Organizing for America | Jason Budsan's Blog

Pallin is just BIDENing her time now before the debates

By Jason Budsan - Sep 13th, 2008 at 5:44 pm EDT

It is just a matter of time before our VP choice will debate Pallin, and he will win on the issues. I think she PALEs IN comparison to Joe Biden. Ha! Please folks make sure to tell your friends and folks you do not know to get out the vote. We here in the Virgin Islands can only hope you vote for us and for Senator Obama and Joe Biden.

Peace,

Jason

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Super Delegate switch in the VI?

By Jason Budsan - May 28th, 2008 at 3:33 pm EDT

Also listed in: US Virgin Islands for Obama | Virgin Islanders for Obama

Did one of our super delegates switch to the other side? If so this is not right in my opinion. Maybe the DNC rules need to be updated? Please confirm so that I can send him an email as a VI party member.

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Become a Dem. Convention Blogger, Deadline 4/15.

By Jason Budsan - Apr 6th, 2008 at 12:23 pm EDT

Also listed in: 8 groups

DNCC Announces Unprecedented Access For Bloggers During 2008 Democratic National Convention

April 01, 2008

Members of DemConvention State Blogger Corps to Have Assigned Seats with Respective Delegations on Floor of Convention Hall in Denver

DENVER - Demonstrating a commitment to unprecedented access for bloggers at the 2008 Democratic National Convention, the Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) today announced that bloggers credentialed as part of the DemConvention State Blogger Corps will be seated with their respective delegations in the Pepsi Center during the historic four-day event. The move guarantees bloggers with a focus on state politics a unique vantage point to provide localized coverage of the Convention, to be held from August 25-28 in Denver.

"The Internet is the most significant tool for building democracy since the invention of the printing press," said Democratic National Committee (DNC) Chairman Howard Dean. "New local, national and global communities are being formed which demand two-way communication between people and their leaders and the DemConvention State Blogger Corps will be on the frontlines at the 2008 convention to help facilitate this critical dialogue."

In November, the DNCC announced its blogger credentialing process for 2008, including an expansion of the credentialed blogger pool from prior cycles and the addition of a state blogger credentialing program. Under the DemConvention State Blogger Corps, which is designed for those covering state and local politics, the DNCC is offering the opportunity for one blogger to be credentialed from each of the states and territories. The program, recognizing the growth of more localized blogs and in line with Governor Dean's 50-state strategy, has been open for applications since December.

"Time and again, we talk about our commitment to bring down the walls of the Pepsi Center and engage more people in the Convention experience using new technology and other creative means," said Leah D. Daughtry, CEO of the DNCC. "Granting unprecedented access to our state bloggers shows we are serious about making this an inclusive, accessible event. When our nominee for President of the United States takes the stage, members of the DemConvention State Blogger Corps will witness this historic moment from the best seats in the house - and in turn, be able to offer their dedicated readers back home a first-hand account from the center of that state's action."

To qualify as a state blogger, the applicant's blog must have been in existence six months prior to requesting credentials and have at least 120 politically related blog posts. Bloggers must submit their daily audience and list their authority based on Technorati statistics. Bloggers may also provide examples of posts that make their blog stand out as an effective online organizing tool and/or agent of change.

In addition to the DemConvention State Blogger Corps, the DNCC will also credential a general blogger pool, to include local, state and national political bloggers, as well as niche and video bloggers from across the country.

Applications for blogger credentials will be accepted until April 15, 2008. Individuals selected for either the DemConvention State Blogger Corps or the general blogger pool will be notified in May.

Bloggers interested in applying can find additional information at http://www.demconvention.com/blogger-credentialing-process/ .

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Full vote for Delegates, 1/2 vote Super Del in '12?

