TThhee NNeeww DDeemmooccrraatt A Publication of the Peninsula Democratic Coalition (PDC) October 2012 Vote on November 6!

PDC Contributes to Democratic Central Competitive Races Committees endorse Thanks to an unexpected and very generous contribution from former Assemblyman Ira Ruskin, in addition to the candidates success of recent summer picnics, voter registration and other The Democratic Central Committees from both Santa Clara fundraising efforts, the PDC is in very strong financial shape. and San Mateo Counties interviewed all Democrats running for Therefore, given the incredible importance of this November’s local non-partisan offices who were interested in being elections both locally and nationwide, the PDC Board has endorsed by the Democratic Party. After evaluating both a decided to make contributions to twelve Congressional and questionnaire filled out by the candidate and an interview, the U.S. Senate races and two ballot propositions. We interviewing committees made recommendation to the full have also identified additional races that we’re going to monitor Central Committees in both counties. The recommendations closely and may make a contribution to between now and were then approved or disapproved by the full bodies. The November. Democratic Party believes that it is important to encourage and Below is a list of the candidates and causes we are support strong candidates at the local level who represent contributing to along with a quick synopsis of each race. Democratic values. Not only are local decisions important but for President: no explanation necessary. some of those who win locally will go on to serve in higher Ami Bera for Congress (CA-7): Dr. Bera is taking on elected office. Local electeds are the Democratic Party’s all incumbent Congressman Dan Lungren in a rematch of their important “Farm Team” for the future. very competitive 2010 campaign. One big change since then is The Santa Clara County Democratic Central Committee and redistricting, as this district now has more registered Ds than the San Mateo County Central Committee urge all Democrats Rs. This is a toss-up and one of the most contested to support the endorsed candidates when they vote in the congressional races in the country. November election. Jerry McNerney for Congress (CA-9): Incumbent The endorsed candidates from Santa Clara County area include: Democrat Jerry McNerney finds himself in a tight battle with • Palo Alto City Council: Marc Berman, Pat Burt, Liz Kniss Republican upstart Ricky Gill, a prolific fundraiser who is • Palo Alto School Board: Ken Dauber, Heidi Emberling, getting support from the national Republican Party. This is a Camille Townsend slightly left-leaning district and while McNerney is ahead, this • Los Altos City Council: Jan Pepper contest is too close to get complacent. • Los Altos School Board: Amanda Burke Aaronson, Jose Hernandez for Congress (CA-10): Astronaut – Vladimir Ivanovic, Pablo Luther, Steven Taglio and Democrat – Jose Hernandez grew up in a family of • Mountain View City Council: Margaret Capriles, Chris migrant farm workers and went on to become an engineer Clark, John McAllister who flew on the Discovery in 2009. He is taking • Foothill/DeAnza College Board: Joan Barram, Betsy on incumbent Jeff Denham in a district that now leans Bechtel, Laura Casas Frier Democratic. In San Mateo County, the endorsed candidates are: Anna Eshoo for Congress (CA-14): Anna, who • San Mateo County Board of Supervisors: Shelly Masur obviously needs no introduction, is a long time friend and • San Mateo County Board of Education: Joe Ross supporter of the PDC and we are proud to support her in her • East Palo Alto City Council: Bernardo Huerta, Laura re-election to Congress. Martinez, Larry Moody Otto Lee for Congress (CA-22): Otto is a longtime PDC • Ravenswood School District: Marco Chavez, Sharifa Wilson member, veteran and former mayor of Sunnyvale who is • Menlo Park City Council: Ray Mueller, Kelly Fergusson running for Congress in the Central Valley. We are proud to • Harbor Commissioners: Will Hoisinger, Sabrina Brennan. (Continued on page 7) The New Democrat 2 October 2012

crime, enabling them to testify against their traffickers without Letters fear of prosecution. t t o o Vote *YES* on Proposition 37. Does it cover _all_ food that

Taking issue... might be genetically engineered? No, but it's a first step. Let's t

h While I usually agree with not let the (non-existent) perfect be the enemy of the good. e Martin Gorfinkel, I must take That the major funding for the opposition is coming from

E issue with his Monsanto should tell you which side you should be on. d d recommendations on Vote *NO* on Proposition 38 (and of course YES on i

t Propositions 33, 35, 37, and Proposition 30). Prop 38 conflicts with Proposition 30, the o o 38. (I don't know when he Governor's revenue measure that even Martin supports, and r wrote his editorial for the that we need to take effect so we don't have huge cuts to September newsletter, but the education, public safety, and other services. Prop 38 only funds pro and con arguments were education, and only K-12 at that; no money for community supposed to be on the Secretary of State's website on or about colleges. If both pass, but Prop 38 gets more votes than Prop July 24th. I downloaded them August 3rd.) 30, the "trigger cuts" in the Governor's budget go into effect. Vote *NO* on Proposition 33. This was put on the ballot by Steve Chessin billionaire George Joseph, chair of Mercury Insurance. It's a (old) 22nd AD Executive Board Representative retread of his June 2010 Proposition 17, which we barely defeated. It will create a loophole that will allow George (and other insurance companies, but he doesn't care about them) to raise rates. Consumers Union (the advocacy arm of Consumer Reports) opposes it, as does Harvey Rosenfield, the founder of CALIFORNIA PRESIDENTIAL & Consumer Watchdog. Vote *YES* on Proposition 35. Human traffickers are STATE GENERAL ELECTION business people; they do a cost-benefit analysis. Raise the Tuesday , November 6, 2012 - POLL HOURS: 7am-8pm penalties, and some of them will go into a different line of work. Prop 35 also protects the women and girls pressured Deadline to register for the General Election into prostitution by traffickers from being prosecuted for that is October 22.

