north carolina democratic party

This video premiered at The Democratic Party's Jefferson Jackson Dinner on Saturday, April 30, 2011:

From everything I can pick up, the question of who will lead the N.C. Democratic Party next year is wide open.

I personally believe it's important that the new chair be prepared to take an aggressive role as Democratic spokesperson in calling out the new Republican legislative majorities on their extreme policy positions. This needs to start immediately, before the incoming GOP regime has an opportunity to define itself under the false mantle of fiscal responsibility.

I am going to say something here that I have said privately for years, but will not publish as a writer. Your new "logo" with the Maxway and Roses 'stickers' applied to our state flag are nothing new in NC politics, regardless of political party affiliation or political persuasion.

Over 20 years ago as a Families USA volunteer trying to understand why we could not achieve a reasonable health care plan in the US, I began to study the political landscape and talk to people "in the know," and I soon realized that until we had campaign finance reform, true health care reform would be an unrealized dream for idealists like me.

I have to say that I found it particularly ironic when Wake Commissioner Tony Gurley, a Raleigh pharmacist and an attorney, tried to portray himself in his campaign ads in Wake County as a "compassionate conservative."

... and there's a god reason for that!

Courage and Clean Elections

(See what happens when you make me mad?!)

Cal and Vancine Studivant, Chair of the Anson County Democratic Party

When Cal Cunningham entered the Democratic Party’s State Executive Committee Meeting at the Durham Convention Center today, the enthusiasm just surged. All along the entrance hall, volunteers cheered, clapped, and pumped their fists as Cal made his way toward the SEC ballroom. The cheers for Cal filled the hall, and I thought to myself, ‘this is really a great event to be a part of.’

I'll be looking for Larry at the N.C. Democratic Party State Executive Committee meeting in Durham tomorrow.

Larry? Larry Kissell. Representative Larry Kissell (D-NC's 8th District). I'll be looking to catch you and make this plea in person -- but in case you're not there, or I can't reach you through the crowds, I'm posting it online tonight. Perhaps if I miss you, others will take it up and deliver the same message. In fact, I expect that they will.

PDNC has released a statement today that calls for the North Carolina Democratic Party to lead the fight against political corruption. We have invited Party Chair David Young (see letter here) to join us in making sure that the necessary reforms are put into place. We need to make sure that the scandals that have discredited our party in recent years--with the revelations that have surfaced in the Easley hearings being just the latest outrage in a string of far too many-will not continue to damage the Democratic Party or the democratic process.

Dear Blue NCers,

Our research uncovered some troubling new information regarding travel contributions to the Mike Easley Committee and the NC Democratic Party. You will likely find mention of it in the N&O and other papers today or over the weekend. Because I know the details will concern many of you, I am posting the email notice we sent out to our advocates this morning about the matter -- it includes a link that will allow you to download a letter Democracy North Carolina sent to the state Board of Elections detailing the new information:

First, I want to thank you and tell you what an honor and a privilege it is to be the State Chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party. I am grateful for the outpouring of support and best wishes as we begin working together to make our Party an even stronger voice for those who are counting on us the most -- the good people of North Carolina who are looking to Democrats to make their lives better.

This last week, I held a conference call with our new team of officers. They are ready to get to work on a host of issues from promoting upcoming precinct meetings to working with our party auxiliary groups. In the coming weeks, we plan to travel to every region of the state to meet with local party leaders to identify specific ways that the state party can help local parties grow and succeed.

With the State Executive Committee occurring tomorrow and the election of our new party officers, recent events have made me reflect about the barriers that are in place against young Democrats being elected to party and other elected offices. And I think it's even more of a struggle for young Democratic women.

For those who think about running for any kind of office, a balance must always be maintained (however precarious) among family, professional life, and politics. However, this balance is even more difficult for those just starting out in their careers, especially those with young children. Or else they may be in school or, if they are out of school, having to battle loan payments and other debt. There is certainly an advantage for those who are retired, wealthy, have a dependable second income from a spouse (or family money), or have a job that allows them flexible hours. To be sure, so-called Young Democrats are not alone in these issues...Democrats in their 30s, 40s, and 50s face similar concerns.