Democratic Party News

August 2010 Youth Council Dispatch

DNC - Young People - Mon, 08/30/2010 - 16:46

In the August 2010 Dispatch we announce the launch of the new Democratic Party app for Iphone/Ipad that allows one to stay up to date and involved no matter where you are and the launch of the Vote 2010 GOTV program aimed at mobilizing young people in even larger numbers than they were in the 2008 elections. Also, a recap of the DNC summer meetings; new caucus members and reflections of the Voting Rights Act anniversary. Download the Youth Council Dispatch hereAugust 2010 Dispatch.pdf

Categories: Democratic Party News

President Obama’s Proclamation for Women’s Equality Day 2010

DNC - Women - Thu, 08/26/2010 - 19:37

On the occasion of the 90th anniversary of Women’s suffrage in the United States, President Barack Obama proclaimed this day, August 26, 2010, Women’s Equality Day. While the President and the Nation celebrates this great milestone, we elevate wins for women equality in this Administration. President Obama signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act on his first day office. And for the first time in history, three women sit on the Supreme Court-- two of whom were nominated by the President. Though the gains have been great in the last 90 years, the President recognized in his proclamation our unfinished work: As we celebrate 90 years of progress on Women's Equality Day, we also recognize the realities of the present. Women comprise less than one-fifth of our Congress and account for a mere fraction of the chief executives at the helm of our biggest companies. Women hold only 27 percent of jobs in science and engineering, which are critical to our economic growth in a 21st-century economy. And, almost 50 years after the Equal Pay Act was enacted, American women still only earn 77 cents for every dollar men earn. This gap increases among minority women and those living with disabilities. These disparities remind us that our work remains unfinished. My Administration remains committed to advancing women's equality in all areas of our society and around the world. I was proud to create the White House Council on Women and Girls to help ensure that American women and girls are treated fairly in all matters of public policy. I also appointed the first White House Advisor on Violence Against Women, whose leadership will guide my Administration in confronting violence and sexual assault against women. Check out the “Open for Questions: 90th Anniversary of Women’s Right to Vote” with Tina Tchen of the White House Council on Women and Girls here.

The President stresses the importance of the fight for equality in American society:
Women's rights are ultimately human rights, and the march for equality will not end until full parity and equal opportunity are attained in every State and workplace across our Nation. It remains our responsibility to ensure that the principles of justice and equality apply to all Americans, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, or socioeconomic status. If we stay true to our founding ideals and the example of those who insisted upon nothing less than full equality, we can and will perpetuate the line of progress that runs throughout our Nation's history for generations to come.

Happy Women’s Equality Day-- you can read the President’s entire proclamation here.

Categories: Democratic Party News

DNC Includes Youth in 2012 Delegate Selection Rules

DNC - Young People - Thu, 08/26/2010 - 19:23

On Friday afternoon, the Democratic National Committee voted to approve the 2012 Delegate Selection Rules. Among the provisions in the Delegate Selection Rules was Rule 7, which now encourages state parties to develop inclusion programs for youth in their delegations for the 2012 Democratic National Convention.

DNC Youth Council Co-Chairs Jason Rae (WI) and Amber Goodwin (TX) issued the following statement after the vote:

We want to thank the DNC for their vote to include youth in Rule Seven of the DNC’s 2012 Delegate Selection Rules. We have always believed it is important that youth – an important constituency group within the Party and a historically underrepresented group within party affairs – is included directly in the Delegate Selection Rules. Because of this, the Youth Council has worked tremendously hard with the Rules & Bylaws Committee, DNC staff, and the full DNC membership to see that youth was listed in the rules for 2012. It is very clear that the members of the Democratic National Committee understand the important role that young voters play within our party. The Youth Council looks forward to working with state parties to develop their inclusion programs as we work to ensure a high participation of youth at the 2012 Democratic National Convention.

