May 16, 2008

Jill Long Thompson at ITT Tech

This morning, our Democratic nominee for Governor, Jill Long Thompson, was the keynote speaker at ITT Technical Institute's annual Women's Breakfast.  The purpose of the breakfast is to honor women in the career fields offered by ITT.  Needless to say, Jill was very warmly received by the crowd of about 75 women (and two men).

Jill spoke about some of the people who have inspired her:  her mother, Sandy Thomson (of WANE-TV, but relevantly to Jill, Sandy was her high school English teacher who not only taught writing but also about how the world is full of opportunities), Birch Bayh, and pilot Al Haynes to name a few.

She also talked about the importance of education, especially vocational education, in Indiana's future, as well as the challenges and opportunities facing our state.

Unfortunately your humble correspondent didn't have the presence of mind to take notes (bad, bad correspondent) so I am leaving out a lot.  But the point is that Jill is out and about.  She looked great - much more rested than one would expect first thing in the morning - and she sounded terrific.

May 14, 2008

Goodbye to a friend....

Way off topic here, so I ask for your indulgence.Bailey

Today, my wife and I had to say "goodbye" to a dear friend.  Bailey had been in our family since 1996. She was a great dog- loved everyone, especially kids!

Last fall we noticed a slight limp in her rear right leg.  It appears she suffered from Degenerative Myelopathy .  This is similar to MS in humans.  The disease progressed quickly.  For the past few weeks, she had been unable use either of her hind legs.

Anyone who has taken that last trip to the vet's office knows how hard it is.

People who do not have pets will never understand the bond that you feel towards them.  Those with pets know exactly what I am talking about.   

I am not asking for pity, rather, I am asking you to do me a favor- if you have a pet, give them an extra hug tonight!  It will make you and your pet feel better.

IF YOU PLAN TO RUN FOR A NATIONAL DELEGATE SPOT-

If you are planning on competing to be a delegate to the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver please be aware of the upcoming deadlines. (We will vote to select the delegates on Saturday, June 21st during the Indiana Democrat State Convention)

From the Indiana Democratic Party Website:

An individual can qualify as a candidate for district-level delegate or alternate to the 2008 Democratic National Convention by filing a statement of candidacy designating his or her presidential (or uncommitted) preference and a signed pledge of support for the presidential candidate (including uncommitted status) with the Indiana Democratic Party located at One North Capitol, Suite 200, Indianapolis, Indiana 46204.  Filing will begin on May 23, 2008 at 9:00 AM (Indianapolis time) at the Indiana Democratic Party headquarters and will extend until noon (12:00 PM Indianapolis time) on June 6, 2008.

If you wish to file and need a form, please contact Mike Bynum, Chair or Deb Morrone, Vice Chair at 478-8239 or via this website. ( information@allencountydemocrats.org)

Please Note: You must be a registered voter in the Third Congressional District to run as a delegate from this district.  If you voted in the last Indiana Primary, you must have voted as a Democrat.

May 10, 2008

It's Potluck Time!

The Obama campaign is planning a potluck celebration on Tuesday, May 13, 7:15 p.m. at Allen County Democratic Party HQ (1920 Bluffton Road).  Everyone is invited!

May 07, 2008

Fort Wayne Reader names Knuth a WINNER!

The PAdometer in this weeks "Fort Wayne Reader" names Kevin Knuth as a winner!Fwreader

Former Allen Co. Democratic Party Chair/current County Council candidate challenges the local GOP ... but for charity not politics. He asking for donations to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Knuth will be locked-up during MDA’s upcoming fund drive and he’s hoping GOP members will donate funds to bail him out. Good luck with that.

Schellinger concedes- Jill Long Thompson to face Daniels

Late this afternoon, Jim Schellinger conceded the Gubernatorial primary to Jill Long Thompson.

She will face Mitch Daniels in November.

Time to get to work Democrats.....we have to "Ditch Mitch"!

Huge Democratic voter turnout in Allen County

Looking over the numbers it continues to look great for the Dems and bleak for the GOP.

In 2004, there were a total of 8,657 votes cast in the Democratic primary in Allen County.  The GOP posted 21,649 votes. 

This year, the GOP posted 20,122 (1,527 less than in 2004).  However, the Democratic vote increased by 53,877 to a whopping 62,534.

HUGE numbers!!!

A sure sign of trouble for the Allen GOP

An interesting number (one of many that we will be discussing) is that STATEWIDE John McCain carried 77% of the Republican primary vote.

However, here in Allen County- a Republican stronghold, he only carried 70%.

May 06, 2008

Angry White Boy turned away from Obama HQ

It has been reported to me that Dan Turkette (aka "Angry White Boy") showed up at Obama's HQ today.

He asked questions regarding crossover voting.  He stated, "some people are encouraging Republicans to cross over and vote for Hillary."

An alert Obama staffer said,"no Dan, you are encouraging folks to do that on your blog."  Then the Obama camp got back to work.

Nice try at making trouble Dan.  I am sure the GOP is proud to have you as a member of their party.

May 05, 2008

ALLEN COUNTY DEMOCRATS TO CELEBRATE ON ELECTION NIGHT!!

Set your course for the

          ALLEN COUNTY DEMOCRAT ELECTION NIGHT PARTY!!

The Plumbers and Steamfitters Union Hall at 2930 Ludwig Road is the Place to BE!!

Join our Election Night Celebration at the Plumbers and Steamfitters Union Hall, 2930 Ludwig Road in Fort Wayne. Ludwig is the road on the north side of the Lima Road Meijer store. ALL DEMOCRATS ARE INVITED!!! Come celebrate with fellow Democrats, elected officials, candidates, etc and share food, drink, poltical stories, campaign tales and more!

We will be expecting a Large Crowd given all the excitement and interest in this year's race!   This will be an opportunity for all to unite behind each of the victors and to show our appreciation to those who did not meet their goals but were willing to put their names on the ballot!!  Unity will be the road to VICTORY in November. 

Thank you to all who donated food--and than you to Dick Merren for donating the adult beverages and to Patty Stahlhut for organizing EVERYTHING!

AS ALWAYS we are grateful to our wonderful union friends at the PLUMBERS AND STEAMFITTERS HALL for allowing us to use this great space.  We so appreciate it...if you know a member, be sure to thank them!

                !!THIS IS THE YEAR WE TURN THIS STATE BLUE!!

                                  (COME CELEBRATE!)