Elect PDC Member Bill JAMES to the El Camino Hospital District Board BILL IS READY TO LEAD BILL IS FOCUSED ON OUR NEEDS • Graduate of Stanford Law School and • Our Hospital has accumulated more the U.S. Naval Academy than $400 million in reserves • Board Member, Community Services • Bill will ensure that any excess Agency of Mountain View, Los Altos, reserve and Hospital net earnings are and Los Altos Hills used to benefit District residents • Leader of a 2005 effort that • Bill will oppose buying facilities well improved public access to financial outside the District, as occurred with information for El Camino Hospital the purchase of the Los Gatos hospital Paid for by Bill James for ENDORSEMENTS: El Camino Hospital District Board 2012 Santa Clara County Democratic FPPC # 1349594 Party, South Bay Labor Council "Under my leadership, our (COPE), Assemblyman Paul Fong, community hospital will focus on Assemblywoman Sally Lieber serving the needs of District (Ret.), Mountain View  Bill residents. I will ensure the hospital Councilmember Margaret Abe- remains financially strong and Koga (partial list) under District control." Bill James - Bill James District Board PO BOX 3221 JEl CaAmino HMospitaEl S PDC Member Los Altos CA 94024 www.billjames2012.com Paid for by Bill James for El Camino Hospital District 2012, FPPC ID# 1349594, PO BOX 3221, Los Altos CA 94024 The New Democrat 3 October 2012 The New Democrat 4 October 2012

some extra votes are John Garamendi, Jim Costa, Henry Reminder: Your Social Waxman, Mark Takano, and Alan Lowenthal. Think, too, of your friends and relatives—and their friends Networks Can Help and relatives—in other states. If you want them to vote to help re-elect Obama, and also to elect Democratic Senators and House members, encourage them to register and vote. Your Democrats Win encouragement could be the critical step in getting them to do By Katherine Forrest so. All of the Senate races are important, of course, but key Senatorial races this year are in Connecticut, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Many of us are actively helping build support for Democratic Ohio, Virginia, and Wisconsin. candidates this year—registering voters at street fairs or the Your phone calls and messages to activate your network ties farmer’s market, walking precincts, and making phone calls to to register and vote could be just what it takes! strangers. But every one of us can use the most effective For a complete list of the states and their voter registration political action tool of all—we can use our social networks. deadlines, visit Taking advantage of your existing social networks is www.longdistancevoter.org/voter_registration_deadline the most effective way of getting people politically s#.UFubuhxkLCg. engaged, better than traditional methods such as phoning, mailing, ads, or door-to-door canvassing. Make a quick phone call or send a message to a friend, relative, neighbor, or Voter Registration training coworker, some time in the remaining weeks before this critical election, and you’re almost sure to have success in getting them to vote. Social networks are powerful channels for motivating people to take political action, because the people in your network already know you, and most of them probably already have a warm, friendly feeling toward you. It’s easy to say “yes” to a friend, especially one with whom you share values and political views. Polls have shown that people who are NOT REGISTERED now are the biggest pool of additional potential voters for President Obama. And if they are going to vote for Obama, they are likely to vote for other Democrats on the ticket, too. Every one of us is likely to be in contact with people like this— unregistered people who are on our side—either directly or indirectly. Think of all your friends and acquaintances who are progressive or liberal in their views, and who live Diane Rolfe is working hard at training people for voter registration. anywhere in the country. Have any of them moved in She is pictured here (in blue) with Laura Casas Frier (left), trustee of the past year? Do they have any family members or Foothill - De Anza Community College, and student trustee leaders friends with similar political views who have moved Antonia Zavala of Foothill College and Vincent Mendoza of De Anza recently or are not registered to vote? Ask them College. Everyone is working hard to make sure we elect whether they’ve registered to vote in their new Democrats. Remember: VOTE NOVEMBER 6, 2012!! location—and if not, encourage them to register right Election Day is just around the corner! The Democratic away, because in a majority of states, the deadline is Volunteer Center (DVC) is humming and we need your help approximately 30 days before the election. [See the list for a full-scale push to victory in November. To make your of states and the deadlines for registration in each volunteer experience most enjoyable and effective, we state. Use this list to find where your friends and provide: family are living and let them know so they can • A convenient location with a huge parking lot and large, register in time!] comfortable work space Here is a website where you—and they—can get • Call lists with the highest priority numbers directly information on the voting registration laws in their state: provided and sanctioned by OFA www.longdistancevoter.org/voter_registration_rules. • Call lists for endorsed state and local candidates and Think—do you know anyone who lives in key House districts important initiatives in California, where a Democratic win that could help • Network and computer capacity for 50+ volunteers Democrats take the House of Representatives? Most of these using headsets and Skype districts are in the Central Valley. While we’d like Democrats • A team of seasoned trainers, mentors and technicians to win everywhere, getting extra votes is particularly important who make the process easy in these districts. The Democratic candidates in the most hotly Come help prepare for victory!! Come to 350 El Camino contested districts are Ami Bera, Lois Capps, Jerry McNerney, Real in Menlo Park! Julia Brownly, and Scott Peters. Others who could sure use The New Democrat 5 October 2012

rights, education, environment, tax fairness) disgusting or Voter Registration Drive threatening to them. We owe our success to a highly trained group of volunteers Breaking All Records!! who have led our Democratic Party Voter Registration Drive. The Coordinators are as follows: Farmers’ Markets, Carol For 12 years Kuiper, Retail Stores: Lynn Huidekoper and Fair and Festivals: the PDC has kept Diane and Joe Rolfe & Manager of the Forms: Diane Rolfe. detailed records We have had 3 – 5 trainings a week at our Headquarters with of our Voter the how-to of voter registration led by Carol Kuiper and Diane Registration work Rolfe. Other individuals have stepped forward to be the weekly for the Leads at various events. These dedicated and determined Democratic volunteers deserve our special thanks. Special accolades are Party. The due: Judy Plaska and Jim Powers, Leads for the Mountain results are clear: View Farmers’ Market; Marcene VanDierendonck, Lead for the We are breaking Palo Alto California Avenue Farmers’ Market, Carol Kuiper, all historic Lead of the Menlo Park Farmers’ Market, Ginger Johnson, records for voter Lead of the Palo Alto Gilman Street Farmers’ Market, Myra registration. and Carl Orta, Leads of the Los Altos Farmers’ Market shared Detailed records with Carol Kuiper. And, Heidy Braverman and husband David show that we Skinner have been the Leads at the two Los Altos Fairs---the may have a Los Altos Art and Wine in July and the final Festival of the definite increase year, the Los Altos Fall Festival, October 6 & 7. this year over the Thanks to an incredible TEAM of volunteers. This is why the numbers of Democrats will win BIG in November if our GOTV (Get Out the people registered Vote) breaks all records like our Voter Registration Drive. in 2008. For example, at the Mountain View Art and Wine By Diane Rolfe Festival we registered 352 people on Sept. 8 & 9th---a 68% increase over 2008! The voter registration activity was so intense that Mountain View Art and Wine finally became the # 1 Fair and Festival in Debate Night Celebration at our voter registration work, ending the 12 year dominance of the Palo Alto Art and Wine. In 2008 we registered 2,143 people and in 2010 we the Democratic Volunteer registered 915. This year we have already registered 1549. The numbers are growing daily and we have still a month to go Center until October 22nd when voter registration stops in California. In addition, we have received donations of over $8,000 from Tuesday, October 3, 2012 - our SWAG---buttons, bumper stickers, signs, and Obama t- Doors Open 5 pm shirts. We all believed that 2008 would be the most exciting 350 El Camino Real in Menlo Park and important election in our lifetimes---but in terms of voter On October 3, scores of volunteers will gather at the registration we are breaking all records by significant amounts DEMOCRATIC VOLUNTEER CENTER at 350 El over 2008. This is turning out to be the most important Camino Real in Menlo Park to watch the first presidential election ever! debate. Activists will come together to view the broadcast on Why? In my estimation, people are really motivated to vote a large screen TV, enjoy refreshments and assess the for President Obama and the Democratic Party. We have had performance of both candidates. Doors will open at 5:00 pm significant numbers of people change from Republican to and the 90 minute debate will begin at 6:00. There will be Democrat or No Party Preference. We are seeing a huge boost similar debate watching parties on the 11th, 16th and 22nd in the numbers of young women registering. For example, at of October. All PDC members and friends are welcome. the Mountain View Art and Wine Festival we saw hour after Volunteers have spent the summer at the DVC registering hour of 7 or even 8 people registering to vote at the same time voters, phoning the battleground states, and enlisting new at our 3 tables---and at least 5 of those individuals were young volunteers. The DVC supports local, state and federal women!! My guess is that the women of the United States will candidate campaigns and those for progressive initiatives. help re-elect Obama, that we will make gains in the Senate, The Democratic Volunteer Center (DVC) is a one-stop and perhaps (I hope) increase Democrats in Congress and campaign field headquarters established and staffed to elect perhaps retake the House of Representatives. But that will Democrats at all levels and pass progressive initiatives. The only happen if they VOTE! We are getting them registered. Center is equipped with a state-of-the-art infrastructure to Now, will they vote in such huge numbers? My prediction is support the full spectrum of campaign field activities, YES! People are furious at what they see as large moneyed including phone banking, canvassing, registering voters and interests high jacking their democracy. Also, many people who supplying bumper stickers, button and signs. register find the Republican policies (health care, women’s The New Democrat 6 October 2012