Categories: Democratic Party News

Chairman Kaine on Women’s Equality Day

DNC - Women - Thu, 08/26/2010 - 15:07

Today is Women’s Equality Day. In recognition of that occasion, DNC Chairman Tim Kaine issued the following statement:

“Today marks the anniversary of the day, ninety years ago, when the U.S. Secretary of State certified the 19th Amendment guaranteeing women the right to vote. In the nine decades since – and even in the four decades since Women’s Equality Day was officially declared – women have made tremendous progress. They have used their votes and their voices to press for equality not only in the voting booth but in every facet of American life – from the workplace to the sports field and everywhere in between.

“On this day, we celebrate that incredible progress and the ability of all American women to participate freely in public life on an equal basis with American men. But we must also acknowledge that the fight for full equality has not ended – the wage gap between women and men persists, the Glass Ceiling persists, and other challenges persist. President Obama and Democratic leaders in Congress are working hard to help women overcome those challenges and to tear down the remaining barriers to equality. Through laws such as the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, the first act signed by President Obama after he took office, and historic steps such as the nomination and confirmation of two incredibly qualified women to the Supreme Court – as many women as had previously served in the entire history of our country – we are making progress, but there is still much to be done.

“So this Women’s Equality Day, I join women and men across America in reaffirming the fundamental truth that a group of forward-looking women’s activists asserted more than 150 years ago: that all men and women are created equal, and recommitting to supporting our leaders as they work to ensure that our country recognizes and fosters that equality in every aspect of American life.”

Categories: Democratic Party News

Chairman Kaine and DNC Women’s Caucus Chair Celebrate the 90th Anniversary of Voting Rights for Women

DNC - Women - Wed, 08/18/2010 - 15:33

On August 18, 1920, Tennessee became the 36th state to ratify the 19th Amendment, guaranteeing the Amendment’s place in the U.S. Constitution and securing women’s right to vote. In recognition of that occasion, DNC Chairman Tim Kaine issued the following statement:

“The struggle to gain equal voting rights for women was not easy. As they worked to open the voting booth to women, suffragists were verbally abused, arrested, and beaten. They faced stiff odds not only against the approval by Congress of an Amendment guaranteeing women’s suffrage, but also against the ratification of such an Amendment by the states. But they succeeded against those odds. And ninety years ago today, a Tennessee legislator acting on the advice of his suffragist mother cast the decisive vote in favor of ratification – tipping the balance in the Tennessee legislature and giving suffragists the final state needed to certify the 19th Amendment.

“In the nine decades since, women have made incredible strides toward equality. Today, women play leading roles in the American government and they are a fixture of the American workforce, but unfortunately, inequality among the genders persists. That is why it is more important today than ever that women – and all Americans – exercise their hard-won right to vote.

“President Obama and Democratic leaders in Congress have fought to level the playing field for women by enacting new laws upholding the principle of equal pay for equal work, by fighting for policies that make it easier for parents to balance work and family, by combating gender-based inequalities in our health system, and by making government more responsive to women’s concerns. But Republicans have opposed the progress enacted by Democrats, and they have pledged to defeat Democratic Congressional leaders who have been advocates for women’s equality in this fall’s elections. We cannot allow that to happen.

“On this 90th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, I urge women – and all Americans –not only to celebrate the history of women’s suffrage and the progress our country has made since its founding in extending civil and voting rights to all eligible Americans without regard for race or gender, but also to get out there and make use of their vote to ensure that women’s progress continues unabated.”

DNC Women’s Caucus Chair Mame Reiley also issued a statement in honor of the occasion:

“The 19th Amendment was born out of a near century-long struggle by American women to earn the right to make their voices heard alongside those of their fathers, sons, and husbands in the democratic process. Few of the courageous women who began the fight to earn the right to vote lived to cast a ballot, but their daughters and granddaughters – and millions of women across the country today – benefitted from their steadfast dedication to the cause of suffrage.

