NCFT

Three years ago Sam Spencer founded the Grassroots Farm Team to recruit and help elect the next generation of Democratic candidates. A lot of folks were skeptical of a twenty-something running a Political Action Committee, let alone having any success. I think it’s fair to say that in the last three years Sam and the Farm Team have been a resounding success, being a resource, both financially and otherwise to young candidates. As many of you know, Sam is currently the President of YDNC, where he continues the work of engaging young people in the political process. In order to focus on YDNC and give GFTPAC a chance to grow, Sam has decided to step back from the Farm Team.

First, I want to thank everyone here for their support of the Farm Team - most recently, ya'all were amazing in helping the College Democrats of North Carolina pull off the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Leadership Conference on March 26:

Lee Storrow, Director of Political Affairs for CDNC and a senior political science major at UNC-Chapel Hill, noted that this was the first time the CDNC reached out to build chapters on HBCU campuses. “This unique event is a way to build political infrastructure across the state,” said Storrow.

Just a head's up to everyone that we're cutting our check to sponsor the College Democrats of North Carolina's Historically Black Colleges and Universities Leadership Conference tonight. The event is this Saturday in Greensboro and is shaping up to be a gamechanger in NC politics.

Even if it's just a little bit, please chip in $10 tonight to make this event a success. Thanks again to everyone who has supported the Farm Team so far.

Tonight the Farm Team is hosting a live blog on BlueNC with College Democrats of North Carolina President Tori Taylor. She'll be here to talk about all of the great things CDNC is doing during Spring Break, and she'll be available to talk about the College Democrats of North Carolina's Historically Black Colleges and Universities Leadership Conference, Saturday, March 26th, at the Marriott Hotel in downtown Greensboro, NC (more about that here).

Post questions below and we'll see you at 8 PM!

Last year, I personally invested in the College Democrats of North Carolina. Specifically, I donated the space and food for a fundraiser at an upscale restaurant so that CDNC could get off on the right foot. They've done amazing things since then, and I think it's one of the best investments that I (Sam Spencer) ever made.

Young elected officials made a big difference for Equality this week.

Gordon Smith, endorsed by the Farm Team in '09, was one of 5 Asheville City Council votes in favor of LGBT rights Tuesday night:

City Council approved a resolution 5-1 late Tuesday calling for creation of a city registry for people in same-sex relationships and endorsing more rights for same-sex couples.

The resolution also calls for an ordinance against bullying on city property to be drawn up and for banning discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or sexual identification in city government employment decisions.

I've found in recent years that life moves too fast for me to be angry. I see all of this rancor on Blue NC and in this Chair race coming from people who marginalize themselves with their enmity, and I beg you to look past it and look to the future. I'm doing the same.

Now is the time for people who are willing to work hard and lead. I appreciate everyone who has helped the Farm Team over the past two years. We've done a lot of good, and we've failed here and there, but it's been a lot of fun. I'm wondering, however, what's next? I believe I'm going to pursue opportunities to work even harder to build the bench for the next generation of Democrats. I'd love to hear your ideas and thoughts.

Thanks again for all of your hard work. The night is always darkest before the dawn. I wish everyone here a very Merry Christmas, a Happy Holiday season, and the warmth of those who love us.

Cheers,

Sam Spencer
Executive Director and Founder
Grassroots Farm Team

So, what did the Farm Team do this election cycle, and what did we learn?

Early last summer, I didn't know what the Farm Team should do this year. The one serious under-30 candidate - who will claim my title as the youngest elected Democrat in North Carolina when she's sworn in - wasn't going to have any trouble winning her election. Candidates like Marcus Brandon won their race when they won their primary. I think young politicians knew this wasn't going to be a good year for Democrats. I planted $150 of seed money in a couple State House races (where the candidates had helped young Democrats), but without young candidates we really didn't have a fundraising angle.

Some musings from the first early voter in North Carolina (at the very least, in Mecklenburg County). Please excuse the rambling that may have something to do with at third cup of coffee and intermittent TV interviews.

I'm sitting down at the Hal Marshall Annex in Charlotte, North Carolina, looking at three flags - the Star Spangled Banner, the North Carolina Flag, and the Mecklenburg County flag.

I've served the United States and North Carolina as a Presidential Elector, and I serve Mecklenburg County as a member of a Citizen's transit board. I serve all three when I vote. Right now, I think I'm the first voter in North Carolina.

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Early voting starts in NC tomorrow. Please pitch in & help us beat some terrible incumbents in North Carolina!

Kennedy vs. Foxx (NC-05)

As the Winston-Salem Journal noted when they endorsed Democrat Billy Kennedy,

U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx ... has not achieved any great accomplishments for the residents of the 5th Congressional District.

Well, she just lost her most recent debate as well ...