This is how we'll end Republican dominance in the states. from Howard Dean
If you're as heavily invested in politics as I am (and I have a feeling you are), you also tend to spend a lot of time fixating on what's happening in Washington. But in recent years, perpetual gridlock has kept Congress from even functioning properly, let alone taking innovative steps to rebuild our middle class.
In the meantime, the true battleground for the heart and soul of our country has shifted to the states, where we now face an uphill battle. Republicans -- with the help of a massive, well-funded network of corporate-backed, radical right-wing organizations -- have staged an unprecedented coup of state legislatures.
Right now, the GOP controls 68 of the 98 partisan state legislative chambers, more than they have in the history of their party. And they're using that power to pass unpopular legislation that actively undermines the ability of middle-class families to make ends meet.
Democrats need to make a concerted effort to win in 2016 -- and that's where Democracy for America comes in. Since 2004, DFA has been focused on making the 50 State Strategy a reality, supporting Democratic candidates in every state running for every level of office. We have successfully elected 831 DFA-endorsed candidates running for everything from the local school board to the U.S. Senate -- and we are setting ambitious goals for the 2016 electoral cycle.
DFA wants to train and empower 25,000 volunteers by 2016 -- the kind of grassroots army that could tip the balance for Democrats in hundreds of close elections nationwide. Chip in now to help us meet this ambitious goal.
https://secure.actblue.com/contribute/page/50statestrategy2016/?refcode=CTS050315HDs
It could get much worse if we don't fight back now.
In 2020, voters will elect state lawmakers who will be responsible for redrawing districts all over the country -- a fundamental driver of who will control Congress and state legislatures for the next decade.
= new reply since forum marked as read
We've been friends for nearly 15 years, sometimes play guitar together if we have time, always meet up when we're in the same place at the same time, which is almost never. We last had breakfast together in January when we were both in NYC. It was freezing, but we could have spoken all day. I walked him down to Hillary's office after breakfast, but I wasn't invited to that little meeting (would have loved to have been a fly on the wall, though!). We have each other on cell phone speed dial, so I guess that's "access." His brother, Jim, is a friend, too.
Sometimes I get the rare privelege to introduce Howard to someone he doesn't know--which is REALLY rare, but 5 years ago, before she became seriously ill, I organized a lunch in Washington with me, my brother, Howard, and a distinguished Washington journalist who had been a good friend of my family for about 50 years, but whose path and Howard's had never crossed. Afterward, Helen paid him her highest compliment: "He doesn't talk like a politician at all!" We had planned to meet up again some time, but Helen's health gave out before we could. Fate doesn't grant all wishes.
From that memorable day:
[URL=
.html][IMG]
[/IMG][/URL]
His position, initially at least, makes perfect sense, and SO DOES YOURS, we CAN'T have another 4 years of gridlock!
We'll CERTAINLY provide written pleas, for your/our efforts.
