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Monthly Meetings
Next meeting -- February 9th 6:30 PM - Pyle Center SW corner of Rural and Southern Just West of the Tempe Library |
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Welcome to the website of District 17 Democrats! Our
legislative district covers most of Tempe and South
Scottsdale. We are people-powered politics. We are
students, retirees, educators, the working class, homemakers,
professionals, and more. We are a diverse group of energized
Democrats who are committed to keeping Democrats in office in District
17, Congressional District 5, and statewide. And we are
planning on turning Arizona Blue in the 2008 presidential election!
--> Click here for information on how you can get involved. --> Click here to view our events calendar. --> Click here to view our precinct maps. Next Regular Meeting: January 12th. The Democratic Party was founded in 1792, but it's current, modern form was established in 1828. It's one of the two major political parties in the United States, the other being the Republican Party. The Democrats have always had more liberal views than the Republicans, and that is one the most important differences between these two parties. Ever since the beginning, the Democratic Party has been promoting equality and freedom of speech, believing that everyone should have the right to use all the benefits the state provides, no matter what race or religion they belong to, or what ethnic background they have. Apart from these views, the economic policy of the Democratic Party's is what sets it apart from the Republican Party the most, especially in the last decade or so. There are some states that are considered as Democratic, and others as Republican. Most people in California, Oregon, Illinois, New York support the Democratic Party, while the Midwestern States and some of the Southern States are considered to be Republican States. Today, the Democrats continue to promote freedom of religion, and are advocates for LGBT rights, as well. They are trying to make gay marriage legal in the U.S., and they have managed to do that in some states, such as Maine, New York, Maryland, and Washington, among others. It is a progressive party, which can be seen in their efforts to keep the U.S. the most technologically-advanced country in the world. That is why the current Administration, with a Democratic president in office, makes huge investments in technology, as well as science. Their goal is to encourage technological innovations that could be applied in the country's education system, the health-care system, and that could increase the economic growth, which leads to creation of new jobs. They want the Church to be separated from the State, so that no religion is favored over the others, and so that those who don't want to be a part of any religion, don't feel pressured to follow the religion of the majority. So, the Democratic Party today remains a party that promotes liberal, progressive policies, with a voter base composed of the younger generation, the working class, Native Americans, LGBT Americans, Black Americans and Latino Americans. For more on how the government works, check out dmv.com, a guide for the Department of Motor Vehicles Next Regular Meeting: January 12th. Note: New meeting time! (we are moving from 7 to 6:30pm) Next Regular Meeting: January 12th. 6:30pm. We meet the 2nd Tuesday of every month at the Pyle Center! (SW Corner of Southern and Rural) (map) Questions: Contact D17 Chair Lauren Kuby: laurenkuby@gmail.com; 602-790-2156; www.d17Dems.org Tuesday, January 12th Monthly Meeting 6:30 (Note the new time: 30 minutes earlier)
We meet the 2nd Tuesday of every month at the Pyle Center! (SW Corner of Southern and Rural) (map) Questions: Contact D17 Chair Lauren Kuby: laurenkuby@gmail.com; 602-790-2156; www.d17Dems.org 10 Reasons Why AZ Needs a Democratic Legislature and Governor in 2010 Or.... What GOP Control Has Done for/to Arizonans
These reasons and more are why D17 (and all of Arizona) need to work hard to keep D17 and CD5 blue, and to help elect a Democratic Governor and Legislature! D17 Democrats in the News How to Get Our Message Out D17 Democrats are seeing great placement in The Tempe Republic. Please continue sending brief letters on issues of the day to seletters@arizonarepublic.com or call in a voicemail message and see it published in Saturday's "Sound Off" section: 602-444-2475 or twitter@SEVsoundoff Neighborhood Teams Taking Aim at 2010 Help us Saturdays at the Library! Tempe may be blue, but making sure our Democrats turn out to vote in the 2010 elections are the key to staying blue and winning statewide races! D17 volunteers are making big inroads signing up voters to the Permanent Early Voting List (PEVL) and registering new voters. Please help by signing up for either a 9�am or 11am�m shift on January 9, 16, 23, or 30. E-mail Genevieve Vega at genmalia@yahoo.com with your availability. Neighborhood Teams How will we turn AZ Blue in 2010? By spending the "off-season" getting voters on the Permanent Early Voting List (PEVL).