By Jason Budsan - Apr 6th, 2008 at 11:50 am EDT

Also listed in: 4 groups

Anomalies in Virgin Islands Democratic Delegation
by David S. North
      There is a double anomaly in the V.I. delegation to the Democratic National Convention.
      No. 1: Barack Obama got close to 90 percent of the popular vote but, so far, has only five of the nine delegate votes.
      No. 2: Superdelegates -- the ones not selected by the voters -- constitute two-thirds of the delegation, a percentage not exceeded anywhere under the U.S. flag.
      On the first point, Obama received 89.95 percent of the votes cast in the Virgin Islands Feb. 9. This was a much higher percentage than any candidate for the Democratic nomination received anywhere this year. In any other electoral situation, 90 percent of the votes would give the winner all nine delegates -- but not this year, not in the Virgin Islands.
      As the Source reported earlier, the six half-vote delegates elected by the people will be for Obama, as will the governor and Democratic National Committeeman Cecil R. Benjamin, both superdelegates. Two other superdelegates, Delegate Donna M. Christensen and Committeeman Kevin Rodriquez, support Hilary Clinton, and the other two committee members and superdelegates are, as yet, uncommited. (See "V.I. Democratic Delegate Count Actually Counts for a Change.")
      On the second point, the superdelegates (the non-elected ones) constitute about one-fifth of the 4,047 slated to participate in the national convention this year, but in the Virgin Islands (and in American Samoa) the superdelegates make up two-thirds of the delegation. Why such a tilt away from island voters in these two territories? There is a somewhat similar situation on Guam, where five of the nine delegates there are in the super category.
      The reason for the two anomalies is the same: the presence of a large percentage of superdelegates, elected officials and party officers. And the reason why the percentages of these superdelegates is so high in the island territories is because the nationwide delegate-distribution formula established by the Democratic National Committee has differential effects in different places.
      In my home state of Virginia, for example, we have 85 delegates elected directly or indirectly by the people, and 16 superdelegates. The percentage of non-elected delegates is only16 percent, compared to 67 percent in the Virgin Islands.
      Why the difference between VA and VI? Well, the DNC has decided that all major elected officials, and members of the DNC, should be automatically chosen as superdelegates. It keeps those successful pols from competing with other Democrats, as they did in earlier days, for seats at the convention. They also decided to use the same formula for the distribution of superdelegates, nationwide, while giving bigger delegations to the more populous states and the smallest delegations to the three islands territories. Each of the latter gets nine delegate votes, while the smallest of the state delegations (Alaska) gets 18 delegate votes.
      In short, there's a formula at work: the smaller the overall number of delegates, the higher the percentage of superdelegates.
      Now with four seats allocated to the DNC members and two to the VI's elected officials, that puts a squeeze on the popularly elected delegates -- and results in the allocation of six half-vote delegates to both V.I. and American Samoa.. Guam, which has a Republican governor and a Democrat in the House of Representatives, has five superdelegates and four elected by the voters.
      If you wanted to give the V.I. voters a majority of the delegates to the national convention, how would you go about it?
      This is a national ruling, and the territory's legislature and courts have little or nothing to say about it, nor does the Congress or the federal courts. It is up to the Democratic National Committee. That body -- and once I knew it reasonably well -- is unlikely to solve the problem by increasing the number of delegates for the three island territories with minimal populations -- Puerto Rico gets a far larger number of delegates because of its much larger population.
      And the DNC probably is loath to reduce the votes allocated to any of its own members, even those from the territories.
      The key would be for the governor and the congresswoman to appeal to the DNC to reverse the current formula -- give the V.I. superdelegates half a vote each, so that the six elected by the people of the territory would each have a full vote.
      My sense is that the DNC would be so blown away by that suggestion -- coming from those two people -- that the formula would be changed on the spot regarding future elections. If you testify against your own interests, as billionaire Warren Buffett has done repeatedly about the inheritance tax, you get a lot of favorable attention.
      On a minor Virginia tax issue, I had a similar experience. I was an unknown Democrat testifying before a Republican state legislative committee, seeking to close a state income-tax loophole for people -- like myself -- receiving foreign unearned income (book royalties I had inherited from my father). The GOP legislators, normally totally supportive of reducing taxes, were impressed by my unusual position, and -- given the lack of any witness on the other side of the issue -- passed the bill I favored.
      Maybe a similar scenario could be played out before the DNC so that in 2012, V.I. Democrats would elect a majority of their delegation to that year's Democratic National Convention.

     Editor's note: David S. North was, in the days before superdelegates, assistant to the chairman of the Democratic National Committee. He lives in Virginia.

     We welcome and encourage readers to keep the dialogue going by responding to Source commentary. Letters should be e-mailed with name and place of residence to source@viaccess.net.

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Enjoy the VI and a little break from the race Sen. Obama!

By Jason Budsan - Mar 24th, 2008 at 9:31 pm EDT

Also listed in: 5 groups

By the time this message is posted, I am sure Sen. Omama will be heading back on the campaign trail but we do hope you had a well deserved time out and rest from the race with your family on St.Thomas. The people of the Caribbean welcome you.

Please come back anytime, we love you here in the Virgin Islands!

Keep up your great work for all Americans Sen. Obama.

Jason

virgin islanders for obama

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Pres/ VP selection also the Rules of the DNC.

By Jason Budsan - Mar 10th, 2008 at 4:49 pm EDT

Also listed in: 5 groups

Hi,

I voted and supported Mr Obama, not for the combo of Sen. Hillary Clinton and Mr. Obama. Stay on the path for President please Mr. Obama. You are winning and so will the folks who continue support you and your policies.

On another note, if the DNC changes the rules in the middle of the race will this be the mode of operation in the next and other election cycles? Or when giving our $ to future politicians will this support their cause or other elections when the rules were not followed in the first place by the state?

What are your thoughts?

Jason

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Provisional Ballots Changes VI Total--VI Source

