2006 Precinct Caucuses

Looks like the addresses are up for the precinct caucuses which will take place on Monday, Jan. 16, at 6:30 p.m. More information on the Iowa Dems site: http://www.iowademocrats.org/

Kick this thread if you're going to your caucus! :kick:

Please propose a raise in the minimum wage law. $5.15/hr. is not enough to live on unless one works about 80 or more hrs. a week. I intend to propose it for our Scott County platform, and if enough people propose this, it may get on the state platform. I am thinking about proposing the impeachment of bush as well, just for symbolism if nothing else.
On edit- A kick for good measure :kick:

Friends,



Many of you plan to attend your off-year caucus on Jan. 16.

It's a great chance to talk about the issues facing working families in Iowa, especially after Pres. Bush's recent speech that tried to paint a glowing picture of the American economy. Manufacturing jobs continue to be lost, health care costs are rising, and trade agreements threaten job security in almost every industry.

Below are 4 issues that have been brought up at the Working Families Win town hall meetings this winter. Please consider using them to introduce resolutions at your caucus. Let's make sure that our county, district, and state platforms reflect our concern that current economic policies are poorly serving the vast majority of us.



Dave Leshtz

Working Families Win

_____________________________________________





Increasing the Minimum Wage



A proposal introduced in the U.S. Congress by Sen. Edward Kennedy and Rep. George Miller would increase the minimum wage to $7.25 an hour. The current minimum wage is $5.15 hour, which Kennedy and Miller say is “grossly inadequate to live on in this economy.” To have the purchasing power it had in 1968, the minimum wage would have to be $8.70 today. Among full-time year-round workers, poverty has doubled since the late 1970s. Raising the minimum wage has not had negative impacts on jobs, employment, or inflation. In the four years after the last minimum wage increase, the economy experienced its strongest growth in over 30 years.



Increasing the state minimum wage is a priority of many Iowa State Senators in the 2006 legislative session.





New Trade Rules



The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA), and the World Trade Organization (WTO) all promote a "race to the bottom" in the global economy. They all make it easier for companies to move to where wages are lower and environmental standards weaker. The result is greater profits for corporations, and lower wages for workers. New trade agreements cover not just manufacturing and agriculture, but also "services" which can include virtually every other part of the economy. Now white collar and information technology jobs are being outsourced, as well as manufacturing jobs. We could have trade agreements that raise wages and protect the environment, halting the "race to the bottom." In 2007, Congress faces an importantdecision: renew the rules that allow George Bush and his successor to negotiate more CAFTAs, or follow a new direction in trade policy that raises wages and respects human rights and the environment.



Iowa lost 26,00 manufacturing jobs between 2000 and 2004. Even with the new jobs cited by Bush, Iowa is 22,500 manufacturing jobs below the 1999 recession peak (Register, 1/7/06).






Affordable, Quality Health Care for All



The U.S. spends more on health care than any other nation, well over two times the average of what other industrial countries spend. Yet it is increasingly clear that our money is not buying the best achievable care. Between 2000 and 2003 the number of uninsured Americans grew from 39.8% to 45% of the population. Over this same period, health insurance premiums rose at double digit rates each year. 25% of all adults under the age of 65 are uninsured at some time during a given year. Many Americans, especially those with low incomes or poor health, are unable to get access to affordable health care when they need it. Some argue that the U.S. should have a single-payer health care plan which would achieve substantial savings by reducing the very high costs of administration which characterize our current system. Others argue that all Americans could have affordable health care by enrolling everyone automatically in one of four private or public insurance options: a new program for small businesses and others who are uninsured modeled on the Federal Employees Health Benefits program, employer coverage, an expanded Medicare, or an expanded Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP).



Iowa has 329,000 uninsured persons, or 11.3% of the state’s total population (U.S. Census Bureau, 2003).