Events Every Saturday at the Tempe Library. Help us register voters and sign them up to Vote-By-Mail. To volunteer for a shift (9:30-11:30am or 11:30-1:30pm), e-mail Genevieve at genmalia@yahoo.com. Jan. 7 and 14 (Thurs.): Music on Mill. 5�m, Ron Bowen, D17's "Psychadelic Dog" Democrat, invites his fellow Dems to his band's performances. Ron's band, Ono Grindz, and 5 other acts will be on various street corners on Mill sharing their music. Support your local artists! Jan. 12 (Tues.): Monthly Meeting of LD17 Democrats. 6:30�30pm (note new time!) at the Pyle Center Jan. 14 (Thurs.): East Valley Working YDs Monthly Meeting. Happy Hour at 6pm; business at 7pm, location TBD. E-mail cole.hickman@gmail.com for details. Jan. 16 (Sat.): 4th Annual Rose Mofford Merit Awards. 4pm. Honoring Shirley McAllister for years of selfless contributions to LD9, the WestDems, the Maricopa County Democratic Party, and the Arizona Democratic Party. Special guest speaker: Attorney General Terry Goddard. Tickets are $25 ($20 for YDs) and include a catered dinner and no-host bar. Carpenter's and Joiner's Union Hall, 4547 W. McDowell Rd. To reserve your ticket, RSVP by January 13th to 623-478-4626. Jan. 20 (Wed.): Nucleus Club. 11:30am�m. Join Democrats from around the county for lunch, conversation, and guest speakers each month. Wyndham Hotel, 50 E Adams St., Phoenix. RSVP to 602-234-6545. Cost for guests: $40. http://ww2.nucleusclub.org Jan. 21 (Thurs.): The Lowdown, an Event for Democratic Young Professionals. 6�m. Join other professionals interested in getting involved behind the scenes in Maricopa County politics. Be the first to hear about political issues, meet candidates and their staff members, and meet others interested in politics. Clarendon Hotel Rooftop Deck (401 W. Clarendon Ave., Phoenix). Jan. 23 (Sat.): Arizona Democratic Party State Committee Meeting. 1pm- 4pm (caucus meetings in the morning). Wyndham Hotel, 50 E. Adams St., Phoenix. Our All-Blue D17 Elected Officials
Favorite Websites and Blogs Websites:
Become a Democratic Precinct Committee Person If you're not already a PC, please consider becoming one! You can be appointed at any one of our monthly meetings. PCs are elected every two years in the primary election. You'll become a voice in your precinct and part of our neighborhood teams. Please attend our meetings to learn more or email laurenkuby@gmail.com. We can't wait to meet you! A D17 Xmas (with compliments to Ann Wallack)
T抴as the night before Christmas, and all through the State House D17 Democrats in the News Harry, We've Got Your Back! 
Over 40 Democrats gathered to thank Harry Mitchell for his politically courageous support of Health Care reform and to take action in increase increasing the numbers of Democrats on the Permanent Early Voting List (in D17, those who vote by mail have a 94% turn-out!). National Republicans are targeting Harry's race, with CD5 now listed as toss-up for Democrats by The Cook Report. You can bet that we will have Harry's back! LD17 Legislative Team Changes, but Stays Strong! 
Tempe City Councilmember Ben Arredondo will run for the House along with State Rep. Ed Ableser; State Rep. David Schapira opens exploratory committee for D17 Senate seat! State Senator Meg Burton Cahill announced on Nov. 17th that she will not seek another term in the State Senate. For health reasons, she is taking her public-service career in another direction. Meg's wisdom, insight, humor, and dedication to the people of D17 and the state will be sorely missed, but someone who has been found to step into the void that she is leaving, someone who is likely one of the few people who is as dedicated to the people of D17 as she is. At the press conference announcing her retirement, Meg was joined by D17 colleagues, State Reps. Ed Ableser and David Schapira, Democratic leaders from both chambers of the Legislature, and many D17 activists, who all welcomed long-time Tempe City Councilman Ben Arredondo to the D17 Democratic slate. Ben has changed his voter registration to Democratic, moving away from the Republican Party that has moved away from him and all other elected officials who value community service and responsible governance over extreme partisan ideology. He brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the Tempe community. In addition serving on the Tempe City Council for decades, Ben was a high-school teacher, football and wrestling coach, a member of the Tempe Elementary school board and a Maricopa County supervisor. Local news and blogs were all over this story:
Welcome D17抯 newest Democrat at the D17 Democrats� Holiday Party on Tuesday, December 8th at the Democratic-friendly El Pe馻sco (SE Broadway and Mill). Join us as we celebrate our 2010 legislative slate with delicious food and beverages! D17 Super Volunteer Featured in The Arizona Republic! Read about Beth Hoffman and her straw-bale home: "Green Living: A Farm-Inspired Life" How to Get Our Message Out D17 Democrats are seeing great placement in The Tempe Republic, praising Harry Mitchell's courageous vote on Health Care Reform, amongst other issues. Please continue sending brief letters on important issues of the day (next up: climate-change legislation!) to seletters@arizonarepublic.com or call in a voicemail message and see it published in Saturday's "Sound Off" section: 602-444-2475 or twitter@SEVsoundoff.
