Happy Thanksgiving from Missaukee County (Michigan) :)

Written by: Richard Renner on Nov 26, 2008 7:30 PM EST

To all my friends at Democracy for America,

May your Thanksgiving be filled with Love, Faith and Laughter.

Best wishes,

Richard Renner

Missaukee County Commissioner-elect

Membership Chair, Missaukee County Democratic Party

“Strange is our situation here upon earth. Each of us comes for a short visit, not knowing why, yet sometimes seeming to a divine purpose. From the standpoint of daily life, however, there is one thing we do know: That we are here for the sake of others...for the countless unknown souls with whose fate we are connected by a bond of sympathy. Many times a day, I realize how much my outer and inner life is built upon the labors of people, both living and dead, and how earnestly I must exert myself in order to give in return as much as I have received.”

- Albert Einstein

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"...let's not forget all the hard-working, progressive Democrats who are running for local offices..." - Democrats.com

Written by: Richard Renner on Nov 17, 2008 9:41 PM EST

"...let's not forget all the hard-working, progressive Democrats who are running for local offices...Local and state offices have an enormous impact on our lives, and also produce our future national leaders..." - Democrats.com

CHALLENGE: ONLY 3 DAYS LEFT to raise $380! Help the only Democratic County Commissioner in Missaukee County (Michigan).

On Tuesday, November 4th, history was made in Missaukee County. I was fortunate enough to defeat a Republican incumbent for County Commissioner in the second most Republican county in the state of Michigan. However, as with many campaigns, I have debt to pay off, and several final expenses to pay. I need to raise $380 in 3 days. Can I count on you? Making a contribution is easier than ever. Just click on the link below, and make a secure, online contribution using PayPal...

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_donations&business=rrenner%40core%2ecom&item_name=Friends%20of%20Richard%20Renner&no_shipping=0&no_note=1&tax=0¤cy_code=USD&lc=US&bn=PP%2dDonationsBF&charset=UTF%2d8

OFFICIALLY ENDORSED BY MID-MICHIGAN DEMOCRACY FOR AMERICA (MMDfA)!
“Richard REALLY knows his stuff and has specific plans for improving his county.”

As I was quoted in our local daily, the Cadillac News, following my victory...

"The voters...have made a determination that the status quo is no longer acceptable, that we expect more accountability, greater openness, and transparency in county government."

Please, help me pay off my debt by raising $380 in 3 days. Just click on the link below, and make a secure, online contribution using PayPal...

https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_donations&business=rrenner%40core%2ecom&item_name=Friends%20of%20Richard%20Renner&no_shipping=0&no_note=1&tax=0¤cy_code=USD&lc=US&bn=PP%2dDonationsBF&charset=UTF%2d8

Victory '10,

Richard Renner

Missaukee County Commissioner-elect

"...public service must be more than doing a job efficiently and honestly. It must be a complete dedication to the people...with full recognition that every human being is entitled to courtesy and consideration."

- Margaret Chase Smith, U.S. Senator from Maine, 1949-1973

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Download Judicial Election Guide

Written by: Sandra Verthein on Oct 14, 2008 7:30 AM EDT

Linked to groups: Northside DFA

Once again our ballots will contain a long, long list of judicial retention votes and judicial vacancies. What should the responsible voter do? Click this link to download our Northside DFA Judicial Election Guide -- a one-page PDF that you can take into the voting booth with you:

http://democracyforamerica.com/uploads/0006/2141/Judicial_Election_Guide_NDFA.pdf

The information on the guide is from the website www.voteforjudges.org and gives ratings from 10 different bar associations as well as much more information.

If you would like copies of these guides to give to neighbors and friends please email me at Northsidedfa@gmail.com. We have also set up two nights when we will be distributing the guides these guides door to door, and we are looking for volunteers to help distribute them on election day. To help with that sign-up below:

Distribute NDFA Judicial Election Guides - Three Dates to Choose From
Help NDFA distribute election guides for Judicial Retention votes. The guides are based on information from the website www.voteforjudges.org and give the ratings of 10 different bar associations. These guides are a convenient way to help voters make an informed decision.

- Sunday, October 26, 1:00 p.m. meet at Pier 1 parking lot, 5306 N. Broadway
RSVP at:
http://democracyforamerica.com/events/31419-judicial-election-guide-flyering

- Wednesday, October 20, 6:00 p.m. meet at Pier 1 parking lot, 5306 N. Broadway.
RSVP at:
http://democracyforamerica.com/events/31419-judicial-election-guide-flyering

- Tuesday, November 4 - election day
Distribute guides at your local polling place. If you are planning to volunteer for a campaign that day, consider handing them out just during the morning rush before going to do your campaign work.

- email northsidedfa@gmail.com for more information.

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Join Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, Comptroller Dan Hynes, Ald. Joe Moore and Ald. Scott Waguespack

Written by: Luis Klein on Sep 15, 2008 9:01 PM EDT

Linked to groups: DFA-Evanston North Shore, Northside DFA, Democracy for Illinois, Young Democrats of IL, 49th Ward DFA

In supporting NDFA adopted candidate Daniel Biss, Democratic Candidate for State Representative, 17th Dist.