By Jason Budsan - Feb 26th, 2008 at 1:33 pm EST

Also listed in: Puerto Rico con Obama | Virgin Islanders for Obama

Provisional Ballots in Delegate Election Bring Obama's Total to 1,820 by Molly Morris Feb. 14, 2008 -- Counting of the provisional ballots in Saturday's V.I. Democratic Party delegate election changed one delegate in the St. Thomas-St. John district, changed none on St. Croix, added 50 votes to Barack Obama's already overwhelming 1,770, bringing his count to 1,820, and added seven votes for Hillary Clinton, bringing her final tally to 150. Candidate James O'Bryan Jr. narrowly edged out Sebastiano Paiewonsky-Cassinelli by three votes, said party Executive Director Simon Caines, making 360 for O'Bryan to 357 for Paiewonsky-Casinelli. Six delegates, three from each district, will represent the territory in August at the Democratic National Convention in Denver. Representing the St. Thomas-St. John district will be Arah Lockhart, Sen. Shawn-Michael Malone and O'Bryan, while St. Croix will be represented by Shawn Richards, Marise James and Robert Rios. Paiewonsky-Cassinelli will serve as alternate for St. Thomas-St. John and Wanda L.C. Morris will represent St. Croix. Caines echoed the pleasure he expressed earlier about Saturday's turnout -- and then some. Not only was it a record turnout, "I'm still encouraged," he said Thursday. "I'm getting a lot of calls and compliments and comments on how good the voting went, and how people appreciate the fact that they have a say in the presidential election." But that's not all. "What's more exciting is that people want to become involved with the local Democratic Party," Caines said. "I've had several calls about joining. I ask people to give me a contact so I can notify them of our next meeting. Among those in the leadership of the party, we don't want to lose this momentum. We are launching our new website in under a month so people can stay informed. The end result (of the election) is that people are really fired up. There are about 40,000 registered Democrat voters in the territory, Caines said, while meeting attendance -- other than elected officials -- is usually around 30. "At our last meeting in January we had a packed house, maybe 50," he said. "The Democratic Party is on the move!" Caines called the record 2,095 ballots cast as "historic." "People are excited about Obama, that's obvious, but the other thing is they are excited about the opportunity to cast a vote for that person who might actually become the president of the United States," he said. Long lines has formed outside Charlotte Amalie High School before the polls opened at 11 a.m. to hear the candidates before casting their votes. The candidates held forth from 9 a.m. until the polls opened. Some older folks in line likened the enthusiasm and energy of the day to the feelings for President John F. Kennedy almost 50 years ago. There was an energy and a lack of contention, a general feeling of well-being, among the voters Saturday, unusual for territory elections. The feeling in the territory was indicative of the enthusiasm sweeping the nation in the wake of support for the young black Senator from Illinois. On Tuesday Obama won what's called the Potomac Primary -- Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. About 18 more provisional ballots need to be counted in the St. Croix District, but that's not enough to alter any totals, Caines said. He cautioned that all the tallies are still unofficial. The territory will have nine votes at the convention. Voters at Saturday's caucus will select six delegates. St. Croix voters will vote for two women and one man. St. Thomas and St. John voters will select two men and one woman. These six delegates will cast half a vote each for three of the V.I. votes. The remaining six votes go to superdelegates, who are automatically delegates by virtue of their position in the party. They are Gov. John deJongh Jr., who has endorsed Obama; Delegate Donna M. Christensen, who has endorsed Clinton and is a member of Clinton's health-care team; State Party Chairman Cecil Benjamin; Vice Chairwoman Marylyn Stapleton; Burke; and National Committeeman Kevin Rodriquez. St. Thomas-St. John candidates and their vote totals: Arah C. Lockhart: 921 Shawn-Michael Malone: 654 James A. O’Bryan Jr.: 360 Sebastiano Paiewonsky-Cassinelli: 357 Marc L. Stridiron: 302 Edouard deLagarde: 267 Jason Budsan: 96 Athniel J "Bobby" Thomas: 59 Hector Squiabro: 52 Back Talk Share your reaction to this news with other Source readers. Please include headline, your name and city and state/country or island where you reside.

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BIG Win in the Virgin Islands for Obama! Thanks folks, Jason

By Jason Budsan - Feb 11th, 2008 at 12:30 pm EST

Also listed in: 5 groups

Huge V.I. Turnout Turns Into Huge Obama Win
by Molly Morris ( VI Source.com)
     Feb. 10, 2008 -- While presidential hopeful Sen. Barack Obama won big
in the Virgin Islands Saturday, clinching six delegate seats for
three votes at the Democratic National Convention late this summer,
the Virgin Islands made local history with a staggering turnout of
2,059 voters.
     And the V.I. was making national news as well. Democratic caucus
organizer and party executive director Simon Caines said his phone
was ringing all night. "CNN, AP, Bloomberg News, MSNBC, all wanted
stats," Caines said Sunday.
     Those major news websites all mention the V.I. in Sunday stories,
noting "Obama swept the Louisiana primary and caucuses in Nebraska
and Washington state Saturday night....The Illinois senator also won
caucuses in the Virgin Islands, completing his best night of the
campaign."

