Jefferson County

Democrats Newsletter
November/December 2007

Inside this edition... A letter from the Chair The Partys Future Jeffco Dems in the News Coming events 2 2 3 6

A letter from the Chair...

The road to the White House goes through the West. Thats why were in Denver. We can win these states, but we have to work hard to do so. There is no question that the West is important to the future of the Democratic Party. The recent Democratic gains in the West exemplify the principle that when we show up and ask for peoples votes and talk about what we stand for, we can win in any part of the country.

more like Republicans. I suppose you could call that philosophy: if you didnt beat em, join em. Im not one for making predictionsbut if we accept that philosophy this time The Partys Our challenge around, another Future today is not to Democrat will be Our challenge standing here in four re-hash what has years giving this same today is not to re-hash what has happened, happened, but to speech. We cannot but to look forward win by being look forward... Republicanlite. to making the Party a 50-state party again, Weve tried it; it and, most importantly, doesnt work. to winning. The question is not whether we To win the White House and a move left or right. Its not about our majority in Congress, yes. But also direction. What we need to start to do the real work that will make focusing on... is the destination. these victories possibleto put There are some practical elements Democratic ideas and Democratic to the destination, and the path candidates in every officewhether to that destination goes it be Secretary of State, supervisor of through Denver. elections, county commissioner, or school board member. Here in Washington, it seems that after every losing election theres a consensus reached among Howard Dean decisionmakers in the Democratic Chair Party that the way to win is to be

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Jeffco Dems in the News...

Congressman Perlmutter Says New CHIP Bill Puts Children First

October 25, 2007 Washington, D.C.Today, Rep. Ed Perlmutter joined a bipartisan majority of the House of Representatives (265142) in voting to reauthorize the Childrens Health Insurance Program (CHIP). This current bill puts children first by addressing concerns raised by a minority of Republicans in the House and the President in an effort to provide healthcare to 10 million lower-income children nationwide, said Perlmutter. We owe it to the more than 15,000 low-income children enrolled in the CHIP program from Colorados 7th Congressional District to put politics aside and reauthorize this vital program. This new bill contains clarifications to address concerns
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by some House Republicans that the legislation provides healthcare for illegal immigrants, adults, and children from high-income families. The new bill specifically includes tough rules to verify citizenship, phases out childless adults within one year, and prohibits funding to cover kids from families making above $51,510. The bill now goes to the Senate, where it is expected to pass, and then to the President, who is expected to veto the bill again.

Language from Udalls ISG Bill Included in New Legislation

October 28, 2007 Washington, D.C.U.S. Rep. Mark Udall, D-Eldorado Springs, is the lead cosponsor of legislation that highlights the importance Continued on page 4

Continued from page 3 better course is to escalate economic of a New Diplomatic Offensive development, empowerment of local in Iraq, a concept proposed initially government, the provision of basic by the Iraq Study Group (ISG) and ser vices, and regio n a l a n d also outlined in H.R. 2574, the Iraq international diplomatic efforts as Study Group Recommendations called for by the Iraq Study Group, Implementation Act of 2007 that and lighten the America footprint Rep. Udall introduced in July to in Iraq. implement the The ISGs top ISG recommendations. recommendation is a In my view, The new legislation, surge in diplomacy, the New Diplomatic President Bush and for good reason. Offensive for Iraq Its clear that there was wrong to Act, has been will be a dangerous introduced by Rep. propose a military vacuum in the region David Price (D-NC) after out combat surge in Iraq with Mark Udall troops leave unless and Mike earlier this year. Iraqs neighbors are Thompson (D-CA) prepared to help as the only two manage the transition original cosponsors. and the aftermath. The PriceThompsonUdall bill The New Diplomatic Offensive draws from recommendations that for Iraq Act recognizes that were made by the ISG last year. It is diplomatic efforts are a vital part of supported by former Rep. Lee any positive outcome in Iraq, and I Hamilton, who was the cochair of am proud to cosponsor the BakerHamilton Iraq this legislation. Study Group. The New Diplomatic Offen The Iraq Study Group was right sive for Iraq Act (H.R. 3797) was to recommend that the U.S. referred to House Committee of establish an international support Foreign Affairs. structure to help stabilize Iraq and ease tensions among other countries in the region. The bill I am cosponsoring takes those recommendations and builds on them, requiring the president to establish a regional diplomatic plan, appoint a Special Envoy for Iraq Regional Security, organize an international donors conference, and engage the UN more deeply in Iraq. In my view, President Bush was wrong to propose a military surge in Iraq, earlier this year. I believed then and I believe now that a