Get Involved Help us Saturdays at the Library! D17 volunteers are making big inroads signing up voters to the Permanent Early Voting List (PEVL) and registering new voters. People in the community enjoy seeing and talking with us and look for us every Saturday! Please sign up for a 2-hour shift in December: 12/5 (11:30-1:30 pm), 12/12 (9:30-11:30am; 11:30-1:30pm), 12/18: 9:30-11:30; 11:30-1:30pm). E-mail Genevieve Vega at genmalia@yahoo.com with your availability. Neighborhood Teams How will we turn AZ Blue in 2010? By spending the "off-season" getting voters on the Permanent Early Voting List (PEVL). We have formed Neighborhood Teams, based on the Obama model, to make the work of democracy fun and bite-sized. To join the team nearest you, email Kristin.Gwinn@gmail.com. Events Keep up to date with LD17 events by adding us to your Google Calendar. Every Saturday at the Tempe Library. Help us register voters and sign them up to Vote-By-Mail. To volunteer for a shift (9:30-11:30am or 11:30-1:30pm), email Genevieve at genmalia@yahoo.com. Dec. 5 (Sat.): Maricopa County Democrats Convention. 8:30am, PC+ Training; 9:30am, registration; 10:30am meeting. Come one, come all to the final County Democrats meeting of 2009. Boot Camp for rookie Precinct Committepersons (or for those who want to be PCs or need a refresher!). UA Plumbers & Pipefitters Union Hall, 3109 N. 24th St. (just north of Thomas), Phoenix. Bring $20 to the meeting so you can donate $5 to Terry Goddard's exploratory race for Governor and $15 for our MCDP cookbook! Dec. 7 (Mon.): No Impact Man Screening Spectacular! 6-8:30pm at Room 101, Global Institute of Sustainability (ASU building with the wind turbines on the roof, SW College and University). Join us for a FREE community screening of this acclaimed documentary and a post-film discussion about non-consumption in the holiday season, followed by a Stuff-Swap. Bring in unwanted items and trade them in for other people's stuff! Healthy snacks provided by Whole Foods, Tempe and Vegan Cookies for Change. Park at church parking lot next door for $5 or free on Tempe streets after 6pm. More info and to watch the movie trailer. Dec. 8 (Tues.): D17 Democrats Annual Holiday Party. 6:30-8:30pm at El Pe馻sco (SE Mill and Broadway). See above Dec. 10 (Thurs.): East Valley Working Young Democrats. Salty Se駉rita, 1860 S. Stapley Dr., Mesa. Happy hour social at 6pm; meeting at 7pm. For more info: cole.hickman@gmail.com; 415-847-9174. Dec. 17 (Thurs.): Arizona Democratic Party Holiday Party. 6-8pm at ADP Headquarters (NW Central and Thomas, Phoenix). RSVP: VBarrera@azdem.org Dec. 19 (Sat.): East Valley Democratic Breakfast Club. 7:30am at Denny's Restaurant, 4403 S. Rural Rd., Tempe at Highway 60. Guest Speaker: US Congressman Harry Mitchell. For more info: 480-993-8799. Jan. 8 (Tues.): January Meeting of LD17 Democrats. 6:30-8:30pm (note: new time!) at Pyle Center Holiday Gift Idea: Buy the new Democratic Cookbook: How to Roast an Elephant Delight your partisan taste buds while benefiting Maricopa County Democrats and D17 (Cost is $17: D17 gets $7 for each book sold and MCDP gets $5). We'll deliver to your home, or you can pick one up at our Holiday Party on Dec. 8th! Be sure to check out the Blue Martini recipe, a cocktail that has the curious effect of energizing Democrats! Contact laurenkuby@gmail.com to place your order. To purchase cookbook by mail, clip and send this form to: District 17 Democrats Number of Cookbooks______ Amount Paid _______ Name ___________________________________________________ Address _________________________________________________ City ___________________ State __________ ZIP ______________ Occupation and Employer ___________________________________ ---- D17 Pulls Out the Stops for Arizona List on Nov. 18 Join Special Guest State Representative Rae Waters for "Cocktails for Change" from 5:30�m and celebrate Arizona List, a grassroots donor network that recruits, mentors, and helps elect pro-choice Democratic women all over the state. Featuring the Turning-Arizona- Blue Martinis, Beer, Wine, and fabulous food. Lauren Kuby's house, 109 E. Loma Vista Dr., Tempe, AZ 85282 (map) RSVP/Questions: allison.shannon@gmail.com Get Involved Tempe Day of Action Kick-off with Congressman Harry Mitchell and State Representative David Schapira When: Sunday, November 15 @ 2 pm Where: Lauren Kuby抯 House, 109 E. Loma Vista Dr., Tempe 85282 (map) What: We'll knock on doors of new Democrats to sign them up for the Permanent Early Ballot There's Always Food: Build your own Burrito--Fix-ins Provided--before or after RSVP: TeamMitchell@MitchellforCongress.com or laurenkuby@gmail.com Neighborhood Teams 
