Eagle County Democrats are invited to a meet the
candidates event. Come ask questions of Bruce Brown, candidate for JD5 DA,
incumbent Commissioner and candidate Jon Stavney, and Jill Ryan,
candidate for County Commissioner. Reservations preferred but not necessary to

Heidi (970) 389-0987 or heidiyfh@hotmail.com

###
     Voter Registration Drive at El Jebel
City Market 

Saturday 5/12/12, El Jebel Colorado

There will be a voter registration
drive, this Saturday, May 12, in front of the El Jebel City Market from 10
a.m.- 4 p.m.

Please remember to bring your driver’s license.

If you would like to volunteer to register voters, please call 704-9535

###

Meet Diane Mitsch-Bush, Candidate for our new State House District 26

Please join host Jane Lowery
For conversation, food, and drinks with
Routt County Commissioner Diane Mitsch Bush,
our Candidate for Colorado State House of Representatives
HD 26
All of Eagle County and all of Routt County

Thursday, May 24, 2012, 5:30 to 7:00 pm

The Home of Jane & Joe Lowery
525 Lariat Loop, Edwards, 81632

Suggested Contribution Levels

Co-Host $400, Sponsor $200, Friend $100, Supporter $50
Any level of contribution is much needed and much appreciated!
(The maximum individual contribution allowed by law is $400.
No business or corporate contributions are allowed by law)

To RSVP, please contact Diane’s Campaign Manager,

Nick List at nick@dianeforcolorado.com
or 303-241-6029

Thursday, March 15th, 2012 6-9pm. Eagle County Building, Eagle CO, Commissioners Meeting Room

Congressman Jared Polis and Congressional Candidate Sal Pace will speak at the county’s Democratic Assembly on Thursday evening. The recent redistricting process handed Eagle County two congressional districts, instead of one. The district line runs through Eagle Vail and takes effect in 2013, based on the outcome of the November 2012 election. Until that time, Congressman Jared Polis will represent the entire county that is currently in District 2.

There is already a fierce campaign underway for District 3, currently held by Republican Congressman Scott Tipton from Cortez. Challenger Sal Pace is a state representative and former Democratic House Minority Leader from Pueblo. A large portion of Eagle County will be in District 3, including El Jebel and Basalt, and Dotsero east to Eagle Vail.

The assembly is open to the public. Additional events will include approval of the party platform (delegates please check your e-mail for a platform survey) and election of delegates from the party caucuses to the state, congressional and other conventions. Additionally, candidates for county commissioner, including incumbent Jon Stavney and health policy consultant Jill Ryan, will be nominated. Candidates for district attorney, the state house of representatives, and CU regent are also expected to speak.

DA Candidate Bruce Brown in Eagle

Meet D.A. Candidate Bruce Brown
Host: Bruce Brown & Heidi McCollum
When: Wednesday, March 14 from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM
Where:Paradigm’s Restaurant4th & Capitol Street Eagle, CO 81631

Contact DA Candidate Todd Barson

to discuss his experience and the issues. 970-547-1857

Diane Mitsch Bush HD 26 Candidate launches Website

http://www.dianeforcolorado.com

US Senator Michael Bennett

Please join Josh Lautenberg, Michael Johnston, Dan Gibbs, Millie Hamner, Curt Cerveny, Aron Ralston, Jill Ryan, Peter Runyon, Jon Stavney, Pat McConathy, Rebecca Hernreich, Susan & Harry Frampton, Debbie Marquez, and Beth Slifer for a reception in support of Sal Pace Democratic Candidate for Colorado’s 3rd Congressional District
Monday, February 20, 2012 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
The French Press 34295 Hwy 6 Edwards, CO 81632 (in the Riverwalk Plaza in Edwards)
Contributions to Sal’s campaign are encouraged $100 ? $250 ? $500
RSVP to Scott Hanley at Scott@PaceForColorado.com or (719) 778-1058

Town Hall Meeting with State Rep. Hamner and Eagle County Commissioner Jon Stavney

This town hall will focus on what is happening down at the Capitol and issues that are important to the constituents of Eagle County.
Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m
Colorado Mountain College Edward’s Campus Common Area 150 Miller Ranch Road Edwards, CO 81632

