District 8 Democrats Your Neighborhood Activists Print Version
May 7,2006	Volume 1, Number 3
Contents: National Canvass Community Outreach Need Block Captains State/County Meetings Candidates List  District 8 Democrats 8350 East McDonald DR Suite DScottsdale, AZ 85250 Phone(480) 596-8350 Visit our Web Site http://www.d8dems.org Chair  Margaret Hogan  480-661-4997 mhogan@d8dems.org 1st Vice Chair Bob Freund 480-329-7769 bobf@d8dems.org 2nd Vice Chair Jerry Gettinger 480-510-1320 jerryg@d8dems.org Secretary Susan Ackley 480-675-9665 susan@d8dems.org Treasurer Tim Ackley  480-675-9665 tim@d8dems.org Newsletter Editor Open	APRIL 29TH DISTRICT 8’S RALLY/CANVASS A SUCCESS On Saturday, April 29, the DNC sponsored a national event, “The Neighbor to Neighbor Organizing Rally and Canvass.”  In over 1,000 communities across the country, Democrats carried the 2006 election year message of the National Party and collected signatures for local candidates. District 8’s rally in Agua Linda Park drew both Congressional and State candidates, their families and friends, District 8 PCs and volunteers.  Our local District 8 candidates, Dan Oseran and Stu Turnansky, candidates for State Senate, spoke first about their backgrounds and why they were running for office.  Stephanie Rimmer, candidate for State House and her family attended as well, including newcomer Molly. A committee spearheaded by Laura Copple did an  excellent job of planning the event. The park site was festive due to banners, balloons, campaign signs and flags.  The candidates did a great job of inspiring the participants to walk and knock on doors to gain signatures for them and encourage their neighbors to volunteer.    Jim Pederson, candidate for U.S. Senate spoke.  Jim said he always likes to attend District 8 functions because “D8 always draws a crowd.” Jim reviewed elements of his immigration plan, including sensible ways to protect Arizona’s borders. He described his opponent as a “rubber stamp” of President Bush’s policies and that we can depend on his taking a leadership role in the support of Arizona’s interests.  Harry Mitchell, as our Congressional District 5 candidate, was the Guest of Honor.  In raising some of his concerns, Harry spoke of special interests and high-paid lobbyists having too much influence in Washington.  Suggesting J.D. Hayworth’s association with these  interests, Harry said  “I believe we can do better.”  Citing his background as teacher, mayor and state senator, Harry pledged his considerable experience to bring a degree of professionalism and integrity back to the CD5 seat in Congress.At 65, our attendance was one of the highest in Maricopa County.  Forty-two people walked in pairs (21 pairs) and although many people were not at home, we gathered over 150 signatures and learned that next  time, we’ll try calling ahead.  When everyone returned, we talked about the experience and enjoyed pizza.  In all, it was a fun and productive event.
District 8 Committees Community Outreach:  Bobbye van der Walde,  480-473-3424, blvdw@aol.com Election Strategy:  Greg Shirey,  602-818-9936,  GregShirey@d8dems.org  Fundraising:  Barb Schachenman,  480-502-8533,  Schachab@cox.net  Peter van der Walde,  480-473-3424,  pandbxyz@aol.com  Office  Management /Computer:  Bob Freund, Acting  480-329-7769  bobf@d8dems.org	Healthcare Issues the Focus of Community Outreach Programs Health care for all citizens at a reasonable and fair price is a core Democratic tenet and has continued to grow as a burning issue for Americans and Arizonans alike.  Last month, D8 Democrats provided a view to several health care concerns; Medicare Part D, Veteran’s Healthcare benefits and the challenges faced by hospitals in the light of the lowest patient/physician ratios in the country.  In essence, the program identified elements of the health care crisis in Arizona.  At our May 18 Community Outreach Event, “Can Arizona Solve Its Healthcare Crisis,” District 8 Democrats will host Representative Phil Lopes who will present a complete review of his proposed legislation for a “Statewide Health Plan” (HB2752).  With the help of panelists including Dr. Mike Newcomb, a practicing physician and Air America commentator, and a representative of small employer purchasers, we will help Rep. Lopes drill down to the challenges presented by his proposal to the current employer/insurance market-driven healthcare delivery model.  Susan Ackley will moderate.  Questions and comments will be solicited from the audience.  We will also provide questions and copies of the proposed bill for the audience.This program is open to the public.  All Democratic candidates are welcome to attend.  Reception begins at 6:15 pm and the program starts at 6:45 pm. Contributed by Pete Cerchiera
