Thurston County Democrats

Those warm, summer days are finally with us and things are heating up! Nationally, the Bush administration is finally beginning to feel the long deserved heat of investigations into who outed Valerie Plame in an obvious effort to silence truth among knowledgeable government officials, the “Downing Street Memo” and its failed pre-emptive invasion of a nation whose citizens once posed no threat to our security.

Locally, despite the fact it’s on “off year,” campaign activities to ready for next year’s critical partisan races, as well as this year’s local non-partisan elections are heating up. We are making a concerted effort to keep you informed about pertinent campaign and election events, some of which are listed in the calendar section below. Please check www.thurstondemocrats.org regularly for updates, and for announcements about informative and educational events, such as:

Campaign Services Committee Message

Our committee has seen a steady stream of candidates seeking campaign services this election season. A committee member serves as liaison for each approved candidate: Evalyn Poff for Olympia City Council candidates Doug Mah and Jeff Kingsbury, Donna Lawrence for Olympia City Council candidate Phyllis Booth, Alan Corwin for Olympia City Council candidate Karen Messmer, Kyle Taylor Lucas for Port Commission candidate Ed Stanley, Heather Highmiller for Tumwater City Council candidate Judith Hoefling, and Jerry Muchmore for Karen Valenzuela, Sam Hunt and Mike Kreidler.

Although Thurston County Democrats do not usually meet in August, we have asked the Executive Committee to make an exception this year so that we can present our committee’s proposal to adopt an endorsements policy. The draft policy will be available at our website for you to review before the August meeting. Candidates have expressed an interest in receiving the endorsement of Thurston County Democrats. Our committee hopes that the policy will be approved so that endorsements can be granted in time for candidates to make use of them.

There are many reasons to adopt an endorsement policy, for the practical to the philosophical. Individual members of the Campaign Services Committee have different reasons for supporting the change, ranging from concern that failure to endorse gives an advantage to traditional opponents who do endorse, to the belief that Democratic PCO’s should not be deprived of a fundamental voting right. We believe that endorsements can be especially helpful to Democratic voters trying to make decisions about candidates in non-partisan races.

Many of the concerns expressed about endorsement can be put to rest by a careful reading of our proposal. Perhaps the biggest worry we have heard is that pre-primary endorsements could prove to be divisive enough to be damaging. This was the subject of a great deal of discussion as the committee put the policy together. Caution prevailed, and the policy states that “the CSC will not endorse candidates before the primary.” We have also sought to minimize the issue of potential divisiveness by ensuring that multiple candidates for office may receive endorsement as long as they can win 2/3’s of the ballots case, with members allowed to vote for as many candidates as they wish.

We have moved with caution and deliberation, and we believe we have a solid document that can really help candidates and raise our profile as an organization at the same time. We hope you can attend the meeting and learn more about our proposal.

"Train to Frame"

At the June TCDCC meeting, John Pearce, avid disciple of George Lakoff, gave a lesson on framing our values as a means to counter the rhetoric of the Radical Right. The most critical component of framing says John, is to “recognize when people are consciously using a “frame” and then, to be able to “re-frame” in a positive way, to open up dialogue from your position, instead of theirs.

The Radical Right has spent the last 35-40 years developing a “group speak” which effectively frames their message in such a way so as to appeal to the conservative masses. One example of this is “Orwellian language” – calling things the opposite of what they are. For example, the Republican version of the “Clean Air Act” actually gives corporations more latitude to pollute; their “Healthy Forests Act” makes it possible to increase logging production in national forests. They’ve successfully sold their agenda, utilizing a series of talking points by giving his list to the right wing media. After the ideas have been introduced into the minds of the public, the politicians can discuss the topic, knowing the public has heard it before.

A way to diffuse this rhetoric is to frame our values in a positive tone. Rather than attacking the other party’s position, we should open up a mental picture of a good thing. Instead of railing against the war in Iraq, we should talk about the prospect of bringing the military home.

John warns us to be aware of the Radical Right’s frames. “When you hear something over and over again chances are that’s their new frame” John says. “Immediately, stop using their words and look for a way to “reframe” the statement, to reinforce your position.

