Washtenaw County Democratic Party Blog

Monday, October 24, 2005

 
Washtenaw County Democratic Party Dems Update - 10/24/2005

Includes a list of upcoming events (and opportunities to see Al Gore, John Edwards, Howard Dean, Michael Moore, Hillary Clinton and others), request for last-minute help from Democratic Ann Arbor city council candidates for next month's election, and the Michigan Democratic Party for their minimum wage campaign, news on possible White House indictments to be released this week, and a letters to the editor campaign to fight Republican cuts to key social programs.

EVENTS
Fifth Annual Peter M. Wege Lecture, former Vice President Al Gore
The University of Michigan, Center for Sustainable Systems at SNRE
Monday, October 24, 5:30 pm
Free Admission (Limit of two per person). Power Center seating is Sold Out. Overflow seating for Mendelssohn Theater, tickets available at the Michigan Union ticket office.
Legislative Update Town Hall Meeting
State Sen. Liz Brater
Monday, October 24, 7 - 9 pm
Washtenaw Community College, 101 Morris Lawrence Building, Ann Arbor
Update for constituents on the recent workings of state government. We'll discuss ways in which state tax cuts are affecting the delivery of services, proposals to reduce out-of-state waste, and efforts to protect Great Lakes water from diversion.
For more information call 866-305-0318 or email Senator Brater.
Roundtable Discussion on Iraq Exit Strategies
Michigan Peaceworks
Tuesday October 25, 7 pm
Schorling Auditorium, U-M School of Education-Ann Arbor
Panelists include Juan Cole, Ismat Hamid, Deb Regal, Nazih Hassan.
"Realizing the Dream: A Symposium on Achieving a Diverse Democracy"
American Constitution Society (the Democrats' version of the Federalist Society)
Thursday, October 27, 4 - 7 pm
Partrich Auditorium, Wayne State University Law School
471 W. Palmer St., Detroit
For more information email ACSMich@yahoo.com.
Former Senator and Vice Presidential Candidate John Edwards
Project Opportunity Launch
Friday, October 28, 11 am -12:30 pm
Michigan League Ballroom, UM Campus-Ann Arbor
A student-led effort to encourage young people to become engaged in the fight against poverty. Limited seating is available. Seating is on a first come, first serve basis. Get tickets now!
Learn How to Save for College: Town Hall Forum
Hosted by State Rep Pam Byrnes
Wednesday, November 2, 7 pm
Mill Creek Middle School, 7305 Dexter-Ann Arbor Road, Dexter
Featuring two experts to discuss the Michigan Educational Trust and the Michigan Educational Savings Program. Robin McMillan is the program director for the Michigan Educational Trust, and Greg Crump is the tuition financing consultant for TIAA-CREF.
RSVP at 800-645-1581 or by e-mail to Pam Byrnes.
ELECTION DAY
Tuesday, November 8
Washtenaw County Democratic Party meeting
Wednesday, November 9, 7:30 pm
Pittsfield Twp Hall, corner of Michigan Ave & Platt, Ann Arbor
Speaker is Lynn Jondahl, Executive Director of the Michigan Prospect (progressive think tank in Michigan), and former House Rep and Gubernatorial candidate. He will be speaking about Democratic values.
Howard Dean will be here in Michigan!
MDP fundraiser for targeted MI House and Senate races
Tuesday, November 15, 7 - 9 pm
Ernesto's, Plymouth
41661 Plymouth Rd, south side of Plymouth Rd, west of Haggerty Rd
An MDP fundraiser dinner with honored guest DNC Chair Governor Howard Dean. Tickets cost $100 for the general reception; private reception tickets also available.
For reservations or further information e-mail rsvp4dean@comcast.net or call MDP at 517-371-5410.
Camp Millie, Progressive Democratic Political Action Training Program
The Justice Caucus
Saturday-Sunday, November 19-20
Holland, Michigan
Camp Millie is a 2-day intensive training program designed to give you the tools for effective progressive political action in your community. Our faculty of experienced political organizers will share their gifts on subjects grass roots activists, campaign managers and candidates must know to succeed. Tuition fee is $35, includes training materials and lunches.