Workers’ Rights

Some 57 million American workers say they would join a union today if they could (Hart Research Associates). Union members earn an average of 28% more than non-union workers and receive better health and retirement benefits. U.S. workers have had the right to join unions since 1935, and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, ratified in 1948, recognizes workers’ basic freedom to join a union. Nevertheless, many employers refuse to honor workers' rights by using coercive anti-union tactics in elections under the National Labor Relations Act. Under current law, an employer can recognize a union if a majority of employees demonstrate they wish to be members of the union by signing a card designating the union as their collective bargaining representative (‘card check’). The Employee Free Choice Act would make it easier for workers to form a union by requiring recognition of a union if a majority of employees sign an authorization. The act would also establish harsher penalties for violation of employee rights.

In April of 2005, a bipartisan coalition reintroduced into Congress the Employee Free Choice Act (S. 842 and H.R. 1696). Chief sponsors are Senators Edward Kennedy and Arlen Specter, and Representatives George Miller and Peter King.

__________________________________________________________

David Leshtz
Working Families Win
319-621-4205
dleshtz@ia.net
www.workingfamilieswin.org

I looked through the State Platform, and under Worker's Rights, Economy, and Commerce there is a sub-section labeled Wages that has a bullet point that reads:

Establishing a living minimum wage that supports a family of four.

What do you think of that?

I personally think its a feel good addition to the platform and think something more specifc (like that in Debi's post) might be useful. Then again, I have never worked on the platform committee so I don't know how specific they can be.

Not sure why just yet (especially if we aren't doing preference for gov?!). I suppose I will try to keep my Central Committee seat and promote the minimum wage plank.

Hey Bluz, do you have any suggested wording we could use? Might be nice to promote something similar.

On edit: Looks like Debi provided suggestions for that already! Maybe we could work something up.

It will be my first caucus (I am 25). I had to work in 2004. Not sure what to expect, but I plan on providing some input.

I'm pumped for the caucus....anyone else??

in attendance (unless your local news or paper show up). Off-year caucuses are ALL ABOUT party building. This is our time to get on the Central Committee - Platform Committee - County Convention Committee. This is the time to get your resolutions in so that they go on to County Convention and hopefully on to State Convention to be placed in the Democratic Party's platform.

I bet at a max we're at caucus for an hour ( a little more if we read out loud the candidates letters and some people give speeches). After caucus is a perfect time to get social with your fellow Dems (go to pizza or out for coffee, get to know each other and get ready for the next ten months).

:hi:

The caucuses are a new thing to me and I love the whole process. :) Of course, I'm also a big ole geek in a lot of ways.

There is a lot of detail work that needs to be done and rules that need to be adhered to. You'll fit right in!

Just got our notice in last night's mail. Ready to go for Union Township!

Headed to caucus training!
:dem:

It will be my first off year and I'm excited. I know no democrats here and this is a blue county.
I don't think there is any organizing around here. I haven't heard of any anyway. Maybe I can find out what the heck is up here.

Every county should have a Central Committtee and I know my county accepts anyone who wishes to be on it (though only 2 have voting privileges). There are other committees as well.

:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo:
:kick: :kick: :kick: :kick:
:yoiks: :yoiks: :yoiks: :yoiks:

Unfortunately, I could not be a delegate as the friggin' convention is on Saturday and all the damn committees meet on Saturday except one, and I may not live in this precint for long. We had a good turnout, both for our precint as well as overall. The highlight (at least for me) was an 83 year old guy making an impassioned plea that we keep Alito out by any means neccessary. This guy was passionate and got unanimous approval, as well as loud applause from the crowd. There was an 18 year old kid in our group, and there was another 18 year old in another group. So it ran the gamut agewise, from 18 to 87. Great to see people of all ages and backgrounds getting involved. Still undecided on the candidate for first district congress, but Gluba made quite a speech. Of course, he is a hometown guy so most of the people here are supporting him.

Both did well. Haven't seen the quarterly FEC reports yet. That will have some weight on where the candidates are in the race. Signed everyone's nomination papers (Even Denny Heath). Hey, the guy has the right to run. :shrug: Anyone hear from Overby?

Braley and Dickinson both had reps here, but it isn't the same as a physical presence. Yeah, I know both of them live up around there, but bottom line is that Davenport is the biggest city in the First District and if a candidate wants to win the nomination, they should probably make more appearances here. The Democratic Party is reportedly ready to pour around 2 or 3 million into this race, so the candidate had better be damn good and get into the Quad Cities from time to time. Even Bettendorf, which is a highly Republican city.

