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Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Talking to the candidates, and getting candidates to talk

At the JOCO state of the union watch party, I had the opportunity to speak with Lee Jones, one of the two Democratic candidates for the US Senate. While I won't seek to transcribe our entire conversation, I did take a moment to ask him to speak to young voters.
We spoke about a few key issues for younger voters including healthcare, the economy, and education. As a former union worker, I was interested to learn that he had worked for the railroads during and after college, and eventually represented the interests of railroad workers in DC, before returning to the state. These experiences will no doubt provide a philosphical basis for many of his policy positions. On education, he stressed that he believed that every student should have the opportunity to attend College. With healthcare, he was more oblique, not fully advocating for universal coverage, rather speaking more for affordability. While some might consider that position to not go far enough, I would remind them that he is running for Senate, not President. Always remember when listening to candidates' proposals that they will never be the only voice heard.
Some of the things he stressed about himself was that he was a lifelong Kansan, born and raised in our fair state, and a committed Democrat, who had been registered to vote Democrat long before deciding to run for office. This topic is a delicate one, which Kansas voters will have to consider carefully in the August primary.

What's that you say? August primary? I know many young people are not aware that Kansas has a seperate primary for Congressional candidates from the caucases next week. In order to highlight that primary and the importance of young voters this election, our blog will be featuring contrasting view points from candidates about the issues important to young democrats. We will be working with candidates and campaigns to answer the questions that are important to you. We hope to feature our two senate candidaes, Lee Jones and Greg Orman soon. I'm sure the Orman campaign will have a few things to say about this blog post.

PS: A link is coming soon to the Jones campaign website. As soon as it's more than a placeholder.

Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Sebelius endorses Obama


Her announcement came hours ahead of Obama's rally in El Dorado, the hometown of his grandfather on his mother's side. And one week from today are the Kansas caucuses, which are part of the Super Tuesday contests.

Democratic presidential candidates long had sought Sebelius' backing in a state that George W. Bush carried by large margins in the 2000 and 2004 elections.

Her endorsement has been rumored for weeks but she had said she wouldn't make announce it until after giving the Democrats' response to President Bush's State of the Union Address.

Sebelius said her two "20-something" sons and 86-year-old father, former Ohio Governor John Gilligan, were already backing Obama.

Sebelius said Obama had the ability to bridge generations for the betterment of the country.

It's official

Monday, January 28, 2008

New American Majority!!

While some may have hoped for a more partisan speech, I appreciated the elegant tone of our Governor's response. Obviously, Sebelius is an eloquent speaker and followed yet another of Bush's butchering of the English language.



Full text of tonight's response

Live from the JOCO State of the union watch party!

Hey there readers! We're live from the Johnson County State of the Union watch party hosted by Democracy for the Heartland of America and the Johnson County Democratic Party. We've had a great turnout tonight, a lot of dedicated Democrats came out for food, socializing, watching our beloved Governor, and booing Bush. Standing here looking over my shoulder is Bill Roy, chair of the county party. If you ever want to get more involved with the party, get in touch with your county party and see when they have an event.

We, the bloggers here at Burro Blog need to let you know that today a new candidate, Lee Jones, entered the race for the US Senate. The Kansas Young Democrats does not endorse candidates for contested Democratic primaries. We wish both Lee Jones and his opponent Greg Orman the best of luck in their race.

I had a chance to talk to Mr. Jones tonight at the watch party and ask him about some of the issues important to the young voters of Kansas. Gov. Sebelius just came on, so that post will have to wait.

Friday, January 18, 2008

It's Official

Stephen Six is Kansas' new attorney general.

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius this morning appointed Six, a Douglas County judge, to replace Attorney General Paul Morrison, who will resign at the end of the month...

Wichita Eagle

Sebelius expected to name Douglas County Judge Stephen N. Six as attorney general

Kansas Gov. Kathleen Sebelius today is expected to name Douglas County District Judge Stephen N. Six the state’s next attorney general, Democrats told The Kansas City Star on Thursday.

The son of a former state Supreme Court justice, Six would succeed disgraced Attorney General Paul Morrison, who announced his resignation Dec. 14 after publicity surrounding an affair with a one-time co-worker.

Sebelius is to announce her choice at 11 a.m. today in her state Capitol office. The news conference will end weeks of statehouse speculation over perhaps the biggest personnel decision Sebelius has confronted during her five years in office...

KCStar

Thursday, January 17, 2008

More Than a One Night Stand

After young people turned out in record numbers in Iowa and New Hampshire, you would think that those who regularly trash Millennials, Generation Y and others in our 20s and 30s would stop scapegoating young voters for our alleged apathy towards democratic participation.
Apparently not.