September 19, 6pm-9pm

at the home of Justin Oberman

1962 N Bissell St. Apt 3

Chicago

$50 suggested contribution

RSVP: 847-674-1298 or info@DanielBiss.com or www.actblue.com/page/sept19

paid for by Daniel Biss for State Representative. A copy of our report filed with the State Board of Elections is (or will be) available for purchase from the State Board of Elections, Springfield, IL.

Discuss

We have endorsed Scott Harper - start helping this Saturday

Written by: Sandra Verthein on Jul 22, 2008 5:18 AM EDT

Linked to groups: Northside DFA

We have a new endorsed candidate!

At Northside DFA (Democracy for America) our members choose our candidates, and our July meeting Democratic Congressional Candidate Scott Harper won our vote to become our newest Northside DFA endorsed candidate -- one of only five candidates we have chosen to endorse or adopt this campaign cycle.

How can you help?

- sign up to volunteer for Scott THIS SATURDAY. They need all the help they can get to win a DCCC volunteer challenge that could mean signifcant $$ for Scott's campaign:
http://www.scottharperforcongress.com/Default.aspx?tabid=494

- donate to Scott (and all of our candidates) on our Northside DFA Act Blue Page (over $6K already raised!):
http://www.actblue.com/page/ndfa_picks

Scott is running an extremely vigorous, grass-roots campaign to unseat Republican Judy Biggert, someone who had fully embraced the Republican big-money agenda:

- Voted against increasing children’s health coverage by voting against SCHIP.
- Voted against raising the minimum wage six times
- Supported cutting overtime pay and voted against extending unemployment benefits
- Opposed mandatory periods of rest for combat soldiers (The Webb Amendment).
- Voted against legislation that provided critical healthcare funding for veterans
- Voted to allow oil drilling in national monuments
- Supported Bush's plan to privatize Social Security
- and, of course, voted to authorize use of force in Iraq and for over $5 billion in funding for the war since then.
(read more at http://www.therealjudybiggert.com/)

Scott is an incredibly smart candidate who supports a progressive agenda for change for this country including getting out of Iraq and no permanent bases in Iraq, universal health care, and achieving energy independence. Scott vision also includes numerous bold proposals like this one:

"Establishing an American Center for Cures: Since Jonas Salk cured polio over 50 years ago, this country has not developed a cure for a major disease. For this reason, Scott believes it necessary to start a considerable, concerted and focused effort at a federal level for finding much needed cures to these devastating diseases."

NDFA Meeting Notes - June 2008

Written by: Sandra Verthein on Jul 14, 2008 6:25 AM EDT

Linked to groups: Northside DFA

The meeting notes below were prepared by our NDFA Recording Secretary, Melissa Lindberg, based on notes she took during the meeting. They are NOT a direct transcript, so please do not attribute any portion of these notes as direct quotes from our speakers. If you have questions or comments, please contact Melissa at: http://democracyforamerica.com/users/206530-melissa-lindberg

NDFA Meeting Notes
June 5, 2008

David Sirota in Chicago

Written by: Sandra Verthein on Jul 3, 2008 8:16 AM EDT

Linked to groups: Northside DFA

[This essay was written by NDFA Steering Committee member Frank Palmer about our June 21st Northside DFA forum. The photo was taken by NDFA member Fran Tobin.]

Sirota_Forum_Crowd

David Sirota, author of the New York Times best sellers The Uprising and Hostile Takeover, spoke in a NDFA forum in Edgewater about his books and his political beliefs. The format -- he was interviewed by Ben Joravsky of The Reader and then answered questions from the audience -- was somewhat discursive, but Sirota returned to several recurring themes.

Sirota rejects waiting for the ideal politician to be elected to a position from which he can solve our problems. He thinks that the proposed solutions have to come from below with enough pressure to make their passage politically profitable. He pointed to Lyndon Johnson's adoption of the civil rights ideal; Johnson's political record before the White House supported segregation. Sirota pointed out that these groundswells have long periods of organized preparation before they reach the consciousness of the electorate. (And he pointed out elsewhere that politicians were usually the last to notice.) He quoted FDR speaking to some advocacy group: "You've convinced me. Now make me do it."

Asked specifically about Barack Obama, whom he has praised elsewhere, he said that Obama is passionate about themes, not about policies. An Obama administration would be open to solutions from the grassroots, but we should not expect the election of Obama to provide the solutions. Again, change comes from below; only when the people are convinced will the leaders follow.

(Continued.)