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a program as transportation, health care, and No Child Left Behind. He should not make our children the next casualty by denying them health coverage. In Colorado, there are 176,124 uninsured children. Approximately two-thirds of them are currently eligible for either CHP+ or Medicaid. The SCHIP reauthorization process presents an opportunity to substantially increase the federal funding that goes to Colorado.

Fitz-Gerald Chides Republicans for Voting Against SCHIP Veto Override

October 25, 2007 DenverColorado Senate President and congressional candidate Joan Fitz-Gerald announced her disappointment that Congress failed to override the presidents veto of the SCHIP bill today. I am disappointed Congress, specifically Republicans in the Colorado delegation, failed to override the SCHIP veto because Colorado desperately needs federal support to insure our most vulnerable children, said Senator Fitz-Gerald. Uninsured children create a tremendous burden on our health care system, and this legislation would greatly help Colorado. We have already seen the war in Iraq usurp federal funds that should be coming to Colorado for just such
Jefferson County Democrats Newsletter

Jeffco WINS!
When you join the Jeffco Democrats WIN program, you join Democrats from across Colorado to work for a better quality of life and preserve our great American democracy. The program provides dependable support for our county party, candidates, programs, and outreach. Through the program, the county party draws donations from your savings or checking account, and you can set up your donations by the month or year. To join the Jeffco Democrats WIN program and help us take back America, please contact party headquarters today at (303) 2371359 or online at www.jeffcodems.org.

Coming events...

Executive Committee Meeting 11/28/2007, 6:00 9:00 pm Clements Community Center 1580 Yarrow St., Lakewood (303) 2371359 Democratic Business Coalition 12/1/2007, 7:30 9:00 am Petes Greektown Cafe 2910 E. Colfax Ave., Denver Contact: Mark Messenbaugh E-mail: mark_messenbaugh@yahoo.com. Jared Polis, former member of the State Board of Education and current candidate for the 2nd Congressional District, will join us to talk about education reform. DBC welcomes candidates for public office.

Unless otherwise noted, all of the following events will take place at the Jefferson County Democratic Partys headquarters at 8475 W. 14th Ave, # 110, Lakewood. The contact phone number for headquarters is (303) 2371359. Labor Advisory Council 11/2/2007, 6:00 8:30 pm Colorado Stonewall Dems T Caucus 11/8/2007, 6:30 8:00 pm Congressman Ed Perlmutters Government at the Grocery 11/10/2007, 1:00 3:00 pm Safeway 1701 Jackson St., Golden (303) 4241240 Rep. Sara Gagliardis Coffee 11/26/2007, 7:00 8:15 am Billy Ds Coffee 14705 W. 64th Pl., Arvada Contact person Mary Patee (303) 4241240 Sit down for coffee with Sara Gagliardi to discuss your ideas, issues, and needs on every 4th Monday morning. GLBT Caucus 11/27/2007, 6:30 8:00 pm Chairs Advisory Committee Meeting 11/27/2008, 6:30 8:00 pm

The following events are scheduled for 2008, but their locations have not yet been announced. Champagne and Chocolate 12/28/2007, 6:00 10:00 pm Italian Feast 1/26/2008, 6:00 10:00 pm Caucus Night 2/5/2008, 7:00 9:00 pm County Assembly & Convention 3/15/2008, 9:00 am 3:00 pm Primary Election Night 8/5/2008, 7:00 am 7:00 pm Eleanor Roosevelt Dinner 9/7/2008, 5:30 10:00 pm

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Champagne and

C ho co late Annual Fu n dr ai se r
December 28, 2008 6:00 PM 10:00 pm For Reservations, call (393) 237-1359

Jefferson County Democrats Newsletter

Jefferson County Democrats

8475 W. 14th Ave # 110 Lakewood, CO 80215

Happy Holidays from your Jefferson County Democratic Party