Town Hall Meeting with Rep. Roger Wilson

Join Rep. Roger Wilson for a town hall meeting. He will be giving an update about the legislative session and taking questions from constituents. Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012 from 10:30 a.m. to Noon.
Bonfire Coffee
433 Main Street
Carbondale, Colorado 81623

Progressive Thoughts from Commissioner Jon Stavney

Jon Stavney

There is a lot of rhetoric these days about the size and role of government.  Hear the national drumbeat for “limited government” ?
Locally, I’m proud to have quietly reduced county government by 30% to match our revenues, showing that fiscal responsibility doesn’t require drama, or headlines.
Under a pure “limited” argument, we would not have national rail or interstate highway systems that make possible rocky mountain living.  Modern supply chains make the market more reliant on government infrastructure than ever.
Best summed by President Reagan’s, “government isn’t the solution, it is the problem,” the limited argument goes south when you ask citizens if they like good roads, strong public schools, and clean air & water.
Speaking of water, massive federal vision and investment built the dams and reservoirs that make living in the arid west possible.  A lack of water storage would have kept Colorado, Arizona, and Southern California populations closer to the Dakotas.
While one anti-tax advocate would like to shrink government to a size where it can be “drowned in the bathtub”, I don’t think many citizens fantasize life as The Road Warrior, with anarchy on a backdrop of crumbling public infrastructure.
So dismiss the fringes on both sides.  Nationally we need a stronger moderate leadership that appreciates the interrelationship of government and the marketplace.  Locally, I think we strike a decent balance.

Eagle County Democrats Fundraising Dinner January 28, 2012

3rd CD candidate Sal Pace

Eagle County Democrats Co-Chairs Jill Hunsaker Ryan and Harvie Branscomb

State House District 26 cadidate, Diane Mitsch Bush and Colorado Democrats Chair, Rick Palacio

CU Regent candidate Jessica Garrow

Important Upcoming Dates

Precinct Map 2012

Edwards resident, Jill Ryan, 43, has announced her candidacy for Eagle County Commissioner, running for the seat of the term-limited Peter Runyon. Ryan is Co-Chair of the Eagle County Democrats and a member of the Eagle County Planning Commission. “I care deeply about the future of the county, particularly given the economic down turn,” says Ryan. “We have a unique opportunity to be intentional and collaborative in planning for a vibrant recovery, and I want to be a part of that process.”

January Meeting Eagle County Democrats

The next meeting of the Eagle County Democrats will occur on Tuesday, January 17th at 6pm in Glenwood Springs at the Glenwood Canyon Brew Pub.

•    March Caucus and Assembly Planning
•    January 28th Annual Dinner and Fundraiser
•    February 11th Jefferson Jackson Dinner in Denver
•    Update: Organizing for America-Obama Campaign
• Attendance by and Updates from Candidates for DA and House District 26

We hope to see you there!

Diane Mitsch Bush (D), Steamboat Springs announces her candidacy for Colorado HD 26

Meet Two-Term Routt County Commissioner Diane Mitsch Bush (D), Steamboat Springs who is announcing her candidacy for Colorado HD 26 to represent all the people of Eagle and Routt Counties on January 18.

• Basalt: 7:30 to 9:30 am at the Upper Crust Bakery, 400 E Valley Road, Basalt, 81621, 970-963-9169

• Edwards: noon to 2pm at E-town in Riverwalk, 295 Main Street, Edwards, 970-926-4080

8th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Dinner

Join featured speaker former Denver Mayor, Wellington Web at the Garfield County Democrats‘ 8th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Tonight, January 16th at Rivers Restaurant 2525 Grand Ave. Glenwood Springs, CO.
Tickets: $30.00 per person,
PLEASE NOTE! Advance Reservations REQUIRED tickets will NOT BE SOLD at the door
For information and reservations, please call Cheri at 970-319-4005, or Paul and Bobbi at 970-285-7791

Eagle County Democrats Annual Dinner
Saturday, January 28th at Balata, Singletree, Edwards

Guest Speakers

Rick Palacio, Chair of the Colorado Democratic Party, and Alec Garnett, Executive Director of Colorado Democratic Party. State Senator Gail Schwartz and Representative Millie Hamner will be joining us as well. Several candidates will comment on their races:

Rep. Jared Polis, 2nd CD, US House of Representatives
Sal Pace, candidate for US House of Representatives in CD3
Diane Mitsch Bush (D), Steamboat Springs candidate running for the new State House District 26 which represents Eagle and Routt Counties
Todd Barson & Bruce Brown, candidates for District Attorney
Jill Ryan, candidate for Eagle County Commissioner

6:00 – 7:00 Reception includes dinner ticket, cocktails and appetizers: $100, $250 or $500.

