MAKING CHANGE: BRING HOME THE BACON
Making CHANGE happen. We elected President Obama in Nov. We rallied for the economic stimulus and then for the budget resolutions. Now to finally bring home the bacon for our region we need to help our local governments and groups apply for grants. For example, this is how we get a summer jobs program.
GRANT WRITING WORKSHOP
Congresswoman Corrine Brown (D, FL, 2nd) is hosting a grant writing workshop this Wednesday, April 8, 2009 as a follow-on the the economic stimulus workshop held last week.
Congratulations one and all! Victory is sweet.
Next steps:
1. US Senate - road to 60
a. Georgia - runoff election - make phone calls for Jim Martin
b. Minnesota - Al Franken is in recount, so far less than 200 votes out of more than 2 million separate the two candidates.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gMpTmr96V5hKIfyHT4Av4jsVQgrQD94M80203
2. Orange County Democratic Party - 2008-2012 organizational meeting Saturday, December 6
FLORIDA -- officially Orange County Democratic Executive Committee (OCDEC)
http://www.orangedemocrats.com/
http://www.orangedemocrats.com/page.asp?PageId=396
3. Change is Coming House Meeting - weekend of December 13-14.
Jim Callahan
Orlando, FL
Early Voting for the entire state of Florida has just been extended.
Every Early Vote location in Florida will now be every day from 7am-7pm up through November 2.
Please pass along this great news to everyone you know who will be voting in Florida. Click here to find your nearest early vote location.
Here's the release:
GOVERNOR CRIST EXTENDS EARLY VOTING HOURS ~~ ~Ensures maximum number of Floridians can exercise right to vote~ ~~October 28, 2008Contact:GOVERNOR'S PRESS OFFICE(850) 488-5394TALLAHASSEE - Governor Charlie Crist today signed Executive Order 08-217, extending the hours for early voting during the current General Election. Effective immediately, early voting sites will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., through Friday, October 31, 2008, and for a total of 12 hours between 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 1, and 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 2, 2008. "I have spoken with the Secretary of State and members of the Florida Legislature and have concluded that it is always the right thing to do to give voters every opportunity to cast a ballot," Governor Crist said. "I have a responsibility to the voters of our state to ensure that the maximum number of citizens can participate in the electoral process, and that every person can exercise the right to vote." Prior to the 2008 General Election, Florida has seen historic numbers of Floridians registering to vote for the first time. In addition, record numbers of voters have chosen to cast a ballot during early voting. Early voting began on October 20 and runs through November 2. Current Florida law allows for early voting to be conducted eight hours per day on each weekday, and for a total of eight hours during both weekends during the early voting period. Floridians can contact their county's Supervisor of Elections for dates, times and locations of early voting. Florida voters can also request absentee ballots to be mailed to them until October 29. Please see the attached Executive Order 08-217. STATE OF FLORIDA OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 08-217 WHEREAS, early voting is scheduled to end November 2, 2008; and WHEREAS, early voting turnout has already reached record levels and is forecast to continue with record turnout. There are only 267 early voting sites throughout the state and long lines have formed at many of the early voting sites; and WHEREAS, a historic number of Floridians have registered to vote for the first time in this election; and WHEREAS, new voting equipment is being used in 15 Florida counties; WHEREAS, as a result of this unique combination of circumstances resulting from the historic voter turnout in this election, there is a possibility that election officials will be unable to conduct an orderly election, and thus residents in our state could be deprived of a meaningful opportunity to vote; andWHEREAS, because of the existing and continuing possibility of an emergency occurring before or during the regularly scheduled election, and in order to ensure maximum citizen participation in the electoral process, and provide a safe and orderly procedure for persons seeking to exercise their right to vote;NOW, THEREFORE, I, CHARLIE CRIST, as Governor of Florida, by virtue of the authority vested in me by Article IV, Section 1(a) of the Florida Constitution, by the Florida Elections Emergency Act, and by all other applicable laws, issue the following Executive Order, to take immediate effect:I hereby declare that, based on the above-described conditions, a state of emergency exists. It is hereby found and declared to be necessary to extend the voting hours during early voting. Accordingly, I order the Supervisors of Elections to open early voting sites from 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. through October 31, 2008 and open early voting sites for a total of twelve (12) hours between 7 a.m. November 1, 2008 and 7 p.m. November 2, 2008.IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Florida to be affixed, at Tallahassee, the Capitol, this 28th day of October, 2008. GOVERNORATTEST:SECRETARY OF STATE
GOVERNOR CRIST EXTENDS EARLY VOTING HOURS
~~ ~Ensures maximum number of Floridians can exercise right to vote~ ~~
October 28, 2008
Contact:
GOVERNOR'S PRESS OFFICE(850) 488-5394
TALLAHASSEE - Governor Charlie Crist today signed Executive Order 08-217, extending the hours for early voting during the current General Election. Effective immediately, early voting sites will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., through Friday, October 31, 2008, and for a total of 12 hours between 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 1, and 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 2, 2008.