NDFA Meeting Notes - April 3, 2008 w/ Candidate Scott Harper

Written by: Sandra Verthein on Jul 3, 2008 5:58 AM EDT

Linked to groups: Northside DFA

The meeting notes below were prepared by our NDFA Recording Secretary, Melissa Lindberg, based on notes she took during the meeting. They are NOT a direct transcript, so please do not attribute any portion of these notes as direct quotes from our speakers. If you have questions or comments, please contact Melissa at: http://democracyforamerica.com/users/206530-melissa-lindberg

NDFA Meeting Notes - April 3, 2008 with Candidate Scott Harper

Introductions: Shannon Fisk introduced himself as the Steering Committee member delegated to run in the meeting in Sandra’s absence. Sandra Verthein was absent because of a work-related event; Cynthia Fox was absent due to injury. Steering Committee members Jim Ginsburg and Barry Aldridge were also unable to attend. Everyone else went around and introduced themselves, giving their name and ward – or township, if coming from outside Chicago. Last to be introduced was Deb Shore, MRWD commissioner, who noted that she had won election as a delegate for Obama to a round of applause. She will be attending the Democratic National Convention, and is exploring ways to blog daily!

Updates on Candidates:

Daniel Seals: there will be a canvas for Dan Seals on April 5th. Frank noted he was going through canvassing withdrawal – everyone should sign up through DFA-Link, more details posted there.

Daniel Biss: There will be a canvas for Dan Biss on April 13th. Again, sign up on DFA-Link, where more details will be posted.

Obama: Phone banking in the downtown office is going on constantly: currently the project is to phone bank Indiana to GOTV, and also get people to register to vote for the primary there. Also, as always, Obama’s website has a phone banking widget, so you can phone bank from the comfort of your own home (though doing in the office is also fun, as the opportunity to socialize with the other volunteers and feel a real part of the operation is pretty terrific). Another opportunity to work for Obama is through Evanston Township, which is going out to Indiana for Barack this weekend. It was noted that Obama raised over $40 million last month, more than Clinton and McCain combined. The pastor issue seems to be in the past now.

There was no update on Carol Javens.

(Continued)

NDFA Meeting Notes - March 6 2008 w/ Guest Speaker David Orr

Written by: Sandra Verthein on Jul 3, 2008 5:32 AM EDT

Linked to groups: Northside DFA

The meeting notes below were prepared by our NDFA Recording Secretary, Melissa Lindberg, based on notes she took during the meeting. They are NOT a direct transcript, so please do not attribute any portion of these notes as direct quotes from our speakers. If you have questions or comments, please contact Melissa at: http://democracyforamerica.com/users/206530-melissa-lindberg

-------
NDFA Meeting Notes - March 6, 2008 with Guest Speaker David Orr

Updates on Candidates:

Daniel Biss: Biss had a fundraiser with a local band: ~ 65 attended, and ~ $3,000 was raised. This event was organized by some of our NDFA members. In the primaries, Biss received about 16,000 votes to Beth Coulson’s 6,000: of course, this may shift as people won’t draw straight Democratic tickets for the General, so some of the Democrats who like Coulson may choose to vote for her in November. But it is an encouraging sign.

Obama: Jim Ginsburg gave a report on his canvassing in Ohio. He was in Cuyahoga County, in Shaker Heights, where his wife has family. He was impressed with the Obama campaign in Ohio: a true mix of young and old, rainbow of ethnicities, very diverse campaign.

Two politicians/candidates were present and recognized: Scott Harper is the Democratic candidate in the 13th congressional district in Illinois, running against incumbent Judy Biggert (R). Heather Steans, newly elected State Senator to the 7th State Senate District in Illinois, was also present.

(Continued.)

Childen's Museum Approved WITH Vote Count

Written by: Cynthia Fox on Jun 11, 2008 4:18 PM EDT

Linked to groups: Northside DFA, Democracy for Illinois, Greater Lincoln Park DFA

This is one of those things that I thought the group would be interested in seeing. I have pasted the Chicago Tribune's blog "Clout Street" into this email. He has a whole set of updates that keep coming from accounts from City Council. The vote count - with how local alderman voted - is at the bottom.

Please click the link to see the most current news collected by the blogger.

Cyn

~~~~~~~~~~~~~`

City Council approves Children's Museum in Grant Park

http://newsblogs.chicagotribune.com/clout_st/2008/06/council-showdow.html

Updated by Dan Mihalopoulos at 1:48 p.m.

The City Council on Wednesday approved plans to build a new Chicago Children's Museum in Grant Park, amid opponents' threats to tie the project up in court.

Over the objections of local Ald. Brendan Reilly (42nd), who opposed the plan, the council voted 33-16 in favor of the museum's plan to move from Navy Pier. Mayor Richard Daley, the plan's most powerful supporter, presided over the council vote.


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Democracy for America group blog for Northside DFA

Happy Thanksgiving from Missaukee County (Michigan) :)

"...let's not forget all the hard-working, progressive Democrats who are running for local offices..." - Democrats.com

Download Judicial Election Guide

Join Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias, Comptroller Dan Hynes, Ald. Joe Moore and Ald. Scott Waguespack

We have endorsed Scott Harper - start helping this Saturday

Read more

NDFA Meeting Notes - June 2008

Read more

David Sirota in Chicago

Read more

NDFA Meeting Notes - April 3, 2008 w/ Candidate Scott Harper

Read more

NDFA Meeting Notes - March 6 2008 w/ Guest Speaker David Orr

Read more

Childen's Museum Approved WITH Vote Count

~~~~~~~~~~~~~`

City Council approves Children's Museum in Grant Park

Read more

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