Friday, October 29, 2010

Governor Chet Culver comes to Washington


Chet Culver toured Washington’s improvement of our downtown, which included the use of I-Jobs funds and Main Street Iowa funding.

Governor Culver also was able to meet with guests at the Washington County Democrats headquarters and heard the concerns of the assembled group. He emphasized that the polls had tightened and it won’t be over until the final vote is cast on November 2nd. But Chet indicated that he was very impressed with the hard work that had been the effort of the Washington Community over the past couple of years.

Rally for Becky is a Success


On Saturday, October 23, 2010 IA Senator Becky Schmitz held a final Fundraiser and rally in Washington County before the November 2nd elections.

The main speaker for the event was U.S. Senator Tom Harkin who entertained the group with some informative comments on past performance in Iowa and good comparison statistics of Becky’s opponent.

Tom was pointed in emphasizing that if Democrats get out the vote, Democrats win.
Becky also was very confident that if we are able to get out our Democratic supporters to vote early and get our friends and neighbors to vote, she is confident that she will win!

Everyone seemed to enjoy the afternoon event, as Becky outlined what she felt were her accomplishments over the past four years.

Monday, October 25, 2010

2010 Washington County Democrats Fundraiser Luncheon




On Sunday, October 17, 2010, the Washington County Democrats held their annual Fundraiserwith a luncheon starting at 12 noon. A host of political office holders and candidates were present to provide the informational talks for the assembled group.

Local members and guests gathered for
the pork loin luncheon provided through the generous volunteer efforts of the committee made up of members of the Washington County Democrats.

Our own 2nd District Congressman, Dave Loebsack spoke about the upcoming election and made the point that all it required was common sense for voters to choose the Democratic candidate vs. the Republican candidate. Compare the record, the accomplishments these past
couple of years, the proposals offered by each candidate and common sense tells us that the voter will choose the Democratic candidate.


Lt. Governor, Patty Judge, offered the group advise on the issues of getting out the vote. She stated that it was imperative that all of use vote and get all of our friends and neighbors that are Democrats to vote. It will be a win for Democrats in the state if we do not shirk our responsibility and get to the polls. Voting early will be important for Democrats this year, she reminded everybody.

Becky Schmitz, our Iowa
State Senator, pointed out all of the important things that the Democratic legislature had accomplished in the past few years in Iowa. She noted that we had experienced one of the most difficult times over the past couple of years since
the great depression and still had a long way to go. In addition to the national economic meltdown brought on by 8 disastrous years of Republican leadership nationally, Iowa experienced one of the worst floods in our nations history.

Larry Marek, our Iowa State House Representative, pointed out that the state has received the best credit rating available among the states with a AAA rating by all reporting services. Iowa also, balanced the budget and ended this past year with a large surplus with higher than expected revenues.


One of the most interesting speakers of the event was Andrew Pitts, who represented Francis Thicke, who is the Democratic Candidate for Iowa Secretary of Agriculture. Andrew showed a great deal of enthusiasm in his passionate support of Francis Thicke.

He pointed out the importance of the position of Secretary of Agriculture in Iowa and indicated that we just cannot afford more of the same with the current Republican Secretary.

The overall turnout was less than I had hoped for but all that attended the event did seem to have a good time and enjoyed each others company.

Just another reminder to get out the vote and vote Democratic.

Monday, October 18, 2010

Monthly meeting for October

Wednesday, October 13th, 2010

October Minutes

Washington Democratic Meeting Minutes for October 13, 2010

Alternate-Chairperson Harold Frakes called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm. There were 17 Democrats present.

Chairperson Frakes asked for approval of the minutes of the September meeting, which were posted on the Washington Democratic blog. Bob Spenner made a motion to approve the minutes and Ferd Marie seconded the motion.

The treasurer’s report, was given by Kay Ciha, Treasurer. The cash available to date was stated as $1,219.38.