“Today, women not only have equal voting rights, they are a critical force in the democratic and electoral process. But despite women’s equality in the voting booth, they have not yet achieved full equality outside of it. So, President Obama has made it a priority to pursue greater equality for American women. To that end, he signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act into law, giving women in factories and office buildings across the country new tools to fight against unequal pay for equal work. He established the White House Council on Women and Girls, creating a new body tasked with helping American women to overcome challenges to equality of all kinds. And he has focused the resources of this White House to ensure that every piece of legislation he has enacted has opened doors of opportunity for women as well as men – through Recovery Act funding for quality child care and Affordable Care Act provisions prohibiting discrimination on the basis of gender, among other things.

“On this 90th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, I join Democrats across the country in celebrating the tremendous strides made by women since our country’s founding, and we pledge to support the President as he continues to do the hard work necessary to ensure equality and opportunity for women and for all Americans.”

Categories: Democratic Party News

Recognizing the 90th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment

DNC - Women - Wed, 08/18/2010 - 11:36

To commemorate today’s 90th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, DNC Secretary Alice Germond published an op-ed in Politico celebrating women’s suffrage and recognizing how far we as a country have come in the struggle for gender equality. She writes:

“And so, on Aug. 18, 1920 — 90 years ago today — women won the right to vote and make our voices heard in government. In the nine decades since, women have made great strides in America. A higher percentage of us vote than men and a majority of us vote Democratic. Approximately three-fourths of the women in the U.S. Senate, House, and state legislatures are Democrats, as well. And, as we all know, the speaker of the House, third in line to the presidency, is Nancy Pelosi. Our college attendance is equal to men and we are now presidents of great universities, we have joined the work force in record numbers, and we work as doctors, soldiers, and plumbers as well as teachers, nurses and owners of our own small businesses — and so do our husbands and brothers. We have closed many of the gaps between women and men.” Germond goes on to note that the work continues, and that President Obama and the Democratic Party are continuing to fight to level the playing field for women:

“Although women continue to earn less than men — just 78 cents on the dollar, on average — President Barack Obama took immediate action to close that gap. The very first bill the president signed after taking office was the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which protects women against pay discrimination and helps to ensure women receive equal pay for equal work. In addition, President Obama has championed flexible work policies like paid sick leave, because he believes women should not have to choose between keeping their jobs and caring for loved ones…. At the same time, the president and his Democratic partners in the Congress have enacted broad-based legislation that is not only helping America overall, but is also giving particular benefits to women. The Recovery Act, which has saved or created more than 2.5 million jobs across America, also contains provisions that are specifically targeted to help working women and families. For example, the act authorizes billions of dollars in new funding for Head Start and other child care programs and calls for unemployment insurance reforms that encourage states to cover part-time workers and individuals who have recently reentered the work force, categories which include millions of women. Similarly, the Affordable Care Act is an historic leap forward — for every American, but particularly for women. Under the Affordable Care Act, insurance companies will be prevented from imposing lifetime limits on coverage for women. They will no longer be able to drop coverage for women when they get sick, or pregnant. They will no longer be able to charge women exorbitant out-of-pocket deductibles or co-payments. And they will no longer be able to charge women more simply because of their gender.” Germond concludes by reminding us of the historic significance of this day, and urging us to continue to support leaders and policies that advance the rights of all people:

“On this 90th Anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, it is important to give thanks for how far we have come, and to continue to move forward together. So I hope you’ll join me in offering your support for the president and Democrats in Congress as they to work to open new doors of opportunity for women and men alike. And, I hope you will open your hearts to the plight of so many of our sisters around the world who do not share the freedoms we enjoy because of the hard work of our foremothers, those heroic suffragists, almost a century ago.” Read DNC Secretary Alice Germond's entire Politico op-ed here.

Categories: Democratic Party News

"Suffrage"

DNC - Women - Tue, 08/17/2010 - 18:42

From DNC Executive Director Jen O'Malley Dillon:

For the first 144 years of this country's existence, women were not guaranteed the right to vote -- and winning that right did not come easily.