Thurston County Young Democrats in Action

They are: Hillary Hunt, President; KD Chapman, Vice President; Emmett O’Connell, Secretary and Danielle Westbrook, Treasurer.

The YD’s have numerous activities planned over the coming months. They will be having a voter registration drive at Evergreen State College on September 17th. Last year, they were successful in signing up 40+ new voters. They’re hoping to exceed that this year. In addition to the voter registration drive at Evergreen, they’ll be continuing their efforts with the 17-18 year olds at local high schools.

A youth-oriented candidate’s forum is scheduled for September 21st at the Capital Playhouse in Olympia. The forum will begin at 6:30 PM with a social hour. The YD’s are going to be out doorbelling and sign-waving for local candidates who are sensitive to YD issues.

Welcome New Precinct Committee Officers (PCO)!

New PCO for LD 22

PCO Spotlight

K.D. Chapman, Skookumchuck PCO

She’s a young woman with energy and enthusiasm in her voice who’s excited about making a difference. As the newly-elected Vice President of the Young Democrats, she is planning to attend the national conference of Young Democrats of America, being held in San Francisco August 3-7th.

Her precinct is “an untapped resource”, K.D. says, and she’s looking forward to working with Jerry Broadbent and Sam Cagle, PCO’s in precincts which adjoin hers, to put together joint activities to develop a strong, active group of Democrats in the south Thurston County area.

PCO Precinct Packets

If you are a PCO who has not received a precinct packet, please contact Debby Pattin (866-8664) or Jeanne Passarelli (455-0422). The packets, available since the January 2005 Central Committee meeting, are used regularly by PCOs.

Each packet includes the most current list of voters as well as the 'hot lead' list. This list contains contact information for those who attended the February 2004 presidential caucuses, worked on campaigns, or volunteered at the campaign office during campaign season. These are the most active Democrats in your precinct who you can look to for help in canvassing your precinct or to find a proxy to help cover your precinct or attend a Central Committee meeting in your absence.

Participation at the monthly Central Committee meetings is important. If you are unable to attend, be sure to send your Proxy so your precinct is represented at the meeting.

PCO Survey

All PCOs should have received a letter from the State Party with a label on the front that reads "Important Information for Precinct Committee Officers." The letter contains information on a statewide survey of PCOs which will help update contact information and provide a greater understanding of the needs and talents of our PCOs. This survey is NOT a fundraiser. The information collected will be shared with the local party organizations, but not with any other individuals or organizations.

You will be receiving reminder calls from volunteers working with the State Party and, if you have not yet completed the survey, they will take your responses over the phone or mail you a paper copy that you can then mail in.

Legislative District 20 - Represents all of Lewis and south Thurston Counties.

Just For The Halibut

Hosted by Bob & Judy Guenther
Exit 71, 1.3 miles East on the Onalaska Highway 508

Attention all Candidates!

If you are planning to apply for TCD campaign services, you must fill out the application and return it to TCD no later than August 15th.

Campaign and Business Advertisement Space

You can now advertise your campaign or business in the TCD’s newsletter and website.
Campaign season is upon us so don’t miss this opportunity to reach Democrats in Thurston County with your message.

Efforts to establish Department of Peace gaining support

The United States is among the most violent nations on earth, not only in its current foreign exploits in the name of “freedom and democracy,” but among its own citizens, who murder and maim each other at rates greater than the citizens of any other modern, civilized nation. Despite this dubious distinction, legislation originally introduced in 2003 to create a Department of Peace has steadily been gaining support.

To learn more, visit www.thepeacealliance.org or contact Cheryl Crist, the 9th CD Peace Alliance Chair, at 360-754-7631.

Committees

Help us be the the best county Democrat organization in the state!