How will we turn AZ Blue in 2010? By welcoming new Democrats to the fold and spending the "off-season" getting voters on the Permanent Early Voting List (PEVL). We have formed Neighborhood Teams, based on the Obama model, to make the work of democracy fun and bite-sized. To join the team nearest you, email Kristin.Gwinn@gmail.com. Chair Lauren Kuby (right) welcomes Tempe teacher Lisa Lape into the Democratic Party. Lisa joined us at our next "action" and signed up nine new voters for the Permanent Early Voting List. And Lisa's not all, Last meeting, two Republicans came to our meeting and turned blue before our very eyes! Maricopa County Needs Volunteers! Rhonda Bradburn, Maricopa County Democratic Party Volunteer Coordinator, is putting together a database of volunteers they can call on from time to time as the need arises. Email her at: rrrbradburn@yahoo.com; 602-374-2260. Volunteers are urgently needed and Rhonda would appreciate all help you could give her. 10 for 2010! Sign the ADP 10 for 2010 pledge and sign up 10 voters for the PEVL in your neighborhood. Democrats need 90,109 more registrations to overcome the Republican advantage in the state. We also need 69,000 more Democrats to sign up for the Permanent Early Voter List. Sign the ADP 10 for 2010 pledge and take the first step in voting the Republican Legislature out of office in 2010. Sign up, and they will send you PEVL forms and a list of Democrats in your neighborhood who are not signed up to receive an early ballot. It is critical that we arm Democrats with a ballot during early voting in 2010. It will lay the groundwork for taking our legislature back. Help us win in 2010 by taking the PLEDGE to recruit 10 Democrats onto the Permanent Early Voter List. Click here to sign-up. Tempe Library Voter Registration Drive D17 volunteers are having tons of fun signing up voters to the Permanent Early Voting List (PEVL) and registering new voters. People in the community enjoy seeing and talking with us and look for us every Saturday! Please sign up for a 2-hour shift in November: 11/7, (11:30-1:30), 11/14 (9:30-11:30, 11:30-1:30), 11/21 (9:30-11:30, 11:30-1:30). Email Genevieve Vega at genmalia@yahoo.com with your availability. D17 Democrats in the News: State Rep. Ed Ableser joins Tempe Community at International Climate Action Day 
State Rep Ed Ableser joined with local community activists for International Climate Action Day on October 24, 2009. The day, celebrated in over 181 countries) sought to spotlight the number "350" (350 parts per million CO2 in the atmosphere is the safe limit for humanity; we are at 383!). Tempe participants spelled out "350" underneath a green-painted "A" at Tempe's "A" Mountain. State Rep Ed Ableser is one of 35 legislators nationwide appointed by the White House to the CLEAN: Coalition of Legislators for Energy Action Now. President Obama formed the Working Group to harness this expertise to help move energy and climate-change legislation through Congress, with an emphasis on creating clean-energy jobs. Congratulations, Ed! Events Keep up to date with LD17 events by adding us to your Google Calendar. Every Saturday: 1:30-5:30pm at the Tempe Library: Register voters and sign them up to Vote-By-Mail. To volunteer (1:30 to 3:30 or 3:30 to 5:30), email Genevieve at genmalia@yahoo.com. Nov. 5 (Thurs.), East Valley Working Young Democrats Meeting: Join East Valley young professionals at Salty Senorita, 1860 S. Stapley Dr., Mesa. Happy hour social starts at 6pm; meeting starts at 7pm. For more info, contact Cole Hickman: cole.hickman@gmail.com; 415-847-9174 Nov. 8 (Sun): Arizona List Party at Terry Goddard's Home: 3� 5pm. Attorney General Terry Goddard and Monica Goddard cordially invite you to a wine and cheese party. Join them for an invigorating rally and polite political outrage among friends as they celebrate Democratic, pro-choice women and the work of Arizona List. Special guest host: Governor Rose Mofford! 503 W. Portland, Phoenix, AZ 85003. Tickets: $100 includes basic membership to Arizona List; $75 for currently renewed members; $50 for young professionals (may be applied to basic membership). Please RSVP by November 3rd at info@arizonalist.org or 520-327-0520. Nov. 9 (Mon): ASU's Wrigley Lecture Series on Sustainability: 12:30-2pm. "Copenhagen, Schwarzenegger, a Merchant Bank, and Pallets: What Do They Have in Common?" by Craig Cogut, Co-Managing Partner and Founder, Pegasus Capital Advisors. Dessert Reception to follow. Room 101, Global Institute of Sustainability, Building with the Wind Turbines at SW Corner of University and College. Park next door at United Methodist Church for $5 or in Brickyard Parking lot (first hour is free) at Forest and 5th Streets. Seating is limited and reservations are required, please RSVP at WrigleyLectureRSVP_Cogut@asu.edu. For more information, go to http://sustainability.asu.edu/docs/gios/wrigley/wrigley-cogut.pdf Nov. 10 (Tues): D17 Democrats Monthly Meeting: 7pm at the Pyle Center (see above) Nov. 10 (Tues): Reception Fundraiser for Candidate for Secretary of State Sam Wercinski: 5:30�30pm. Hosted by Kathy, Dave, and Todd Schwarz. Sam is Arizona's former Real Estate Commissioner, a US Air Force Veteran, and USAF Academy Graduate. 