     The Obama victory was no surprise in the territory; the local vote
was, and it was a huge shot in the arm for local voters' spirit and
confidence that they can make a difference.
     Though up until 2:30 a.m. Sunday counting the paper ballots, Caines
was still running on steam generated by Saturday's turnout.
     "It was historic," Caines said Sunday. "It really is. People are
excited about Obama, that's obvious, but the other thing is they are
excited about the opportunity to cast a vote for that person who
might actually become the president of the United States. They were
actually voting to send representatives who cast a vote for their
choice." (The almost 1,300 votes include provisional and write-ins.)
     The reason the caucus workers toiled into Sunday morning, Caines
said, was the unexpected high turnout. "Earlier, I'd thought we might
finish around 10 p.m. Saturday," he said. He praised the about 10
volunteers who stayed the course, counting the individual paper
ballots.
     The 2004 delegate turnout, 788, pales appreciably in comparison,
garnering less than half of Saturday's turnout. At the time, James
O'Bryan Jr., state chair of the Democratic Party, called the 788
registered Democrats who cast votes "a record."
     Caines said, "One woman actually came up to me yesterday, and said
she wasn't even going to vote for a delegate, just a potential
president. She said she just wanted to have something to say."
     Though the polls opened at 11 a.m., Caines said folks were lined up
to hear the candidates speak from 9 a.m. until the polls opened. "We
had 35 or 40 people just for that alone," he said.
     Caines was a delegate in previous elections, but he said, that was
different. "When I ran as a delegate you just sort of asked people to
support you. What we did this time was we let people the importance
of casting that vote. Support for the nominee hasn't changed; we've
marketed it differently.
     "The voters were really fired up," Caines said. "We're more of an
activist community now," Caines said in reference to St. Thomas, He
expressed surprise at the comparatively low number of St. Croix
voters. "They are usually a more activist group," he said.
     Undeniably, the national Obama surge has swept the V.I. Unofficial
totals put Obama at 1,770 territory wide, and Hillary Clinton at 144.
The St. Thomas-St. John district cast 1,142 for Obama and 72 for
Clinton. The St. Croix district cast 628 for Obama, and somehow,
another 72 for Clinton
     Big winners in the delegate race were Arah C. Lockhart, Sen.
Shawn-Michael Malone and Sebastiano Paiewonsky Cassinelli on St.
Thomas-St. John and Robert Rios, Shawna K. Richards and Marise C.
James on St. Croix. (A complete list of voting tallies is at end of
story.)
     At noon Saturday the Charlotte Amalie High School campus where voters
lined up by the hundreds to pour into a tiny school room, the mood
was more like a high school rally than an election. The mood was
contagious, as voters chatted excitedly while they waited with
uncharacteristic patience for their chance to make a difference.
     The energy in the air was palpable. Candidates spread through the
voters, handing out leaflets and advice, Caucus volunteer former
senator Craig Barshinger was as excited as a teenager, himself, as he
herded the burgeoning crowd toward the schoolroom, while drumming up
business for lunch. "Right this way," Barshinger barked, "and if
you're too hungry now, take some time for our food stand."
     Looking over the voter line, Barshinger said, "This is better than
the special election for delegate candidates. We've never had a
turnout like this."
     Delegate candidate and community activist Jason Budsan matched
Barshinger's enthusiasm as he talked to potential voters. "Obama is
so down to earth, so gentle," Budsan said. "He doesn't represent
Washington politics, and he has a focus on education."
     Budsan said he actually met Obama, before the Illinois senator
formally declared his candidacy, a couple of years ago at a National
Black Caucus conference. "Everybody there was so excited to see him,
urging him to run."
     Businesswoman Charlene Keogh said, "I like Obama's message to the
nation that we're in for a change. That's great. It reminds me,
though I was very young, of the JFK campaign."
     Indeed, there was that element there Saturday for those of us old
enough to remember those times. The spirit of Kennedy's campaign
which ignited so many young people in the early '60s, seemed
re-ignited Saturday.
     Attorney Tregenza Roach, Constitution 2008 Coordinator, said, "I'm
very excited. This is an historic moment for the country and for the
V.I. It's important because even though we're small, we have a
voice."
     Not everybody was for Obama. Attorney Karin Bentz was waiting to cast
her vote for Clinton, but she quizzed the process. She said she had
even called the Clinton headquarters the previous evening, but got
little satisfaction.
     This was a consideration expressed by voters earlier in the week, but
the process was simple. There was a Clinton ballot and even one for
the almost totally unknown Democratic candidate Mike Gravel, a former
Alaska senator.

     2008 V.I. Democratic Party Presidential Caucus Unofficial Results

     Territory
     Barack Obama: 1770 votes, 89.9 percent of votes cast;
     - Hillary Clinton: 149 votes, 7.6 percent of votes cast;
     - Other and Uncommitted: 50, or .03percent of votes cast.

     St. Thomas
     - Barack Obama: 1144 votes, 93.5 percent of St. Thomas votes cast;
     - Hillary Clinton: 72 votes, 9.7 percent of St. Thomas votes cast;

     St. Croix
     - Barack Obama: 628 votes, 84 percent of St. Croix votes cast;
     - Hillary Clinton: 72 votes, 9.7 percent of St. Croix votes cast.

     Individual delegate votes:
     St. Thomas-St. John
     - Arah C. Lockhart
     884
     - Shawn-Michael Malone 626
     - Sebastiano Paiewonsky Cassinelli 344
     - James A. O'Bryan Jr. 341
     - Mark L. Stridiron 292
     - Edouard "Eddie" T. deLagarde 256
     - Jason Budsan 90

     - Athniel "Bobby" J. Thomas 58
     - Hector A. Squiabro 51

     St. Croix
     - Shawna K. Richards 289
     - Marise C. James 276
     - Robert Rios 273
     - Wanda L. C. Morris 239
     - Dodson K. James 211
     - Omar B. U. Henry 75
     - Elizabeth Cochrane Pichardo 53
     - Anastasia Rivers 51
     - Verdell Petersen 49

     The territory will have nine votes at the convention. Voters at
Saturday's caucus will select six delegates. St. Croix voters will
vote for two women and one man. St. Thomas and St. John voters will
select two men and one woman. These six delegates will cast half a
vote each for three of the V.I. votes.
     The remaining six votes go to superdelegates, who are automatically
delegates by virtue of their position in the party. They are Gov.
John deJongh Jr., who has endorsed Obama; Delegate Donna M.
Christensen, who has endorsed Clinton and is a member of Clinton's
health-care team; State Party Chairman Cecil Benjamin; Vice
Chairwoman Marylyn Stapleton; Burke; and National Committeeman Kevin
Rodriquez.

     Back Talk
     Share your reaction to this news with other Source readers. Please
include headline, your name and city and state/country or island
where you reside.