Women's suffrage took a movement. It took organizers who worked tirelessly and allies who fought for the cause in the halls of power. On August 18th, 1920, when the legislature of the state of Tennessee voted to ratify the 19th Amendment and affirm its place in the Constitution, it passed by a single vote.

Because of the work of those who came before me, my right to cast a ballot was never in question. From the first time that I stepped into a voting booth to the day when I became the executive director of the Democratic Party, I've been deeply mindful of that fact.

Last week, President Obama asked us all to make a commitment to vote this fall. To me, that promise isn't just about choosing the direction I hope to see this country take -- it's an opportunity to honor those who didn't have the right to vote but fought so that their daughters and granddaughters would not be denied the full measure of citizenship.

Will you join me and commit to vote in this year's election?

The movement for suffrage began before the Civil War. Women faced prison sentences -- even beatings -- to cast ballots as a gesture of protest. Even before the right to vote was won, women like Victoria Woodhull and Belva Lockwood ran for office. States across the country began to grant suffrage, and on the eve of the First World War, Woodrow Wilson -- a Democrat -- became the first president to take up the call.

Susan B. Anthony devoted her life to the cause of equality, and in 1897, decades before her fight was won, she wrote "Suffrage is the pivotal right." In the 90 years since the 19th Amendment became law, that statement has borne out.

Today, in the United States, there are more women registered to vote than men, and the gap stands at nearly 10 million. From House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to Governor Jennifer Granholm of Michigan, women hold office at every level of government.

But the fight for full equality is not finished. In 2008, a woman in the United States earned only 77 cents for every dollar earned by a man. For women of color, the disparity is even greater.

We have a choice with this election about whether we want to continue the fight to bring down barriers -- whether we want to move forward or backward. We'll decide whether we want to honor the legacy of those who couldn't vote but reached for that right. But all those decisions begin with the promise that you will participate in the fall elections.

Commit to vote:

http://my.democrats.org/Suffrage

Thanks,

Jen

Jen O'Malley Dillon
Executive Director
Democratic National Committee

Categories: Democratic Party News

Youth Council Recognizes the 45th Voting Rights Act Anniversary

DNC - Young People - Fri, 08/06/2010 - 23:51

Today is the 45th anniversary of the signing of the Voting Rights Act, which occurred on August 6, 1965. In recognition of that occasion, the DNC Youth Council Co-Chairs Jason Rae (WI) and Amber Goodwin (TX) issued the following statement:

“Today, on the 45th anniversary of the day President Lyndon Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act into law, we would like to join with young Americans across the country in remembering the incredible courage and dedication of all those who fought for the passage of the Voting Rights Act. Thanks to the Voting Rights Act, Americans of all backgrounds are voting, running for office, and serving in government.

“Our country and our leaders are more diverse than ever before – and so is the Democratic Party. We are incredibly proud of the young men and women of all backgrounds over the past years that have joined the Democratic Party to elect and reelect strong Democrats and to help President Obama to successfully enact his agenda.

“The greatest aspirations of the Voting Rights Act are evident in our Council’s dedicated efforts to make sure young Americans are engaged in the political process. And we will continue to fight to ensure that all young voices are heard in our party, in our elections, and in our government.”

Categories: Democratic Party News

Youth Council on Senate Confirmation of Elena Kagan

DNC - Young People - Fri, 08/06/2010 - 11:53

The Senate confirmed President Obama’s nomination of Solicitor General Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court. Following the vote, DNC Youth Council Co-Chairs Jason Rae and Amber Goodwin issued the following statement:

Today, the Senate confirmed President Obama’s nomination of Solicitor General Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court. We commend both the President and Senate Democrats on her swift confirmation, and we look forward to the day, very soon, when Elena Kagan will be sworn in as our country’s fourth-ever female Supreme Court Justice. Throughout her career, Justice Kagan has demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to justice for all Americans in keeping with their rights under the Constitution of the United States and the laws of our country. We have full faith that she will uphold justice for all Americans on the Supreme Court, and we look forward to her service on that Court.