Although nearly 37 percent of 18-to-29 year olds cast a ballot in the New Hampshire primary (more than double the percentage from four years ago and a larger percentage of the total vote than those 60 and older), the naysayers soon labeled this show of electoral force a "fluke."
The return to thoughtless disparaging hit a new low on the pages of the Huffington Post when it was suggested that young voters would rather be drunk than democratic, despite the fact that the trend since 2002 has been significant increases in youth voting...

Jason Carter: More Than a One Night Stand: Millennials Building a Meaningful Relationship with Democracy - Politics on The Huffington Post

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Sebelius to give Democratic response to Bush address

WASHINGTON — Gov. Kathleen Sebelius has been chosen to deliver the Democratic response to President Bush’s annual State of the Union Address on Jan. 28.

The nationally televised response will give the Kansas Democrat a massive audience across the nation.

Sebelius has generated national buzz by winning two terms in a traditionally Republican state. She is widely believed to have her eye on running for the U.S. Senate in 2010.

Sebelius served recently as chairwoman of the Democratic Governors Association.

CjOnline

Obama Surpasses Clinton Among Young Democrats

Barack Obama has blown past Hillary Clinton as the candidate of choice among Democrats under the age of 30, according to the results of a USA Today/Gallup Poll published today.

A USA Today article on the findings of the poll of 2010 adults, conducted Thursday through Sunday, says 57 percent of Democrats under the age of 30 favor Mr. Obama, while 29 percent favor Ms. Clinton.

As of December, Ms. Clinton had been the clear front-runner Democrats in the 18-29 age bracket, leading Mr. Obama 45 percent to 28 percent.

The poll results released today show that Ms. Clinton retains the lead among Democrats as a whole, with 45 percent favoring her, 33 percent favoring Mr. Obama, and 13 percent supporting John Edwards.

Gallup said the margin of error in its polling of Democrats was plus or minus 3 percentage points.

Obama Surpasses Clinton Among Young Democrats - Chronicle.com

KYD Presidential Appointment Application 2008

KYD Presidential Appointment Application 2008
Due to yonahana@gmail.com by March 2, 2008, 5pm CST

Name:

Address:

Home Phone: Work: Cell:

E-mail:

Date of Birth:

Can you commit to attending three State Committee meetings a year?

Position Sought:

If there is a position you wish to apply for that does not currently exist, please attach additional sheets as needed to give the title and description for the position you think should be created.

Please answer the following questions, each in 150 words or less.

1. Describe your activities with local, state, and national Young Democrats.

2. What experience do you have that qualifies you for the office you are seeking?

3. Why are you seeking this position and what do you want to gain from the experience?

4. What particular goals do you want to accomplish if selected for this office?


Please attach a short (1-2 pages) resume highlighting relevant experience in political and non-political fields.



STANDING COMMITTEES

Each committee has a Chair and Vice Chair (with the exception of Credentials which only has a Chair). The Chair of the each of the Standing Committees is a voting member of the State Committee.

Membership Committee
The committee shall develop an annual written plan for presentation to the executive committee designed to help chartered chapters increase and keep active members by providing resources and assistance when possible, and for expanding the membership of the Kansas Young Democrats.

Constitution and Rules Committee
The committee shall review and report on all proposed amendments to this constitution, shall set the rules governing the election of officers at the state convention, providing those rules are not contrary or in derogation to this constitution, and shall decide on any question presented to it by the chair regarding the rules, parliamentary procedure, balloting, or other questions excluding credentials challenged.

Platform and Policy Committee
The committee shall present to the state convention for approval a platform for the Kansas Young Democrats which shall not exceed 5,000 words, and shall at all times though resolutions, promote to the Executive and State Committee and the various chapters issues and polices for the Kansas Young Democrats.

Credentials Committee
The committee shall have jurisdiction over the credentialing and chartering of chapters and delegates at the state convention, and any State Committee meetings.

Campaign and Elections Committee
The committee shall submit to the State Committee for approval in even numbered years a campaign plan for the organization, maintain a dialogue between the people of this state and the Democratic Party, and shall conduct an intensive voter registration campaign on an annual basis.

Monday, January 14, 2008

Mid-Year Conference

The Mid-Year Conference was a success. In addition to Lt. Governor Mark Parkinson, KYD was visited by Senator Chris Steineger, Representative Gene Rardin, and Greg Orman.

Many new faces were seen at this year's conference, many from the KC metro but also including Atchison and Hutchinson. Thank you everyone who participated.

Saturday, January 12, 2008

The results are in....

And Obama has won the KYD straw poll!

Results:
Clinton- 17.65%
Edwards- 17.65%
Gravel- 0.00%
Kucinich- 5.88%
Obama- 58.59%

Friday, January 11, 2008

Greetings from one of your new bloggers!