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Democratic Delegate Candidates Overwhelmingly Favor Obama

By Jason Budsan - Feb 7th, 2008 at 10:59 am EST

Also listed in: 6 groups

by Bill Kossler (VI Source,com)

      Feb. 6, 2008 -- Though Virgin Islanders cannot vote for president, if you are registered to vote in the Virgin Islands and a Democrat, this Saturday you have a chance to help choose the Democratic Party candidate by voting for delegates to the Democratic National Convention.
      This year, unlike past years, voters will voice their presidential preference in their caucus vote. Voters will first select the candidate they support and then pick their delegate choices from among those who have pledged to support that candidate. A sample ballot can be seen at vbs.vi/sampleballots.pdf .
      The territory will have nine votes at the convention. Voters at Saturday's caucus will select six delegates. St. Croix voters will vote for two women and one man. St. Thomas and St. John voters will select two men and one woman. These six delegates will cast half a vote each for three of the V.I. votes.
( Click for rest of article )

A D V E R T I S I N G :

      The remaining six votes go to super delegates, who are automatically delegates by virtue of their position in the party. They are Gov. John deJongh Jr., who has endorsed Obama; Delegate Donna M. Christensen, who has endorsed Clinton and is a member of Clinton's health-care team; State Party Chairman Cecil Benjamin; Vice Chairwoman Marylyn Stapleton; National Committeewoman Carol M. Burke; and National Committeeman Kevin Rodriquez.
      Obama is a heavy favorite in the territory. Of 20 candidates for delegate, 18 are running as Obama delegates and the other two as "uncommitted." Obama T-shirts and signs were in evidence at St. Croix's recent Martin Luther King Day march and at recent ratepayer protests against WAPA. Many Obama bumper stickers and signs are visible on cars and in businesses on St. Croix, with few Clinton stickers.
      The Source spoke with a non-scientific random sampling of several St. Croix Democratic Party members, candidates for delegate and people in the street, asking their views on Saturday's caucus and the September convention, finding a high degree of enthusiasm for Obama.
      "I'm definitely voting Obama," said Alphonso Franklin of Frederiksted, a former party official. "I think most people are caught up in the fever of his campaign. ... Based on what I see, there won't be any clear winner in the primaries, so at the convention is where it seems to me it will happen."
      "I'm an Obama girl," said Elizabeth Pichardo, a St. Croix candidate for delegate. "This is the first time I'm getting involved in the caucus process, and what caused me to run was Obama. We need a president that will pay attention to this territory. ... He's also pro-employee, pro-worker; he's been there with the hotel worker's union."
      Pichardo is excited that the Virgin Islands is part of the process, too.
      "To my knowledge this is the first time we, as a non-incorporated slavery territory, could get involved and have some say on the national scene," she said.
      Clinton was popular as well, and several individuals said they would support either an Obama-Clinton or a Clinton-Obama ticket, but favored Obama.
      "They complement each other," Franklin said. "It is unusual to have two such exciting candidates that it is even difficult to choose."
      A candidate needs to have 2,025 of the total 4,049 votes to clinch the nomination. Nine votes is just less than half a percent, but in a close contest, that bloc could become decisive. Many elections have been won by half a percent or less.
      The selection of delegates will occur from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday. Caucus sites are Gertrude's Restaurant on St. Croix, Charlotte Amalie High School Modular Classroom 2 on St. Thomas, and Julius Sprauve School on St. John. Before the votes are cast, the candidates will have a chance to address party members from 9 to 11 a.m. and make their case for why they should be chosen.
      Election of delegates is governed by the party's Delegate Selection and Affirmative Action plan, which was released to the public last June. To view the plan, visit vbs.vi/delegateplan.pdf.
      In the St. Croix District, the candidates are:

     -- Carolyn "Lyn" M. Burke: uncommitted
     -- Omar B.U. Henry: Obama
     -- Marise C. James: Obama
     -- Dodson K. James: Obama
     -- Wanda L. C. Morris: Obama
     -- Verdel Petersen: Obama
     -- Elizabeth Pichardo: Obama
     -- Shawna K. Richards: Obama
     -- Robert Rios: Obama
     -- Anastasia Rivers: Obama

      In the St. Thomas-St. John District, the candidates are:

      -- Jason Budsan: Obama
     -- Sebastiano Paiewonsky Cassinelli: Obama
     -- Barbara Dalmida-Thompson: uncommitted
     -- Edouard "Eddie" T. deLagarde: Obama
     -- Shawn-Michael Malone: Obama
     -- James A. O'Bryan Jr.: Obama
     -- Arah C. Lockhart: Obama
     -- Hector A. Squiabro: Obama
     -- Marc L. Stridiron: Obama
     -- Athniel "Bobby" J. Thomas: Obama

     Back Talk Share your reaction to this news with other Source readers. Please include headline, your name and city and state/country or island where you reside.

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Puerto Rico could decide on the Nominee, Support Obama!

By Jason Budsan - Feb 7th, 2008 at 10:20 am EST

Also listed in: 6 groups

With 63 winner-take-all delegates, Puerto Rico could be the determining factor in the battle for the Democratic presidential nomination between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.

The Puerto Rican delegates will be chosen in a caucus in early June. Puerto Rico has more delegates than Oklahoma (45), Connecticut (60) and South Carolina (54). Democratic delegates are given on a proportional basis. However, Puerto Rican politics is extremely competitive and the major figure who aligns himself with the Democratic Party makes sure that his group gets all the delegates.

There are two major political parties in Puerto Rico; the New Progressive Party (PNP) and the Popular Democratic Party (PPD). PPD politicians are usually associated with mainland Democrats. The current governor of Puerto Rico is Anibal Acevedo of the PPD. He is battling with former Governor Pedro Rosello of the rival PNP. The legislature is also controlled by the New Progressive Party (PNP).

Will the Clinton and Obama camps allow Puerto Rico's delegate count to determine the winner of the Democratic National Convention?

( From a Digital Journal article)

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An answer to absentee ballots in the USVI question.

