San Diego — the Democratic National Committee Executive Committee and Association of State 
Democratic Chairs held their last meetings of the current officer term on December 12 and 13 at the Hotel Del Coronado. The committees heard reports on the 2008 elections and the Party’s outstanding successes in voter registration; voter turnout, especially of young and minority voters; fundraising; voter protection; and use of technology to identify, track and turn out voters. The full DNC will meet on January 21, 2009, in Washington DC, to elect new officers.
Looking ahead, DNC Chairman Dean and ASDC President Mark Brewer were confident that the new DNC leadership would keep the DNC focused on building state parties, showing up everywhere, and asking for votes. Some concerns about flexibility and accountability in the current 50-state program, however, will need to be addressed. The Party will also continue to focus on building the Democratic “brand” by winning voter confidence, perfecting the national voter file, using new technologies for voter ID and GOTV, expanding voter registration, expanding innovative fundraising, and winning elections — starting with Virginia (and New Jersey) in 2009.
Finally, but perhaps most importantly, the Democratic Party needs to welcome the new Obama voters and volunteers into our party organizations and engage them in advancing the Obama agenda, serving the community (see www.DemocratsWork.org), and working to elect Democrats.
(additional photos on flickr)