Winning the 10th, how and why

How? We'll work on turnout in every single county. Why? Because we love our children.

Over 200 people showed up in Hickory yesterday to support Daniel Johnson's candidacy. Wooo hooo!! In his 10-county tour he was greeted by hundreds of residents of all political backgrounds, clamoring for chance.

But to achieve this change, we need everyone to work hard in every county. Burke, Cleveland and Catawba and Caldwell are obviously important. But even in small Republican counties every vote will help.

If you doubt what you can do to make a difference just watch this video from NCDP chair Jerry Meek. Substitute the name of your county for Richmond County and be inspired to do what you can to help:



Thanks for the vid to Bullydoc at BlueNC.

Let's keep our issues in the spotlight

In every community, we need to constantly be putting out our Democratic message.

If we want to win elections, Democrats need to write letters to the editor, post on blogs, call radio talk shows, speak at meetings, speak to our neighbors, refresh our bumper stickers, speak up every chance we get. It’s free. It’s easy. And if we don’t do it, we lose the war of words.

Republicans own all the major media outlets. But they don’t have the majority and they don’t have common sense on their side. We can totally sway public opinion, but we can’t do it without communicating publicly and repeatedly to our potential voters. It doesn’t take lots of words, just a few of the right ones.

On gas prices: Skyrocketing gas prices – what should we expect with an oilman as President?

On veterans: Supporting our troops means providing body armor and appropriate medical care. Not making up reasons to go to war.

On the CIA leak scandal: When will Bush put national security ahead of smear tactics and politics as usual?

For a letter to the editor, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel or do a ton or research. The national party has a research tool that allows you to compose and send a well-reasoned letter in no time. Click through the various current topics, pick a few key facts, add a personal comment or two, and you’re done. Click on this link to the letter-builder.

Let us know when your letter appears and we’ll report on it right here on Pat Go ByeBye.

Opportunities, Opportunities, Opportunities

Over the last several years I have become very involved in my local Democratic Party. It seems that I have talked to several people recently who want to become more active, but don't know anyone in the party or how to even start. Well, it is a great time of the year to jump in!!!

During the month of April there is a one week period (covering two Saturdays) for every county to hold its county convention. The dates this year are April 14th through the 21st. I have only been to the Cleveland County Conventions, but I bet they all have some things in common. The main purpose of this meeting will be to elect new officers. Of course, if you are just getting started in the party you might not want to run, but there are many other opportunities. The county convention is the one time in the year you get all of the local dems together. It is a great opportunity to meet like minded people and find out what your local party is up to. Just by speaking up you can influence the type of issues the party tackles or the local projects the party takes on.

In Cleveland County we usually have an auxiliary group selling hot dogs as a fundraiser, and we have an annual cake sale. The cake sale has received some repute in the state because our cakes go for some big bucks (let me give a big shout out to the bakers of the Cleveland County Democratic Party). The cake auction usually gets some competitive spirits rolling and the spirit of the crowd is boisterous.

The county convention is also a great place to meet your local leadership. Maybe you will run across a State House Member, or you local County Commissioner. It is a great time to give them a pat on the back or to tell them what is really bothering you with the government.

To find out more about the schedule contact your local party chair.

No matter what your personal agenda is the county convention is an opportunity to meet new folks and join in the decision making process. I hope everyone will find their meeting and make a point to attend!