About the DNC Youth Council: The Democratic National Committee’s Youth Coordinating Council (Youth Council) was formally constituted as a council of the DNC in December 2005. The goal of the Youth Council is to increase opportunities and improve participation by young people, under age 36, in the activities and structure at all levels of the Democratic Party. Among the purpose and goals of the Youth Council is to ensure that the Democratic Party maintains a majority of the youth vote which it currently holds with a wide margin.

Categories: Democratic Party News

DNC Youth Council Statement on President Obama’s Signing of Wall Street Reform Legislation

DNC - Young People - Fri, 07/23/2010 - 19:14

Today, President Obama held a signing ceremony for the recently-passed Wall Street reform legislation.
Following that ceremony, the DNC Youth Council issued the following statement:

“Wall Street reform is a victory for every young American who has struggled with buying a home and credit card debt, and whose savings were impacted by the financial crisis. Wall Street reform will end abusive lending practices, bring Wall Street’s financial dealings into the light and under regulation, guarantee that American taxpayers are never again left holding the bag for big banks’ risky trades, and secure the foundation for stable economic growth. These are critical common-sense reforms that will benefit young Americans, but nonetheless, the vast majority of Republicans in Congress voted against them. Now, Republicans are calling for the repeal of this vital legislation. That’s why, this year, it is so important that young people all across America support strong Democratic candidates who will stand with the President to overcome Republican obstructionism and continue to move America forward.”

Categories: Democratic Party News

July 2010 Youth Council Dispatch

DNC - Young People - Fri, 07/02/2010 - 18:42

In the July 2010 Dispatch we announce 2 open positions on the youth council, recap the launch of Raise your Vote and the new official Democratic Party app, remember Senator Robert Byrd and DNC member Hon. Susan Burgess, and much more! Download the Youth Council Dispatch.

Categories: Democratic Party News

IRIS MARTINEZ, PRESIDENTA DEL CAUCUS HISPANO DEL DNC, APLAUDE EL DISCURSO DEL PRESIDENTE OBAMA SOBRE LA REFORMA DE LA INMIGRACIÓN

News from the DNC - Thu, 07/01/2010 - 20:38

Para publicación inmediata
1 de julio de 2010
Contacto: Ricardo A. Ramírez, 202-863-8148

IRIS MARTINEZ, PRESIDENTA DEL CAUCUS HISPANO DEL DNC, APLAUDE EL DISCURSO DEL PRESIDENTE OBAMA SOBRE LA REFORMA DE LA INMIGRACIÓN

Washington, D.C. – Tras el discurso del Presidente Obama sobre la reforma integral de la inmigración, la presidenta del Grupo Hispano (Hispanic Caucus) del DNC, Iris Y. Martínez, emitió las siguientes declaraciones:

“El discurso del Presidente Obama sobre la reforma de inmigración es un fuerte recordatorio del compromiso y las medidas de su gobierno para solucionar los problemas del fallido sistema de inmigración por medio de una reforma integral de inmigración de sentido común, que haga al gobierno federal responsable por la seguridad fronteriza, que haga que las empresas rindan cuentas por sus actos y requiera que los inmigrantes ilegales admitan que infringieron la ley, aprendan inglés, paguen sus impuestos y tomen otras medidas para regularizar su situación antes de ponerse en fila para obtener la ciudadanía.

“Pero el discurso del Presidente también es un recordatorio de que, a pesar de las medidas del gobierno y el liderazgo de los demócratas al respecto, los republicanos continúan dándole prioridad a la política: ningún republicano se ha sumado a los demócratas en su esfuerzo por aprobar la reforma. Once senadores republicanos que votaron a favor de la reforma integral de la inmigración en el 2007 son ahora parte del grupo que está haciendo todo lo posible por detener el plan del Presidente y, en sus propias palabras, ‘acabar’ con el Presidente.