1st Annual Paul Wellstone Memorial Award Dinner, honoring Michael Moore
The Progressive Caucus of the Genesee County Democratic Party
Sunday, November 20, 6 pm
Mott Community College, Flint
Note the rescheduled date! There will also be a private reception with Michael prior to the dinner. Dinner tickets are $65 and reception tickets are $100 (does not include dinner).
For more information e-mail Maryion.
Hillary Clinton coming to town!
DSCC Fundraiser Dinner for Senator Stabenow, featured guest Senator Clinton
Thursday December 1, 6:30 - 8:30 pm
The Henry Ford, Dearborn
Tickets are $250/person and child and you are encouraged to bring a child to enjoy the festivities, as this is a "family-friendly" event. Senators Barbara Boxer, Maria Cantwell and Carl Levin also to attend. If you would like to get more involved, you can also join the Host Committee for this event by selling five tickets to the General Reception.
For more information please contact Leah Martin at 517-336-8500 or
by email.
GET INVOLVED
Democratic Candidate for Ann Arbor's 2nd Ward, Stephen Rapundalo, needs volunteers to help him canvass voters and do lit drops these last two weekends between now and the November 8 election. This race will be very competitive - help a Democrat win this seat for the first time in 20 years! For more information, contact Stephen Rapundalo. Also check out his new campaign website.
Democratic Candidate for Ann Arbor's 4th Ward, Marcia Higgins, needs volunteers to drop lit on Saturday, October 29 and Saturday, November 5. Meet at her house, 1512 Marion (off West Stadium) at 9 am and distribute until about 11:30 am, or until done. For more information call 734-663-7307 or email Leah Gunn.
Volunteers needed to close the polls on election night, November 8. Pick up poll
tapes after the polls close and ensure that all votes are counted accurately. For more information, email Leah Gunn (for Marcia Higgins) or Stephen Rapundalo.
Democrats! The Michigan Democratic Party needs your help!
We’ve entered the last stretch of our minimum wage campaign in Ann Arbor. We need committed Democrats to be a part of our paid staff for the upcoming weeks to help increase the minimum wage and to help get Democrats elected. Get involved in many different ways, part time or full time, and weekend options paying between $7.15-$12.00 an hour.
Please call Eric for more information at 734-222-8010.
NEWS
US Dept. of Justice Special Counsel Patrick Fitzgerald's grand jury expires on Friday. He appears to be laying the groundwork for indictments this week over the outing of a covert CIA operative, including possible charges of perjury and obstruction of justice, lawyers and other sources involved in case said on Sunday. Staffers of the White House may be under investigation for a variety of crimes, all relating to the leak of a covert CIA agent's name in 2003. This leak, of the identity of former Ambassador Joseph Wilson's wife, may have been for partisan political purposes, since he spoke out against the run-up to the Iraq war. Two of the most influential aides to Bush and Cheney now are known to have discussed Wilson's wife with reporters on condition of anonymity. Both presidential advisor Karl Rove and Cheney's chief of staff Scooter Libby have testified multiple times to the grand jury.
AP Story on Leak
AP Story on the Key Players
Patrick Fitzgerald's new DOJ website
TAKE ONE ACTION FOR CHANGE
Last week, the House of Representatives was poised to dramatically increase proposed cuts to crucial health care, nutritional and educational services. Hours before the vote was scheduled to occur, top Republicans were forced to call it off-citing a sudden drop in support even among their own party. While we celebrate this victory, the fight must go on. Congressional Republicans are vowing to redouble their efforts next week to push deep cuts in vital services for the nation's poor and middle class, while handing out tax breaks to the rich.