5901 East Vernon, Scottsdale. google map. Suggested minimum contribution is $50. Help us raise $2010 for Sam! Make personal checks payable to Sam4AZ. Unable to attend? Please contribute at www.Sam4AZ.com. Every contribution is significant and appreciated.RSVP to Dave or Kathy: 480-946-6103; Todd: 602-667-3825. or samwercinski@sam4az.com Nov. 12 (Thurs): Legislative District 17 Town Hall Meeting, 6:30 to 8pm. Come share your thoughts with State Sen. Meg Burton-Cahill, State Rep. David Schapira, and State Rep. Ed Ableser. "Your input is very important to us and it will help us serve you and our community better." State Legislators will discuss issues that are important to constituents, answer questions and learn about their priorities. Pyle Center, 655 E. Southern Ave. SW Southern and Rural)! (map) Questions? Please contact Community and Constituent Liaison, Cynthia Aragon: at 602-926-5848 or at caragon@azleg.gov Nov. 12 (Thurs): East Valley Working Young Democrats Monthly Meeting: 7-8:30pm. Join active 35 and younger Dems at Democrat owned Iguana Mack's (map) in Chandler. We will hear from a great speaker and discuss events on our October calendar. For more info, contact Cole Hickman: cole.hickman@gmail.com; 415-847-9174. Nov. 15 (Sun): Tempe Day of Action (Neighborhood Walk & Knock) with Congressman Harry Mitchell and State Representative David Schapira: 2�m. Walk your local neighborhood or make some phone calls to your neighbors (bring your cell phone). Build your own Burrito (fix-ins provided). Lauren Kuby's house, 109 E. Loma Vista Dr., Tempe, AZ 85282. (map) Nov. 16 (Mon): Breakfast Reception with Vice President Joe Biden and members of US Congress, Ann Kirkpatrick and Harry Mitchell. 7:30-9am: Private Reception; 8:30-10am: General Reception. Wyndham Phoenix Hotel, 50 E Adams St., Phoenix. Tickets: $500 General Reception; $1,000 - $2,400 private reception. Buy tix at: www.actblue.com/entity/fundraisers/23228 Nov. 18 (Wed): ASU's Wrigley Lecture Series on Sustainability: "Why We Hate Oil Companies": 12:30�m. By John Hofmeister, former president of Shell Oil and founder of Citizens for Affordable Energy in Washington, D.C. Dessert Reception to follow. Room 101, Global Institute of Sustainability (building with the Wind Turbines at SW Corner of University and College). Park next door at United Methodist Church for $5 or in Brickyard Parking lot (first hour is free) at Forest and 5th Streets. Seating is limited and reservations are required, please RSVP at WrigleyLectureRSVP_Hofmeister@asu.edu. For more information go to http://sustainability.asu.edu/docs/gios/wrigley/wrigley-hofmeister.pdf. Nov. 18 (Wed): Cocktails for Change: 5:30�m. $10 Fundraiser for Arizona List at Lauren Kuby's house in Tempe (see above). Nov. 19 (Thurs): Drinking Liberally: Promoting Democracy, One Pint at a Time! Share your politics while you share a pitcher at your local progressive social club. An informal gathering of like-minded, left-leaners who may want to trade ideas, get more involved, or just enjoy each other's company. Time-Out Lounge, 3129 S. Mill Ave (NE corner of Mill and Southern), Tempe. For more info: andrew.harner@gmail.com Nov. 22 (Sun): Arizona Democratic Party Hall of Fame Dinner with Keynote Speaker US Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI): Special Guests: AG Terry Goddard and Congressman Harry Mitchell. Wyndham Phoenix Hotel, 50 E. Adams St., Phoenix, 85004. 5 pm: VIP, ADC & General Receptions; 6 pm. Ticket prices starting at $100; FREE for ADC Members (with RSVP). RSVP to RSVP@azdem.org or 602-234-6818. Nov. 22 (Sun): Yo Momma After Dark: After-Hours Party, following the ADP Dinner. Tickets: $XX; Free to "Change for Change" members. Wyndham Phoenix Hotel, 50 E. Adams St., Phoenix, 85004. Election 2010 Update We all know about the various partisan offices to be elected next year, and work for those campaigns is well under way. However, many candidates get their political careers started in "nonpartisan" low-profile offices such as school boards and city councils, and those should be kept in mind if you or someone you know is interested. The races you might know about: Governor--Secretary of State--Attorney General--Treasurer--Superintendent of Public Instruction--Arizona Corporation Commission (2 seats) US Congressman US Senator City Councils (Tempe and Scottsdale, 3 seats each) Races next year that may have escaped your notice: If interested in one of the other offices, please contact LD17 chair Lauren Kuby for information on becoming a candidate. Buy the new Democratic Cookbook: How to Roast an Elephant How to Roast an Elephant: A Collection of Blue Ribbon Recipes from Maricopa County Democrats. Delight your partisan taste buds while benefiting Maricopa County Democrats AND D17 (Cost is $17, and D17 gets $7 for each book sold). We will deliver the book to your home, or you can pick one up at the next monthly meeting! Be sure to check out the recipe for the "Turning The-County-Blue Martini," a cocktail that has curious effect of energizing Democrats! Contact laurenkuby@gmail.com to place your order! To purchase cookbook by mail, clip and send this form to: District 17 Democrats Number of Cookbooks______ Amount Paid _______ Name ___________________________________________________ Address _________________________________________________ City ___________________ State __________ ZIP ______________ Occupation and Employer ___________________________________ ---- Sign Up for a Mail-In Ballot Turn AZ Blue! Sign up your friends and neighbors! Print the card, below, fill it out, and bring to the next D17 meeting or mail to: Lauren Kuby, 109 E. Loma Vista Dr., Tempe, AZ 85282 All Good Democrats, Come to the Aid of Your Party!
