Notes from and glimpses of the chair are scattered throughout this month. See if you can find them. Notably, Alan and Jackie registered or gave registration materials to over 200 voters outside the two big Presidential speeches. The organizers at the Clinton speech were happy to see Alan and the other volunteers (inc. Wayne Baum, David Papen, Gloria Holland, and others) turn up early, as they needed help setting up, and he got to shake Bill's hand. There are photos from the vigils. Coming up are the Meeting April 10 in West Salem, followed by the State Platform Convention April 11-13. See the Calendar for details. Registration drives continue, and both the House candidates are also being busy with canvassing and house parties, including the one at Dawn Reynolds' house April 12, and need your support.

Community Conversation about Immigration

Date and Time: Thursday, April 10 Coffee at 6:30 Speaker at 7:00
Location: Salem Electric community room, 633 7th St. NW, Salem

In an age of so called terror understanding a complicated issue like immigration requires cutting through the rhetoric and getting to the root of tough issues.

On Thursday, April 10 at 7 PM, join a presentation and discussion led by the Rural Organizing Project that will help to separate fact from fiction when it comes to immigration. ROP hopes to create genuine dialog and deepen our understanding of an issue which is being used in a divisive manner nationally.

With the collapse of the recent federal immigration legislation, many local efforts are popping up which do nothing to address the root causes of immigration and global economic migration, but instead scapegoat immigrants and divide communities.

Come to the --

Regular Monthly Meeting of Polk County Democrats

Thursday, April 10

Salem Electric, 633 7th St. NW, Salem

6:30pm: Refreshments and conversation

7pm: Special presentation & discussion on immigration issues with Kari Koch of the Rural Organizing Project and Emily Plec of the Immigration Fairness Network. Learn to separate fact from fiction when it comes to immigration.

8pm: Business meeting (for those wishing to stay)

Come to meet our candidates and help us achieve victory in 2008!

From the Monthly Meeting, March 13

Thanks to Jackie again for photos.

Obama visit to Salem on CCTV - entire!

This is Oregon's first seriously contested Democratic primary since 1988.

CCTV (Capitol Community Television---cable channels 21, 22, and 23) was there and taped the entire Obama Town Hall, and has posted it to their website where it can be watched at any time. They also played it on their channel at 8:30 the night of the event and will be replaying on their broadcasts.

Check it out at www.cctvsalem.org. There is also a good article by Wendy Brokaw, CCTV Captures Obama Town Hall Excitement Inside and Out , including streaming video, on the CCTV site - they went all out for this!

Several Polk Democrats showed up,
including Jackie Pierce, here recruiting
voter registrations outside. Alan Holland
was there also with a "Register Here"
sign and lots of registration forms.

Together they registered about 170 voters.

The candidate also visited Portland, Corvallis (briefly, for a pizza stop and impromptu chat), Eugene and Medford. I was impressed by the interview with a Eugene Register-Guard journalist, including:

Question: Are there things in the Pacific Northwest, like forest policy, that you’ve taken a look at?

Answer: On forest policy, dealing with these county payments in a serious, long-term way so local counties can have an opportunity to plan their budgets, I think is going to be very important. ... (more at Register-Guard)

Bill Clinton visits Salem on the day this newsletter is being written, so we don't have the links up for that coverage yet; but they will probably be ready in early April - check back in a few days and we'll follow up.

Preliminary notes from a brief phone call: Alan Holland, Wayne Baum, David Papen, Gloria Holland, and others registered another 50 to 75 people at the Clinton Speech; It was not as well organized; the venue at Chemeketa held about 900, standing room only except for local dignitaries, and another 1000 turned away outside. Clinton gave an excellent speech. There was one heckler whom he handled very well.

Litter Pickup April 5

The Polk Democrats have taken on responsibility for cleaning up a section of Hwy 22, for a mile or so East and West of Hwy 99. We have a nice sign on the margin there saying, "This Section Maintained by Democrats of Polk County" or something like that.