MoveOn is leading a campaign to send in 10,000 letters-to-the-editor opposing the Republican budget plan to newspapers across the country. To make the letters as powerful as possible, please consider sharing a personal story about how the programs congressional Republicans are trying to slash have affected you, your family, or anyone you know.

Some of the services most at risk in the Republican budget include Medicaid, student loans, food stamps, and pension guarantees and unemployment insurance. To write your letter to the editor, submission information is available here.
Note: This is the weekly update for the Washtenaw County Democratic Party. To get your announcement in future issues of this newsletter, send information to Marcy by Saturday at 5 pm. We reserve the right to refuse or edit submissions. Paid for by the Washtenaw County Democratic Party.

posted by wcdp   7:40 AM  

Tuesday, October 18, 2005

 
Washtenaw County Democratic Party Dems Update - 10/17/2005

EVENTS
7th Congressional District meeting, in Washtenaw County!
Saturday, October 22, 11 am
Scio Twp Hall at Zeeb north of I-94.
Please join us in welcoming our fellow 7th congressional district (west side of the county, including the cities of Chelsea and Saline, Dexter and Manchester villages) members to Washtenaw County.
Fifth Annual Peter M. Wege Lecture, former Vice President Al Gore
The University of Michigan, Center for Sustainable Systems at SNRE
Monday, October 24, 5:30 pm
Free Admission (Limit of two per person). Power Center seating is Sold Out. Overflow seating for Mendelssohn Theater, tickets available at the Michigan Union ticket office.
Roundtable Discussion on Iraq Exit Strategies
Michigan Peaceworks
Tuesday October 25, 7 pm
Schorling Auditorium, U-M School of Education-Ann Arbor
Panelists include Juan Cole, Ismat Hamid, Deb Regal, Nazih Hassan.
"Realizing the Dream: A Symposium on Achieving a Diverse Democracy"
American Constitution Society (the Democrats' version of the Federalist Society)
Thursday, October 27, 4 - 7 pm
Partrich Auditorium, Wayne State University Law School
471 W. Palmer St., Detroit
For more information email ACSMich@yahoo.com.
Former Senator and Vice Presidential Candidate John Edwards
Project Opportunity Launch
Friday, October 28, 11 am -12:30 pm
Michigan League Ballroom, UM Campus-Ann Arbor
A student-led effort to encourage young people to become engaged in the fight against poverty. Limited seating is available. Seating is on a first come, first serve basis. Get tickets now!
ELECTION DAY
Tuesday, November 8
Washtenaw County Democratic Party meeting
Wednesday, November 9, 7:30 pm
Pittsfield Twp Hall, corner of Michigan Ave & Platt, Ann Arbor
Speaker is Lynn Jondahl, Executive Director of the Michigan Prospect (progressive think tank in Michigan), and former House Rep and Gubernatorial candidate. He will be speaking about Democratic values.
Howard Dean will be here in Michigan!
MDP fundraiser for targeted MI House and Senate races
Tuesday, November 15, 7 - 9 pm
Ernesto's, Plymouth
41661 Plymouth Rd, south side of Plymouth Rd, west of Haggerty Rd
An MDP fundraiser dinner with honored guest DNC Chair Governor Howard Dean. Tickets cost $100 for the general reception; private reception tickets also available.
For reservations or further information e-mail rsvp4dean@comcast.net or call MDP at 517-371-5410.
Camp Millie, Progressive Democratic Political Action Training Program
The Justice Caucus
Saturday-Sunday, November 19-20
Holland, Michigan
Camp Millie is a 2-day intensive training program designed to give you the tools for effective progressive political action in your community. Our faculty of experienced political organizers will share their gifts on subjects grass roots activists, campaign managers and candidates must know to succeed. Tuition fee is $35, includes training materials and lunches.
1st Annual Paul Wellstone Memorial Award Dinner, honoring Michael Moore
The Progressive Caucus of the Genesee County Democratic Party
Sunday, November 20, 6 pm
Mott Community College, Flint
Note the rescheduled date! There will also be a private reception with Michael prior to the dinner. Dinner tickets are $65 and reception tickets are $100 (does not include dinner).
For more information e-mail Maryion.
Hillary Clinton coming to town!
DSCC Fundraiser Dinner for Senator Stabenow, featured guest Senator Clinton
Thursday December 1, 6:30 - 8:30 pm
The Henry Ford, Dearborn
Tickets are $250/person and child and you are encouraged to bring a child to enjoy the festivities, as this is a "family-friendly" event. Senators Barbara Boxer, Maria Cantwell and Carl Levin also to attend. If you would like to get more involved, you can also join the Host Committee for this event by selling five tickets to the General Reception.
For more information please contact Leah Martin at 517-336-8500 or
by email.
GET INVOLVED
Democratic Candidate for Ann Arbor's 2nd Ward, Stephen Rapundalo, needs volunteers to help him canvass voters and do lit drops between now and the November 8 election. This race will be very competitive - help a Democrat win this seat for the first time in 20 years! For more information, contact Stephen Rapundalo. Also check out his new campaign website.
Democratic Candidate for Ann Arbor's 4th Ward, Marcia Higgins, needs volunteers to drop lit on Saturday, October 29 and Saturday, November 5. Meet at her house, 1512 Marion (off West Stadium) at 9 AM and distribute until about 11:30, or until done. For more information call 734-663-7307.
Volunteers needed to close the polls on election night, November 8. Pick up poll
tapes after the polls close and ensure the Democrats count their votes accurately. For more information, email Leah Gunn (for Marcia Higgins) or Stephen Rapundalo.
NEWS
Attorney Geoffrey Fieger announced last week that he will be seeking the Democratic nomination for Attorney General in a bid to challenge incumbent GOP Attorney General Mike Cox. State Rep. Sandy Lipsey and possibly former District Court Judge Scott Bowen are also in the race, to be decided at the Michigan Democratic Party convention next year. For more details, read the AP story.
TAKE ONE ACTION FOR CHANGE
The WCDP needs materials to perform voter identification. Do you have any of the following you would like to donate? The more donations we get, the fewer items we have to purchase.