“Las calculadas movidas políticas de los republicanos ya no pueden ser a costa de la solución a los problemas de nuestro sistema de inmigración. Estados como Arizona están aprobando leyes de inmigración equivocadas, lo que es indicio de la frustración del pueblo estadounidense con el fallido sistema de inmigración. El estatus quo no funciona para nuestros inmigrantes, nuestras comunidades ni la economía, y está claro que el Presidente Obama no puede reformar solo el sistema de inmigración. Es hora de que los republicanos dejen de postergar el problema y estén dispuestos a hacerles frente a los desafíos del país. Es hora de unirnos al Presidente Obama y los demócratas del Senado para aprobar la reforma integral de la inmigración”.

Categories: Democratic Party News

Youth Leader Spotlight – Felicity Pereyra

DNC - Young People - Mon, 06/28/2010 - 18:27

Felicity Pereyra, a native Houstonian, is the Youth Outreach Director for the 2010 Harris County Coordinated Campaign. Harris County is the most populous county in Texas and the third most populous county in the United States. Felicity was part of the Democratic Coordinated Campaign team in 2008, and her leadership at the busiest office in Harris County translated into over 3,500 a night during GOTV in support of Democrats running for office up and down the ballot.

Texas Democrats are delighted that she is overseeing one of the most important demographics in 2010: young voters. Felicity has put together a well thought-out plan to target and engage young voters, and to ensure those voters turn out this fall to support Democrats. The Harris County Democratic Party is building upon the gains made in 2008 with young voters – and they are working to build a presence on every university and community college campus in Harris County. Says Felicity:

"I'm so excited to be a part of this team once again. Jamaal Smith, our campaign manager, has put together a supremely talented group of people to carry out efforts to ensure that young people show up to the polls this year. I know that under his leadership, we will lead Harris County to Democratic victories in November."

Categories: Democratic Party News

DNC Chairman Tim Kaine Statement on Senate Armed Services Committee Vote to Repeal Don’t Ask Don’t Tell

DNC - Young People - Thu, 05/27/2010 - 21:29

Washington, DC— Today, the Senate Armed Services Committee voted to repeal Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, a policy that has meant that some brave and dedicated American servicemen and women have been required to leave the armed forces and others have been prevented from serving openly. In response to the historic vote by the Committee, DNC Chairman Tim Kaine released the following statement:

“Today’s vote to repeal Don’t Ask Don’t Tell is a truly historic moment for our nation and for the LGBT community. I would like to commend the Members of the Senate Armed Services Committee who, with their vote today, justly moved forward efforts to repeal a policy that for the past 17 years has kept our nation’s lesbian and gay soldiers from serving openly. Through the continued leadership of President Obama and Democratic Congressional leaders, we have taken an important and necessary step toward ending a discriminatory policy that has kept American men and women from serving the country they love because of their sexual orientation. While today was a Senate Committee vote and full Senate consideration awaits, the Committee vote has cleared a crucial hurdle in repealing the policy and one that marks the beginning of the end for Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.

“The repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell ensures that our military is as strong as possible and promises that the most dedicated and able Americans are defending and securing our nation. From translators to the infantry, and all the way up through the ranks, LGBT Americans are already serving in uniform, and the eventual repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell will ensure that these brave men and women can do so without fear of being discharged.”

Categories: Democratic Party News

Military Veteran Reflects on Elena Kagan as a "Fervent Advocate for Veterans"

DNC - Veterans and Military Families - Mon, 05/24/2010 - 20:05

Former Harvard Law School student and Marine Corps Captain Robert Merill recently published a piece in the Washington Post in which he praised Supreme Court Nominee Elena Kagan for being a "a fervent advocate for veterans."

Capt. Merrill, who currently serves as a legal adviser to a Marine infantry battalion in southern Afghanistan, provided a first-hand account that shows that as Dean of Harvard Law School, Elena Kagan was respectful of students who were veterans of the military and asserted that she was particularly concerned with the them, treating “the veterans at Harvard like VIPs.”