Burger Booth Support - Help us keep the Burger Booth in good repair for fundraising events.
Roger Erskine 709-2445 rogererskine35@hotmail.com

Campaign Services/Support - Have you ever been a candidate or worked on a campaign? This is the committee for you. Come help us develop and implement a plan that will support the needs of candidates, Democrats, and others involved in getting Democrats elected to local office.
Jerry Muchmore 413-9729 bigdogjerry@comcast.net

Volunteers - Are you an organized person who likes to motivate and engage people? These are the committees for you!
Elizabeth Shepard 943-9448 jemn1@earthlink.net

PCO Support - Develop training, strategies, and other supports to make our PCOs the best trained and best prepared PCOs in the state.
Rhenda Strubb 943-1913 rhenda@irisassociates.net
Jeanne Passarelli 455-0422 j.passarelli@comcast.net

Education and Forums - Develop and manage events and forums that will help educate the Thurston County Democrats and our community on issues that are important to Democrats.
Roger Erskine 709-2445 rogererskine35@hotmail.com

Sunshine Fund - Donate a monthly door prize to be given away at each Thurston County Democrat Central Committee meeting. Funds collected will be used for condolence cards, flowers and other appropriate recognitions for Democrats in our community who have experienced a loss, illness or other event.
Chris Garst 491-4969 cbgarst@aol.com

Communications - Do you have experience writing for publication? Do you have experience producing a regular newsletter? Do you know how to do publicity for events? Are you interested in working on websites? This is the committee for you. We're looking for folks to help pull together the monthly newsletter, keep the website up-to-date and help us publicize Thurston County Democrat events and activities.
Christi McGinley 459-4024 christi@beaudesigns.com

Data & Information - This committee will be looking at what data is needed, where data is coming from, and how it should be used to further Thurston County Democrat goals and objectives.
Jeff Holcomb 943-7939 mapmaker98502@yahoo.com

Historical Records - This committee will begin the important task of documenting the "institutional knowledge" within the Thurston County Democrat organization. There are many who have been around the organization for years who have valuable information that should be collected for current and future reference so we don't unnecessarily reinvent the wheel.
Jeff Holcomb 943-7939 mapmaker98502@yahoo.com

Calendar and Events

For a complete list of events, visit our calendar at: www.thurstondemocrats.org/event

August 10	Fundraiser State Rep. Sam Hunt - 5:30-8:00pm, 4030 San Mar Dr. NE, Olympia
August 13	Fundraiser U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell – 3:00-5:00pm, 7806 Cooper Point Rd. NW, Olympia. RSVP to Aviva Palmer (206) 632-5258
August 18	TCD Annual Summer Picnic – Special guest speaker – Phil Talmadge - 5:00-8:00pm Tumwater Falls Park $10/adults, children under 12 free
August 22	TCD Central Committee – 6:30pm Social Time, Meeting 7:00pm – TC Courthouse, Bldg. 1, Room 152
August 27	Fundraiser Leg. Dist. 20 – “Just For The Halibut” – 1:00-4:00pm – Exit 71, 1.3 miles East on the Onalaska Highway 508. For more info. - 360-262-3484
September 2-4	Harbor Days, Percival Landing. Burger Booth shifts available call Mary Lou Longenbaugh at 943-2963
September 5	Fundraiser U.S. Rep. Brian Baird – 2:00-5:00pm, 6808 NW Klein, Olympia RSVP to Helen Carlstrom at 352-8741
September 6	Fundraiser State Rep. Brendan Williams - 5:00-7:00pm, Schmidt Mansion, Tumwater, special guest Governor Christine Gregoire
September 10	9th Congressional District PCOs Meet with U.S. Rep. Adam Smith – 11:30am, St. Benedict’s Episcopal Church, 910 Bowker St., Lacey
September 12	TCD Executive Committee meeting – 6:00pm, TC Courthouse Bldg. 2 Room 149, (small courtroom)
September 19	Dinner with U.S. Rep. Adam Smith – 6:00-9:00pm, Cougar Mountain Jr. High, “Winning the 8th Congressional District for a Democrat” $15/person, $25/couple
September 26	Legislative District 22 Meeting – 6:00pm – TC Courthouse, Bldg. 1, Room 152
September 26	TCD Central Committee – 7:00pm – TC Courthouse, Bldg. 1, Room 152

www.thurstondemocrats.org

Highlights from last TCD Central Committee Meeting

Next TCD Central Committee Meeting

Leg. District 2

Leg. District 20

Leg. District 22

Leg. District 35

TCD Chair's Message