Next litter pickup is Saturday April 5, 10 am.

We'll meet by 10 at the Rickreall Fire Station Parking Lot, which is walking distance from the intersection of 22 and 99W, on the West side of the street in downtown Rickreall. Very easy to find, look for the flag. We'll get florescent vests and sacks and split up the turf. Wear gloves and sturdy shoes.

If you have questions, please call Dick May at 503 623-6870, or email him at crmay@q.com

This one was originally scheduled for March 28, but some of us didn't feel like doing it amid hailstorms. April 5 looks warmer and tolerable. It isn't as much fun as the weekly vigil in Monmouth (no one honks and waves) but it is useful and something we've agreed to do. Hope to see you there.

Canvass for Obama and Registrations April 5

Or see you here. At the same time as the litter patrol, there will be Canvassing for Obama and Registrations in Monmouth and Independence, organized by Dave Sherman and Caleb Hayes. Canvassers will meet at 10 AM at Waeil's New York Bagel & Bistro, 405 E. Main Street Monmouth in the Market Place Shopping Center.

This is also a very worthwhile activity. For more information contact Dave Sherman, 503-910-3524 or law@dasherm.com

April 20 Houseparty for the Obama/Novick campaigns at Jeff Pullman's house

You're invited to attend a fundraising houseparty at Jeff Pullman's house on Sunday, April 20 at 5:00 PM. The address is 160 South 3rd Street in Independence. Come as you are and bring friends!

If you're supporting one candidate and not the other, please come.

We hope to have food, drinks, and live music. If you can bring a dish or beverage to share, that will be great - but your presence on the 20th is what matters most.

Call bob at 503-838-6676 with questions.

You Can Still Be a Precinct Committee Person!

YES! I want to join the Polk County Democratic Party Central Committee!!
I want to be a Precinct Committee Person.
… but I missed the filing deadline. What can I do?
Do not fret, procrastinating Dems. You can still be an elected Precinct Committee Person in the May Primary. Write-in candidates need only gather a minimum of 3 votes to be in the running for the coveted PCP post, and be eligible for election.
Here’s what to do:
- KNOW your precinct number.
- Write your name in on the ballot, exactly as you are registered, in the write-in slot under your Precinct.
- Have your housemates and neighbors write in your name under your Precinct.
- Be sure you complete the post-election acceptance form sent to you by Polk County Elections, and return it to Elections as directed. You should receive this sometime in June, and you must return it in a timely manner.
HINTS:
- Give your neighbors a card with your name AND precinct number on it so they spell your name right, and write you in under the correct precinct.
- Most Precincts have plenty of PCP slots open in which the minimum of 3 votes will get you in, but running for PCP is a perfect ice-breaker for the upcoming election season, and a great way to introduce yourself to your neighbors.
- Neighborhood Leaders signed up in the new Democratic Neighbor to Neighbor Program should especially consider filing.
Remember, all politics begins at home, and its up to us to make our home and our County a better community for its citizens.

There is more information about the duties of a PCP in the pull-down menu under Precincts at the top of this page.

For more information, contact shprice@oldchildrensbooks.com

Registration Drive in Independence Getting Organized

Many citizens in Independence, especially people turning 18 this year, will be registered to vote with the help of Voz Hispana, a statewide group sponsored by PCUN. A preliminary meeting was held in the Colonia Amistad Housing Farm Worker apartments in Independence on February 26, lead by Francisco Lopez and attended by some PCD members. On March 27, at St. Patrick's church in Independence, there were workshops in Spanish and English to train people in charge of registration in Independence, and to identify good local opportunities to register voters. Anyone interested in helping or in donating should contact Bart Marquez at 503-982-0243, ext. 20 or online:
http://www.pcun.org/resources/sisterorganizations.asp (scroll down to the page bottom)

!SOY AMERICAN Y MI VOZ CUENTA!