  • clipboards
  • 3-ring binders
  • name tags, adhesive or pin (blank)
  • pens
  • page protectors (clear sleeves for 8.5 x 11 paper)
  • reams of paper for printing walk lists
  • plastic storage containers at least 24" long x 18" wide x 18" height (with covers is preferred)

    You can drop off any supplies at any of the following four locations. Please leave items in rain-proof containers. For example, a plastic container or a plastic garbage bag.

    Home of Allen Francois
    122 Hawkins Street, Ypsilanti
    Leave on back patio if Allen isn't home
    (please wait until October 22, 2005 to leave items at Allen's home)

    Home of Lou Glorie
    827 Brooks, Ann Arbor

    Home of David Shindell
    2698 Roseland Drive, Ann Arbor (Scio Twp)

    Office of Frank Grohnert, Chair of Western Washtenaw Dems
    8077 Main Street, Dexter
    Note: This is the weekly update for the Washtenaw County Democratic Party. To get your announcement in future issues of this newsletter, send information to Marcy by Saturday at 5 pm. We reserve the right to refuse or edit submissions. Paid for by the Washtenaw County Democratic Party.

    posted by wcdp   7:56 AM  

    • Tuesday, October 11, 2005

     
    Washtenaw County Democratic Party Dems Update - 10/11/2005

    EVENTS
    Last day to register to vote in the November 8 city elections:
    Tuesday, October 11, 2005. For more information, see Washtenaw County elections page.
    Women Progressive Activists public forum on election reform: "What We Can Learn from What Went Wrong in Ohio"
    October 12th, 2005, 7 p.m.
    Church of the Good Shepherd, 2145 Independence Ave, Ann Arbor
    Event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Barbara Clarke.
    NAACP 2005 Freedom Fund Banquet
    October 15, 2005
    Ypsilanti Marriott
    For more information e-mail Ypsilanti Branch of the NAACP.
    Celebration of Congressman John Dingell's 50th Year in Congress
    October 16, 2005
    Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Dearborn
    For more information call Dawn Owen 248-414-5204
    American Constitution Society (the Democrats' version of the Federalist Society)
    "Realizing the Dream: A Symposium on Achieving a Diverse Democracy"
    Thursday, October 27, 4:00 pm- 7:00 pm
    Partrich Auditorium
    Wayne State University Law School
    471 W. Palmer St., Detroit MI
    For more information email ACSMich@yahoo.com.
    John Edwards
    Project Opportunity Launch
    (A student-led effort to encourage young people to become engaged in the fight against poverty)
    Michigan League Ballroom
    Friday, October 28, 11:30 am
    Howard Dean will be here in Michigan!
    MDP fundraiser for targeted MI House and Senate races
    Tuesday, November 15 from 7 PM - 9 PM
    An MDP fundraiser will be held at Ernesto's in Plymouth with honored guest
    DNC Chair Governor Howard Dean.
    41661 Plymouth Rd, South side of Plymouth Rd, West of Haggerty Rd
    Tickets cost $100.00 for the General Reception; Private Reception tickets
    also available
    For reservations or further information e-mail rsvp4dean@comcast.net or call MDP at 517-371-5410.
    The Progressive Caucus of the Genesee County Democratic Party
    1st Annual Paul Wellstone Memorial Award Dinner,
    honoring Michael Moore
    Sunday, November 6, 2005, 6:00PM
    Michigan Room, University of Michigan-Flint
    For more information e-mail Maryion.
    GET INVOLVED
    Democratic Candidate for Ann Arbor's 2nd Ward, Stephen Rapundalo, needs volunteers to help him canvass voters and do lit drops between now and the November 8 election. This race will be very competitive - help a Democrat win this seat for the first time in 20 years! For more information, contact Stephen Rapundalo. Also check out his new campaign website.
    Democratic Candidate for Ann Arbor's 4th Ward, Marcia Higgins, needs volunteers to drop lit on Saturday, October 29 and Saturday, November 5. Meet at her house, 1512 Marion (off West Stadium) at 9 AM and distribute until about 11:30, or until done. For more information call 734-663-7307.
    Volunteers needed to close the polls on election night, November 8. Pick up poll
    tapes after the polls close and ensure the Democrats count their votes accurately. For more information, email Leah Gunn (for Marcia Higgins) or Stephen Rapundalo.
    NEWS
    There are reports Randy Richardville won't run for the MI 17th Senate seat next year. He was thought to be the toughest Republican candidate, so if these reports are true, it greatly increases our chance of picking up this seat--and taking back the MI Senate!
    TAKE ONE ACTION FOR CHANGE
    The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) is calling on all those GOP Representatives who have taken money from the now-indicted Tom DeLay to give back the money. There are still several MI Representatives who have not given back the money--including our local Joe Schwarz. Sign the DCCC's petition calling on all MI's Representatives to return the money.
    Or, if you live in the 7th CD, call Congressman Schwarz directly and tell him to give the money back.
    Call 517-783-4486.
    Note: This is the weekly update for the Washtenaw County Democratic Party. To get your announcement in future issues of this newsletter, send information to Marcy by Saturday at 5:00 p.m. We reserve the right to refuse or edit submissions. Paid for by the Washtenaw County Democratic Party.