"I have spoken with the Secretary of State and members of the Florida Legislature and have concluded that it is always the right thing to do to give voters every opportunity to cast a ballot," Governor Crist said. "I have a responsibility to the voters of our state to ensure that the maximum number of citizens can participate in the electoral process, and that every person can exercise the right to vote."
Prior to the 2008 General Election, Florida has seen historic numbers of Floridians registering to vote for the first time. In addition, record numbers of voters have chosen to cast a ballot during early voting.
Early voting began on October 20 and runs through November 2. Current Florida law allows for early voting to be conducted eight hours per day on each weekday, and for a total of eight hours during both weekends during the early voting period. Floridians can contact their county's Supervisor of Elections for dates, times and locations of early voting.
Florida voters can also request absentee ballots to be mailed to them until October 29.
Please see the attached Executive Order 08-217.
STATE OF FLORIDA
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
EXECUTIVE ORDER NUMBER 08-217
WHEREAS, early voting is scheduled to end November 2, 2008; and
WHEREAS, early voting turnout has already reached record levels and is forecast to continue with record turnout. There are only 267 early voting sites throughout the state and long lines have formed at many of the early voting sites; and
WHEREAS, a historic number of Floridians have registered to vote for the first time in this election; and
WHEREAS, new voting equipment is being used in 15 Florida counties;
WHEREAS, as a result of this unique combination of circumstances resulting from the historic voter turnout in this election, there is a possibility that election officials will be unable to conduct an orderly election, and thus residents in our state could be deprived of a meaningful opportunity to vote; and
WHEREAS, because of the existing and continuing possibility of an emergency occurring before or during the regularly scheduled election, and in order to ensure maximum citizen participation in the electoral process, and provide a safe and orderly procedure for persons seeking to exercise their right to vote;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, CHARLIE CRIST, as Governor of Florida, by virtue of the authority vested in me by Article IV, Section 1(a) of the Florida Constitution, by the Florida Elections Emergency Act, and by all other applicable laws, issue the following Executive Order, to take immediate effect:
I hereby declare that, based on the above-described conditions, a state of emergency exists. It is hereby found and declared to be necessary to extend the voting hours during early voting. Accordingly, I order the Supervisors of Elections to open early voting sites from 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. through October 31, 2008 and open early voting sites for a total of twelve (12) hours between 7 a.m. November 1, 2008 and 7 p.m. November 2, 2008.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Florida to be affixed, at Tallahassee, the Capitol, this 28th day of October, 2008.
GOVERNOR
ATTEST:
SECRETARY OF STATE
There was a message circulating some of our groups in Florida yesterday that spread incorrect information conerning the the ID needed to vote. We're going to clarify below.
A message from the Florida Campaign for Change chief election lawyer:
I am the Obama-Biden campaign’s chief election lawyer in Florida, and I have received the 'no match no vote' message from several sources. This message is categorically false. Our reading of the clear statutory language does NOT require that the address on the driver’s license (or other ID) that the voter presents at the polls match the voter’s address in the precinct register. Furthermore, this press release from the Florida Secretary of State definitively ccnfirms:http://www.dos.state.fl.us/news/communications/pressRelease/pressRelease.cfm?id=330 See the last bullet:· I.D. required and checked at the polls is used solely to confirm the voter’s identity. Not to verify the voter’s ID number or address. The photograph on the ID is compared to the person standing before the poll worker and the signature on the ID is compared to the signature on record.
I am the Obama-Biden campaign’s chief election lawyer in Florida, and I have received the 'no match no vote' message from several sources. This message is categorically false.
Our reading of the clear statutory language does NOT require that the address on the driver’s license (or other ID) that the voter presents at the polls match the voter’s address in the precinct register. Furthermore, this press release from the Florida Secretary of State definitively ccnfirms:http://www.dos.state.fl.us/news/communications/pressRelease/pressRelease.cfm?id=330
See the last bullet:
· I.D. required and checked at the polls is used solely to confirm the voter’s identity. Not to verify the voter’s ID number or address. The photograph on the ID is compared to the person standing before the poll worker and the signature on the ID is compared to the signature on record.