Hey guys, this is John, I'm one of the newer bloggers on this now group blog and I just wanted to introduce myself. I'm orginally from Overland Park, and just graduated with a degree in Economics from Arizona State. I've been involved with YDA at ASU and on a national level. Personally I've worked on several exciting Congressional races and helped get YDs elected to the Arizona statehouse. I'm looking forward to turning Kansas blue this election. A quick note for those of you on facebook: if you're going to friend me, which I encourage, I'm a friend of Jamie's.

Saturday, January 5, 2008

Super Tuesday: Caucus Locations

Caucus locations by state Senate district:

1. Atchison High School Gym, 1500 Riley St, Atchison
2. 2nd Congressional District: Abe & Jake’s Landing, 8 E. 6th St, Lawrence
2. 3rd Congressional District: Liberty Hall 642 Massachusetts St, Lawrence
3. Metcalf Memorial Armory, 200 Iowa St, Lawrence
4. KCKCC Performing Art Center, 7250 State Ave, Kansas City
5. Woodlands Race Track, 9700 Leavenworth Rd, Kansas City
6. Turner High School Auditorium, 1312 S 55th St, Kansas City
7. Asbury United Methodist Church, 5400 W 75th St, Prairie Village
8. ShawneeMission Unitarian Universalist Church, 7725 W 87th St, Overland Park
9. Olathe First Christian Church, 200 E Loula St, Olathe
10. Mill Valley High School Little Theater, 5900 Monticello Rd, Shawnee
11. Leawood Middle School, 2410 W. 123rd St, Leawood
12. Paola High School, 401 N Angela, Paola
13. Franklin Community Center, 701 S Broadway, Franklin
14. Municipal Building Basement, 112 S 17th St, Parsons
15. Iola National Guard Armory, 1021 N State St, Iola
16. El Dorado Civic Center, 201 E Central, El Dorado
17. Best Western Inn, 3021 W Highway 50, Emporia
18. Robinson Middle School, 1125 SW 14th St, Topeka
19. Highland Park High School, 2424 SE California Ave, Topeka
20. Topeka West High School, 2001 SW Fairlawn Rd, Topeka
21. Marysville City Hall, 209 N 8th St, Marysville
22. 1st CD: Geary Co. Historical Society & Museum, 530 N Adams St, Junction City;
22. 2nd CD: K-State Union Main/West Ballrooms, 17th & Anderson, Manhattan
23. Gardner-Edgerton High School, 425 N Waverly Rd, Gardner
24. Hageman Education Center, 409 Cloud, Salina
25. Sedgwick County Courthouse Jury Room, 525 N Main Street, Wichita
26. Derby Middle School, 801 E Madison Ave, Derby
27. Newman Uni., De Mattias Hall Rehearsal Hall 251 3100 McCormick St, Wichita
28. Machinist Hall, 3830 S Meridian Ave, Wichita
29. WSU Metroplex Gym, 5015 E 29th Street, Wichita
30. Robinson Middle School Gym, 328 N. Oliver, Wichita
31. Red Coach Inn, 1301 E 1st, Newton
32. Baden Square Dining Hall, 8th & College, Winfield
33. Pratt Community Center, 619 North Main, Pratt
34. Memorial Hall, 101 South Walnut, Hutchinson
35. McPherson Senior Center, 112 East Euclid St, McPherson
36. Hays VFW 2106 Vine, Hays
37. Johnson County Community College, 12345 College Blvd, Overland Park
38. Knights of Columbus Hall, 800 Frontview, Dodge City
39. Garden City Community College, 801 N Campus Dr, Garden City
40. NWK Educational Service Center, 703 W 2nd, Oakley

YOUNG VOTER REVOLUTION IN IOWA

from YDA's blog:

Washington, DC – Young voters proved to be the decisive demographic in tonight’s Iowa caucuses, turning out in record numbers and demonstrating overwhelming enthusiasm for Democratic candidates.
“The Young Voter Revolution continued in Iowa tonight, with young voters again showing they will turn out when targeted,” said Alexandra Acker, Executive Director of the Young Democrats of America. “Young voters were the margin of victory for Barack Obama tonight and they will by the margin of victory to propel our Democratic nominee to victory in November.
In 2004, young people turned out in record numbers and turned out for Democrats, as they only age group to support the Democratic ticket. Tonight, young voters proved they are track to repeat and increase those margins in 2008.
According to early reports, young voters comprised at least 20% of all caucus goers and supported Barack Obama by 57%. In 2004, according to independent, non-partisan analysis from CIRCLE, young voters comprised 17% of all caucus goers and supported John Kerry with 35%.
“Young voters are motivated and excited to elect a Democrat to the White House,” said David Hardt, President of the Young Democrats of America. “The Iowa caucus returns demonstrate that Young Democrats and Americans are ready for change. In 2008, young voters will propel Democrats to victory up and down the ballot.”
“With all eyes on Iowa, young voters delivered for Democrats,” said Alec Schierenbeck, President of the College & Young Democrats of Iowa. “And young voters will turn Iowa blue in November.”