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2012 Convention

OFA – 2012 Highlights

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A nice look back on the highlights of the year that led to the President’s re-election:  http://my.barackobama.com/Our-Journey

#DNC2012 Voting Rights Institute

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Convention days were filed with caucus and other Democratic group meetings, including a meeting of the DNC’s Voting Rights Institute on Sept. 6, 2012.  We are happy to feature a guest column by Susan Dosier, a communications specialist who attended the meeting.

 The Democratic Party and A Host of Voter Groups Needs Volunteers To Help Fight Against Attacks On Voter Rights

Donna Brazile kicks off Voting Rights Panel (photo credit – Steve Bunn)

A line-up of political rock stars, including actress America Ferrera, Donna Brazile, Congressman Steny Hoyer,  Georgia Representative John Lewis, MSNBC talk show host Melissa Harris Perry, and others gathered to focus on what many at the Convention still find incredulous: the narrowing of criteria that allow Americans to vote.

At issue: 25 percent of Americans don’t have a government-issued ID. (Several new laws require as multiple forms of identification in order for someone to register to vote.)  For example, in Texas, you can register to vote with an National Rifle Association permit, but the state will not accept a photo ID from a community college.

Melissa Harris Perry moderated a panel with leaders who are working in each of their constituent groups (African Americans, organized labor, youth, Latinos, and more) to help the audience understand what’s happening, what’s being done, and how they can help.  Many of the restrictive voting laws passed target African-Americans, Hispanics, young voters, seniors, and people with disabilities.

“I’ve never seen anything like this!” Donna Brazile told the group. The same sentiment was heard from many in the room.

Many organizations and groups are actively responding, including the NAACP, organized labor, and Americans With Disabilities.Read More »#DNC2012 Voting Rights Institute

DPVA Steering Committee Meets – 53 Days to Election

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DPVA Chair Brian Moran, Secretary Steve Bunn, Vice Chair Gaylene Kanoyton

The Democratic Party of Virginia held a very substantive Steering Committee meeting last night, focused primarily on the tasks necessary over the next 53 days to elect Barack Obama, Tim Kaine, and our Congressional candidates.  The Committee also voted to recommend to the full Central Committee that the Party chose its 2013 nominees for Governor, Lt. Governor, and Atty. General by primary, and oppose this fall’s constitutional amendment regarding eminent  domain.  The full Central Committee meeting this morning.  Some highlights of last night’s meeting.Read More »DPVA Steering Committee Meets – 53 Days to Election

#DNC2012 Actions, Schedule

I’ve been to five conventions, but I have never seen the party so unified, enthusiastic, and positive about putting forth our candidate and message.  From the business perspective, the Convention adopted the Credentials, Rules, and Platform Committee Reports, and elected officers.  I posted the platform yesterday and will post the Rules and Credentials, but there is nothing controversial.  Delegates signed the pettition to nominate President Obama.  I am looking forward to another exciting day.  Again, thanks to DemConWatch, here’s today’s schedule (complete schedule below).  Highlights will include Bill Clinton’s nomination speech for President Obama, Convention Chair Mayor Antonio R. Villaraigosa, Elizabeth Warren, and Barney Frank and the Roll Call.  I don’t know about venue plans for tomorrow – still planning on Panther Stadium and hopefully the rain will end today.  (BTW, Politico picked up my recent post re the credentials committee, here.)Read More »#DNC2012 Actions, Schedule

Platform and Tuesday Schedule, #DNC2012

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Thanks to Matt at DemConWatch, here is the proposed platform and the Tuesday schedule.  There will be pre-convention caucus meetings in the morning and afternoon, (and a lunch or reception or two), but the session starts at 5 pm.  The first major business is adoption of Credentials, Rules, and Platform reports.  Then there will be a Jimmy Carter video and speeches.  Starting at 10 pm, the convention will hear from Md. Gov. Martin O’Malley, Keynoter San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro, and First Lady Michelle Obama.  The Convention adjourns at 11, to be followed by a party or two.  Full schedule below  

  2012 Democratic National Platform (336.0 KiB, 1,024 hits)

 Read More »Platform and Tuesday Schedule, #DNC2012

Labor Day at the Democratic National Convention – CarolinaFest

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CarolinaFest is a free family friendly Labor Day Celebration that will occur in Uptown Charlotte and will feature interactive expositions, family oriented activities, live music, speakers, and history in the making. The event will be held on Tryon Street in the heart of convention facilities. A map of activities can be viewed at CarolinaFest2012.com.Read More »Labor Day at the Democratic National Convention – CarolinaFest

Attending the #DNC2012 Nomination Night – Update

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Here is a DNC Press Release from today with more information on attending the Thursday night stadium nomination of President Obama:  Democratic National Convention Committee Invites Americans to Sign Up for Community Credentials and Witness History — Public Can Sign Up For the Opportunity To Attend President Obama and Vice President Biden’s Nomination Acceptance Speeches on Thursday, Sept. 6

Read More »Attending the #DNC2012 Nomination Night – Update

The Challenge of Obtaining Voter ID

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Virginia recently strengthened its voter ID requirements, but did not require government-issued photo IDs, as discussed in this post.

The Brennan Center  just issued a report on other states, however, that have this requirement:  “Ten states now have unprecedented restrictive voter ID laws.  Alabama, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin all require citizens to produce specific types of government-issued photo identification before they can cast a vote that will count.  Legal precedent requires these states to provide free photo ID to eligible voters who do not have one.  Unfortunately, these free IDs are not equally accessible to all voters.”

“This report is the first comprehensive assessment of the difficulties that eligible voters face in obtaining free photo ID.  The 11 percent of eligible voters who lack the required photo ID must travel to a designated government office to obtain one.  Yet many citizens will have trouble making this trip.”  As the report details, many of the state ID-issuing offices are long distances from voters, lack public transportation, and have limited business hours.  Moreover, the documentation required to obtain a photo ID, including birth certificates and marriage licenses, can cost up to $25.  “By comparison, the notorious poll tax — outlawed during the civil rights era — cost $10.64 in current dollars.”Read More »The Challenge of Obtaining Voter ID

RT: 15 Tips for Attendees of the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, NC

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Via our friends at DemConWatch, here is some excellent guidance from the excellent Texas Burnt Orange Site, http://www.burntorangereport.com/diary/12399/15-tips-for-attendees-of-the-democratic-national-convention-in-charlotte-nc:

15 Tips for Attendees of the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, NC

by: Karl-Thomas Musselman Wed Jun 20, 2012 at 09:00 AM CDT

This list has been making the rounds among delegates and others who earned their tickets to the 2012 Democratic National Convention to officially nominate Barack Obama for a 2nd time. Full credit to its original creator, Texas DNC Member-Elect Glen Maxey, for whom this will be his 11th national convention (if you count one of the three mid-term conventions the Democratic Party held in the 70’s and 80’s). While Texan in focus, it’s applicable to anyone going to Charlotte and makes an entertaining read for those seeking some insight as to what the experience is like.Read More »RT: 15 Tips for Attendees of the Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, NC