Blog For Arizona

Message to Rupert and Bill: It's not too late to nominate another candidate

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

The oracles of the conservative right have a message for Willard "Mittens" Romney: "You suck as a candidate!"

Rupert Murdoch's GOP establishment Wall Street Journal editorializes today Romney's Tax Confusion:

The Romney high command has muddied the tax issue in a way that will help Mr. Obama's claims that he is merely taxing rich folks like Mr. Romney. And it has made it that much harder for Republicans to again turn ObamaCare into the winning issue it was in 2010.

Why make such an unforced error? Because it fits with Mr. Romney's fear of being labeled a flip-flopper, as if that is worse than confusing voters about the tax and health-care issues.

* * *

Perhaps Mr. Romney is slowly figuring this out, because in a July 4 interview he stated himself that the penalty now is a "tax" after all. But he offered no elaboration, and so the campaign looks confused in addition to being politically dumb.

This latest mistake is of a piece with the campaign's insular staff and strategy that are slowly squandering an historic opportunity.

* * *

The Romney campaign thinks it can play it safe and coast to the White House by saying the economy stinks and it's Mr. Obama's fault. We're on its email list and the main daily message from the campaign is that "Obama isn't working." Thanks, guys, but Americans already know that. What they want to hear from the challenger is some understanding of why the President's policies aren't working and how Mr. Romney's policies will do better.

* * *

[The Obama] attacks were predictable, in particular because they go to the heart of Mr. Romney's main campaign theme—that he can create jobs as President because he is a successful businessman and manager. But candidates who live by biography typically lose by it. See President John Kerry.

The biography that voters care about is their own, and they want to know how a candidate is going to improve their future. That means offering a larger economic narrative and vision than Mr. Romney has so far provided. It means pointing out the differences with specificity on higher taxes, government-run health care, punitive regulation, and the waste of politically-driven government spending.

Mr. Romney promised Republicans he was the best man to make the case against President Obama, whom they desperately want to defeat. So far Mr. Romney is letting them down.

Arizona Democrats to hold Presidential Caucus March 31, 2012

Posted by AzBlueMeanie:

Press release from the Arizona Democratic Party:

Procedures for 2012 presidential nomination and delegate selection for Democratic National Convention

PHOENIX -- The Arizona Democratic Party has chosen not to participate in the 2012 Presidential Preference Primary Election. We agree with Maricopa County Recorder Helen Purcell and County Elections Director Karen Osborne that in these tough economic times, it is inappropriate to spend $5 million in taxpayer dollars to hold a partisan election that discriminates against the fast-growing bloc of independent voters.

Instead, the party will conduct congressional district-level caucuses to choose a nominee for the 2012 presidential election and to select Arizona delegates for the 2012 Democratic National Convention (see timetable).

The following rules and procedures are in accordance with the Charter and Bylaws of the Democratic Party of the United States, the Delegate Selection Rules for the 2012 Democratic National Convention, the Regulations of the Rules and Bylaws Committee for the 2012 Democratic National Convention, and the bylaws of the Arizona Democratic Party:

• The purpose of the Presidential Nomination Caucuses will be to choose Arizona's preferred nominee for the 2012 presidential election.
• All registered Democrats in Arizona may participate in Arizona's Presidential Nomination Caucuses scheduled for Saturday, March 31.
• The Presidential Nomination Caucuses will be held in each congressional district in accordance to the Charter and Bylaws of the Democratic Party of the United States, the Delegate Selection Rules for the 2012 Democratic National Convention, the Regulations of the Rules and Bylaws Committee for the 2012 Democratic National Convention, and the bylaws of the Arizona Democratic Party. The Arizona Democratic Party will release the list of all caucus locations on or before Feb. 17.
• Directly following the Presidential Nomination Caucuses will be selection of delegates to the 2012 Democratic National Convention.
• The purpose of the Democratic National Convention is to choose the presidential nominee for the 2012 Presidential Election. All states will send delegates to participate in the nomination process. Arizona is allocated a total of 79 delegates and 6 alternates for the 2012 Democratic National Convention
• All registered Democrats in Arizona are eligible candidates for the position of Arizona Delegate to the September 2012 Democratic National Convention in Charlotte, N.C.
• Delegates to the convention are selected by registered Democratic precinct committee persons or state committee members.
• Those interested in running for delegate to the national convention must contact the Arizona Democratic Party and file a statement of candidacy by March 1 to be considered eligible for selection at the March 31 district-level caucuses. A total of 46 delegates will be selected by Democratic precinct committee persons at those caucuses.
• Those interested in running for delegate to the National Convention but unable to attend the March 31 district-level caucuses will have one additional opportunity to be selected: the Democratic State Convention on April 21. Interested parties must file a statement of candidacy by March 21 in order to be considered eligible for selection at the April 21 Democratic State Convention. A total of 15 delegates and 6 alternates will be selected by Democratic state committee members at the Democratic State Convention on April 21.

Click here to view the timetable for the 2012 Arizona Delegate Selection process.

All delegates to the 2012 Democratic National Convention will attend the convention in Charlotte during the week of Sept. 3. Delegates are responsible for all costs incurred during their travel and stay at the convention.

As part of the Arizona Democratic Party's ongoing efforts to include groups historically under-represented in the Democratic Party‟s affairs and to assist in the achievement of full participation by these groups, we encourage participation by those of diverse race/ethnicity, age, sexual orientation or disability.

For more information about Presidential Nomination Caucuses, the 2012 Democratic National Convention or Delegate Selection, call 602-298-4200.

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Here and there...

Posted by Craig McDermott, cross-posted from Random Musings

Just a mish-mash of (mostly) lege-related stuff...