“Kagan's Veterans Day dinners became a tradition. During my final year at Harvard, she treated the veterans to dinner at a restaurant in Cambridge. (Military service has its perks.) Again, there was no agenda other than to thank us for our service and to ask about our military experiences. Over wine and dinner, Kagan listened attentively to our war stories. I later told her that her blunt style of leadership would have served her well in the Marines. I took to calling her "Colonel Kagan" whenever we crossed paths on campus.

“During nine years of service in the Marine Corps, I have received a fair number of thanks from friends and strangers alike. I received perhaps the most thoughtful thanks of all just before graduating from Harvard Law School: The supposedly "anti-military" Elena Kagan sent me a handwritten note thanking me for my military service and wishing me luck in my new life as a judge advocate.”

Captain Merrill also wrote that while the military was briefly barred from using the law school’s main recruitment office, recruiters had continuous access to students.

“In my opinion, Kagan's positions never affected the services' ability to recruit at Harvard. Behind the scenes, the dean ensured that our tiny HLS Veterans Association never lacked for funds or access to facilities. Recruiters simply could not use the school's Office of Career Services. Does this demonstrate an "activist" streak, as some have proclaimed? I don't think so. The school's policy against discrimination was akin to black-letter law. If anything, Kagan was an activist in ensuring that military recruiters had viable access to students and facilities despite the official ban. A Boston-area recruiter later told me that the biggest hurdle he faced recruiting at Harvard Law was trying to answer the students' strangely intellectual questions.”

Elena Kagan's intellect, integrity, judgment, and work ethic has been recognized by a diverse audience, and the veteran community is just one of many to stand by Kagan and show resounding support for her nomination to the US Supreme Court.

Read Robert Merill's full piece in the Washington Post here

Robert Diamond served as an officer in the United States Navy, rising to the rank of Lieutenant. A Surface Warfare Officer by training, he was stationed onboard the guided missile destroyer USS BULKELEY (DDG-84) and completed deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

Categories: Democratic Party News

Latest Gallup Poll Shows Young People are Firmly Standing behind President Obama

DNC - Young People - Fri, 05/21/2010 - 14:43

For Immediate Release
May 18, 2010

Contact: A’shanti Gholar – 202.479.5130

Latest Gallup Poll Shows Young People are Firmly Standing behind President Obama

Washington, DC – The findings of a new Gallup poll reflect what the DNC Youth Council has been seeing in the field for months – young people are firmly standing behind President Obama.

“The results of this survey clearly show that young people continue to strongly support President Obama,” said Jason Rae, DNC Youth Council Co-Chair. “These results also highlight how important young voters are to continuing to advance the President's change agenda. That is one of the reasons why the DNC's 2010 strategy is dedicated to turning out young voters and other voters who voted for the first time in 2008."

Gallup’s new presidential approval report shows that 58% of young people (those aged 18 to 29 years old) firmly support President Obama and the job that he is doing leading this country.

“From health insurance reform, to financial aid reform, to Wall Street reform, President Obama understands the issues that are of importance to the youngest generation of voters,” said Amber Goodwin, DNC Youth Council Co-Chair. “Since day one he has been a tireless advocate for our generation. It’s no wonder that young people support him – because he supports the things we care about.”

The full Gallup report can be found online at: http://www.gallup.com/poll/127481/Obama-Approval-Continues-Show-Party-Age-Race-Gaps.aspx

The Democratic National Committee’s Youth Coordinating Council (Youth Council) was formally constituted as a council of the DNC in December 2005. The goal of the Youth Council is to increase opportunities and improve participation by young people, under age 36, in the activities and structure at all levels of the Democratic Party. Among the purpose and goals of the Youth Council is to ensure that the Democratic Party maintains a majority of the youth vote which it currently holds with a wide margin.