of the Proposition that would make it illegal for a food Let the People Decide What containing GMOs to be marketed as “natural.” The worry is that with such a law on the books, it could open the door for calling They Want to Eat into question the legality of marketing various other products as natural.” www.forbes.com/sites/amywestervelt/2012/08/ By Katherine Forrest 22/monsanto-dupont-spending-millions-to-oppose- -gmo-labeling-law/. There is widespread concern about what is in the food we eat PDC member Martin Gorfinkel argued in the September and feed to our children. If you want to make decisions about 2012 issue of The New Democrat that the exceptions written what foods to buy, you should be able to inform yourself quickly into the proposition show that the measure will not work: at the point of purchase whether a particular item is one you “It might seem quite reasonable to let the consumer know want. If the package or ad tells you honestly about ingredients which products are genetically engineered; but, in practice, it will that may concern you, you will be able to make an informed not work. The exceptions written into the proposition are proof decision. That is why I support Yes on Proposition 37, the of that: Exempts foods that are: certified organic; unintentionally “California Right to Know Genetically Engineered Food Act” produced with genetically engineered material; made from (www.carighttoknow.org/). animals fed or injected with genetically engineered material but Transparency, clear standards, and informed consent have not genetically engineered themselves; processed with or worked well with organic labeling, which, after a long struggle, is containing only small amounts of genetically engineered now regulated by the EPA ( www.epa.gov/oecaagct/torg.html). ingredients; administered for treatment of medical conditions; Sales of organic products have risen so much that major food sold for immediate consumption such as in a restaurant; or corporations are moving into the organic market, too, with their alcoholic beverages.” own organic brands. However, some major food corporations are I disagree To me, these exceptions appear to be intended to simultaneously trying to redefine “organic” and undercut the basic protect from lawsuits the small players in food-related concepts that underlie what consumers are trying to achieve by businesses, who would find it unduly burdensome, very buying organic. expensive, or impossible to do the testing needed to prove their Significantly, in the past few years, a number of companies foods are not contaminated in any way, in any tiny amount, with have also taken to calling products “natural”, thinking (probably GMO material. The exceptions make it clear that the intended correctly) that a naive public will equate natural with organic— targets of any lawsuits resulting from Prop 37 would be the and, by implication, not genetically engineered. major players in the agribusiness and food industries—the very At the time that food activists started working for organic companies that are pouring huge amounts of money into trying labeling, there was little if any genetically engineered food on the to defeat this GMO transparency measure. market, so that concept was not included in the definition of The California Democratic Party has come out in favor of “organic”. By now, though, the widespread adoption of GMO Proposition 37. I intend to vote for it, and recommend you do crops is threatening the ability of organic and traditional farmers the same. to avoid genetic contamination of their crops by GMOs. This is particularly problematic for crops, such as corn, in which the pollen is carried by wind. This statement from the National Organic coalition (www.nationalorganiccoalition.org/GMO/GMOContamin President’s ationPrevention.pdf) lays out a number of principles that will be important if we want to protect agriculture and food supplies Column from contamination by genetically modified material. Similar GMO labeling propositions have been on the ballot in Marc Berman a number of other states, but have all been defeated. California Marc will be taking a break is a major battleground in this fight, and polling shows this month in order to work widespread public support for Prop. 37, so it has a chance of hard on his campaign for Palo passing. The text of the proposition, summaries, and lists of Alto City Council! He’ll be supporters and opponents can be seen here: back in November! ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php/California_Proposition_3 7,_Mandatory_Labeling_of_Genetically_Engineered_Food_ (2012). It is worth noting that supporters of the measure have put under $4 million into their effort, while opponents—including There is no more many enormous agribusinesses such as Monsanto, DuPont, and important job for Dow—have put in $32.5 million to defeat the measure. According to a Forbes article: Democrats this “The primary arguments against Prop 37 are that it would year than cost food producers money–both to re-label products and in the form of lost business due to customers who are scared off by the registering voters label–and thus raise food prices for consumers, and that it could and getting them lead to frivolous lawsuits. The latter charge is pegged to a part to the polls! The New Democrat 7 October 2012

Martin’s PDC Contributions (continued from page 1)