Please feel free to email florida@barackobama.com with any questions or concerns.
Days since Palin has refused to talk to anyone in the media following the RNC:
Countdown Clock
A heartbeat away.... 1) She is presently under investigation in Alaska for abuse of power 2) She strongly supports big oil (her husband works for oil company BP) 3) On August 14, 2008, she claimed she really doesn't know what "the plan" is or too much about Iraq or foreign policy. Yikes!!!!!!!!!!!!! 4) She is adamantly opposed to reproductive rights for women. She is against abortion even in cases of rape an incest. 5) She's willing to pump out 5 kids as long as the nanny will raise them while she's away doing government business. 6) She is pro-war, pro gun and . . . pro life? 7) She believes creationism should be taught in public schools 8) She supports drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and anywhere else big oil wants 9) She supports Pebble Mine which will destroy the richest salmon run in the world 10) She supports aerial shooting of bears and wolves in Alaska 11) She believes global warming is a farce and is opposed to listing the polar bear as an endangered species 12) She has no federal or international experience. Prior to being governor (for less than two years) she was only the mayor of a small town and a beauty pageant contestant! 13) She stands for everything that Hillary Clinton stood against.
14) And she says "NOOK-ya-ler" and "EYE-RACK" just like BUSH!
In case you missed it on the main Barack Obama blog, check out the new "Don't Know Much" ad.
The ad features a nice tune that you probably will recognize. The retooled lyrics, on the other hand, get the message across loud and clear that we can not afford four more years of the same stupid economic policies. We can't afford four more years of a President that doesn't know much.
It's official, Barack sent out the email this morning, did you get it?
Friend --I have some important news that I want to make official.I've chosen Joe Biden to be my running mate. Joe and I will appear for the first time as running mates this afternoon in Springfield, Illinois -- the same place this campaign began more than 19 months ago.I'm excited about hitting the campaign trail with Joe, but the two of us can't do this alone. We need your help to keep building this movement for change.Please let Joe know that you're glad he's part of our team. Share your personal welcome note and we'll make sure he gets it:Welcome Joe Thanks for your support,Barack
I have some important news that I want to make official.
I've chosen Joe Biden to be my running mate.
Joe and I will appear for the first time as running mates this afternoon in Springfield, Illinois -- the same place this campaign began more than 19 months ago.
I'm excited about hitting the campaign trail with Joe, but the two of us can't do this alone. We need your help to keep building this movement for change.
Please let Joe know that you're glad he's part of our team. Share your personal welcome note and we'll make sure he gets it:
Welcome Joe
Thanks for your support,
Barack
Send Joe a note! Welcome Joe!
Make sure to turn on your TV at 3:00 p.m. to join Obama and Biden in Springfield, Illinois. Or, watch online at http://www.BarackObama.com.
The Bush Administration has announced taht the deficit for 2008 will be at least $490 BILLION. Thank you George W. and coherts for leaving us in the largest deficit ever. You have done a fabulous job of running this country in 8 years. Or shall I say ruining this country in 8 years.
Thank goodness for Barack Obama and the Democrats who will attempt to clean up your messes in America and worldwide while you rest your butt out on the ranch.
Slideshow:
http://s162.photobucket.com/albums/t277/barkway/Obama/?action=view¤t=27f46956.pbw
(DON"T KNOW WHY, BUT SITE NO LONGER ALLOWS EMBEDDING OF SLIDESHOWS)
Across the country, volunteers held Unite for Change events today. Two such events took place in the small housing development of Rock Creek in Cooper City, FL. The first was at the home of Steve Wall, a former Republican turned Obama supporter. There were approximately 17 people, each of whom took a turn introducing themselves and explaining why they had come. The group went on to have a lively discussion of the issues, the candidates, issues specific to Florida and voter registration. There was a mix of young and old, former Republicans , Independents and Democrats. There were former Hillary voters and those who had not voted in the state's Primary. The Mayor of Cooper City Debbie Eisinger addressed the gathering and answered questions.