Shayna, representing the Becky Schmitz campaign, announced that she scheduled a Call and Chase for 10/16 at the headquarters, starting at 10:00 a.m. She further indicated that a number of the Becky Schmitz staff and visitors from Des Moines would be assisting, and there was a need for additional volunteers. She further outlined that a fundraiser was being held at the 4-H Bldg. at the Fairgrounds on the 23rd of October, and that flyers would be available soon with additional details.

Larry Marek reported that he attended a forum in Iowa City and that both Jared and Sandy were both no shows. He also reported on new figures coming out of Des Moines, showing even better economic figures than previously anticipated.

Richard Gilmore indicated that he had attended recent supervisor meetings and that there was little pending for Supervisors. He was working on getting out a message and also yard signs.

Rodney Stogdill indicated that although he was spending little money this year he did have signs and was trying to distribute them.

Loebsack’s Representative, Henry Marquard reported that new organizational structures were being developed this close to elections to coordinate the GOTV efforts, etc.

Terry Phillips reported for Veterans Affairs. He reported that work in coordination with campaigns was ongoing.

Harold Frakes as Events Chair presented a report on the recent events. Ferd’s Weiner roast was well received, despite rain. There was an event at the Pony Farm for Becky, a small party at Jean Potratz’s and a breakfast at Rose Jaynes. He also talked about our Fundraiser dinner plans, with more in old business.

Old Business:

Everyone is encouraged to sign up for the big push for Becky on the 16th of October.

A reminder of the important Fundraiser Event on the 17th of October. All plans are in place, and a quick calculation indicated that about 100 tickets had been sold. All people were in place for setup, etc.

Our date for the Fundraiser, conflicts with the Arts Festival and date change was in order. Terry Phillips made a motion that we change to the first Sunday in October, second by Richard Gilmore. Motion carried.

It was noted that Saturday early voting at Riverside, Iowa held at City Hall from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

New Business:

November meeting date? No meeting recommended, with Terry making the motion and Pete the 2nd. Motion carried, so no November meeting.

Christmas democratic group get-together, to be held at the invitation of Richard and Robin, with date & arrangements, to be determined.

Party on Election Night recommended by Harold and it was decided to have a party or get-together at the headquarters at 8:00 p.m. On November 2nd.

Group to pack up the office and keys returned by 11/15. Material cannot be stored at the Frakes, and Pete thought we should consider a small storage facility if no other place available. Cost indications apparently were that annual storage would be about $300.00 per year. Issue to be determined later.

A newspaper ad was discussed and it was collectively decided that the exec would decide on the ad and determine the cost, ad size, etc. Decision would be up to exec committee.

Any political candidate disbursement was to be decided by the exec committee after review of minimum needed for carry over.

Pete would determine the extent poll watchers were required and see to the organization of Poll Watchers if that issues was not handled by IDP or campaign staff.

Harold Frakes adjourned the meeting at 8:35 pm

Respectfully submitted:

Peter Morrison, Secretary


Saturday, October 9, 2010

Roxanne Conlin Meet & Greet in Washington, IA



Roxanne Conlin, the Democratic Candidate for the U.S. Senate arrived in Washington, Iowa on Saturday, October 9, 2010 at about noon, to a group of between 35-40 individuals that gathered at the Washington County Democratic Headquarters to meet her and ask questions. Because of limited space, it was standing room only for many who also listened from adjacent rooms and the hallway of the facility.

The group was very interested in hearing her views on a wide variety of subjects, including Social Security, Medicare, what has become known as ObamaCare, the economy and a host of issues applicable to voters in the upcoming November elections.

Those attending the event seemed very pleased with her sincerity in addressing issues that impact all of us.

Especially meaningful, were comments about how little her opponent Charles Grassley had addressed issues relating to senior citizens, small communities and veterans. Everyone seemed concerned about Grassley’s calls for privatizing social security and the VA.

Time seemed all to short, as Roxanne addressed the crowd for more than an hour, on what was a beautiful fall afternoon in Washington, Iowa.