Walt Chappell, Kansas Board of Education District 8

Kansas City, MO Training - May 2008

In a heavily Republican state, I was the only Democrat in Sedgwick County to win who was not an incumbent. This included all judge, legislative, county commission, sheriff, county clerk and registrar of deed candidates. Learn more about my campaign at http://www.chappell4ksboe.com. Like Obama, I built a broad coalition of Democrats, Republicans and Unaffiliated voters. However, I received 45,251 votes to beat my Republican opponent with less than $11,500 in contributions from 116 small donors. I will be glad to share the details of my winning campaign strategy if it would be helpful to other candidates.

The DFA training that I received in Kansas City plus the online Night School sessions was practical, effective and presented by people who have actual experience winning elections. My own campaign team was made up of dedicated and determined DFA-Wichita volunteers who gave good advice and worked hard. We created a Message of Change that voters could believe in. I encourage any Democrat who is running a campaign to participate in DFA training if they want to win their election.

You've given me enormous responsibility, but it's a responsibility that we share. We can change the party, but only by working together and competing in all 50 states and territories. [Cheers and applause] We can change the party, but only by working together and becoming a national party again. We can change this party, but only by working together at the local level, because if we want to win nationally we have to start by winning locally.

[Applause]

With your help, I'm certain that today will not mark the end of the process of selecting a DNC chair; today will be the beginning of the reemergence of the Democratic Party.



[Applause]

We have a lot of work to do. We have a bright future, exemplified by other candidates, the other candidates who had joined me in this race, and I want to thank all these great Democrats for having competed, 'cause I learned something from every one of them. [Points to someone off camera] I thank you [inaudible-- "wes"?]

[Applause]

"...he has given this party so much..."



[speaks slowly and emphatically] And I want to thank Terry McAuliffe. He has given... [Applause] ...He has given this party so much, every waking day for the past four years of his chairmanship, and he's given us something else. A party in strong financial shape, with an infrastructure to meet the challenges of the future. This is no small gift.

I can't tell you how ironic it is for us to be side by side two years later, and me telling you that I have learned a great deal from a man I am proud to call my friend, and every Democrat in this room owes an enormous debt to Chairman Terry McAuliffe. Thank you so very much.

[Applause. McAuliffe gets up from his chair and he and Dean shake hands warmly.]


Dean: We're gonna build on his work. Among the first things I will do is to establish a budget and finance committee that's inclusive. [Scattered cheers and applause]

I want to thank others as well. Most important, my family-- I would not be here, not only without their support, or their belief in a more just and fair America. And I want to thank my wife Judy for her patience, and her love, and she is here today. Judy, would you please stand and be recognized?

Dr. Judy Steinberg Dean

[There are cheers and applause. Judy stands up briefly, smiling bashfully, then goes to sit right back down again.]

Dean: [coaxingly] Stand up.

[Judy stands back up, smiling broadly. The audience comes to their feet as they continue to applaud her.]



http://www.crocuta.net/Dean/DNC_WinterMeetingFull_Feb12_2005.htm