Sunday, July 09, 2006

Red, White and Billion: a great day

The Red, White and Billion event was a wonderful success. There were more than 150 people there and we ran out of parking! We all did a lot of catching up and celebrating... and as a group we raised funds to help keep the momentum going into the fall. Thanks to all that contributed to this great day.

PenDem 2006 Legislative candidatesParty Chair Justin Lena introduced the legislative candidates, L to R:
Pam Hemmingsen (32H), Dennis Finch (33S), Suzan Nolan (32H), Jerry Bloomer (30H), Rick Hanson (33H), Catherine Ratliff (30S), Jeff Nelsen (33H), Paul Long Fox (33H), Laurie Wudtke (35H), John Buxcel (35H), Theresa Spry (35S), Justin Lena (34H).

Billion and Abrahamson really worked the crowd, for more details on this event from their perspective, visit billionforgovernor.com


The following is an edited version of the welcome to the picnic given by Justin Lena, PenDem party chair, that I think captures the excitement of the moment for those who weren't lucky enough to be there.
Welcome to all of you: Democrats, Republicans, and Independents. We're glad you're here.

The size of this crowd tells me that something is in the air. Something is happening in Pennington County and across South Dakota--don't you agree?

People want change.

People are demanding change.

People are looking to new leadership that will do more listening and less dictating.

They are looking for leadership that will bring balance back to government, and address the concerns of their everyday lives like education, health care, and better wages.

Who will bring that kind of leadership?

(Crowd: "THE DEMOCRATS!!!")


Lesley Kandaras (Rep. Herseth's office)
and friend smile for the camera!


State Dem Chair Judy Duhamel (red shirt) chats with Dem Lt. Governor candidate and PenDem Eric Abrahamson (right).

Honor Roll


Event Coordinators
Erin Pier Osborn
Suzanne Martley

Sponsors
Sharon and Tom Warner
Cheryl and Malcom Chapman
Ed & Suzanne Martley

Volunteers
(side dishes, food preparation, hauling, set-up and clean-up)
Reid Abrahamson
Johanna Blume
Mike Coats
Carol Foster
Judy Duhamel
Dennis & Nancy Finch
Karen Hall
Ashley Heacock
Thomas Allen Heald
Mirandi Hurst
Paul Jensen
Lesley Kandaras
Tom Katus
Addy Maierhauser
Jan Mangelsen
Judee Oldham
Jeff Nelson
Curt Pochardt
Patti Rudge
Ted Severson
Sue Timmons
Terry Whiting
Elli Wicks