

On March 20,  Deborah Dobish, regional campaign manager for Barack Obama (www.barackobama.com) spoke with a crowd of enthusiastic Democrats gathered at the Community Center.  Deborah emphasized 3 things about Obama’s philosophy: 1) His progressive coalition 2) The Urgency of Now, 3) His belief that organization and coalition is more important than programs right now. The “Urgency of Now,” a theme of Martin Luther King as well, means we can’t wait…there is too much at stake: the war in Iraq, the economy, health care, the environment, education, our standing in the world…

Deborah Dobish, and last month’s speaker, superdelegate Rachel Binah, joined our members in stressing the importance of: 

• Getting people registered to vote, especially young people

• Electing a Democratic majority in Congress

We can’t wait to claim a Democratic victory in the fall regardless of the candidate. Join us now.

Rachel Binah, DNC Member and Super Delegate,
Speaks to Democrats United for Progress

Binah (see photo) spoke to a full house of excited Democrats at the Gualala Community Center on February 28.  Accompanied by Heidi Dickersen, Assistant to Representative Mike Thompson, the two women responded to the growing interest in Super Delegates and the coming election.  Here are a few highlights…

What is a Super Delegate?  Super Delegates are primarily made up of Democratic elected representatives, including members of Congress, Ex-Presidents, Governors, the State Legislature, party chairs and members of the Democratic National Committee, among others. This is a solely Democratic idea.  Begun in 1982 by Jim Hunt and others, it was seen as a means to engage these officials in a more meaningful way and avoid chaos at the conventions. However, it never meant much to be a super delegate…until now.

Why are Super Delegates such a big issue?  This primary season has given us two highly competent and competitive candidates: Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. Especially after March 4, the race is too close to call. If a candidate is not selected before the August convention in Denver, the final decision may be thrown into the laps of super delegates. 
Binah pointed out both the challenges and responsibilities. For those who say that
Super Delegates should follow the vote, she asks: what vote? The vote of your county? congressional district? state? nation?   She has been besieged by calls, e-mails, and letters…some threatening. She is convinced that the party will rethink the idea of these delegates after the election, perhaps as well as the handling of states like Florida and Michigan. After a fateful call from Hillary, she committed to Clinton, as has Thompson. What does that mean?  What would need to happen to change their minds?

What now??   Neither Binah nor Thompson savors a deadlocked convention that would be decided by the Super Delegates.  It is their hope that it will be resolved by that time, which looks less and less likely.  When Binah was asked by a member of the audience what she would do if Obama were ahead in delegate count and votes at the time of the convention. Her answer: “If he is clearly ahead, I will vote for him.”

What’s Next for DUFP?  We are excited about this election year, we are engaged, we are raising funds for our Democratic candidates. Join us!  Our next meeting is March 20, 2008, at 7:00 pm in the Community Center in Gualala. 
Note: the front page article in the ICO, March 7 issue, about our last meeting with Binah

Linda Lambert and Jean Ortiz, PR Committee
On behalf of the DUFP Executive Committee.