7:30- Dinner includes a three course dinner with choice of entrees and beverage: $50. Cash bar.

This fundraiser will help raise the funds needed for our activities in this important election year.

Contact

JaneLowery@aol.com , or

970-926-1181

at Balata, Singletree, Edwards

Let’s launch this 2012 election season with a bang!

Guest Speakers

Rick Palacio, Chair of the Colorado Democratic Party, and Alec Garnett, Executive Director of Colorado Democratic Party.  State Senator Gail Schwartz and Representative Millie Hamner will be joining us as well.  Several candidates will comment on their races:

• Sal Pace, candidate for US House of Representatives in CD3
• A Democratic candidate running for the new State House District 26 which represents Eagle and Routt Counties (TBA)
• Todd Barson & Bruce Brown, candidates for District Attorney
• Jill Ryan, candidate for Eagle County Commissioner

6:00 – 7:00 Reception includes dinner ticket, cocktails and appetizers: $100, $250 or $500.

7:30- Dinner includes a three course dinner with choice of entrees and beverage: $50.  Cash bar.

This fundraiser will help raise the funds needed for our activities in this important election year.

Contact

JaneLowery@aol.com , or

970-926-1181

Congressional redistricting has moved  many Eagle County residents from Democrat Jared Polis’ 2nd Congressional district into conservative Republican Scott Tipton’s 3rd Congressional district. Map

Democratic 3rd CD candidate Sal Pace will hold meet and greet events this Wednesday Jan. 4th in El Jebel and Edwards.

• El Jebel-  El Korita Restaurant, Willits Town Center 1-2pm
• Edwards- Cafe Milano 429 Edwards Access Rd. 8-9:30am

Save the Date Saturday, January 28th!  Eagle County Democratic Fundraising Dinner

Let’s launch this 2012 election season with a bang at our annual Eagle County Democratic Dinner @ Balata, Singletree, Edwards.  Several local and statewide candidates will comment on their races.  We are also expecting State Senator Gail Schwartz (SD5). Our special guest speakers will be Rick Palacio, Chair of the Colorado Democratic Party, and Alec Garnett, Executive  Director of Colorado Democrats.  Tickets start at $50, and include a three course dinner with choice of entrees and beverage.  Cash bar. This fundraiser will help raise the funds needed for our activities in this important election year.  Contact  JaneLowery@aol.com

79th Jefferson Jackson Dinner Saturday, February 11, 2012

The 79th annual Jefferson Jackson Dinner will be held Saturday, February 11, 2012  at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel Plaza Ballroom.  This dinner is the Colorado Democrats’ yearly gathering and celebration.  Eagle County will have a table and we invite you to join us.  Who knows who may be the speaker this year?  Colorado is a swing state and national attention is focused on our Presidential race.

For reservations and hotel info contact: Carole at conderdonk@centurytel.net

2012 will be an exciting election year in Colorado

Eagle County Democrats will be very active this year with fundraisers, caucuses, voter registration drives,  door knocking, phone calling, poll watching…We need your help.  Contact info@eagledems.org to volunteer!

Some progressive thoughts from Doug’s Mom

-Carol Tucker
The GOP?  The GOP has become the GOOP–the Grand Old Obstructionist Party:  the glue in which all action, or even thought, to improve our perilous situation becomes stuck.
Consider the climate-change deniers among them.  The NOVA program “Extreme Ice” (Public Broadcasting System and PBS.org website)  makes it clear that warming is happening faster than previously predicted and that nonhuman causes are way too small to account for what has happened, with glaciers vanishing and polar ice going into seawater.  You might write a placard, “Ice Melt WILL Occupy Wall Street.”
But the unregulated-market true believers will not even consider the message, instead blaming the messenger and seeking to eliminate it from the airwaves. They will not accept information from any but their own, making a closed circle into which contrary facts cannot penetrate.  Ironically, one of Extreme Ice’s sponsors is one of their own:  a David H. Koch science fund.

