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June 2009

e-newsletter for Walton County Democratic Party   www.waltondemocrats.org

IN THIS NEWSLETTER: 

Candidate Workshop, June 4, 6:30 p.m. Coastal Branch Library

Small County Coalition Conference in Port St. Joe, June 12-14

 2009 State Conference in Lake Buena Vista October 9-11►

DEC Monthly Meeting June 15  at the Coastal Branch Library 6:30 p.m.  Watch for news of very interesting program. 

The Walton County DEC needs your financial support to elect Democrats to office in 2010.  Click to contribute►

DEC Chair Jeremy Solomon

Vote Democratic with your dollars! 

Stay in touch this summer!

It's a busy time, and we know you have many distractions.  But, keep in touch with what's going on in the political world.  Now that we all see what a difference it has made to elect a Democratic President, let's work to elect Democrats to the Florida legislature, to the Walton County Commission,  and to the Governor's office and the U.S. Senate.  It's important!

LOCAL PARTY NEWS

The Walton County Democratic Party will host a candidate workshop at 6:30 PM on Thursday,  June 4^th  at the Coastal Library Annex.  Workshop topics will include speechwriting and delivery,  candidate vetting, "running against the establishment," ethics and potential conflicts of interest among other topics. 

The panel moderating the workshop will include those with experience both as candidates and campaign managers on local and statewide levels. The workshop is open to all registered Democrats and others interested in the campaign process.  Contact Jackson Mumey at jackson.mumey@mac.com for more information. Read more about the workshop►

Can Walton County Democrats win in 2010? Yes, we can!

Chair Jeremy Solomon says the time is ripe for Democrats to step forward and become a viable force in Walton County -- instead of being a minority voice with little clout.   It takes funds to be effective -- even a $10 contribution added to another $10 begins to make a difference.  Read on.   

 "As some of you may know,  the Walton County Democratic Party is now operating under new charter. We will formally receive the charter at the Small County Coalition Conference in Port St. Joe.  We hope to have some press coverage of the event. The Small County Coalition Conference, scheduled for June 12 through the 14th, promises an informative agenda  and will likely provide an opportunity for a useful exchange of ideas with Democrats who are similarly situated as ourselves. 

 "Many of the small counties in Florida find themselves with the same predicament that we are facing; that is, Republican majorities and frustrated Democratic minorities.  I am hopeful that we can learn from the other conference attendees and that they can pick up a few  ideas from the things that we're doing. I know that they are impressed with our website, as I've been told on many occasions by other county officials.  More importantly, we can be begin planning with our counterparts in the other areas of the Panhandle whose districts we share,  to identify, manage and promote candidates for the state legislature. 

  "But first we take care of our own house. As I've been told on several occasions, our job as a DEC  is to elect Democrats. To elect Democrats, we must have Democratic candidates. To have Democratic candidates, we must identify those who would run and run successfully. To run successfully, a candidate needs talent, integrity, the benefit of experience ( whether their own or that taught by others), energy, confidence, the willingness to serve, and, yes, a sufficient financial foundation.

 "As  a  party, we can provide the necessary foundation to run successful candidates. The first step will take place at 6:30 PM on Thursday, June 4 at the Coast Branch Library. We have issued a news release which briefly outlines part of our Candidate Workshop for prospective candidates, campaign managers, and those who would otherwise be interested in participating in the political processes which would result in the election of Democrats.

 "If you are at all interested in what might become a turning point in the politics of the Panhandle, we strongly invite you to attend our first candidate workshop.

Donate

If you want Democrats elected to important posts in Walton County, the state, and the U.S. Senate, help us by making a contribution.  Click on the donkey to the left and vote Democratic with your dollars!

Past Demo Women's Club President recognized

At the May meeting of the Demo club, Marilyn Coe presented former President Grace Marse with a token of appreciation.  Grace  was one of the early organizers of the Walton County Democratic Women's Club and also led the group as President for several years. She is currently WDC Regional President for a multi-county area. Thanks for your dedicated service, Grace.  Click on this link for more information about the Democratic Women's Club►

STATE NEWS

Popular State Treasurer Alex Sink has announced her candidacy for Governor.  A highly qualified and effective public servant, the Democratic Party is fortunate to have her as a candidate this year.  Go to www.alexsink2010.com and learn more.

In addition to Alex Sink, we have a very capable U.S. Senate candidate who will be running against Charlie Crist.  Click on Campaign 2010 to learn more.

Small County Coalition Conference in Port St. Joe

 Zebe Schmitt, Chair Gulf County DEC writes, "The Gulf County Democratic Party is delighted to be hosting the June 12th-14th meeting of the Small County Coalition of Democratic Parties. Although there were some challenges when arranging for such a large group there was also a certain pride as we announced that we were bringing 70-100 Democrats to town. It is by design that we will all gather at the most popular site, in the middle of town, right on Highway 98.  We want to show you off!  We are excited you are all coming to visit and are looking forward to welcoming you to Port St. Joe."  Get more information►

2009 State Convention in Lake Buena Vista Oct. 9-11 

This year’s conference will take place October 9-11 at the Disney Yacht Club & Resort in Lake Buena Vista. The Walton County Demos have several delegate slots and encourage you to represent our county at the conference. To do so, complete the qualification form and loyalty oath available on line and return both forms to Nancy Cottle along with a $35.00 non-refundable fee (payable to the Walton County Democratic Party) by June 1.   Nancy can be reached at WaltonCountyDem@aol.com  “Hotel reservation information and food plans for the weekend will be out soon. The estimated cost for the conference hotel  is $199 per night,” said Nancy Cottle, Vice-Chair Walton Demos. “This year’s conference should be a very informative and worthwhile experience.”   

NATIONAL EVENTS

In the second 100 days of President Obama's tenure, he has dealt with a myriad of important events and issues.  Among those is the nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayer for the Supreme Court.  The confirmation hearings will be controversial.  Here are comments about her nomination from VP Joe Biden:

 "President Obama hit a home run with his nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court -- and not just because she's the "woman who saved baseball" by ending the strike in 1995, nor simply because she would be the first Latina ever to serve on the high court.

"It was a home run because in her three-decade career as a prosecutor, judge, private litigator and law professor, she has time and again earned bipartisan praise as one of America's finest legal minds.

"If confirmed, she would start with more federal judicial experience than any Justice in a century, more overall judicial experience than any Justice in 70 years, and replace David Souter as the only Justice with firsthand experience as a trial judge."

Stand with Sotomayer

 This letter is from Mitch Stewart, Director of ORGANIZING FOR AMERICA:

"Last week, hundreds of thousands of supporters like you stood up to support Judge Sonia Sotomayor's historic nomination to the U.S. Supreme Court. But the long road to confirmation has only just begun. Add your voice, and stand with Sotomayor.

"We've just launched our action center, an online hub where you can find all the tools you need to help spread the word about Judge Sotomayor, engage in the public debate about her nomination, and make sure decision-makers in the Senate know where you stand. With only a few minutes, you can make a huge difference.  .  .  . "

Check out the action center and help confirm this great nominee►

Walton County DEC

P.O. Box 1223

Santa Rosa Beach, FL 32459

 Forward this e-newsletter to a friend who shares your vision for Walton County. If you would like to comment or to complain, DEC officers are listed on the website www.waltondemocrats.org/about  along with information about the party, its structure, and other pertinent facts.  We appreciate your support.  You may also e-mail us at waltondemos@yahoo.com