By Jason Budsan - Feb 6th, 2008 at 10:29 am EST

Also listed in: 6 groups

Good morning Mrs J.,I truly admire your commitment to get the word out and to vote. But because the rules of the caucus here there are no provisions for absentee ballots ( see below). It is not a primary election, so the election system does not get involved, only to provide the info on who is a registered VI Democrat for this party event. However you may still spread the word that we here in the VI do care and many want Mr. Obama for our party nominee and President and you can do this for your all of us. Please send in your dollars on line and help us raise funds for him at VirginIslandersforObama on his site or any of his many neighborhood sites. We are also hosting an event for him tonight here on St.Thomas by Hector so please tell your friends at home see my site for more information please.Thank you for your efforts and bless you,JasonGood morning: The 2008 DEM Delegate Selection Fact Sheet for the USVI, provides an
overview of the 2008 delegate selection process. Please read and
become familiar with the document and send it to all your fellow
Democrats, friends, family and campaign supporters. We need your help
to get the word out about the February 9th Delegate Selection.

The document is available at

www.vbs.vi/selectionfacts.pdf. or in the file section of the yahoo group, democratvi@yahoogroups.com
Please forward the link to all who may be seeking information about
the process.

Thank you,

Infomation provided by Mr. Simon K. Caines
ED, VIDP

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Have a SUPER Tuesday and get out the Vote!

By Jason Budsan - Feb 5th, 2008 at 7:47 am EST

Also listed in: 6 groups

Please bring a friend or family member to vote today with you or if you can not vote today make sure to spread the word stateside via your address book. We here can vote for Delegates on Saturday, so choose wisely. Good luck my friends.

Obama all the way!

Thanks folks, Jason Budsan- US Virgin Islands

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USVI Delegate Selection Fact sheet available

By Jason Budsan - Jan 25th, 2008 at 10:08 am EST

Also listed in: 5 groups

Goodmorning: The 2008 DEM Delegate Selection Fact Sheet for the USVI, provides an
overview of the 2008 delegate selection process. Please read and
become familiar with the document and send it to all your fellow
Democrats, friends, family and campaign supporters. We need your help
to get the word out about the February 9th Delegate Selection.

The document is available at www.vbs.vi/selectionfacts.pdf. or in the file section of the yahoo group, democratvi@yahoogroups.com
Please forward the link to all who may be seeking information about
the process.

Thank you,

Infomation provided by Mr. Simon K. Caines
ED, VIDP

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Delegate Candidates in the USVI (visource.com)

By Jason Budsan - Jan 21st, 2008 at 1:40 pm EST

Also listed in: 5 groups

V.I. Democrats Name Delegate Candidates by Source staff Jan. 20, 2008 -- The Virgin Islands Democratic Party (VIDP) on Sunday released the names of candidates for delegates to the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver, Col., Aug. 25-28, 2008. and polling places for the Feb. 9 caucus. All Democrats must vote for their presidential preference and the local candidates of their choice. In the St. Croix District, the candidates are: -Carolyn “Lyn” M. Burke -Omar B.U. Henry -Marise C. James -Dodson K. James -Wanda L. C. Morris -Verdel Petersen -Elizabeth Pichardo -Shawna K. Richards -Robert Rios -Anastasia Rivers In the St. Thomas-St. John District, the candidates are: -Jason Budsan -Sebastiano Paiewonsky Cassinelli ( Click for rest of article ) A D V E R T I S I N G : -Barbara Dalmida-Thompson -Edouard “Eddie” T. deLagarde -Shawn-Michael Malone -James A. O'Bryan Jr. -Arah C. Lockhart -Hector A. Squiabro -Marc L. Stridiron -Athniel “Bobby” J. Thomas The selection of delegates will occur on Saturday, Feb. 9, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Caucus sites are Gertrude’s Restaurant on St. Croix, Charlotte Amalie High School Modular Classroom 2 on St. Thomas and Julius Sprauve School on St. John. Voters will cast two votes. The first will be a single vote for the candidate of their choice for President of the United States. The second vote will be for the delegates who are committed to their same presidential choice. For example, if a voter casts a vote for Hillary Rodham Clinton as their presidential choice, then they can only cast a vote for delegates committed to Hillary Rodham Clinton. If a voter’s presidential choice does not match with the presidential choice of the delegate they select, the ballot will be considered spoiled. “This is an exciting time for Virgin Islands Democrats,” said party executive director Simon Caines. “This will be the first time rank-and-file Democrats will be able to specifically cast votes for President of the United States. This vote will be more than symbolic because they will select delegates who will cast votes for their presidential choice at the convention.” The Virgin Islands delegation will be comprised of 12 delegates who will cast 9 votes at the convention. “In this very close Democratic presidential race, those 9 votes will be critical in deciding who wins the party’s nomination,” Caines said. Six of those 12 delegates will be selected at the Feb. 9 caucus. The remaining 6 are Super Delegates by virtue of their position in the party. They are Governor John P. deJongh Jr., Delegate Donna Christensen, State Chair Cecil Benjamin, Vice Chair Marylyn Stapleton, National Committeewoman Carol M. Burke and National Committeeman Kevin Rodriquez. Back Talk Share your reaction to this news with other Source readers. Please include headline, your name and city and state/country or island where you reside.