EDITORIAL support Otto in his spirited effort to turn a red district blue! for Congress (CA-26): Democratic Assemblywoman Julia Brownley is taking on Republican State This is the last issue of the newsletter before the November Senator Tony Strickland in this toss-up district that was greatly elections. redrawn during the redistricting process. It presents a great Getting Obama re-elected is the most important single item pick-up opportunity for Democrats. on the agenda for November; but it is not the only important Mark Takano for Congress (CA-41): This is a newly task. If Obama is re-elected and must deal with a Congress created seat in the Inland Empire that tilts Republican but that controlled by Republicans then we are going to be sorely President Obama won handily in 2008. If Democrat Mark disappointed by what he will be able to do. Takano can defeat Republican John Tavaglione then this There are also California issues of import. If the Democrats district could stay blue for years. can control the Assembly and the State Senate with two thirds Prop 30, FOR: Governor Brown’s proposal to raise majorities then we can begin to recover some of the excellence revenue to close the budget gap and avoid crippling budget cuts that used to be here. We can begin to rebuild the schools, to education and a variety of other progressive state programs. colleges, and universities; we can begin to undo some of the Prop 32, AGAINST: An anti-labor effort pushed by extreme drastic cuts to the social welfare programs. conservatives that aims to cripple the labor movement and cut You can help. Everyone can do something to help influence off a major source of contributions to progressive causes. an election. Pick from the menu of helpful actions and do what Elizabeth Warren for Senate (Massachusetts): works for you: Elizabeth Warren, Harvard professor, set up the Consumer • Walk a precinct – personal contact is still the most Financial Protection Bureau in the Obama administration and is effective ways to change votes! challenging Republican Senator Scott Brown. This race is a • Participate in phone banking – phone calls are not nearly toss-up. as effective as personal contact, but they are helpful. Tammy Baldwin for Senate (Wisconsin): Democratic • Travel outside the area to help – Democrats are going to Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin is running an unexpectedly carry the our local legislative races, but that is not so strong campaign against Tommy Thompson, a former certain elsewhere in California or many places outside of Republican governor, who has struggled to gain ground and California. raise cash after winning a competitive primary. This race is a • Talk to friends, acquaintances, relatives, or chance toss-up. encounters. You don’t need to be pushy about it – but Jon Tester for Senate (Montana): Incumbent Democrat make it clear whom and what you are supporting and Jon Tester, who barely won his 2006 race, faces a tough why. campaign fight against Republican Congressman Denny • Donate money to campaigns, local, Congressional, or Rehberg in a state where will likely win by double Presidential. digits. This race is a toss-up. Last month’s column included a discussion of the statewide for Senate (Virginia): Gov. Tim Kaine, who propositions. (You can find the issue on-line at led the Democratic National Committee during President www.peninsulademocrats.com/newsletters/Sep_2012_Th Obama’s first few years in the White House, is facing off e_New_Democrat.pdf Here is a reprint of the table showing against Republican former Senator George Allen (of “Makaka” recommendations. The five most critical propositions are in bold. fame and a very unpleasant person). This race is a toss-up. In addition to these we are monitoring the Missouri U.S. Senate race ( Claire McCaskill vs. Akin – McCaskill looks quite strong now that Akin is staying in the race), North Dakota U.S. Senate race and others. This contribution is being given to Priorities USA due to campaign finance rules that prohibit PAC contributions to presidential candidates. Housing sales up Housing sales are on the rise, if only gradually. New home sales in August fell slightly compared to sales in July, but they were still 27.7 percent higher than those of August last year. The largest majority — 174,000 of 373,000, or 46.6 It is not too late to help. Do your share to make our state percent—of these new home sales were in the South. and our country a better place for everyone. —Source: American Prospect Balance Sheet, 9-28-2012 The New Democrat 8 October 2012 Job situation not as bad as we thought The Bureau of Labor Statistics released a preliminary revision of its previous job estimates on September 27. (The earlier numbers were based on surveys of 160,000 employers nationwide; the government revises these figures once a year using tax records, which provide more accurate information.) The new report indicates that 2.4 million jobs were created between March 2011 and March 2012, an increase of 20 percent from the previous estimate of two million. This means that for the first time since President Barack Obama took office, the number of jobs in the U.S. economy is higher than it was at the time of his inauguration. Still, the United States has more than four million fewer jobs than before the recession began in December 2007, the nation’s unemployment rate remains at 8.1 percent, and the revision doesn’t reflect the slowdown in hiring since March. Nonetheless, the new numbers mark a significant milestone in the labor market's gradual recovery, and the fact that more Americans are working now than when Obama took office WE NEED PHONE could provide the president with some political capital heading into the November election. BANKERS! President Obama needs you to call swing states and Call to Action!! the DVC can make it happen! At the DVC, experienced trainers using state-of-the-art phone banking technology will help you call the highest priority Obama for America numbers and those for the California Democratic Party. Watch for future messages describing calling events focused on individual candidates and initiatives. Let’s light up the phones… M-F noon-7:30, Sat 9:30-5:00, Sun noon-5:00. DEMOCRATIC VOLUNTEER CENTER 350 El Camino Real in Menlo Park Now is your chance to bid on items donated for the PDC Silent Auction this past August (pictured above). Phone or For voting information for email Carol Kuiper, [email protected] or 650-941- 8190. Bidding closes Election Day, November 6, when the Santa Clara County: polls close at 8 p.m. Top bid wins! Put your financial house in order with 3 hours of www.sccgov.org/sites/rov/Elections/nov2012/Pages/default.aspx O financial consultation, courtesy of Amy Pearl, Founders October 22: Last Day to Register to Vote Financial Network. Value: $750; Minimum Bid: $250. October 30: Last day to request a Vote by O Fall is the time for garden renovation. Plan with an expert’s hand, Beautiful Day Landscape Services, Mail Ballot by mail courtesy of Cheryl Perman. Value: $75; Minimum Bid: EARLY IN-PERSON VOTING $45. at the Registrar of Voters Office O Get started transferring home videos into dazzling DVDs 1555 Berger Drive, Building 2, San Jose, CA 95112 with a gift certificate from My Director’s Cut, courtesy of Monday – Friday October 8 – November 5, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Michelle Tsui. Value: $50; Minimum Bid: $25. Saturday – Sunday October 27 – 28 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. O Enjoy a concert with the Peninsula Youth Theatre: 2 Saturday – Sunday November 3 – 4 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. tickets plus PYT sweatshirt, T-shirt and mug courtesy of Emily Wu. Value: $65; Minimum Bid: $35. Tuesday November 6 (Election Day) 7 a.m. to 8 p.m The New Democrat 9 October 2012 TAKE ACTION FOR AMI BERA! Precinct Walking in the Sacramento Area for Ami Bera Every weekend, cars will drive loads Funnies by Janice of us to the two Ami Bera offices in Elk Grove and Carmichael to precinct walk • How times have changed. Next Sunday Arnold throughout the newly reconfigured 7th District which is now Schwarzenegger is appearing on “60 Minutes” to plug his new more Democratic than before. Ami barely lost the last “tell-all” book. Remember the days when some were hoping to election, has now come up to tie Lungren 47-47 in the polls, is change the constitution so that Arnold could run for President? ahead of him in fundraising (but the spectre of Rove/Koch/Citizens United $ looms large), and his campaign • Mitt Romney last night “We do provide care for people has found precinct walking, talking with people 1-1 is THE who don’t have insurance. If someone has a heart attack, they MOST EFFECTIVE WAY TO EDUCATE AN UNDECIDED don’t sit in their apartment and die. We pick them up in an VOTER to become an ABC - Ami Bera for Congress! Please ambulance, and take them to the hospital….” Of course RSVP to: Elsa Schafer at [email protected] or insurance for preventive care might have kept that heart attack 650.593.6930 (ll) or 650.740.5733 (c) for the next 5 from happening in the first place. weekends until the election. We have two cars driving up so far this Sunday, with a few spaces left - please let us know if • Ann Romney’s “This is hard” quote also included “it is you need a ride or possibly could drive a carpool if enough time for all Americans to realize how significant this election is others sign up needing rides. So far it’s been Prius caravan :) and how lucky we are to have someone with Mitt’s For future weekends, please let us know a) which days you can qualifications and experience and know-how to be able to have precinct walk, b) whether or not you can drive if needed and the opportunity to run this country. how many passengers you can take, c) where you live (to • Fortunately no one was injured after an electrical fire on arrange convenient pick-up/drop-off), and your e-mail and Ann Romney’s campaign plane filled the cabin with smoke. But phone contact information (if you have a cell phone please it was scary. Next flight some Secret Service folks have offered include it for on-the-day communication). to ride with the dog on the roof. • Mitt Romney's campaign now says his comment about opening plane windows was a joke. But come on, we all know “Mitt and Paul’s better - Mitt had to open windows on his private planes to feed the dog on the roof. Republican Agenda” • President Obama, a long-time Chicago fan, said today he Mitt Romney touts that “Corporations are People, My Friend,” is ‘‘looking forward to a White Sox-Nationals World Series.’’ He repeats this line so often that he will not bend. Romney will respond as soon as his staff reminds him what Republicans also say that free speech is money, teams his friends own. And to all his rich pals, Romney is their “honey.” • According to the Gainesville (FL) Sun, Herman Cain said today he would have a “substantial lead” over President Obama Mitt urges us continually to replace Obamacare. if he had been chosen as the Republican nominee instead of Instead, he wants us to adopt vouchers, Mitt Romney. I believe the correct response is in German And this is grossly unfair. “Nein, nein, nein.” Republicans would like to ignore the sick and the needy, • Florida senator Marco Rubio has been tweeting his If they win, it will mark the triumph of the 1% and the greedy. displeasure with commercial airline flight delays. “Sounds really annoying,” responded Mitt Romney. “What’s a commercial Romney and his recent VP pick, , are just itching airline flight? To privatize our Medicare and Social Security. • Where’s Clint Eastwood to ask the question “Do you feel The loss of these two important safety mets for us 99% means lucky, punks?” A certain calamity.