Contribute $17 (or more) for District 17! Donate online at www.actblue.com/page/d17.
State Legislative Update: AZ Overrides Voters, Strips Benefits from Domestic Partners and Disabled Dependents by Dawn Teo The Legislature can still change this. At the very least, they can grandfather in the people who already had these benefits, which was in the original proposal in June. I know that we are all focused on health care at the federal level right now, especially this week, but this is a microcosm of what's happening across the country. Calling your Arizona legislators today could make a real difference in the lives of several hundred people right here in Arizona. PHOENIX, AZ -- In just weeks, hundreds of adult disabled children and domestic partners of Arizona state employees will lose health insurance coverage and other benefits as part of a budget bill passed over the summer. The new provision overrides a referendum that was voted down by Arizonans in the 2006 general election. Read more at: www.huffingtonpost.com/dawn-teo/az-govt-overrides-voters_b_301469.html
Sign Up for a Mail-In Ballot Turn AZ Blue! Sign up your friends and neighbors! Print the card, below, fill it out, and bring to the next D17 meeting or mail to: Lauren Kuby, 109 E. Loma Vista Dr., Tempe, AZ 85282 D17 Democrats in the News Billionaires for Wealth Care Goes Viral! Last month, we included a link to a youtube video featuring D17's own Randall Holmes in character as Richard Mellon Scapegoat of Billionaires for Wealth Care. Since September, Billionaires have gone viral. Videos have been posted on blogs (including Michael Moore's) featured on national media outlets including the Rachel Maddow Show on MSNBC and Bill Moyers. D17's Richard Mellon Scapegoat has gotten some of his own press. See his monologue produced in conjunction with Mad as Hell Doctors in the Phoenix New Times. To keep up with Richard Mellon Scapegoat's antics, you can also friend him on Facebook. D17 is All Over the Media! In the spate of one week in September, our own State Rep. David Schapira, Phil Amorosi, and David Wells were featured in The Tempe Republic on a range of issues, from health-insurance reform to the state-budget debacle. In addition, a group of D17 Democrats, gathered at D17 Chair Lauren Kuby's house to watch the Obama speech to Congress, were interviewed by Ch 12 News and K-TAR radio. Sign Up for a Mail-In Ballot and Win Elections! Mail-In Voters Have a 94% Turn-Out in D17! In just two weekends at the Tempe Library, D17 volunteers signed up scores of voters to the Permanent Early Voting List (PEVL), registered new voters, and updated addresses for existing voters. Please sign up for a 2-hour shift on a Saturday in September (1:30 to 3:30 or 3:30 to 5:30). Email Genevieve Vega at genmalia@yahoo.com with your availability. And sign up your friends and neighbors! Print the card, below, fill it out, and bring to the next D17 meeting or mail to: Lauren Kuby, 109 E. Loma Vista Dr., Tempe, AZ 85282 D17 Wins Registration Contest The Maricopa County Democratic Party sponsored a Summer Contest, with the promise of a catered dinner to the district that registered the most voters and signed up the most voters on the Permanent Early Voting List. D17 bested 17 other Legislative Districts and will celebrate with a yummy dinner at our monthly meeting. Special thanks to Carol Berg, Beth Hoffmann, Tim Palmer, and Ron Bowen for their extraordianry efforts! Thank you MCDP: www.maricopadems.com Our Own Bob Mings is Awarded Arizona Precinct Committeeman of the Year! D17 Members Recognized for Extraordinary Service Three members of D17 were recently recognized for their dedication and achievements at the annual statewide Democratic Party awards banquet.
