April 25th, 2008

Spring is here, and with it the election season is getting into full swing. News this week about upcoming activities which put the party into the Democratic Party!

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News and Announcements

La Plata Dems JJ Dinner

There are just a few tickets left for the annual JJ Dinner and fundraiser tomorrow night, Saturday, April 26th at the Doubletree. If you want to come eat, drink, and listen to Jim Hightower, contact Alison Dance at adance@cypruscafe.com or 259-9503 immediately.

Office to open soon

Come join us on Friday, May 9th as we kick off the election season with a Delegates Rally and Office Opening Party on the Durango Office Suites rooftop deck. Get in the mood for the State Convention the following weekend with fun, food and drink - and even live music! Look for signs at the SW corner of 11th and Main.

This election season, our office will be at the old Health Forest location at 1021 Main Avenue, conveniently across the street from Carver's. Wanda Cason, who's in charge of setting up the office, says we still need a few more desks, tables, and rugs, along with computers, bookcases, lamps and other office needs. Contact her at 749-5165, 588-3442, or wandac@frontier.net if you have stuff to donate or loan.

Lea Anderson is organizing volunteers to staff the office. We are starting with hours of 10am to 4pm, and will expand later. Call Lea at 385-4888 if you'd like to volunteer.

Convention News

State Convention and CD3 Assembly

If you're a delegate to the Third Congressional District Assembly (May 16, 6:00 p.m., 1775 E Cheyenne Mountain Blvd., near the World Arena in Colorado Springs) or the State Convention (May 17, probably starting around 9:00 a.m., World Arena, 3185 Venetucci Blvd., Colorado Springs), you can find information on hotels with blocks or rates for the Dems at the Colorado State Convention website. If you are signed up as a delegate but cannot attend, please inform Jean Walter immediately at 759-4019 or jeanwalter08@gmail.com so that alternates can be contacted.

Margaret Cozine is coordinating carpools, and you can reach her at 382-2740 or margaretcozine@yahoo.com.

National Convention

Although a few La Plata County delegates have put their names forward to be delegates to the Democratic National Convention this summer in Denver, most of us will only be able to attend vicariously through media reports. The Denver 2008 Host Committee has just announced the locations of the delegation welcoming parties. Some highlights:

-- In one of the worst-kept secrets around, it was confirmed that Colorado's delegation party will, appropriately, be at the Governor's Mansion.
-- If you're interested in rubbing elbows with those closest to the nominee, you will need to find a spot near the Denver Art Museum (Illinois) or the Pinnacle Club (New York).
-- Or how about a party at Red Rocks? If you're in the delegations from North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, or West Virginia, you'll get it!
-- Gov. Dean is likely going to be at the Phipps Mansion, where the Vermont and New Hampshire delegation parties will be.
-- Want a world-wise atmosphere? Check out the Blair Caldwell Library, where the Democrats Abroad (as well as the Virgin Islands) will be hanging out.
-- The District of Columbia has a pretty large delegation due to all of the At-Large (and influential) superdelegates they have (think Donna Brazile); they'll be at the Museo de las Americas.
-- Only twelve states have their own welcoming party: The aforementioned Colorado, District of Columbia, Illinois, and New York, as well as South Carolina, Georgia, Kansas, Iowa, California, Minnesota, New Jersey, and Texas. The rest of the delegations share parties with other delegations.

Meetings and Events

Saturday, April 26, 2008

La Plata County Democrats JJ Dinner, DoubleTree Hotel. Our keynote speaker will be writer and radio commentator Jim Hightower. Tickets are $75 for regular seating, $150 for seating with Mr. Hightower or an elected official. For tickets, contact Alison Dance at adance@cypruscafe.com or 259-9503. Tickets are nearly sold out!

Saturday, May 3, 2008

Cinco de Mayo Fiesta, Santa Rita Park. The La Plata Dems will have a table at this day-long festival of Latino culture; we'll be introducing our candidates and registering people to vote. Come down and say hi as you watch traditional dances and eat Mexican food.

Friday, May 9, 2008

Delegates Rally and Office Opening Party, Durango Office Suites rooftop deck. Join us for the grand opening of the La Plata Dems office at 1021 Main Avenue. Fun, food and drink beginning at 5:30pm.

Friday, May 16th, 2008

3rd Congressional District Assembly, DoubleTree Hotel, 1775 E. Cheyenne Mountain Blvd, Colorado Springs. This assembly will be held the evening before the state Democratic convention.

Saturday, May 17th, 2008

Colorado Democratic Convention, World Arena, 3185 Venetucci Blvd, Colorado Springs. For additional details, check the Colorado State Convention website.

Monday, May 19, 2008

5:05 pm: Voter Registration Drive circulator training, Anasazi Room, La Plata County Courthouse. For more information, call Craig Larson, 375-0600.

5:30 pm: La Plata County Democratic Party Executive Committee Meeting, Anasazi Room, La Plata County Courthouse. Open to all. For more information, call Jean Walter, 759-4019.

Thursday, May 22, 2008

6:00 pm: Drinking Liberally, Joel's (119 W. 8th St.). Get to know other liberal thinkers over a pint of local brew. Elected officials are especially welcome. More information about Drinking Liberally nationwide is on the Drinking Liberally website.