* Mitt Romney actually said Tuesday at a speech in New Recently, I heard Obama call Romney a “reverse Robin Hood” York that he "understood" the unions had to look out for their And this implies that Mitt is up to no good. members. Wow. So maybe Mitt does watch football after all. He would rob the poor to make Republicans rich. Janice Hough If this should happen, the, we are all facing quite a hitch. All Horizons Travel 650-941-5810 Leo Lotter and leftcoastsportsbabe.com PDC Member The New Democrat 10 October 2012

email [email protected] to confirm. RSVP info: CALENDAR https://my.barackobama.com/October8Concert/custom1=4551704 Monday, October 8 OF EVENTS Dinner with President Barack Obama - 5 p.m. Before the concert, the President will join a smaller group for a private MONTHLY MEETINGS dinner and photos. This is our most popular event format in an intimate Santa Clara County Democratic Central Committee setting with the President, and will be the last opportunity to have meets at 7:00 p.m. on the first Thursday of each month at 70 West dinner with the President in the Bay Area during the campaign. Hedding, San Jose. Call 408/445-9500 for information. Anyone is Where: See above. welcome to attend. Guest: $20,000 per person or raise $120,000 toward this event. Use the following link. Includes dinner, off-the-record remarks, and a The PDC Board of Directors meets at 7:30 p.m. on the second chance to meet and get a formal photo with the President. WEDNESDAY of each month at the Palo Alto Unitarian Church, 505 East Charleston RSVP info for dinner: Road, Palo Alto, Fireside Room (in October), otherwise Room 8; all are welcome. https://my.barackobama.com/October8Dinner?custom1=4551704 EVENTS: OCTOBER 2012 Wednesday Oct 10 - 6 - 7:30 p.m. Save Out State Rally: YES Prop. 30 School finance; NO Saturday, October 6 - 8:30 a.m.-10 a.m. Prop. 32 Union busting; YES Measure D Assemblymember Jerry Hill Town Meeting on Initiative Education Where: San Jose City Hall West Plaza, 200 E. Santa Clara St., San Jose with State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson and San Speakers include Mateo County Superintendent of Schools Anne E. Campbell. Join the MC: Cindy Chavez - Executive Director, Working Partnerships USA conversation of the future of education in California and our Zoe Lofgren - US House of Representatives, 16th Cong. District community. Paul Fong - CA Assemblyman, Assembly District 22 Where: San Mateo City Hall, Council Chambers, 330 West 20th Avenue Shawn Bagley – Regional Director CA Democratic Party (Use O’Farrell Street Entrance) Click here to RSVP, or call the District Jennifer Thomas – Vice President, San Jose Teachers’ Association Office at (650) 349-1900 to sign up and obtain more information. Scott Myers-Lipton – Sociology Professor, San Jose State University Craig Dunkerley – California Clean Money Campaign Saturday, October 6 - 9 a.m. to noon Contact: Fred Rehhausser, Dreammenders [email protected] Assemblyman Jim Beall’s Medicare & Healthcare 408-348-5084 Forum Where: Orchard Banquet Hall, Campbell Community Center, 1 W. Thursday Oct 11 - 6 – 8 p.m. Campbell Avenue, Campbell Reception to re-elect Assemblymember Paul Fong to Assemblyman Jim Beall is partnering with the Council on Aging Silicon his final term in the Assembly: Educator, Small Valley Connie Corrales and State Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones Business Owner, Leader for a FREE Medicare and Healthcare Town Hall. Whether you are Where: Home of Tom Cochran and Parris Correa, 196 S. 15th Street, insured, uninsured or on Medicare, this town hall provide the San Jose information you need to take control of your health and healthcare Contribution Levels: $3900- I’m all in!; $2500- HighFive!; $1,000- costs. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from the experts! Sponsor; $500-Cohost; $250-Friend; $100-Individual. For more information and to RSVP, please call the District Office at 408- RSVP to [email protected]; Make checks payable to 282-8920 or www.asmdc.org/yp Sunshine Borelli, Deputy Chief of Staff Paul Fong for Assembly 2012; 465 N. Wolfe Rd., Sunnyvale, CA 94085 or to Assemblymember Jim Beall, Jr. donate online at www.paulfong.org . Monday, October 8 Concert & Reception with President Obama Sunday Oct 21 - 3:30 – 5 p.m. 5:30 p.m. Arrival Congresswoman Anna Eshoo Reception and Fundraiser A phenomenal evening with the President and multiple music John & Elaine Chambers request the pleasure of your company for an performers, an extraordinary event to mark the President’s last visit to afternoon reception at their home to honor Anna. California during the campaign. Send him forward with energy for the Where: Palo Alto (Address provided upon confirmation of attendance.) final 30 days. Sponsors: $2,500 each; Friends: $1,000 each. Pay through ActBlue Where: Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, 99 Grove St. San Francisco (www.actblue.com ). Questions or prefer to give over the phone? Cost: $100 Muni (Sold out!); $250 Cable Car; $1,000 Ferry-VIP Contact Carol Pfeifer at 415-495-0368 or [email protected] Admission; preferred seating; $2500 Bay Sponsor; premium seating; NOTE: The Eshoo reception is offering a special rate for PDC $7500 Golden Gate-Photo Reception with POTUS and premium seating members and activists of $110! Don’t miss this event!! for the event (+$2500 for each additional person in photo.) Season 2 Pass Holders can attend for free at the VIP Admission level For additional calendar listings, visit and get a discount on the photo price; RSVP through the link and peninsulademocrats.com The New Democrat 11 October 2012 My 2012 Democratic Convention in Charlotte, North Carolina By Amy Pearl, Delegate, CD 14 (Anna Eshoo) and PDC Board Member

