Wednesday, March 21, 2012

[PenDems (312)] HB 1234 Petitions

HB 1234 has been signed into law by the Governor this week and we're outraged! Petitions are circulating to put this on the ballot and let the voters decide. You can help!

You can sign a petition at the Pennington County Democratic Party meeting on Thursday, March 22, 6:30pm at Seattle's Best in Rapid City. We'll have extras so you can circulate them if you'd like.

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Monday, March 19, 2012

[PenDems (311)] Monthly Meeting - March 22

Greetings everyone!

We will have our monthly meetings of the Pennington County Democratic Party at 6:30pm at Seattle's Best in the Alex Johnosn on Thursday, March 22. Please make plans to attend.

We're still busy with candidate recruitment.
Please let us know if you're interested in running.
We'd be glad to help!

Tuesday, March 06, 2012

[PenDems (310)] Calling All Candidates

Friends,

I know that you want to make a difference. You wouldn't be on this database if you didn't care about making this a better place ... and not just for yourself ... but for everyone.

You may have wondered how you can make this community and this state a better place. Consider this: Now might just be your time.

In three short weeks, (March 27, 2012) petitions for partisan candidates for the legislature and certain county offices are due for filing. Almost 18,000 Pennington County democrats will vote to elect fifteen state legislators, two county commissioners, the state's attorney and the county treasurer. Have you considered whether this is your time to be that candidate? There's no such thing as a perfect time to be a candidate. There are only opportunities that are lost because nothing was ventured. We need you, now more than ever.

My brief service in the state legislature was the most rewarding fulfilling professional experience of my life. Nothing compares to it. And if you want it badly enough, you can make it happen here. Others have. You can too. There are people here who will help you and support you and give of themselves for your success, and for our success.

And even if you don't get the most votes, your campaign can succeed by fighting for your issues, taking on the status quo, bringing the truth to light, inspiring change, demanding progress and helping it happen. Our system demands that good people take risk and engage in this noble public discourse to make this place better. I've lost campaigns too, and it hurts to lose. But even in losing we make a contribution that is so vital.

So will this be the year that you take that risk and give it your all?

If it might be your time, check the website for the South Dakota Secretary of State. It has information about these five legislative districts and the requirements for circulating a nominating petition. That website is http://sdsos.gov/elections. The Pennington County website also has information about county commission districts 2 and 4, the districts in which vacancies will be filled this November. That website is www.votepennco.com/election.

If you have other questions, call me or send me an e-mail. We are in this together and we're here to help.

Now is the time.

Sincerely,
Mike Wilson, Chairman
Pennington County Democratic Party
mikewilson59@hotmail.com
(605) 719-5195 (work)
(605) 342-0394 (home)
(605) 390-2818 (cell)

Sunday, March 04, 2012

[PenDems (309)] District Caucus - March 10

It's Caucus Time!! And you can be part of the process of selecting delegates to attend the Democratic National Convention in 2012.

OUR 2012 DELEGATE SELECTION PROCESS

If you would like to be one of Pennington County's delegates and go to our South Dakota Democratic Party Caucus in Pierre (on March 24th), you could potentially go to Charlotte, NC for the 2012 Democratic National Convention in early September. Or, you can become a state-level delegate in order to support someone else who wants to go to Charlotte.

THE 1st STEP is to download the application and turn it in to the SDDP. They have to receive it by 5:00PM this Wednesday March 7th for it to be registered. You can mail it in to them at PO Box 1485, Sioux Falls, SD 57101 or at info@sddp.org.

THE 2nd STEP is to attend our local District 30, 32, 33, 34, and 35 Caucus on March 10th at 10am at Seattle's Best in the Alex Johnson Hotel, downtown Rapid City. At this time, we will vote to finalize our list of delegates to go to Pierre. So, if you apply, you'll most definitely want to attend this caucus.

Remember, you can't go to Charlotte with out making it to Pierre first, and the best of luck to all!