    posted by wcdp   7:00 AM  

    Tuesday, October 04, 2005

     
    Washtenaw County Democratic Party Dems Update - 10/04/2005

    EVENTS
    Meet Bill Lofy, author of "Paul Wellstone: The Life of a Passionate Progressive"
    Thursday, October 6, 7 pm
    UM Law School, Hutchins Hall, Room 150
    Sen. Basham's Fundraising Spaghetti Dinner to Support Targeted State Senate Races (including southern Washtenaw's 17th Senate District)
    Thursday, October 6, 2005, 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm, at the Democratic Club of Taylor. For more information call 734-946-0809 or e-mail Amanda D'Angelo.
    MI-List and Emily's List Candidate Training
    For pro-choice Democratic women interested in running for elected office.
    Friday, October 7 - Saturday, October 8, 2005
    Lansing, MI
    For more information contact Kate Chapek.
    Last day to register to vote in the November 8 city elections:
    Tuesday, October 11, 2005. For more information, see Washtenaw County elections page.
    Women Progressive Activists public forum on election reform: "What We Can Learn from What Went Wrong in Ohio"
    October 12th, 2005, 7 p.m.
    Church of the Good Shepherd, 2145 Independence Ave, Ann Arbor
    Event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Barbara Clarke.
    NAACP 2005 Freedom Fund Banquet
    October 15, 2005
    Ypsilanti Marriott
    For more information e-mail Ypsilanti Branch of the NAACP.
    Celebration of Congressman John Dingell's 50th Year in Congress
    October 16, 2005
    Ford Center for the Performing Arts, Dearborn
    For more information call Dawn Owen 248-414-5204
    American Constitution Society (the Democrats' version of the Federalist Society)
    "Realizing the Dream: A Symposium on Achieving a Diverse Democracy"
    Thursday, October 27, 4:00 pm- 7:00 pm
    Partrich Auditorium
    Wayne State University Law School
    471 W. Palmer St., Detroit MI
    For more information email ACSMich@yahoo.com.
    John Edwards
    Project Opportunity Launch
    (A student-led effort to encourage young people to become engaged in the fight against poverty)
    Michigan League Ballroom
    Friday, October 28, 11:30 am
    Howard Dean will be here in Michigan!
    MDP fundraiser for targeted MI House and Senate races
    Tuesday, November 15 from 7 PM - 9 PM
    An MDP fundraiser will be held at Ernesto's in Plymouth with honored guest
    DNC Chair Governor Howard Dean.
    41661 Plymouth Rd, South side of Plymouth Rd, West of Haggerty Rd
    Tickets cost $100.00 for the General Reception; Private Reception tickets
    also available
    For reservations or further information e-mail rsvp4dean@comcast.net or call MDP at 517-371-5410.
    GET INVOLVED
    Democratic Candidate for Ann Arbor's 2nd Ward, Stephen Rapundalo, needs volunteers to help him canvass voters and do lit drops between now and the November 8 election. This race will be very competitive - help a Democrat win this seat for the first time in 20 years! For more information, contact Stephen Rapundalo.
    Join a group of Washtenaw volunteers traveling to Richmond, Virginia to help Democrat Tim Kaine defeat Jerry Kilgore and win his closely contested election for Governor. Free housing will be provided with local volunteers and campaign workers. Carpools leave for the weekend on October 14; return Monday October 17 or Tuesday October 18. For more information on the trip, contact Laura by Saturday October 1st. For more information on the race, see Tim Kaine's Election website.