Amy Pearl (bottom left) whitewater rafting with Sophie Keller (top left), Emily's List panel Introduced by DNC Chair and Florida at the California Delegation welcome reception — in Charlotte, NC. Congresswoman (“I am one of 277 women who have *ever* served in the US Congress, while in history there have been over 12,000 men … the only way to move forward is to elect It was a fantastic experience and I thank each and every more women to Congress and other leadership positions – when you person in my congressional district who took the time and add women you change the world. If Congress were 50% women, do trouble to vote for me at the caucus and let me have this great you imagine we would have the same degree of gridlock?”) experience as a California delegate. I did tweet a lot of comments and pictures during the convention – you can find them @amyparodi on twitter. I’ve also put up some of my What’s the Point When Everything is Decided Already? photos here: http://tinyurl.com/8jwfuaj. Finally, I did I had gone to the convention 4 years ago as a guest, not a manage to post a couple times on my blog and will post a delegate. This time I prepared ahead to attend a lot of events (I more detailed description of my activities: made a spreadsheet of activities to which I had invitations) and I www.blogher.com/member/amypearl. understood what the convention is really about. It’s like any Before I left for Charlotte, I talked to my voice of reason and professional conference: in addition to the information that the experience, my 93-year-old formerly Republican mother-in-law talks communicate, its purpose is also to bring like-minded about the convention. She was disappointed in the Republican people together to share experiences, make connections and convention, thought people seemed unenthusiastic, and she build a community. In addition to the 3 night prime-time PR hoped the Democratic Convention would be more exciting. On the convention provides on broadcast TV, its goal is to educate my return, she told me she thought people were very attendees and to excite and motivate the grassroots and enthusiastic and there were some very good speeches, donors. Let’s just say, that worked! especially ’s. She says that the economy seems to be getting better, four years was not enough to repair the What the Logistics are Like damage and that we should give President Obama another four The official convention events/venues: The convention years to improve things. She also says the race is very tight. itself was held in 2-ish locations. During the day caucuses After the convention, I visited family (some former and (labor, LGBT, women, seniors, military, etc.) and exhibits were current Republicans) in conservative Cincinnati, home of John held in the Charlotte convention center downtown. At night Boehner in swing state of Ohio. None of them are enthusiastic (5pm to 11pm) voting and speeches took place in the Time about Romney, but the sense is that in general people are Warner Cable Arena. The Convention Hall is open to the pretty lethargic and it might be hard to get out the vote. So, public, but credentials are required to enter a security perimeter everyone, let’s not get complacent – let’s get out there and lock around the Arena and to go into the Arena. There are a variety this thing up! of credentials: delegate, guest, honored guest, press, probably This convention was partly a “war for women,” so I kept podium speaker, etc. Within the Arena, there are sections pretty busy. One of my favorite quotes was from Orlando dedicated to each of the state delegations. Up above the Police Chief and Congressional candidate Val Demings: delegations are premium boxes for premium credentials, and “Women care about the same issues as men. We care about then above them is everyone else. Four years ago, with small business owners, quality education for our children and Honored Guest credentials, I had to scramble each night to find grandchildren, that our seniors retire with dignity, and about some seat in the nosebleed section, along with ambassadors our national security and military. But if we have to keep and large donors. This year as a delegate, I had a good talking about Women’s health issues, we will.” (Continued on page 12) The New Democrat 12 October 2012