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Virgin Islands Delegates for Obama! VI Source - A Letter to the Editor

By Jason Budsan - Jan 21st, 2008 at 1:23 pm EST

Also listed in: 5 groups

The Obama Phenomenon
by Verdel L. Petersen
     Dear Source:

     Obama fever is on the rise in the U.S. Virgin Islands and I am definitely infected.
     It is not a surprise that the majority of delegate candidates from the Democratic Party have decided to support Presidential Candidate Sen. Barack Obama. In the St. Croix
     District, six female candidates have declared their support for Obama and only one female candidate is uncommitted. All the male candidates have selected Obama as the person who should be the next president of the United States of America.
     On February 9, 2008, registered Democrats of St. Croix will get an opportunity to cast their votes for one of the three Democratic Presidential Candidate as well as get to select two female delegates and one male delegate. The electorate may opt to check off uncommitted for a presidential candidate on the ballot. The presidential candidates on the ballot are Clinton, Obama, and Edwards.
     What would inspire voters to participate in this special election if they are not committed to a particular candidate? Furthermore, what would compel voters who wish for Obama's victory, but feel their support will not have any impact on the outcome? I constantly hear the complaint that we are second class U.S. citizens and it is not fair that V.I. residents do not have the right to vote for president. Now that there is an opportunity to participate in the process in a significant way, I am hearing lame excuses for not going to the poll on February 9. Yes, your vote for Obama makes a difference. You will not actually participate in a presidential election; however, the chance to be part of history and to exercise your right and privilege to vote should not be taken for granted.
     Obama represents optimism and wonderful possibility. He is not simply an African-American, a member of a minority group in America. He offers hope to the children of the VI. They could dream of one day serving as president of the United States. What audacity to think they could be in the White House one day. Isn't this a possibility?
     "Obamism" will have a lasting effect here, regardless of the outcome of the presidential race. According to the U.S. Constitution, only a natural-born U.S. citizen is eligible to run for president. People who reside in the territory and were U.S. citizens at birth (born in the VI) may be qualify to run for president.
     To the pessimists, the odds of Obama becoming president is slim; hence, they believe that it would be a waste of time to cast their support. Imagine, though, if he was to beat the odds and make the possibility a reality. Wouldn't be a joy to know one played a role in history? Even if he does not win, the thought that your vote was counted is be cherished.
     If we believe in the dreams of Martin Luther King, Jr. and that a man once walked on the moon, why could we not believe that one day Obama will be in the White House? Again, Obama offers hope and dream of possibilities.
     All the registered Democrats should take part in the special election. Our Honorable Governor John P. deJongh, Jr. has pledged his support for Obama. Our Governor and the lovely first lady are also infected with "Obamism." First lady, Cecile deJongh and her daughter are going to South Carolina to encourage females to vote for Obama. They believe in possibility. Yes, it is possible for Democrats here to send a clear message that would put the territory in the U.S. history books and make it the focus of the national campaign media.
     The ballot will be simple and hopefully none will end up being spoiled. If one wishes to elect any two committed female candidates and one of three male candidate, then one must select Obama on the ballot as well (St. Croix). If this instruction is not followed, the ballot will be deemed spoiled. If one is not an Obama's supporter, it is understandable that there is no compelling reason to participate in the election. Since all of the delegate candidates are committed to Obama except one female, Obama's supporters, especially those who reside on St. Croix, are urged to participate in the special election. Exercise your rights and perform this important civic duty. Demonstrate to the people of the United States of America our political consciousness and appreciation of democracy.
     This is the power of the "Obama Phenomenon," one possibility that is a great probability-"VI Democrats support Obama almost 100%" I bubble with excitement dreaming about such a headline.

     Verdel L. Petersen
     Kingshill, St. Croix

      Editor's note: We welcome and encourage readers to keep the dialogue going by responding to Source commentary. Letters should be e-mailed with name and place of residence to source@viaccess.net.

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Virgin Islands Delegates for Obama! Letter to the Editor

By Jason Budsan - Jan 21st, 2008 at 1:06 pm EST

The Obama Phenomenon
by Verdel L. Petersen
     Dear Source:

     Obama fever is on the rise in the U.S. Virgin Islands and I am definitely infected.
     It is not a surprise that the majority of delegate candidates from the Democratic Party have decided to support Presidential Candidate Sen. Barack Obama. In the St. Croix
     District, six female candidates have declared their support for Obama and only one female candidate is uncommitted. All the male candidates have selected Obama as the person who should be the next president of the United States of America.
     On February 9, 2008, registered Democrats of St. Croix will get an opportunity to cast their votes for one of the three Democratic Presidential Candidate as well as get to select two female delegates and one male delegate. The electorate may opt to check off uncommitted for a presidential candidate on the ballot. The presidential candidates on the ballot are Clinton, Obama, and Edwards.
     What would inspire voters to participate in this special election if they are not committed to a particular candidate? Furthermore, what would compel voters who wish for Obama's victory, but feel their support will not have any impact on the outcome? I constantly hear the complaint that we are second class U.S. citizens and it is not fair that V.I. residents do not have the right to vote for president. Now that there is an opportunity to participate in the process in a significant way, I am hearing lame excuses for not going to the poll on February 9. Yes, your vote for Obama makes a difference. You will not actually participate in a presidential election; however, the chance to be part of history and to exercise your right and privilege to vote should not be taken for granted.
     Obama represents optimism and wonderful possibility. He is not simply an African-American, a member of a minority group in America. He offers hope to the children of the VI. They could dream of one day serving as president of the United States. What audacity to think they could be in the White House one day. Isn't this a possibility?
     "Obamism" will have a lasting effect here, regardless of the outcome of the presidential race. According to the U.S. Constitution, only a natural-born U.S. citizen is eligible to run for president. People who reside in the territory and were U.S. citizens at birth (born in the VI) may be qualify to run for president.
     To the pessimists, the odds of Obama becoming president is slim; hence, they believe that it would be a waste of time to cast their support. Imagine, though, if he was to beat the odds and make the possibility a reality. Wouldn't be a joy to know one played a role in history? Even if he does not win, the thought that your vote was counted is be cherished.
     If we believe in the dreams of Martin Luther King, Jr. and that a man once walked on the moon, why could we not believe that one day Obama will be in the White House? Again, Obama offers hope and dream of possibilities.
     All the registered Democrats should take part in the special election. Our Honorable Governor John P. deJongh, Jr. has pledged his support for Obama. Our Governor and the lovely first lady are also infected with "Obamism." First lady, Cecile deJongh and her daughter are going to South Carolina to encourage females to vote for Obama. They believe in possibility. Yes, it is possible for Democrats here to send a clear message that would put the territory in the U.S. history books and make it the focus of the national campaign media.
     The ballot will be simple and hopefully none will end up being spoiled. If one wishes to elect any two committed female candidates and one of three male candidate, then one must select Obama on the ballot as well (St. Croix). If this instruction is not followed, the ballot will be deemed spoiled. If one is not an Obama's supporter, it is understandable that there is no compelling reason to participate in the election. Since all of the delegate candidates are committed to Obama except one female, Obama's supporters, especially those who reside on St. Croix, are urged to participate in the special election. Exercise your rights and perform this important civic duty. Demonstrate to the people of the United States of America our political consciousness and appreciation of democracy.
     This is the power of the "Obama Phenomenon," one possibility that is a great probability-"VI Democrats support Obama almost 100%" I bubble with excitement dreaming about such a headline.