We're Not Chillin'! The work we do now in the "off season" is the work that wins elections! It's not enough that our district is All Blue. We want to keep it that way and, while we're at it, turn Arizona Blue in 2010. We have formed Neighborhood Teams to make it fun and the jobs bite-sized. To join the team nearest you, email Kristin.Gwinn@gmail.com. State Legislative Update: Oy Vey! The Third Special Session of the Legislature ended much like the First Regular Session--Republicans passed a number of horrible budget bills that drastically cut education and human services while granting large tax cuts to corporations and the wealthy. The budget bills were almost exact copies of the ones that they passed in the wee hours of the morning at the beginning of July, with minor amendments added to woo the vote of a particular state senator. Most of those earlier bills were later vetoed. What the Legislature didn't do was pass a balanced budget nor did they approve sending a temporary sales-tax hike to the voters. With the Legislature's adjournment, Gov. Brewer has until September 5th to sign or veto the all or part of the bills, or they become law without her signature. Current word is that she is trying to fashion a deal where she wouldn't veto most of the proposal in exchange for the legislature referring a sales-tax hike. Bipartisan talks broke down September 1 when Republicans demanded a permanent repeal of the equalization property tax, and Democrats insisted that they would support a sales-tax referral only if the equalization tax remains. Look for another special session of the legislature, likely shortly after Labor Day, to address the sales tax and possibly balance the budget. All is very much subject to change at any time; expect updates from our legislators at the next D17 meeting. The legislature's Joint Legislative Budget Committee has two summaries of the August budget proposal: Sign up to get tweets from our State Reps.: Ed Ableser (http://twitter.com/RepAbleser) and David Schapira (http://twitter.com/dschapirra). D17's Randall Holmes Strikes Gold on Youtube as a "Billionaire for Wealth Care!" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHVwrCzRUX0 State Legislative Update Witness to a Train Wreck Read last night's tweets of State Rep. David Schapira from the floor of the House last night (and this morning).
D17 Bocce Ball Champions D17 Dems and Young Democrats (YDs) from across the Valley battled it out on grass bocce ball lanes to raise money for the YD's national convention in Chicago this August. Phil Amorosi and Mike Kuby, winners of the first D17 Bocce Ball tournament, will be defending their championship title on July 17. Think you can beat them? Grab a partner/team (or we'll set one up) and come play a round or two at Allison Shannon's house. Winning team receives a cash prize. Suggested Donation: $15 for YDs, $25 for others. Delicious Italian dinner and drinks will be provided. Money raised will help send D17 YDs to their National Convention! 620 W. 3rd St., Tempe (map). Call Allison for more info: 682-554-0726. D17 Young Democrats (YDs) Report YDAZ
Change for Change Club Headlines Budget
Hearing
Act today to support our economic recovery! Organizing for America, a group that aims to build upon that grassroots organization sparked by the Obama campaign, has an easy-to-use online tool to look up the phone numbers of your representatives who voted for the economic recovery plan -- take a few minutes today to thank them for doing what's right! Moving Arizona Forward A group of Democratic activists have put forward a plan for an "overall rethinking to the way the state party handles business." Moving Arizona Forward advocates for thoughtful, systematic changes to the state party's structure. D17 Young Democrats (YDs) Report 2009
YDAz New Leadership Reception Headlines LD17
Legislators Featured in AZ Republic D17 votes Blue in Election '08 By Craig McDermott D17 Democrats have worked tirelessly over the last few years to turn our district blue. A Republican registration advantage of 1118 at the beginning of the 2006 election cycle has become a Democratic registration advantage of 3663!! Results from November's elections show how much that work has paid off. In D17:
Great job Democrats! Let's keep the momentum for 2010! D17 YD Report This is what a mandate looks like, Folks! By Stan Williams 365 electoral votes, states that haven't been in play in decades, and of course the continuing trend of young voters support for Democrats. Barack Obama's win is incredible for all the reasons people are talking about at the kitchen table, churches, and in coffee shops. This changes everything millions of people thought they knew about America, and our politics. Our government is on the verge of being flooded with brilliant thinkers, as the Obama transition team gets ready to move us out of the ditch President Bush has dug us into. And none of this would be possible without young voters. Look even at Arizona, lets be honest and blunt, not a good year for Democrats. We cannot overstate the effect Join McCain had as the top of the ticket, and the future with a Governor Brewer seems dim. BUT, look at this picture:
This is how the election would have turned out if young voters decided the election everywhere (just as we were the margin of victory in races across the county.) As you can see, Arizona is a blue state waiting in the wings. The next two years will be amazing for America, but interesting to say the least for Arizona. I still have the hope President-Elect Obama spoke of throughout his campaign for the Presidency. Not only do we have amazing Democrats at every level of Government from Attorney General Terry Goddard on down, but we have our ace in the hole: a still increasing millennial generation. HOWARD DEAN HAWKS OUR T-SHIRTS IN DENVER!  Support D17 Democrats! To order your 2008 T-Shirt: contact Lauren at laurenkuby@gmail.com; 602-790-2156 and she’ll deliver it to your door (Donation of $10, or maybe $20?) Dist. 17 now has more Democrats than Republicans [http://www.eastvalleytribune.com/story/123158] Arizona Legislative District 17 never was a Republican stronghold, but the party always held an advantage on the voter rolls. Not anymore. 