PC/Volunteer Recruiting:  Jim Hogan, 480-661-4997, jhoganaz@msn.com  Barbara Gordon,  480-596-4065,  bhgordon@cox.net PR/Media: Jerry Gettinger, Acting 480-510-1320 jerryg@d8dems.org Research: John Gladney, 480-451-8053, jgladney1@aol.com Youth Coordination:   Sarah  Gettinger,          480-563-3206, sarahbgettinger@  yahoo.com	Looking for Volunteers and Block Captains It’s a great year to be supporting Democratic candidates.  Voters hear the endless tales of Republican corruption coming out of Washington, and they grow increasingly disgusted.  Here in Arizona, Governor Napolitano’s popularity is reaching historic highs and our Attorney General, Terry Goddard is doing valuable work.  Our state legislative Republican leadership is showing that it is totally out of touch with the people of Arizona.  We have excellent Democratic candidates running for state and national office and need grassroots support to get them elected.  District 8 Democrats are looking for enthusiastic Democrats that want to make a difference in this election.  We are especially looking for Block Captains to work with their neighbors to elect our candidates.  The Block Captain is the most basic component in our party structure.  They contact a small group of Democratic neighbors and help get them to vote: early, by mail, and at the polls.  We have house parties planned that will help these new Block Captains learn the basics about the election process.  It is fun working with neighbors that have like values; it is also a great way to meet new friends.  For more information contact: Jim Hogan or Barbara Gordon listed in the column on the left.
STATE/COUNTY MEETINGS                                                       HELP WANTED                             Acknowledgement	Reports of the County and State Meetings  from the Chair The Executive Committee of the Maricopa County Democratic Party held its April meeting at the Maricopa County Elections Facility.  After discussion of several business items, the district chairs were given a tour of the facility and an explanation of each department’s role and process in preparing for and following through with elections.  The size and scope of the operation is very impressive as is the department chairs’ knowledge and commitment to security.  There are many checks and balances built into their system and process.  We were introduced to a touch-screen voting machine that will be used for the first time in the September 2006 primary election.  This machine will be designated for voters who are unable to vote independently.  I was pleased to be able to participate in such a learning experience.  The Spring Meeting of the State Democratic Committee was held on Saturday, May 6th.  The Progressive Caucus offered an excellent program on immigration, providing speakers representing labor, the State Legislature, humanitarian and legal groups.  District 8 PC, Sherry Bohlen is Co-Chair of the Caucus.  The main agenda item for the State Committee meeting was the election to fill the Chair vacancy due to the resignation of Harry Mitchell.  Harry, as you know, is a candidate for the U. S.  House of Representatives for District 5.  David Waid was elected to the Chair position by acclamation.  H will serve in both roles as Executive Director and Chair of the State Committee until January 2007.  He told the Committee that he has no intention of running again for Chair and had sought the position now due to the need to continue the momentum needed to win elections in November.  Representatives of the State Executive Committee reported on their presentation at the   recent DNC meeting.  They proposed that Arizona be a location for a primary or a caucus prior to the elections in 2008.   To qualify for either, a state has to satisfy the rules of both the state and the national party.  In our case, Arizona qualifies for both.  The advantage in having a Caucus is it serves as a great motivator.  Participants will be involved in actually selecting candidates.  Our State Committee members were encouraged by Arizona’s prospects for either a caucus or a primary due to the demographics of our population. HELP WANTED ADS Wanted: Newsletter Editor.  The editor should enjoy writing and coordinating the contributions of others to produce an attractive, informative product.  The newsletter is published monthly, is posted on-line and distributed widely to interested persons.  Call Margaret Hogan, 480-661-4997 Wanted: Chairperson, PR/Media  The Chair of the PR/Media Committee is responsible for establishing good relations with the media and gaining coverage for D8 events.  Members of the committee may take on responsibility according to type of media.  Call Margaret Hogan, 480-661-4997 Wanted: Block Captains.  Block captains function in much the same way as precinct committee persons, but have fewer persons to contact in the precinct.  The contact is limited to the Captain’s neighborhood  or an area containing approximately 25 to 30 Democrats.  Call Jim Hogan if you are interested at 48—661-4997. Acknowledgement of D8 Democrats’ Achievements Greg Shirey wrote a brilliant letter to the editor that was published in the Arizona Republic on Monday, May 8th.  Check it out at http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/opinions/articles/0508monlets085.html Greg, you make us all proud!!