Ice Cream Social in the 45th LD

Dan Shumer of the 45th schmoozes with Gwen before the meeting.

Most popular photographing spot in the room...

...but it was less popular than this spot! The ice cream was a huge draw.

Special guest Kathy Stein, running for the KY Senate seat in the 13th, explains why a strong Democratic voice needs to replace Ernesto's. Two words: David Williams.

Todd Hollenbach, the 'vertically challenged', delivers his speech from stilts.

Reggie Thomas, LD chair of the 88th, compliments everyone who helped set up the meeting. He should know, since the 88th hosted its meet-and-greet the month before. Overall, it was a great meeting, with an enthusiastic crowd.

Southside Meet and Greet photos!

The first meet-and-greet hosted by the 88th Legislative District took place last night in Hartland. We saw many familiar faces, but we also spotted a few new ones! Two people drove in from Mercer County, simply because they wanted to get more involved with the Democratic Party but didn’t know whom to contact.


Reggie Thomas, chair of the 88th, addressed the crowd and revved us up for the evening. He spoke about the respect America used to enjoy in the international sphere and our need to regain it. There were cheers when he proposed that electing Barack Obama would be a large step in the right direction.



Jeremy Horton, listening to David O'Neill speak. When his turn came, Jeremy stressed how important it was for Democrats to talk to their friends and neighbors. Signs and bumper stickers are great, but conversation is more effective.



Jonathan Miller spoke of having a different problem: his neighbors were all Republicans. This year, however, he senses a new excitement in the suburbs: Democrat excitement. He believes that Democrats can win in the suburbs, which goes against traditional expectations.



The final speaker, newlywed Dan Mongiardo. He reminded everyone of his close race against Jim Bunning in 2004, and how he had only lost by 1%. Every vote counts. He also spoke about the rumors and swiftboating (we have the GOP to thank for that neologism) he suffered during that campaign, and how important it is to combat smears and outright lying through directly challenging the rumor-mongers.



Chilling after the speeches were over! Dan Shumer tells us that the 45th is planning an ice cream social later this month. We'll be there with our spoons.

July 1st: 88th Residents Meet and Greet!

Attention, Democratic residents of the 88th legislative district! Don't know any of your neighbors, especially the ones who might have similar views to your own? Well, we have a fun event coming up to help you meet each other, or get back in touch with neighbors you already know!

Don't know if you live in the 88th? Point your browser here to find out!

What:
* A Meet-and-Greet with your fellow Democrats in the 88th legislative district!

Where:
* The Hartland Clubhouse, located at 4910 Hartland Parkway. If you are headed away from downtown on Tates Creek Road, take the second entrance to Hartland (to your left). The clubhouse will be on your right shortly after you enter Hartland.

When:
* July 1, 2008 from 6 pm - 8 pm

Food and drink:
* Provided.

Special guests:
Dan Mongiardo, Kentucky lieutenant governor and newly married!
Jonathan Miller, former KY Treasurer and author
Jeremy Horton, Executive Director of the Kentucky Democratic Party
David O'Neill, chair of the Fayette County Democratic Party

For more information on the meet-and-greet, or to volunteer, contact Corey Kline.

Big Day for Democrats

Yesterday was the County Caucus in Fayette County. This was the meeting where citizens vote for the people who are supposed to vote for the delegates to the Democratic National Convention - where, presumably, they vote for the candidate running for President (your mileage may vary in Florida and Michigan). Then the citizens all get to vote again, and we get a President. At least we hope we get a real one this time.

The caucus for the 88th went smoothly. We separated into Obama supporters vs. Hillary supporters, candidates were nominated and duly elected. Things did not go nearly as well in another group, where one person brought numerous relatives and they all voted for each other, locking out other prospective delegates. I guess large families do still have some advantages in urban society. The family will not be identified here because my own is much smaller and they could beat us up.

Afterwards, there was much talking (and bitching) in the parking lot outside Fayette County Democratic Headquarters. The get-together was extended to a 'Pork and Awe' barbeque for people planning to watch the DNC committee decision on their disobedient brethren. Rather than please the Hillarites by restoring the delegates in full or please the Obamians by denying them, the DNC decided to piss everyone off by giving them half-votes. Solomon would be proud.

Later in the evening, several leading lights of the party went to The Dame to watch Palao, The Scourge of the Sea, and Chico Fellini perform in one of the final concerts the venue will host. My spouse and I were introduced to many activists, all younger than us, and had the pleasure of introducing Jennifer Miller to Dickie Haydon's father. The next morning, I learned that people over 40 don't have to drink alcohol in order to feel hung over from a long night of partying.

Addendum: After the city rubberstamps the Webbs' project, also in violation of regulations (if only the DNC could intervene!), the Webbs plan to seek a music venue for their phallic projection, but The Dame will not be a candidate. Really, it shouldn't be: the Webbs certainly wouldn't want acts that weren't preapproved performing in their building, and new music doesn't fare well under those conditions. Let's hope some other hole in the wall opens soon.

88th Residents on the FCDP Executive Committee

Unlike my Pagan cohorts, I spent Beltane with a very different kind of party. I attended the first meeting of the new Fayette County Democratic Party Executive Committee. Since Reggie was delayed due to work concerns, I also had the pleasure of presenting proposed At-Large members and subsequently voting on them.

The new At-Large members from the 88th Legislative District:


Bob McNulty
Gwen Mayo

Gwen is pictured on the right.

A third member was proposed and voted in, but I am waiting for her acceptance of the position before posting her name here.

There was a great deal of excitement and energy at this first meeting. This should be a great year!