Wednesday, February 22, 2012

[PenDems (308)] McGovern Day Awards Nominations Due March 5

McGovern Day Awards Nominations Due March 5

Three awards are given each year at the South Dakota Democratic Party's annual McGovern Day to recognize exemplary activists in the State Party.

George McGovern Grassroots Award

The nominee must have contributed substantially to the improvement of the South Dakota Democratic Party, must currently be a recognized state-wide leader in Democratic affairs, and must have contributed to registering voters and/or getting out the vote. If named a recipient of the award, this person must be inspired to continue leadership roles in service to South Dakota.

Goldie Wells Award

This is a lifetime achievement award. The nominee must have given many years of service to the South Dakota Democratic Party. The nominee must have also set an excellent example of tireless work and dedication to the ideals of the Democratic Party at many levels and with many projects.

Richard F. Kneip Award

This award recognizes an outstanding up-and-coming member of our Party under the age of 30. The nominee must be active in the Democratic Party, demonstrate exemplary leadership within the Party, and be dedicated to improving both local and state Democratic Party organizations.

Award Selection

County Central Committees are encouraged to nominate a person for each award. The same person cannot be nominated simultaneously for both the McGovern Award and the Goldie Wells Award.

Nominations are due to the South Dakota Democratic Party by March 5, 2012. The SDDP Executive Board will review all nomination forms and select award recipients. Winners will be announced at the McGovern Day Dinner on March 31, 2012. Winners are not notified prior to the event, so nominators are responsible for making sure the nominee is present.

Nominations for those who have been previously nominated but have not received awards may be submitted. SDDP staff and SDDP Executive Board members are not eligible. You cannot nominate a relative.

Tuesday, February 07, 2012

[PenDems (307)] Democratic Party to Hold Event, Barth and Varilek to speak

The Pennington County Democratic Party invites the public to attend an evening of "Champagne and Chocolate" on Saturday, February 11 at the Prairie's Edge Art Gallery in Rapid City beginning at 5:30pm until 7:30pm.

The evening will feature special guests Matt Varilek and Jeff Barth, Democratic candidates for U.S. House of Representatives, and Ben Nesselhuf, chairman of the SD Democratic Party.

The public is invited to attend the event and meet the candidates who will vie for the Party's nomination to oppose Congresswoman Kristi Noem in the November Election. A twenty dollar donation is requested of attendees and proceeds will be used to support local Democratic candidates in the 2012 Elections.

[PenDems (306)] Champagne and Chocolate - February 11

e Pennington County Democratic Party

invi

tes you to an evening of

hampagne and Chocolate

aturday ~ February 11, 2012

om 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m.

rairie's Edge Art Gallery

606 Main S

treet ~ Rapid City

pecial Guests:

emocratic Candidates for U.S. House of Representatives

att Varilek and Jeff Barth

outh Dakota Democratic Party

hairman Ben Nesselhuf

hampagne and Chocolate is an annual fundraiser benefitting

e Pennington County Democratic Party.

suggested donation of $20 to support local, Democratic candidates

during

the 2012 Election is greatly appreciated

[PenDems (305)] An Invitation - Champagne and Chocolate

Tuesday, January 31, 2012

[PenDems (304)] Champagne and Chocolate - February 11

Please find the attached invitation for our fabulous event on February 11. See you there!

[PenDems (303)] Meeting Notice - Election to be held

ATTENTION ALL PENNINGTON COUNTY DEMOCRATIC LEADERS AND PRECINCT PEOPLE

As you probably know, the Pennington County Democratic Party has been operating without a Chair for several months. We will have a very important meeting on Thursday, February 16^th. at 6:30 p.m. in Seattle's Best Coffee Shop (Alex Johnson Hotel) to elect a new Chair and to start getting ready for the crucial 2012 elections.

Mike Wilson has offered to serve as our Chair at this time. As you know, Mike is a former Democratic State Representative from Pennington County, and was the Democratic nominee for Lieutenant Governor in 2002. He also has a private law practice in Rapid City.

