Norton Called For Elimination Of Ed. Department, Showered Praise On Glenn Beck, Sat Silently While President Called A Muslim, Said President Cares More About Terrorists Than Americans, Believes Federal Govt. Has “No” Place In Health Care
Today the Colorado Democratic Party released a new video showing Jane Norton praising “Tea Party” and “9/12″ groups.
Please join the Colorado Democratic Party for our
77th Annual
Jefferson-Jackson Day Dinner
Saturday, March 6, 2010
DENVER – Today, December 1st, people in and across the globe recognize World AIDS Day, which was established to raise awareness and support for those living with HIV/AIDS and to commemorate those who have lost their lives. To honor this day, Colorado Democratic Party Chair Pat Waak released the following statement:
“Today, we remember those whose lives were taken by HIV/AIDS, and we commit our support to Coloradans who are still fighting the battle.
“In the United States alone, there are more than 1 million people living with HIV/AIDS, and more than 33 million people around the world. With so many people affected, we must act here in Colorado and across the globe to improve treatment and prevention.
“Since taking office, President Obama has done just that, making critical investments in combating HIV/AIDS. More than half a million Americans will now receive medical treatment and support services under the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act signed into law this October.
“The President and Congress also took an important step towards reducing fear and discrimination by ending the HIV entry ban, which prohibited those with HIV from entering the United States. This was a major step forward and long overdue.
“We have made significant progress since the first World AIDS Day in 1988—increasing prevention, improving treatment and reducing discrimination. But much work remains to be done. Today and every day we stand with Coloradans as they continue the fight against HIV/AIDS.”
For the 4th consecutive year, volunteers for the Colorado Democratic Party were staff for the Denver Marathan. On Sunday the 18th, a hearty group worked the number “24″ water stop for the runners in the marathon.
A very special thanks goes to Karin McBride, Karen Hatch, Jill Brueningsen, Myra Keeble, Stefanie, Tagg, Carman,and Theo Hansen for being exceptional troops and staffing the water station to serve the about 4000 runners in the event. Karin McBride says “it’s the best keep secret of volunteering for the Democrats”
Next years event is expecting approximately 25,000 runners and we will definitely need a lot of volunteers in shifts to handle the crowd. Please contact me, Carolyn Boller (Captain of the Water Team) to indicate your interest for next year.
A terrific group of volunteers on Sunday who did an outstanding job…Good work by everyone.
Carolyn Boller
Secretary of the CDP
cboller [at] coloradodems [dot] org
Please join us at a reception
to celebrate the accomplishments of the Honorable Ken Salazar
Friday, October 23, 2009
Sherman Events Center
1770 Sherman Street, Denver
Denver, Colorado – Pat Waak, Colorado Democratic Party Chair, today released the following statement on the news of the passing of Senator Ted Kennedy.
“Today I, with so many other Americans, mourn the passing of the Ted Kennedy, a great champion for each of us over decades of service in the U.S. Senate.
Senator Kennedy was passionate about making sure every person had a voice on issues related to civil rights, education, health care, and many other areas of our lives. He often was that voice for all of us. A man of privilege, he fought for the most basic of privilege for those who might not otherwise be blessed.
I sat on the front row of the Democratic National Convention a year ago and listened to him “pass the torch to a new generation.” He said “the dream is still alive.” It is now up to us to make that dream come true.
It would be the most fitting of tributes to Senator Kennedy for the U.S. Congress to now pass legislation for major healthcare reform. And for us, our tribute should be a renewed commitment to the kind of public service Senator Kennedy personified.”
The Colorado Democratic Party
Invites you to our annual fundraising event
Women in Politics
Honoring U.S. Rep. Betsy Markey, Colorado Treasurer Cary Kennedy, State Sen. Paula Sandoval, and Denver Clerk & Recorder Stephanie O’Malley
Hosts include Lt. Gov. Barbara O’Brien, Sec. of State Bernie Buescher and Mary Beth Buescher
Saturday, June 27, 2009
2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Home of Judi Butz
7985 Melrose Drive, Wheat Ridge
Co-Host $250
Guest $100
Complimentary for 2009 Chair’s Council Members
Contribute online at:
www.coloradodems.us/events/2009demwomen
Or mail check made out “Colorado Democratic Party” to
777 Santa Fe Drive, Denver, CO 80204
before June 20th
Last night the vacancy committee in House District 23 selected Max Tyler of Lakewood to succeed State Rep. Gwyn Green. Green was first elected to represent House District 23 in 2004.
Rep. Green announced at the end of the 2009 state legislative session that she would retire. Rep. Green has been a champion of children and those Coloradans in need of health care.