• “If we want better policies, we have to change the Amy Pearl (Continued from page 11) politics” CA Assembly Speaker John Perez, CA Secretary of State selection of seats, along with other great CA delegates. Debra Bowen, CA Attorney General , CA Board Thursday night, the night of the President’s acceptance of Equalization member Betty Yee (“Democrats are the party of speech, was supposed to be held in a large stadium, but the 40 hour work week, the minimum wage, unemployment because of impending storms and possible tornadoes, they insurance and child labor laws”), CA Senator Barbara Boxer moved it back to the Arena. (“are you better off? In 2008 we were bleeding 750,00 Other events/venues: Also during the day and evening, jobs/month, now we’re adding 100s of thousands of there are all sorts of unofficial events and activities, all over the jobs/month; Osama bin Laden is dead, the Medicare drug city. Many of these venues were by invitation only. The high- benefit hole is filled, we have a Consumer Protection Agency, end hotels right downtown close to the convention center and repealed Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, millions of women have access arena is where big donors typically stayed and where major to free birth control, and we have 2 new women on the donor events were held. The major news outlets set up Supreme Court”), women’s health care advocate Sandra Fluke broadcast stages and take over venues downtown near the (“others want to define my generation as the ‘entitlement arena and convention center to host events and also provide generation,’ but we only want to be entitled to equality of hospitality suites. There was one multi-story shopping complex opportunity and the right to determine when to start a family”), on a corner, with a courtyard inside, where MSNBC, CNN and Senior Advisor to the President Valerie Jarrett. LA Mayor Bloomberg news had space. Bloomberg news took over a Antonio Villaregosa, CA Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom, Golds Gym there and set up a stage for talks and panels, and President Cecile Richardson, CA Senator also had refreshments and wireless access for guests. MSNBC Dianne Feinstein, Hilda Solis, Ed Lee, CA State Controller had a stage in the courtyard from which they broadcast and John Chiang, CA State Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones, also hosted concerts. CNN took over a restaurant right on the DNC Chair Debbie Wasserman Schultz. corner and had a hospitality suite there. Women’s Caucus: Donna Brazile, actress/activist Ashley There were also parties and events hosted at other places Judd (“family planning should be free and freely accessible; around the city. The California delegation had a welcome event abortion should be legal, safe and rare”), Planned Parenthood Sunday afternoon at the National Whitewater Center outside of President Cecile Richards (“Republicans want to end access to town and, among others, former Speaker hosted birth control and abortion, overturn Roe vs. Wade, and defund a party Monday night at a restaurant at The Music Factory, a Planned Parenthood. They think the answer to unemployment complex outside of downtown. There was a California Bash is through our uterus! … If there ever was a mandate for party one night after the speeches. mandatory sex education, its name is Todd Akin”), DNC Chair State Delegation events: There was a welcome party for Debbie Wasserman Schultz (“President Obama understands that each delegation and a party during the convention. Each state women are the backbone of the American family and delegation has one or more delegate hotels. The delegate economy”), Senior Advisor to the President Valerie Jarrett (“We hotels aren’t that close to the downtown venues, maybe a mile believe in an equal chance no matter where you come from, away. The California delegation has a breakfast every morning what your last name is or who you love”), Secretary of HHS (you have to pay extra for that) with speakers of all sorts. and former Kansas Governor Kathleen Sibelius (“President Obama led the charge on improving health care quality and Highlights of my Convention (with Quotes!) access for all Americans, young and old”), women’s health care California Delegation Breakfast Series Speakers: advocate Sandra Fluke (“I come bearing a message from the Georgia Congressman John Lewis (“we know the history of millennial generation: we’re here to stand with you”) voter suppression – we fought it before, we’ll have to fight it Planned Parenthood Rally: MC’d by actress/activist again”), Maryland Congresswoman Donna Edwards (sits on the Aisha Tyler, picketed by violent anti-choice protestors. Congressional Science and Technology subcommittee with Planned Parenthood Celebrity Panel: with Planned notorious MO Congressman Todd Akin: “Republicans clearly Parenthood President Cecile Richards, actresses/activists Aisha don’t believe in science or understand female biology”) , DNC Tyler, Lisa Edelstein (The fear and ignorance surrounding Women’s Caucus Chair Christine Pelosi (“to have more women abortion reminds her of the fear and ignorance about AIDS. run, even for delegate, we need to change the way we’re looking She believes in the need to educate people and share at politics”), and Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi: information) and Keisha Knight Pulliam (“I believe that young • “This administration has created more private sector jobs in people take the freedoms they have for granted and don’t one year than in the 8 years of the Bush administration” realize they also have to fight to keep them”). • “Republicans don’t believe in a public sector role. Doing Emilys List Panel: Introduced by DNC Chair Debbie nothing is their philosophy. Medicare, Social Security, Wasserman Schultz (“I am one of 277 women who have ever immigration reform, women’s rights, LGBT rights, served in the US Congress, while in history there have been access to college for everyone, not just the few are all on over 12,000 men … the only way to move forward is to elect the ballot with the President” more women to Congress and other leadership positions – • “Republicans’ strategy for the election is to suppress the when you add women you change the world. If Congress were vote, poison the debate with such misrepresentation as 50% women, do you imagine we would have the same degree to confuse the voter, overwhelm the airways and obstruct of gridlock?”), moderated by Marie Claire editor Joanna Coles constructive legislation” (continued on page 13) The New Democrat 13 October 2012