     Verdel L. Petersen
     Kingshill, St. Croix

      Editor's note: We welcome and encourage readers to keep the dialogue going by responding to Source commentary. Letters should be e-mailed with name and place of residence to source@viaccess.net.

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2 contenders for the VI delgate DNC race for President Obama!

By Jason Budsan - Jan 20th, 2008 at 10:00 pm EST

Also listed in: Virgin Islanders for Obama

Good evening,

I would like to announce that Hector and myself are joining the race to be your nominee for a seat at the DNC Denver convention in support of Senator Obama for President, 2 males and 1 female from the district of St.Thomas and St.John maybe selected on Feb. 9, 2008 at CAHS. My number is 7 and Hector's is # 8 on the Dem. party ballot. We would be honored to be your representative along with super and regular delegates( 9 votes total) for the US Virgin Islands and hope to cast your vote for the parties nominee and next President of the United States, President Obama!

Have a great MLK observance day and support his dream everyday,

Jason Budsan

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Dr.King's Birthday today(Jan.15) Your Obama contribution?

By Jason Budsan - Jan 15th, 2008 at 11:18 am EST

Also listed in: 4 groups

In honor of Dr.King I gave to Mr. Obama today, please consider donating to your favorite cause between now and the observance of the national holiday with time or money. History is being made again with him running for the highest elected office in the nation, please give what you can to mke this not a dream but a reality.

Peace, Jason

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Jan. 10 last day to submit Delegate candidacy statements for the Denver Convention for USVI residents.

By Jason Budsan - Jan 9th, 2008 at 11:07 am EST

Also listed in: 4 groups

If you live in the Virgin Islands please submit your paper work and file it for a seat at the Denver DNC convention today. We have only 9 votes to offer but they might make the difference in a tight race. I am supporting and running for a seat and a 1/2 a vote for the VI for Mr. Obama, please do the same. If not then please spread the word that the Caribbean supports a President Obama.

Remember 1 day left to submit candidacy statements Virgin Islanders!! I am not sure about the dates for Puerto Rico but please lend your support in the Denver Convention August 24-27.

Download the form here:

www.vbs.vi/candidacystatement.pdf
<http://www.vbs.vi/candidacystatement.pdf>

or here:

f1.grp.yahoofs.com/v1/QBSCR8gtpHh0ohkF0dSoniDautc0T4CtAby1vCuAZ_GG98LaIS
L4s2oDvY4740PJPwUBnCfRPA-R57fySEEY/candidacystatement.pdf
<http://f1.grp.yahoofs.com/v1/QBSCR8gtpHh0ohkF0dSoniDautc0T4CtAby1vCuAZ_
GG98LaISL4s2oDvY4740PJPwUBnCfRPA-R57fySEEY/candidacystatement.pdf>

Peace, Jason

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Jan. 10 last day to submit papers for Denver Convention for USVI folks

By Jason Budsan - Jan 9th, 2008 at 11:07 am EST

Also listed in: 4 groups

If you live in the Virgin Islands please submit your paper work and file it for a seat at the Denver DNC convention today. We have only 9 votes to offer but they might make the difference in a tight race. I am supporting and running for a seat and a 1/2 a vote for the VI for Mr. Obama, please do the same. If not then please spread the word that the Caribbean supports a President Obama.

Remember 1 day left to submit candidacy statements Virgin Islanders!! I am not sure about the dates for Puerto Rico but please lend your support in the Denver Convention August 24-27.

Download the form here:

www.vbs.vi/candidacystatement.pdf
<http://www.vbs.vi/candidacystatement.pdf>

or here:

f1.grp.yahoofs.com/v1/QBSCR8gtpHh0ohkF0dSoniDautc0T4CtAby1vCuAZ_GG98LaIS
L4s2oDvY4740PJPwUBnCfRPA-R57fySEEY/candidacystatement.pdf
<http://f1.grp.yahoofs.com/v1/QBSCR8gtpHh0ohkF0dSoniDautc0T4CtAby1vCuAZ_
GG98LaISL4s2oDvY4740PJPwUBnCfRPA-R57fySEEY/candidacystatement.pdf>

Peace, Jason

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