This District is SMALL compared to the other four - the longest travel time is under four hours traveling from Western Butler County to the Mississippi in Clinton County. There is no reason that candidates shouldn't be spending quality time in all of the counties.

Maybe things will gear up now that we are on the downhill slide toward District Convention (remember, if the winner of the Congressional primary doesn't pass 35% it will be the delegates to the District Convention that are reconvened and vote for our nominee).

If you are a delegate to County Convention and you have a preference for a Congressional candidate, get to County Convention and get moved on to District/State convention. Then you'll be in a position to vote for our congressional nominee as well as our gubernatorial nominee.

I was looking for the year-end FEC reports - I'm wrong, they aren't due until Jan. 30th.

I saw LOTS of Vanderplaats bumper stickers in the parking lot. He's pretty popular on this side of the state, but I doubt he'll do much outside of this area. He's too loony.

p.s. I'm a delegate.

Short and sweet. I can see some real committment coming together. I am feeling very good about this campaign.
Wife and I will be going as delegates to county.
We split into preferences. 1/3 Fallon & 2/3 uncommitted. Onward and upward.

There were 9 people there in my precint (about average # compared to all the other precints). I was elected Precint chair (sort of railroaded since I was the youngest one there). I am a delegate and was elected to the platform committee and central committees. It was pretty exciting. A lot of enthusiasm and good conversations.

ranging from 2 to 6 people per precinct.

My precinct had 6 people; 2 votes went to Fallon, 2 to Judge, and 2 to Culver. Good thing I dragged my long-suffering husband along... :)

I'm a delegate.

Way to go CornField! :hi: You were so articulate - I'm sure you'll share your story in your own words, but you ROCKED the casbah.

:yourock:

I need to learn to keep my mouth shut every now and then.

Let's see, our precinct had four show up (1 Bluin - 3 Culver). I'm on the Committee on Committees (please pray they don't make me cook anything), a delegate and on the central committee.

I did my pitch for voter reform. It passed unanimously, but only after lengthy discussion (the county auditor caucused with us). I think I raised my voice, but I hope I didn't.

Then our state representative introduced herself, spoke a little about her priorities and finished up by speaking on behalf of Bluin. While I agreed that I'd support whomever the Democratic candidate was following the primaries, I couldn't keep my mouth shut about Bluin's stance on women's issues. I might have put some strain on a friendship by speaking up. I hate that.

Of course, next up was my precinct chair's resolution -- calling for the removal of abortion from the Democratic platform. *sheesh* Maggie did an excellent job of fielding that one. Unfortunately, the resolution passed by two votes. (You folks on the county platform committee know what to do.)

All-in-all, it was a good night. :)

to Democrats? PLEASE :eyes:

I guess if we don't talk about it - it will just go away.

Let's quit talking about the war, education and health care. Let's quit talking about LIVING wages vs. (BARELY) minimum wage and the problem will just never exist.

Who is your rep? Bill Dotzler (State Senator from Black Hawk) introduced Blouin at our caucus - pretty rah-rah stuff.

Blouin's big push?? He's running because he can make a difference, If someone runs for a reason other than that then they shouldn't be running (what?) He can win - He can get elected - He won't need 'Basic Training' - He's served Iowans from the lunchroom to the boardroom - He's 'created' jobs. :eyes:

And my big problem? He doesn't believe women are intelligent enough to make their own health care decisions.

BTW he'll be unveiling his new health care research imitative next week - I can only assume that this will be his 'why stem-cell research isn't necessary' speech.

Let me tell you, DU...face to face with the Linn County Auditor, our own Cornfield did NOT back down on a voter-verified paper trail. She held her own and not only that, but the resolution passed handily.

I am happy to hear about your experiences, it sounds like you did great!

Was that Swati that talked about Blouin? It seems like all of our Linn County electeds are supporting him. Pretty disappointing.

REMOVAL OF ABORTION FROM THE PLATFORM??! What the hell is that all about? PM the guys name if you have it...I am assuming he is probably pretty active locally and am curious as to who it was.