Amy Pearl (Continued from page 12) Convention Diary

(whom it had just been announced is the new editor of Carolyn Curtis, delegate, CD18 Cosmopolitan magazine), Emily’s List President Stephanie Schriock, NY Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (“When Nancy Pelosi SUNDAY EVENING Sep 2 was Majority leader and appointed 5 women to the Armed Going to our hotels, we got our first taste of the security Services committee, in military readiness hearings the men’s zone of uptown Charlotte. Walking to our restaurant that night questions focused on ships, guns and equipment, while the we saw barrier after barrier; security guys everywhere, women added to the dialogue asking about the higher rates of helicopters above. Coming back, even more security personnel, divorce, suicide and violence among the troops. If we had 51% including one big group on bikes that zoomed off together, women in Congress, do you think we’d still be talking about quite a sight. birth control instead of the critical issues facing our country?”), MONDAY Sep 3 actress Ashley Judd, and Orlando Police Chief and Each delegate had to check in and get a credential anew Congressional candidate Val Demings (“Women care about the every morning. We got a tote bag from the CDP and one same issues as men. We care about small business owners, from the DNC. Useful items: poncho, fan, pedometer. Less quality education for our children and grandchildren, that our useful: container of cinnamon sugar. seniors retire with dignity, and about our national security and There was a package of breakfasts Mon-Thurs at our main military. But if we have to keep talking about Women’s health convention hotel for all delegates and guests who ponied up for issues, we will”). it, with daily briefings and various party biggies. This morning: Evening Convention (a few quotes and links): One of Nancy Pelosi and John Lewis, others. Nancy Pelosi's main the wildest (and arguably best) speeches many people didn’t see message was that it isn't just Obama and other candidates on was former Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm’s the ballot; Social Security, Medicare are on the ballot too. electrifying speech (“(Mitt Romney) loves our (Michigan’s) cars Though there were caucus meetings today, the main event so much, they even have their own elevator. In Romney’s was CarolinaFest, a street fair for everybody. Jill Chesler, Jeff world, the cars get the elevator, and the workers get the Adair and I browsed every single booth. Happy crowds, lots of shaft!“): tinyurl.com/9rxfzlb. Other speeches and quotes of families, also cops from all over, even including Chicago. We interest (NOT comprehensive!) Republican and former Marine got drenched when the big storm hit, regretting only that we Ned Davis (“it’s important that we do the same thing for our couldn’t get a snap of us three bedraggled delegates. fellow citizens as Tammy Duckworth’s fellow soldiers did for her – not leave our suffering fallen behind, but make sure we bring TUESDAY Sep 4 them all along with us”), former Republican Rhode Island Breakfast speakers today included Barbara Boxer, Debra governor Lincoln Chafee (“I’m an example of Republicans Bowen, Kamala Harris (HUGE ovation). Rubber duckies at being driven out of the party by extremist, non-mainstream every place setting, courtesy of CA speaker Perez. views – Republicans traditionally believe in personal freedom, I had planned to scope out the convention center and go to they don’t believe in government dictating control of our bodies the 1pm Planned Parenthood rally, but nobody was getting or the relationship between two adults”), former Ohio into the restricted area because of a demonstration. Swarms of Governor Ted Strickland (a great speech, worth watching cops and firefighters; now I knew what the bikes were for: tinyurl.com/9hcra3n, “If Mitt were Santa Claus, he’d fire the mobile barriers, very clever. The groups we'd see suddenly reindeer and outsource the elves!”), Secretary of HHS and zooming off might have been practicing their quick response. former Kansas Governor Kathleen Sibelius (“President Obama Here's how it looked, with was raised by good Kansas women and believes in hard work the demo in the distance and fair chances”), Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel (“we faced a (pictured at right). once in a lifetime set of crises, any one of which alone would The demo at first looked define a presidency. Fortunately we have a once in a lifetime like Occupy because of a President”), actor Kal Penn, President Obama’s sister Maya Guy Fawkes mask on Saetoro-Ng and Michelle Obama’s brother Craig Robinson, Lily someone’s backpack, but per Ledbetter, Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick (“Mitt their literature they were Romney talks about all the things he’s fixed – I can tell you International ANSWER Massachusetts is not one of them. He’s a fine fellow and a (anarchists). great salesman. As Governor, he was more interested in having I eventually got to the the job than doing the job”), San Antonio Mayor Julian Castro Planned Parenthood rally, so (“The American dream isn’t a sprint or even a marathon – it’s I caught some of it (pictured a relay”), First Lady Michelle Obama (“We learned about bottom right). honesty and integrity. That the truth matters. That you don't TUESDAY EVENING: WHAT take shortcuts or play by your own set of rules.”). And of course, we should all just study the content of Bill Clinton’s A NIGHT speech – if you can paraphrase his points, you can convince The arena doors opened anyone! Transcript is here: tinyurl.com/8lrmg7k. at 4; baggage inspection, not as rigorous as an airport. (Continued on page 14) The New Democrat 14 October 2012

THURSDAY Sep 6 Curtis Convention Diary Today was a marathon beginning with the women's caucus (Continued from page 13) at the convention center. After Lilly Ledbetter (more informal than her convention speech) and John Lewis, both the first and second ladies were there, Jill introducing Michelle, who spoke Inside, scads of people everywhere. California had a huge area so warmly of her friend Mrs Biden. befitting our huge numbers, across the hall from the stage. Around 2 Jill and I got to the arena. Most seats in the CA Going into the hall through a short narrow passageway and section were already claimed but we managed to hang onto a looking into the hall for the first time gave me goosebumps: set of 7, in 2 rows. Things got under way around 5. Yes, 3 Preliminaries: we Californians lustily cheered Kamala Harris hours of sitting followed by 6 hours of program, but musical (Rules) and Barbara Lee (Platform). My favorite speakers were groups were rehearsing and we explored the floor and chatted probably yours too: the congressional women, Mayor Foxx, the with other delegates. gutsy NARAL lady, Tammy Duckworth, Lilly Ledbetter, Mayor If you saw the whole thing on C-SPAN you'll know what I Castro; the fabulous Kennedy/Romney debate (THAT really mean but I hope even if you watched on a commercial channel rocked the house). or saw any fraction of what there was, it was one peak And Michelle. She is perfection. At that point we'd been experience after another, with music even (especially James cheering, up/down, up/down, cheering, waving signs, but she Taylor). (Interesting how the core messages appeared in almost had us in the palm of her hand, and the signs we were waving every speech; a good omen for a well-run national campaign. were true: WE LOVE MICHELLE. However, all the chanting you heard was completely WEDNESDAY EVENING Sep 5 spontaneous; e.g., we were chanting “Fired Up Ready to Go” I got there after the opening formalities. We got plenty of in the hall afterward Thursday night.) Great to hear Barney chances to yell our heads off for the California people alone, Frank after all, the very well done marriage equality video, and e.g. Kamala Harris (Rising Star). The nun on the bus really got delightful origin of “fired up/ready to go”; Gabby us going as you could probably tell, likewise Elizabeth Warren. leading us in the pledge, all the great info about saving our auto Clinton came through as we knew he would with the old magic industry, the wonderful segment on veterans: volunteers passed and refreshing reason and minimum of rhetoric (which can get out the THANK YOU signs that we eagerly held aloft. Hope numbing). Here’s how the end looked from our seats: you could see the FIRED UP and READY FOR JOE signs we held up for Biden. Hope you could tell the ultimate level of volume in our support for Obama before during and after his speech; amazing after 3 days of such great enthusiasm we had any voices left! Here’s how he looked to us: Finally also a picture that I hope gives a flavor of the fireworks celebration pandemonium (see below)! I cannot express to you how grateful I am for supporting me to go to the convention; it has been one of the peak experiences of my life. Afterward: Each evening we How we vote: yesterday they passed around sheets for got flags to wave, & Tuesday’s voting, also this morning when we got our credentials. The was too long to fit in our complete list of CA voting delegates was alphabetized into 4 luggage. During our aftertrip I chunks, on separate clipboards. I found my printed name, mailed home some paper & checked how I wanted my vote (choices: Barack Obama, No books I’d accumulated, bringing Endorsement, Other, Abstain), and signed. At the arena party the tall flag to give officials again made sure everyone had voted. away at the post The roll call: for some people this is an abyss of corn and office in tedium, for others (me included) the most charming and Charleston SC. grassrootsy part of the convention. Although there hasn't been When the young real tension for decades, it's still an exciting part of the whole blonde lady who election process. I was proud that our entire delegation was accepted the flag unanimous for Barack; not all states were, as you probably found out it was noticed. I was especially proud of our three terrific legislators from Michelle who gave our result! night at the Later I went over to the Nascar Hall o' Fame for the convention. she California delegation "bash.” It’s past midnight and the party's was thrilled-- the in full swing, interesting nibbles, reasonably priced bar, a DJ, perfect recipient. great variety of dancing. The New Democrat 15 October 2012

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