Categories: Democratic Party News

Statement on Immediate Past President of Wisconsin College Republicans Joining the Democratic Party

DNC - Young People - Fri, 05/21/2010 - 14:37

For Immediate Release
Friday, May 21, 2010

Contact: A’shanti Gholar – 202.479.5130

Statement on Immediate Past President of Wisconsin College Republicans
Joining the Democratic Party

Washington, DC – Today at a press event in Milwaukee, the Immediate Past President of the College Republicans of Wisconsin renounced her party membership and joined the Democratic Party of Wisconsin.
Jason Rae, Co-Chair of the DNC Youth Council and DNC member from Wisconsin, issued the following statement after her announcement:

“On behalf of the DNC’s Youth Council, I want to welcome Lora Rae Anderson to the Democratic Party. Her leaving the Republican Party clearly demonstrates that the Republican Party is being increasingly narrow in every way and actively alienating young voters – voters who will play an important role in this year’s election.
“While the Republican Party has alienated young voters, the Democratic Party has continually attracted young voters in to our party. From our open door policy, to a platform that supports the lives and views of young people including passing reforms that make student loans more affordable and allow young people to stay on their parents insurance after the graduate, the Democratic Party is welcoming in the newest generation of voters.

“As an active member of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, I look forward to Lora’s involvement and participation in our party. I am sure that we will continue to see more young people joining and participating in the Democratic Party because we are a party of inclusion and a party that shares and promotes the ideals of today’s young Americans. We saw it in 2008 with record numbers turning out to support President Obama and the Democratic ticket up and down the ballot. And we will see that again this year.”

The Democratic National Committee's Youth Coordinating Council (Youth Council) was formally constituted as a council of the DNC in December 2005. The goal of the Youth Council is to increase opportunities and improve participation by young people, under age 36, in the activities and structure at all levels of the Democratic Party. Among the purpose and goals of the Youth Council is to ensure that the Democratic Party maintains a majority of the youth vote which it currently holds with a wide margin.

Categories: Democratic Party News

May 2010 Youth Council Dispatch

DNC - Young People - Tue, 05/18/2010 - 17:49

In the May 2010 edition of the Dispatch, we recap our national youth call with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, highlight Wisconsin college students elected to public office, feature op-ed pieces from national youth leaders, and much more!

Download the Youth Council Dispatch

Categories: Democratic Party News

VIDEO: First Lady Addresses Women's Leadership Forum

DNC - Women - Tue, 05/18/2010 - 15:23

First Lady Michelle Obama addresses the DNC's Women's Leadership Forum in Washington, DC on May 7, 2010.

Categories: Democratic Party News

DNC AAPI Caucus Chair Commends Supreme Court Nominee Elena Kagan

DNC - Women - Tue, 05/18/2010 - 15:14

For Immediate Release
May 18, 2010

Contact: DNC Press – 202-863-8148

DNC AAPI Caucus Chair Commends Supreme Court Nominee Elena Kagan

Washington, DC – Last week, President Obama announced his nomination of Solicitor General Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court. In response, DNC Asian American and Pacific Islander Caucus Chair, Bel Leong-Hong, issued the following statement:

“President Obama’s nomination of Solicitor General Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court is welcome news. Elena Kagan would bring to the bench a formidable understanding of the law, a brilliant legal mind, and a lifelong commitment to justice.

“Already, she has received plaudits from legal scholars, academicians, and leaders across the political spectrum. To that not inconsiderable praise, I add my own – Elena Kagan understands how the law will affect ordinary Americans and, in keeping with the Constitution and the laws of our nation, she would do everything possible to ensure every American has the opportunity to build his or her life on equal footing.

“Her confirmation as America’s fourth female Justice, and the third sitting Justice, would represent an historic step forward for all Americans – symbolic of a new era in which an individual’s gender, race, and religion do not determine how high he or she can aspire. I believe we can all embrace the coming of such an era, and I hope all Americans will join me in embracing the nomination of Solicitor General Kagan.”

Categories: Democratic Party News