If other people are interested in serving as Chair at this time, they are invited to make their intentions known, and also to attend the meeting on February 16^th. Under State Party rules, we are encouraged (but not absolutely required) to have a Chair and Vice-Chair of opposite genders. Sharon Green is currently serving as Vice-Chair.

If you are interested in building a stronger Democratic Party, or if you are interested in helping with this fall's elections, you are strongly encouraged to attend this important meeting.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012

[PenDems (302)] ACTION ALERT: Oppose Daugaard's Education "Deform" Bill

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Dear Friend,

Governor Daugaard just released his education "reform" bill. It offers monumental - and potentially destructive - changes for our schools. Daugaard wants to:

End teacher tenure
Impose testing-based rankings of teachers, and
Institute merit pay for only the top 20% of our educators.

As you can imagine, many Democratic and Republican leaders are deeply concerned about the proposal, and are wondering how we'll decide who gets bonuses; how we expect to foster collaboration among teachers if we pit them against each other for bonuses; how we recruit and retain teachers for ALL subjects of critical need.

They're demanding an answer to one important question: How do we fulfill our obligation to fund our schools if our focus is on attacking teachers?

Take action today to put a stop to this legislation. Remind Governor Daugaard that attacking teachers is not a substitute for funding our schools. Remind Governor Daugaard that adequately preparing our workforce starts by adequately funding their education. Remind Governor Daugaard that you stand with our students and educators, and you won't stand for his questionable education agenda.

Here's what you can do right now to help:

Share this Education Alert: Forward to Friends; Like it on Facebook; Tweet It
Email Your Legislator »
Write a Letter to Your Local Paper »

Our students are counting on us. Please take action today.

Sincerely,

Ben Nesselhuf
Chairman
South Dakota Democratic Party

This e-mail was sent to silvchristen@gmail.com. You can unsubscribe or edit your e-mail address.

Pol. Adv. paid for by the South Dakota Democratic Party, P.O. Box 1485, Sioux Falls, SD 57101. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.

Friday, January 20, 2012

[PenDems (301)] Crackerbarrel and Coffee ~ Saturday

The Rapid City Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting the first of a series of crackerbarrels with area lawmakers on Saturday. The event is from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Didier Educational Center in the Classroom Building on the campus of South Dakota School of Mines & Technology. The crackerbarrels are free and open to the public.

The Pennington County Democratic Party will gather for coffee and some discussion at 8am at Black Hills Bagels before heading to the Crackerbarrel at 9.

Read more: http://rapidcityjournal.com/news/opinion/editorial-tell-lawmakers-what-you-think/article_ae11e6a8-42ef-11e1-8c8f-0019bb2963f4.html#ixzz1k3Eu0lF7

Thursday, January 12, 2012

[PenDems (300)] Meeting notice - January 19

The Pennington County Democratic Party will hold their monthly January meeting on Thursday, January 19 beginning at 6:30pm at Seattle's Best coffeehouse in the Alex Johnson in downtown Rapid City.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

[PenDems (299)] Meeting - Thursday, 6:30pm

The Pennington County Democrats will meet on Thursday at Seattle's Best at 6:30pm.

See you there!

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

[PenDems (298)] You Asked For It, You Got It!

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Dear Friend,

We recently asked how the SDDP could best provide you with policy information and breaking news during the 2012 legislative session. You overwhelmed us - and our inbox - with feedback on your preferences and great new ideas. Thank you!

After a review of all input received, South Dakota Democrats were most excited about two new communication tools:

Bill Status Update. A weekly email message will spotlight what bills are being pushed in Pierre and where the legislation is in the process.
Legislative Alerts. The SDDP mail notify you before a significant vote on the issue(s) you've identifed as most important to you.