I look forward to meeting you at the Central Committee!

But I sent you a PM anyway. :hi:

We had reps from a variaty of candidates.
Was told in a private conversation that the insurance company lobbyists were barracaded in with the Repugs all day Wed.
I was elected to go to the county convention. Of course, it was by default. There was only 2 of us there from our precinct and we got 3 delegates.
Also got my name on a few contact lists. Out of the whole county, I only knew 2 people there. I'm pumped!

I put in a resolution for voter verified paper ballots. So I was happy.

I was dissapointed that there was only 1 copy of the platform and the proposals, that were already typed up and no discussion on them. I still have no idea what our platform is.

you can download a PDF copy of the platform. Here's a direct link: http://www.iowademocrats.org/ht/action/GetDocumentAction/id/234773

Thank you for bringing up voter reform! :hug:

2 fallon delegates were had-
You can take this with whatever grain of salt you wish but the democrats that have been circulating in our party are not neccesarily too good but it is your own trip so be my guest....

Blouin is the republican I always knew he was-
Patty Judge is getting big money from corp farm backers-
Chet has a schite load pile of money he doesn't want to declare before Friday from the trial lawyers

I have no problem with it but you can bet that is the first thing you are going to hear from the Nazis.

Culver's smart to take the $$ and support.

I am sure the Insurance lobby is up in arms with all the talk coming from our candidates about healthcare reform.

It is going to be a tough fight, but we HAVE to do it. Insurance and Pharma lobbies have blocked progressive actions for way too long!

I hope to see you at the state convention!

My caucus went really well. I was the precinct chair, so I have unique perspective. Which means reading and following Roberts Rules of Order, haha. I had 4 people, 2 - Culver, and 2 - Undecided. We only had one delegate.

I heard that Culver did really well across the state. From my discussion with friends across the state. I heard his home precinct had a great showing, it's good to see some neighbor support. I heard that Cedar Rapids went Culver, some Fallon, and no Blouin.

There seemed to be more Fallon people at the caucuses than I expected. Which was interesting?

Blouin had little support in the caucus and I heard hype of them calling since early December? I guess that didn't help.

Blouin support myself.

And Fallon people? We're everywhere! :hi:


Welcome to the Underground, amesdem!

Wow..sorry for the late response..I was out ill yesterday.

Sounds like everyone had good experiences and some of us will hopefully be able to meet at the State Convention..woo hoo!

I showed up about 10 minutes early (as early I as I could) and was told that there was no one to lead my precinct, and was asked to do it. It's a little more complicated than I anticipated! I could have used a training.

Anyway, after getting everything in order it went pretty well.

Todd Taylor and Wally Horn (State Rep and State Senator) came over and spoke with us briefly...nothing formal, more of a hello. They didn't make a pitch for any one candidate for governor. Todd Taylor let us know that he would have an opponent this time, so I have someone local to help!

We had a new guy present (long time Dem, new activist) who really wanted to be on the Platform Committee so I didn't do challenge that. The meeting time for the committees conflicted with me anyway so I didn't do either.

Our Precinct was able to send 5 delegates to the county, and there were 6 of us. Again, I let the others go as official delegates since they were all so eager. I am sure I will be able to get in as an alternate.

I will stay on the Central Committee. The "new" guy will also be on the Central Committee.

As far as platforms go, not a whole lot of controversy (way to go Cornfield!). My resolution passed dealing with caucus scheduling, we will see if that goes anywhere. We passed several run-of-the-mill worker's rights planks that were copied off of some Labor literature.

We about had a controversy when one of our caucus goers suggested a marriage rights plank for the GLBT community. The more elderly participants refused to vote either way so it passed 3-0.

Oh, and we didn't do preference groups. Out of the 5 others there were 2 Blouin supporters, and 4 that said they were on the fence but were pretty anti-Blouin.

This off-year caucus was definately more active than in 1998 or 2002. Great training for all of us gearing up for 2008. Everyone make sure you get seated as a delegate at County Convention and move on to District/State. THAT's where our voices will count!