    Democratic Candidate for Ann Arbor's 4th Ward, Marcia Higgins, needs volunteers to drop lit on Saturday, October 29 and Saturday, November 5. Meet at her house, 1512 Marion (off West Stadium) at 9 AM and distribute until about 11:30, or until done. For more information call 734-663-7307.
    Volunteers needed to close the polls on election night, November 8. Pick up poll
    tapes after the polls close and ensure the Democrats count their votes accurately. For more information, email Leah Gunn (for Marcia Higgins) or Stephen Rapundalo.
    NEWS
    Republican House Majority Leader Tom DeLay was indicted twice in the last week, on one count of conspiracy and one count of money laundering. As DNC Chair Howard Dean says after DeLay's FIRST indictment, "Today, the state of Texas is doing what the Republican-controlled federal government has failed repeatedly to do, which is hold Republicans in Washington accountable for their culture of corruption. This alleged illegal activity reaches to the highest levels of the Republican Party." For more information, see DNC Press Release and Houston Chronicle article.
    Senator Debbie Stabenow renewed her call to lift the ban currently preventing Medicare from negotiating drug prices with drug companies. The VA already saves millions by negotiating lower prices with drug companies - if Medicare could, too, we could lower costs and improve services to our seniors. For more information, see Stabenow press release.
    TAKE ONE ACTION FOR CHANGE
    City elections are fast approaching and the weather is glorious! Pick one weekend day between now and November 8th's election and help a Democratic Ann Arbor city council candidate canvass or distribute literature. For more information contact Stephen Rapundalo or Leah Gunn (for Marcia Higgins).
    Note: This is the weekly update for the Washtenaw County Democratic Party. To get your announcement in future issues of this newsletter, send information to Marcy by Saturday at 5:00 p.m. We reserve the right to refuse or edit submissions. Paid for by the Washtenaw County Democratic Party.

    posted by wcdp   7:49 AM  

    Saturday, October 01, 2005

     
    Vote for Democrats in Upcoming Ann Arbor City Elections

    Don't forget to vote on Tuesday November 8th!

    Four cities in Washtenaw County will hold elections on the 8th for their city councils. The elections in Chelsea, Milan and Saline are non-partisan, so the county party doesn't endorse candidates unless requested. There will be Democrats running in all five wards in the city of Ann Arbor, however. To find out more about the candidates and how to volunteer, check out the Ann Arbor Democratic Club website.

    Also don't forget to make sure you're registered in time for this election. Close of registration is 30 days before election day, which would be October 11th this year. To find out if you're registered, where you vote, and how to get an absentee ballot, go to Publius (Michigan Secretary of State).

    posted by wcdp   5:30 PM  

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