News from local State House Campaigns

Thank you, Wayne, for reminding us of the importance of getting on board these races early. While the Presidential race may be more sexy, bigger media, etc., what we all need to understand is that the state house and state senate campaigns are the grass-roots that benefit ALL Democratic campaigns in this state!

Richard Riggs - HD 20

Since the last newsletter my website, RichardRiggs.com, has been activated and I have been busy fundraising, seeking endorsements, attending houseparties and canvassing. I have received several key endorsements which include the Oregon League of Conservation Voters, Service Employees International Union Local 503, and others. I am also engaged in the endorsement process with AFSCME, OSEA, OEA, AFL-CIO and many other groups.

During my first week of canvassing I was accompanied one morning by Representative Betty Komp and over the course of the week I knocked on three hundred doors. Lastly, the campaign is looking for volunteers, people willing to canvass, host houseparties, or assist with phone calls or writing letters to the editor.

Jason Brown - HD 23

I am continuing to work outside the campaign on establishing a job training partnership. The group I have been working with is now in the process of drafting bylaws for a non-profit so the project in Willamina can move forward. I find it gratifying to be a part of this community partnership gradually coming together. In some ways it is a distraction from the campaign, but ultimately it's all about investing in people.
-----
AFSCME, the public employees union, officially endorsed Jason Brown for House District 23 this last week. AFSCME endorsed Brian Boquist in 2006.
[ Note - Congratulations, Jason! ]
-------

House Party for Jason.

Dawn Reynolds is hosting a party for Jason Brown (Democratic candidate for State Representative in HD 23) and Aaron Felton (candidate for Polk County District Attorney, non-partisan position to be elected on the May primary ballot)

The Event will be -- Saturday, April 12, 5-7pm

At the home of Dawn Reynolds: 274 SE Oak St., Dallas
(one block east of Main Street, downtown)

Come get to know the candidates, share food and conversation.

Bring friends & family, BYOB (beverage of your choice), and your checkbook
in case you decide to make a contribution.

Yard signs will be available for pick up at the party. If you can't make
it to the party please contact the campaign to get your sign.

Call 503-606-4323 or e-mail jason@brownforhouse.org

- - - - - - - - - - -

What are HD 20 and HD 23?

Here are maps to both: HD 20 HD 23

HD 20 is relatively focussed, including Monmouth, Independence, West Salem and a section of the Liberty Heights area in SW Salem, and areas geographically between those points.

HD 23 is an extremely awkward district including rural parts of five counties: the downtowns of Willamina and Sheridan and south from there; northeast to the edge of West Salem; Falls City and Dallas, then across SE Polk, avoiding towns, through a rural strip of south Marion County to Jefferson and the western city limit of Stayton; back to Dallas and down Kings Valley road avoiding Philomath, around to Monroe, then east to Halsey and Harrisburg in southern Lane County. It is virtually impossible to drive to all of HD 23 without driving through 5, count 'em, five, other House Districts.

Jason managed to cover the district thoroughly in 2006. Anyone care to contribute to his gasoline fund?

Marion County:
Oregon League of Conservation Voters / Meet The Candidates

Kickoff this election year in style!

We would like you to join us (the Marion County Chapter of the Oregon League of Conservation Voters) as we kick off the 2008 Election Season! Meet the candidates, find out who OLCV endorsed in Marion and Polk Counties and have a great time

The Marion County Chapter of the Oregon League of Conservation Voters

invites you to our:

2008 Campaign Kickoff!

WHEN: Friday, March 21, 5:30-7:30 PM
WHERE: Historic Deepwood Estate (1116 Mission Street SE Salem)

Come and meet the candidates running to represent you for state and local offices.

Find out who earned OLCV’s endorsement.

Meet the candidates:
Congressional Candidates Kurt Schrader & Steven Marks
Representative Brian Clem
Representative Betty Komp
Salem Mayoral Candidate Lloyd Chapman
and many others!