Well, you asked for it, you got it! Starting in January, we'll launch SDDP Newswire: Legislative Edition, to keep you up to date on session action in Pierre each week. What's more, we'll not only closely monitor legislative activity, but promptly send you a brief email alert when there's important activity related to your issue area.

Make sure you're in the loop! Update your email preferences to identify your top issues »

There are 11 categories to choose from. Select as many as interest you. Also, if you know of someone who you think may like to receive the SDDP Legislative Newswire and email alerts, please forward this message on so that they two can become part of our network.

Sincerely,

Ben Nesselhuf
Chairman
South Dakota Democratic Party

This e-mail was sent to silvchristen@gmail.com. You can unsubscribe or edit your e-mail address.

Pol. Adv. paid for by the South Dakota Democratic Party, P.O. Box 1485, Sioux Falls, SD 57101. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

[PenDems (297)] Reminder: Meeting Tuesday eve

Reminder:

Pennington County Democrats will host their monthly meeting on Tuesday at 7pm at Seattle's Best coffee house in the Alex Johnson on St. Joseph Street.

Thursday, November 10, 2011

[PenDems (296)] Reminder: Blue Summit - Democratic Legislative Retreat

John WIllman from Rapid City has offered to drive to Sioux Falls for this event. Please contact him if you're interested in making the trip together. Home phone - 343-1155 or on his cell at 391-8022.

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Mitch Fargen <mitch_fargen@hotmail.com>

Hello Legislators, Potential Candidates and Friends,

I am sending this out as a reminder that you are invited to the Blue Summit Legislative Retreat in Sioux Falls, SD on November 19th starting at 10:00am and we will be finishing around 5:00pm. If you can only make part of this event, that's fine, please still come.
We will be hosting the event at the Sioux Falls Downtown Holiday Inn.

You can Email me to RSVP so we know how many people to expect for lunch, handouts and for room size.

Also you can Email me if you know if you are planning on running for the State Legislature or if you are considering running. Ben and I are starting to recruit and we want to make sure that we know who is considering a run and for what position.

If you know anyone who is considering running for the legislature or anyone who would be a great candidate please forward this email to them and encourage them to attend this event.

Agenda Items: Blue Summit, Saturday, November 19, starting at 10am

2012 Campaign Plan Mail Program:
Getting Your Name on the Ballot:
Targeting: How Votebuilder Can Help You Win:

Lunch Speaker: Scott Heidepriem

Cost of Lunch $14 – Only cost to you.

Policy Development and Politics:

Candidate Recruitment:
Creating your Campaign Blueprint:

If you have any questions please contact me or the SDDP office.

Thank you

Mitchell T. Fargen

-------------------------------------------
605-695-0705

mitch_fargen@hotmail.com

Monday, October 17, 2011

[PenDems (295)] Meeting Reminder - Oct 18

Just a last minute reminder...

The Pennington County Democratic Party will have their regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, October 18 at 7pm. IBEW Hall - 922 E. Saint Patrick Street.

See you there!

Silvia

Monday, October 10, 2011

[PenDems (294)] Meeting Notice - Oct 18

The next monthly meeting of the Pennington County Democrats will be on Tuesday, October 18 starting at 7pm at the IBEW Labor Hall (922 1/2 E. Saint Patrick Street).

See you there!

Tuesday, October 04, 2011

[PenDems (293)] Board of Education opening - applications due Oct 5!

RCAS Board of Education member Doug Kinniburgh has resigned his position to take a job transfer to the DOT office in Pierre at the state capital. He is the area 7 representative.

The Board of Education position is non-partisan.

The process is pretty straightforward:

They would fill out an application to finish Doug's term, the end of June, 2012, in the Business Office at CSAC. The candidates will be interviewed by the Board of Education on October 13th at 5.30 pm. The person chosen to complete the term will be seated at the October 20th BOE meeting. If they are not sure of their residence status, they may call Kathy in the Business Office at 394-4026.

The deadline for filling out an application is October 5. They need to live in Area 7, be 18 years of age and registered to vote in area 7.