[PenDems (126)] MEETING TOMORROW - and a word from Cheryl Chapman

 PenDemorandum 

Volunteer Thank You and Election Review
Saturday, November 8th
10:00am - 11:00am
West River Dem HQ, 522 Kirkeby Lane, Rapid City
(next to Walgreen's on West Main)

A note and invitation from Cheryl

Dear Democratic Friends:

Thank you for your hard work and dedication to our Democratic Party.
This week we witnessed an election of great national victories and
local defeats.  What a great nation we live in to elect Barack Obama
as our next President and decisively return Senator Tim Johnson and
Representative Stephanie Herseth Sandlin to Congress! 
Our Democrats gained four in the House, just breaking the long-held
Republican supermajority -- a very significant step. In 2009-2010,
our seats are 15 of 35 / 43% (Senate) and 24 of 70 / 34% (House).
This is very great news for all citizens of South Dakota, as it
ensures a conversation that includes both parties in Pierre.

However, although we wanted to elect fine local Democrats to the
State Legislature, and worked very hard, we fell short of that goal.

I know without question, though, that our local election results were
not because of our candidates, who were of the highest caliber and who
worked untiringly, and were not because of lack of commitment of the
hundreds of volunteers who worked throughout the campaign season. 
Our candidates were the finest and we can only hope they will join the
races in 2 years and work again for a Democratic victory--won't you
join me in encouraging them to do so?

So what does this mean for our political future? 

Come join us at 2008 Democratic Headquarters
(just east of Walgreen's on West Main)
Volunteer Thank You and Election Review
Saturday, November 8th
10:00am - 11:00am

If you're unable to attend, just reply to this email with your thoughts.
We'd love to hear from you as we develop and plan for 2010.

As you think about the future, here are some examples of our
accomplishments in 2008 to ponder and be thankful for:

* First time in many years that we had candidates
  running for all 15 Pennington County races. And support from
  our members contributed to new county organizations.
  (Meade County had the first full Dem slate in 41 years! Wow!)
* Democratic candidates with years of service to community,
  State and Nation.
* Democratic candidates who stepped up, showed up and
  spoke articulately about the issues.
* Democratic candidates collectively knocked on thousands of doors,
  mailed thousands of pieces of lit, attended hours of forums and
  events.
* Most Democrats registered in one year period.
* For the first time, our County Party provided support for fairs & events,
  parades, booths, billboards, radio, without tapping candidates' funds.
* Provided over $2700 to local candidates for   their individual campaigns.
* First time that we have captured, in a permanent data base,
  voter information that can be shared and used for future campaigns.

Thank you all, and hope to see you tomorrow!

Cheryl Chapman
Chair, Pennington County Democratic Party