Sunday, June 27, 2010

Kalona Days - Parade [ 6/19/2010 ]




On June 19th, 2010, we had a great day in Kalona. The Kalona Days parade was quite an event with sunny skies and the introduction of our life size donkey.


The nearly completed donkey was part of the truck carrying the members of the Washington County Democrats.

The Washington County Democrats also had secured a booth in the downtown Kalona area, handing out literature and a few trinkets during the downtown festivities.


As always we went through a lot of candy as the parade proceeded through the parade route.


Sunday, June 20, 2010

Washington County Democrats - 2010 Headquarters Open House






The Washington County Democrats provided a first glimpse at the new 2010 Headquarters at 225 West Main Street, across from the Washington County Court House on Friday, June 18, 2010.

Despite the weather, many of our members and several out of town guests attended the event.

Although we are not yet fully operational, with a few details yet to be implemented, the headquarters is shaping up to provide facilities for the party and all local, state and national candidates to call home in Washington County.

Now that the primaries are out of the way, several local, state and national candidates and representatives from the various campaigns presented plans they are focusing on this election season.

Featured speakers included, State Senator (45), our own Becky Schmitz, Iowa Sec. of Agriculture candidate, Francis Thicke, Pete D’Alessandro, Political Director from the Culver campaign and Lindsay Burr, Political Director from the Dave Loebsack campaign. Louise Frakes was a wonderful MC, and the event was a wonderful educational experience for all of those in attendance.

We hope that all of the candidates running for election or re-election will take full advantage of the office facilities. We will have phone line options, computer and Wi-Fi capabilities as well as an adaptable meeting area.

We will be announcing office hours for the headquarters in the near future.

Please feel free to send any comments or suggestions to: Pete Morrison, Secretary at peter.morrison@mac.com or call the headquarters at: 319-653-3110


Monday, June 14, 2010

More picture of the 2010 IA Democratic Convention





State Democratic Convention 6/12/10

All nine of Washington County State Delegates were present at Des Moines Convention Center Saturday, June 12. Pictured from left to right Pete Morrison, Katrina Schaeffer, Diane Schaeffer, Eliza Schaeffer, Matt Schaffer, Harold Frakes, Louise Frakes, Terry Philips, Sandra Johnson, and Kay Ciha. Congratulations Washington County! You have carried out your responsibilities much better than many other counties!

We heard speeches from various Democratic candidates such as Francis Thicke, Patty Judge, Governor Culver, and Matt Campbell (who is running against Steven King). We hope they will get elected as they were quite impressive.

In addition to hearing outstanding speakers from the Iowa Congressional Delegation, State officials also were present and gave uplifting speeches about Iowa's economy. Of course, Senator Tom Harkin is always a joy to hear. The keynote address was given by the Senior Senator from Minnesota. The hardest part of our work was giving final approval to Iowa's state platform.

Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Washington County Democrats - June meeting

Tuesday, June 8th, 2010

June Minutes

Minutes of June Meeting

The Washington County Democrats met in the Game Room at the Halcyon House on Tuesday, June 8th, 2010, with 9 individuals present. The Chair, Louise Frakes, was absent due to work she was doing at the primary in Brighton. This months meeting fell on the scheduled primary date. Dave Schweitzer, Vice-Chair, called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm with the group reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

Minutes of the last meeting held on May 11, 2010 were available in written form for the group. Minutes were also posted on the blog and sent to all of those with e-mail addresses. Pete Morrison made the motion, 2nd by Dave Ciha that the minutes be approved and the minutes were approved as written.

Treasurer Kay Ciha presented the current Treasurer’s Report for May, and written copies were provided to the group, said report reflected a balance of $3,378.18, as of June 8, 2010, the report was approved and will be filed for audit.

Old Business:

Events chair, Harold Frakes, reported that the fund-raiser for Becky Schmitz exceeded our goal of $3,000. It brought in $4,040.00! Great job everyone!

He also reported that the "Retirement Party" for Senator Grassley was a success. Steve Maxon did a great job playing Senator Grassley and Terry Philips was a wonderful aide. For further details, check out the blog.

Harold once again handed out the outline of the various parades coming up around the County. Pete asked that people check out the coverage of the Ridiculous parade on the blog. Harold requested that the handout of the upcoming parades be sent out on email.

In other business, Kay Ciha reported that the former Planned Parenthood building had been acquired for the 5-month period from June 15 - Nov. 15th. The four keys were distributed to the 4 officers: Louise, Dave, Kay, and Pete. Following the discussion about what type of phone and internet services would be needed, Susan Mitchell made the motion to allow Kay to make the decision of whether to use Iowa Telecom or Mediacom. Motion seconded by Dave Ciha. Motion passed.

Harold Frakes offered to take his van to the Iowa State Democratic Convention. Those delegates wishing to ride should meet at the intersection of Hwy 1 & 92 at 6:15 am on Saturday, June 12th. Please contact Harold if you want to car pool with him.

New Business:

Setting up the new Democratic Head Quarters was discussed. It was decided that we would move into headquarters on Tuesday, June 15 beginning at 6:30. The Grand Opening was scheduled for June 18, 2010 at 6:30 p.m., Harold will check about a possible speaker. Susan Mitchell volunteered to provide refreshments.

Harold presented campaign sign placement information and suggested that Pete send the notice to the county papers for publication. Pete will do that for all of the county papers.

Susan Mitchell distributed a flier that someone had prepared about Sandra Greiner, and it was suggested that it might have come from a Rick Marlar supporter prior to the GOP primary.

The Chair called for any other new business and finding none, the meeting was adjourned at 8:01 p.m.

Members were invited to stay and continue their discussions of the evening’s business after the meeting is adjourned. Kay and Dave Ciha provided refreshments.

Next meeting will be held Tuesday, July 13, 2010 at 7:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,


Peter G. Morrison, Secretary

Louise Frakes, Chair

Sunday, June 6, 2010

Washington, IA Ridiculous Day 2010

Washington, Iowa Ridiculous Day Parade
















The Washington County Democrats provided a float for the Ridiculous Day Parade this year. After a difficult couple of years with the downtown under re-construction, the Ridiculous Day event used every opportunity to show off what is now promoted as the Historic Downtown. The Ridiculous Day Parade has been around since before I was old enough to sit on the curb and catch candy. Things haven’t chanced much as every side of the square was filled with kids waiting for treats!

A few volunteers helped set up the float and placed the various signs out for those running for election, but mostly Re-Election.

Second District U.S. Congressman Dave Loebsack and his staff walked in the parade and talked to observers as the parade moved forward.

Larry Marek walked in the parade and talked and handed out candy to those watching the parade.

Finally the preparation was completed and the full parade began moving toward the square with police cars and fire trucks leading the way.