With Special Guests:
Mike Swaim
Senator Peter Courtney

$25 per person - includes hors d'oeurves & wine

I hope you can join us!

RSVP: Email tresa@olcv.org or call (503)224-4011 or sign up online.

Sincerely,
Tresa Horney
Marion County Field Organizer

We still need to sell tickets for Betty the Yeti, so here's the description again:

Pentacle Theater June 4 Benefit for Polk Democrats

The Polk County Democrats are hosting a theatre event June 4, with a performance of "Betty the Yeti" by Jon Klein.

In this comic Call of the Wild, a disgruntled logger, Russ Sawyer, heads for the woods after losing his job and his wife. It takes a lonely bigfoot to finally touch the logger's heart.

It is more than a silly comedy about a man and his odd beast. All the characters (Sawyer, his estranged wife Terra Sawyer, her mother Clare Kutz, fiancee Trey Hugger, Iko from the Forest Service, even Betty the Yeti) represent points of view. They tangle, and what do you know?: passion for a cause is entangled by special interest groups.

Lots to think about, and laugh about at the same time.

Tickets are $20, and you should purchase them early. Thanks to everyone who is selling the tickets! To join them, and for full information, see Upcoming Events

Monmouth Peace Vigils - every Wednesday

There was a big turnout for March 19, the fifth anniversary of the invasion of Iraq.

You'll see several Polk Democrats here, and various other folks:

On this day there were positive responses from 135 cars in the first hour (it ran a little extra long), and a record 7 negative responses. So, counting the 25 vigilers, well over 200 individuals were able to express how they felt about the invasion / impeachment / etc.

The vigil is at Main Street Park, Monmouth, Wednesdays from 5 to 6 pm.
There are extra signs already made, also some blank cardboard and marker pens.

There was also a vigil in Salem earlier in the day, Mar 19. Some hard-working folks made it to both!:

Links to Candidate Web Sites /for Democratic Primaries

House District Candidates

House District 20	House District 23

Richard Riggs	Jason Brown

Also running in HD 23: Wesley "Buddy" West of Sheridan, Grand Ronde tribal elder and former tribal council member. Photo not available.

Senate District 12

Kevin Nortness
nortnessforsenate@gmail.com
(503)857-6231
Kevin Nortness is a City Councilor and former Planning Commissioner and Budget Committee Chair from Willamina
He lists a website address, but it does not appear to be up and running yet:
http://www.nortnessforsenate.com

Note: SD 12 is basically HD 23 plus Yamhill County. Map here.

U. S. 5th Congressional District. (former Rep. Darlene Hooley's seat).


Kurt Schrader	Steve Marks

Also running in HD5:

Andrew Foster (D) - Businessman & Graduate Student
Nancy Moran (D) - Retired Social Worker
Richard Nathe (D) - Retired State Employee

Note: The likely Republican candidate, Mike Erickson, has already loaned his own campaign $340,000. Kevin Mannix is also running.

U. S. Senate


Jeff Merkley	Candy Neville	Steve Novick

Note: There are three more declared Democratic Candidates for the Senate

David Loera (D) - Mental Health Counselor and Community Activist
Pavel Goberman (D) - Fitness Instructor, Machinist & Frequent Candidate
Roger Obrist (D) - Retired Construction Worker & Frequent Candidate

For a complete guide to Oregon candidates (and some nice old buttons) see http://politics1.com/or.htm

Attorney General (alphabetical order)


John Kroger	Greg Macpherson

Secretary of State (alphabetical order)


	Kate Brown	Rick Metsger	Vicki Walker

Brad Avakian has been appointed Oregon Labor Commissioner and has withdrawn from the Secretary of State race

Contributions or material for the newsletter are welcome and should be sent to Truman Price, truprice@wvi.com , (503) 606-360V (V= numeral 5)