Three new Districts for Eagle County-  all new House District 26, Senate District 5 and some of us now live in CD3

Eagle and Routt counties now share a new House District 26 and the seat is open for a Democrat to win and Routt County Democrats are reportedly very happy to be teamed with us for that campaign.  All of us should be looking for excellent candidates to run for this important position.  Please contact co-chairs@eagledems.org if you have an interest or a suggestion.  Our new Senate District is already represented by Democrat Gail Schwartz from Snowmass Village near Aspen. Her seat is not up for election this year.  For Congress, we’ll be one of the counties with two Congressmen- both Democrat  Jared Polis in CD2 everywhere East of Eagle Vail and we have Republican Scott Tipton to beat in CD3 representing the West part of Eagle County.  Sal Pace is running for the CD3 seat and we are expecting to see him in the Eagle River Valley on January 4th, Wednesday at 8AM at a location to be determined. We are expecting to see him in the Roaring Fork Valley as well.  Again, if you are interested to join Sal contact co-chairs@eagledems.org .

Upcoming caucus and conventions

Our presidential election year is almost upon us and that means a grass roots caucus on the evening of March 6.  We plan to have caucus locations in Vail, Edwards, Eagle and El Jebel. The Republicans are having theirs a month early.  We are looking for a great turnout to support Democratic candidates for County Commissioner, District Attorney, State Representative, U.S. Representative and of course our candidate for President.  Also look forward to a County Convention of Democrats sometime in March and then the State Convention in Pueblo Friday evening April 13 and all day Saturday April 14.  You have to attend a caucus to be a delegate to the County Convention. You have to be a delegate at the County Convention to be a delegate at the CD or State Convention- but we will have plenty of opportunities for people to go.  From the CD and State Conventions you have a chance to become a delegate to the national convention – Charlotte North Carolina- the week of September 3, 2012. http://www.demconvention.com/about.asp

Democratic seasons greetings to all! Grassroots influence is what our party is all about.  Let’s make plenty of noise next year.

Message from State Rep. Roger Wilson

We received below letter from Roger Wilson. In case you have not received one, below is an excerpt.

State Representative Roger Wilson

Reapportionment and the 2012 Election The Colorado Supreme Court approved the most recent plans from the Colorado Reapportionment Commission on Monday, December 12.  Click here to access the final maps. During 2012 I will proudly serve out my term for House District 61. In the final maps my residence no longer falls within House District 61. All of Garfield County will be part of House District 57. After consulting with my family, friends, and advisors I have decided  not to seek elected office for either House District 57 or Senate District 8. I am  humbled by the support I have received and by those who believe I should  continue to serve Colorado in the Legislature after 2012. I will instead seek other positions and roles to represent and work for the interests of the people, the land, and the water of Western  Colorado. The new HD 61 for the next election in November 2012 will include Summit, Lake, Pitkin, and parts of Gunnison and Delta counties. I will be supporting Millie Hamner (D) of Summit County for election to HD 61. The new HD 61 no longer includes some other county precincts that had been included. Eastern Garfield County will be part of the new HD 57 which includes all of Garfield, Rio Blanco, and Moffat Counties. Southwestern Gunnison County (including the town of Gunnison) and Hinsdale County will become part of HD 59. And all of Eagle County joins Routt County to form HD 26.   Happy Holidays! My wife Kris and I wish you a very joyous, exciting, and fun filled holiday season. Amid the hustle and bustle we also wish you times of peace and reflection. The new year will certainly be filled with politics. For each of us it can also be a time of growth and redirection. Good luck and good fortune as you take on whatever challenges and opportunities the new year brings.   Roger Wilson Colorado State Representative House District 61 roger@rogerbenwilson.org PO Box 955, Glenwood Springs, CO 81602 Cell: 970-274-4645 or 303-579-5521 www.rogerbenwilson.org