Later in the day, there was another Unite for Change event in Rock Creek, this time at the home of Marty and Caryl Shuham. The Shuhams also hosted the introduction of the Obama Fellow for Cooper City, Eduardo Lara, a young Hispanic man from Los Angeles who will be in the area with the other Fellows flown in from across the country to help organize volunteers. Mr. Lara is an adjunct Professor from Pepperdine University who graduated from George Washington University and participated in the Teach for America Program.
There were approximately 31 people at this event who were surprisingly more subdued than those at the earlier event. They listened as Mr. Lara introduced himself and told his personal story as Fellows were trained to do. Mr. Lara had seen Barack Obama's speech at the 2004 Convention and was impressed with his knowledge and demeanor. His grandfather had helped to raise him and being interested in politics, discussed the issues of the day that he had read in the newspaper with Mr. Lara. Shortly before he was to join the Fellowship program, Mr. Lara's grandfather was diagnosed with cancer. Even as he lay in the hospital, he would ask his grandson how Obama was doing. Shortly before he died, he told each of his grandchildren to follow through on their commitments and dreams. Though Mr. Lara had to request an extension on joining the Fellows to attend his grandfather's funeral, he followed through because of his grandfather's dying request.
The crowd was shown a brief video from the campaign which described why Obama is running for office and depicted volunteers from across the country explaining why they were volunteering. One older woman in the video explained that "for the first time in her life, she felt compelled to do something like this." Another woman, a young mother, choked back tears as she explained why she was doing this for her kids' futures.
The Mayor of Cooper City addressed this second gathering as well and stressed the importance of grassroots organizing. After a brief answer and question period where there were few questions, Mr. Lara closed by saying, "let's have our desires be put forth into action."
Democratic nominee Senator Barack Obama was the keynote speaker at the luncheon for the Us Conference of Mayors in Miami, FL. While the Mayors' issues and Obama's address were the issues and highlight of the day, there was a special group in attendance by invitation for whom The Senator's messages truly hit home. In the back of the luncheon hall was a gathering of high school students from Miami's Young Women's Preparatory Academy, the first single sex public school in the County. (Cont'd below pictures)
Obama supporters not only need to win the election, locally activists need to be involved in the local party. Does the party matter? It does in Florida, if you want your votes to count!!! <br>
Tonight's Orange County Democratic Party meeting is an opportunity to show the local Democratic Party your support for Obama and sign up ("qualify") to run for Precinct Committee man or women. <br>
Now is time to sign up to be part of reorganization of the party that will take place after the election in December. <br>
BTW, by state law the county party organizations are known as "Executive Committees." So this is officially the Orange County Democratic Executive Committee (OCDEC). <br>
From a draft announcement: <br>
<blockquote>
This week is Qualifying Week <br>
from Noon on Monday June 16 to Noon on Friday June 20, 2008 <br>
Every four (4) years in a Presidential election year, all County Democratic Executive Committees reorganize for the next four-year cycle. Current members and those who wish to represent their precinct must qualify to run. The terms of all current members expire this year. In December 2008, the newly elected Precinctmen and Precinctwomen meet to elect new DEC officers from among their ranks. The newly-elected Precinctmen and Precinctwomen are the only ones who can either run for office or vote at the December 2008 organizational meeting. < br> <br>
Who can qualify: Democrats registered to vote in the Precinct in which they live. You must have specified your party affiliation. No party affiliation and independents are not eligible.<br> <br>
How to qualify: You must complete the form and loyalty oath and sign it before a Notary Public. You may download the form from the Florida Democratic Party website here: http://www.fladems.com/precinctform or here: http://www.fladems.com/page/event/detail/other/wrb3. Forms can also be obtained from the Orange County Supervisor of Elections office at 119 W. Kaley St., Orlando, FL, 32806 (407-836-2070). <br> <br>
Where do I file: You must file the original with the Supervisor of Elections Office. You may NOT file it electronically. You may also bring your fully executed forms to Orange Democrats Headquarters at 47 E. Robinson St., Suite 201, Orlando, FL 32801 until 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 19, 2008, and we will file them with the SOE for you. We will be posting hours on our website; however, if no one is there when you come by, you may slide it under the door. We will be in the office daily during qualifying week. <br> <br>
Where do I find a notary: We will have notaries available at our monthly meeting on June 16, 2008, beginning at 6:30 P.M. We will also have notaries available periodically at the headquarters (check website for updates). If you are a notary and can help, please email orangedemocrats@gmail.com. You can also find notaries at law offices, banks and savings & loan offices. <br> <br>
</blockquote>
Jim Callahan <br>