“Max Tyler has been active in the Jefferson County Democratic Party for a number of years and has worked closely with Rep. Green. He will do a fine job of carrying on her legacy,” said Colorado Democratic Party Chair Pat Waak.
What state issue is of highest importance to you?
What effect do you think the 2008 election results will have on the direction of our nation?
What do you think is the most important national issue?
How influential do you think Barack Obama will be in his first two years as president?
How effective has our state government been in meeting Colorado’s needs?
How do you plan to help strengthen the Democratic Party between now and 2008 (check all the apply)?
Ken Strom, my husband, and I flew into Washington National on Saturday, January 17, 2009 too late to attend the DNC tribute to Governor Howard Dean. I had tried to change my tickets for three days, but the airlines were not about to let me get in without a lot more money. So we missed that event and heard the next day that it was wonderful.
On Sunday, the streets were closed off, so we walked a few blocks and took a taxi to the Washington Hilton for the Emily’s List luncheon. Other Coloradans Rollie and Josie Heath were there, and we also ran into Katie Hoffner with her mother. And of course, Rep. Betsy Markey and her staff attended.
It was so exciting to hear from the newly elected Senators Kay Hagan (NC) and Jeanne Shaheen (NH). Governor Bev Perdue gave us insight on her race in North Carolina. And we also got to hear from the three women appointed to the Obama Administration: Janet Napolitano for Homeland Security; Hilda Solis for Labor; and Hillary Clinton for State. The program ran an hour over time, but it was so exciting.
We then went by the Westin to do a walk through for the Monday Colorado Ball. From there we walked back to our hotel with strains of music coming from the Mall.
After standing in a crush of people trying to get onto the Metro, we headed for dinner with family in Springfield, Virginia. Everyone was in a good mood.
On Monday we spent most of the day on Capitol Hill collecting swearing in tickets for Colorado attendees. While having a late breakfast on the Senate side, we ran into Senator Shaheen again.
From there it was off to the DNC for the last group of tickets. It was an opportunity to hear more stories about how different states were faring in the process. There we ran to lunch where Anthony Graves and Erika Hixson showed up to collect their tickets. They told us how long the lines were to get into the Rayburn Building where Rep. DeGette was holding a reception.
Luckily, Lisa Cohen, Diana’s chief of staff, sent out rescue teams to get us in.
Our next trip was back to the hotel to change into our fancy clothes for the Colorado Inaugural Ball. It was very well attended and included Mayor Hickenlooper, Sen. Udall, Sen.-select Bennet, Reps. DeGette, Polis, Markey, and Perlmutter, State Sen. Groff, State Sen. Schwartz, State Rep. Gagliardi, State Rep. Primavera, State Rep. Kerr, State Rep. McGihon, State Rep. McCann, and many others. We partied till the end.
On Tuesday morning we started out really early. The Metro would not let us in so we walked two and half miles to the backside of the Rayburn Building where the Orange Gate line began. One and one half hours in line made us thankful for the long underwear, hats, gloves and other warm clothing.
But in the end we had a wonderful view of the inaugural ceremony. I was moved to tears more than once. You can see all the pomp and circumstance online, but I would not have missed the real thing. I felt really lucky to be there.
After the swearing in, we walked back to our hotel (2.5 miles). Scheduled us for an early dinner. Then we dressed again and were off to the Western Ball. One highlight of the evening was Marc Antony, and Jennifer Lopez joined him on stage. Joe and Jill Biden arrived around 10:30pm. We missed seeing the President and First Lady because my brother and his wife had to get the next Metro to Virginia before it closed down. It was a really cold night.
On Wednesday, Ken and I moved to the Woodley Park hotel where the Association of State Democratic Chairs met. Our main mission was to elect new officers. I was re-elected as the Western Representative to the DNC. In the afternoon the DNC met and paid tribute to Governor Dean. In a very moving moment, the Native American community presented him with an Indian blanket.
Gov. Tim Kane was elected as the new Chair of the Democratic National Committee.
He is very supportive of the 50-state strategy. We will be waiting to see what form that comes in.
Thursday was to be museum day for us, but we were invited to sit in the Senate Gallery in the afternoon. After a quick visit to the Native American Museum, we went over to the Senate to observe the discussion about the “Lily Ledbetter†law. That went on for about 40 minutes. Then Vice President Biden came to swear in Michael Bennet as Colorado’s new senator.
In the reception following, former Sen. Tim Wirth and now senior Senator Mark Udall spoke along with Rep. John Salazar and Rep. Betsy Markey. Many great friends and new acquaintances welcomed Sen. Bennet.
We flew back to Colorado on Friday. It was great to get home.
Pat Waak