The residents of north Tempe, including Arizona State University, and south Scottsdale have shifted their allegiances enough to alter the face of East Valley politics. For the first time since redistricting earlier this decade, in the count of registered voters the GOP trails the Democratic Party. According to the Arizona Secretary of State's most recent tally, Democrats hold a lead of nearly 1,700 voters, or 2.3 percentage points. Before the 2002 primary elections, that edge was in the Republicans' favor by 5.2 points. Meanwhile, the percentage of independents, at 28.2, has held steady since 2004. Why did the voter rolls swing left? According to the candidates and a political expert, it was both a change in the electorate and the electorate reacting to changes. "You either get new people, or get old people to change their views," said David Berman, professor emeritus in ASU's political science department. The students arriving on campus are following a nationwide trend, registering with the Democratic Party in greater numbers. And the long-time residents of the district are turning their backs on the GOP, according to Berman. With the struggles the Republican Party is having and the immense anger toward President Bush, people would rather be an independent or a Democrat, said Rep. Ed Ableser, who along with House colleague David Schapira and Sen. Meg Burton Cahill are all Democrats seeking second terms. Challenging the incumbents are three Republicans, Mark Thompson and Wes Waddle for the House and Jesse Hernandez for the Senate. There is no contested primary on Sept. 2 on either side, since each party will advance two House candidate and one Senate nominee to the Nov. 4 general election. But it is a candidate at the federal level credited for the Democrats' rise in District 17. Rep. Harry Mitchell was elected to Congress two years ago, but he will always be known for his deep Tempe ties: 28 years as a high school teacher; 24 years on the City Council, including four terms as mayor. Tempe's elected officials are nonpartisan, but when Mitchell ran for the Arizona Senate in 1998 there was a "D" next to his name. Still, voters liked Mitchell enough that his party was an afterthought. Berman believes Mitchell's election to the Senate was a trigger for the change. "People gave him a shot, and they liked what he did," said Berman, a senior research fellow at ASU's Morrison Institute. That opened the door for more Democrats to step up, to the voters' approval. The party swept the district in 2006, sending Mitchell to Congress, and Burton Cahill, Ableser and Schapira to the Legislature. "Harry gets people to take a good look at the Democratic message without lifting a finger," Schapira said. What came later, Berman explained, were those voters actually changing their party affiliation. Thompson actually held a District 17 House seat, during happier times for the Republicans. He was elected in 2002 and then lost to Burton Cahill two years later. In the interim, the battleground changed to Thompson's disadvantage. Now, he expects the race to be won in the middle. "I believe the candidates on both sides will have to hold on to their bases and court the independents," Thompson said. Thompson is excited for the down-ticket help that GOP presidential candidate Sen. John McCain can offer to his fellow Arizonans. McCain is Arizona's senior senator, and began his career by running for Congress in Tempe. Then again, the Democrats anticipate their party's nominee for the White House, Sen. Barack Obama, can put a charge into ASU's at-times fickle student body. "He'll excite that base of young, idealistic voters who are wanting to see changes," Ableser said. During appearances in Tempe before the 2006 election, Obama drew huge crowds. And in February's presidential preference election, Mitchell's congressional district was the only one of Arizona's eight to back Obama over Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y. Schapira said when Obama makes his next local appearance, "people like Ed and I get to stand up on stage and speak to 7,000 without spending a penny." OUR OWN GENIE ZAVALETA AND DOUG MINGS TAKE BIG HONORS! Whoooo hoooo! The AZ Democratic Party 2008 Volunteer Awards Dinner was held on August 2nd in Flagstaff and we extend our hearty congratulations to Genie Zavaleta and Doug Mings for winning highly deserved awards! Long-time activist and mentor Genie Zavaleta received the biggest award of the night, the Lifetime Achievement Award for her long-held passion and advocacy on behalf of Democratic causes and her community. LD17 Chair Doug Mings received the Outstanding District Chair Award for his tremendous leadership of the District 17 Democrats as they turned Tempe and D17 Blue, both in electing a Democratic slate of legislators and changing the registration numbers blue. JUST RELEASED: Agenda for 2008 Republican National Convention
Posted on September 6, 2007 Proof that LD17 is Turning Blue in a Big Way Out of 72 precincts in LD17, In 2006:
In 2004:
In 2004, there were 44 Democratic elected PCs; in 2006, there were 62!! Posted on February 17, 2007 |
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Team E, winners of the latest PEVL contest, were feted at La Bocca Urban Pizzeria (on Mill Ave) on Dec 29th (From left to right, Carol Berg, Genevieve Vega, Lauren Kuby, and Beth Hoffman). They were joined by Team C Leader Jim Parker (knocked on over 10K doors for Obama all over the US) and Team G Leader Andrew Harper (a community organizer who recently moved here from Nebraska). To join the team nearest you, e-mail 
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