...Governor Jan Brewer has vetoed HB2462, Rep. Ed Ableser's proposal to rein in predatory towing companies. In her veto letter (linked above to the word 'vetoed'), she cited a few reasons she was opposed to this bill, including that she felt that it added responsibilities to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) while not funding those new activities. What she didn't cite, in the letter anyway, was the fact that Rep. Ableser is known as one of the most progressive members of the Democratic and is vocal about his positions.

Including his opposition the Brewer's proposed sales tax increase (voting closes next Tuesday).

According to sources, one of the big motivations behind the veto was Ableser's vocal opposition to the tax hike because of its regressive nature.

Now to be fair, it probably wasn't her only reason for the veto - most Ds voted against the referral of the sales tax increase to the ballot, but there have been a *few* D-sponsored bills signed by Brewer.

Still, an aroma of "payback" is surrounds this veto.

...There's also a whiff of hypocrisy surrounding it, too.  In her letter vetoing the bill, Brewer also cited a concern for maintaining local control of local matters.

 

This the same day she signed HB2281,  barring local school districts from offering ethnic studies courses to their students.

...There is a rumor that there will be yet another special session of the lege (8 and counting so far). The plan for this one, if it goes off, will be to pass some version of the Republicans' corporate bailout bill (HB2250 in the regular session).

They'll want to do this ASAP, in order to maximize corporate spending on their campaigns, but this move may be bad tactically. They should have passed this *before* passing SB1070, Russell Pearce's "show us your papers" anti-immigrant bill. If they had, their corporate tax cuts would have been lost in the uproar over their scheme to suspend Bill of Rights protections for people with brown skin.

Now, the AZ lege is under a nationwide microscope, and anything they do will be dissected.

If more of the Rs had attended last week's Project Civil Discourse Town Hall on the sales tax (only House Republican leader John McComish was there), they might be rethinking their plans.

While there was a variety of perspectives on the sales tax proposal, one thread seemed to run through all the comments, whether supporting or opposing the referendum - almost nobody trusts the legislature to handle things properly.

...The Arizona Democratic Party has come out in opposition to the calls for a boycott of Arizona over SB1070. They feel a boycott will hurt the average Arizonan, most of whom have nothing to do with the bill, and prefer to rally support and change the composition of the legislature. (my paraphrase, so if any nuances have been missed, the fault is mine)

I understand the reasoning and even would agree with it, except that this is Arizona.

Here, the Republicans refuse to hear any of the voices raised in protest to their anti-immigrant law, but they will hear (and have heard in the past) the sound of closing wallets.

Until the ADP implements a "30 District" strategy to contest every seat in the lege and sticks with it, and either gains control of one or both chambers of the lege (or at least makes the Rs learn that they can't take control of the lege for granted), the Rs aren't going to change.

As such, while I agree that a boycott will have negative effects on many Arizonans that weren't involved in the passage of SB1070, those effects will be less bad than the effects of the law if it goes unchallenged.

...It looks as if even national Republicans are embarrassed by their Arizona counterparts. In what comes as a bit of a surprise, the GOP has bypassed Phoenix and awarded its 2012 convention to Tampa, Florida.

Tampa???? Phoenix was stood up for Tampa?? Thank you Russell Pearce and Jan Brewer...

Hmmm....wouldn't it be sweet if the Democratic National Committee now decides to hold its convention here? You know that the R whackjobs would crawl out from under every rock in the Southwest to make their presence known...colorfully...in front of half the TV cameras in the known universe.

Just randomly musing... :)

...Yesterday, I got a dirty look from a signature collector for one of the three Democrats who recently jumped into the race to challenge for John McCain's Senate seat. When she approached me for a sig, I advised her that I couldn't sign the petition because I had signed another candidate's paperwork (Rodney Glassman). The dirty look came when I further advised her that she and her candidate should have begun collecting sigs months before the deadline, not three weeks before.

The sad part is that I was trying to be helpful. I think a couple of the candidates are interesting, even intriguing. However, a candidate for a U.S. Senate seat can't make the run/don't run decision on the spur of the moment, and it looks like these three did so.

May 2010 is the time to start building the foundation for a 2012 run at Jon Kyl's seat, not for a 2010 run at John McCain's seat.

Later...

Duelling Conventions Answer Key Questions

by John Adams

We have seen the past two weeks the best presentation of our Party’s message in Denver, contrasted with the best presentation the Republicans could muster in St. Paul. The results are starkly impressive.

Let’s consider some of the questions posed about our two Campaigns just a few short weeks ago...and answered so well by the duelling Conventions.

Can our Democratic Party unite?  Honestly, can anyone who watched the collective leadership of our Party speak at Denver seriously question whether we are united today?

Does our Party have the national security credentials to keep America safe in this dangerous world?  Not only did we put national security issues -- and endorsements of veterans, military leaders, and national security policymakers -- front-and-center last week in Denver, but it’s clear once again from McCain’s bellicose and feckless rhetoric on Georgia these past weeks that he has neither the temperament nor the strategic sense to deal with the critical questions of war and peace.

Barack Obama’s national security message at Denver was three-fold, highlighting his judgment, competence, and most of all trustworthiness in addressing American national security.  Barack knows that American national security is related to both the strength and intelligence with which America addresses complex challenges of this century.  And Barack knows we need to muster all elements of our national power, including a strong, ready military, but reserving it for the last resort, after we’ve tried diplomacy and all the other tools at our disposal.  For their part, veterans know, as is obvious from the numerous powerful endorsements in Denver, that they can trust Barack Obama to honor their service when they come home. Growing thousands of national security experts, veterans and family members, many of whom were out front in Denver, are adding their enthusiastic endorsement of Barack as our next Commander-in-Chief.

Contrast this with the central message of John McCain…that the belligerent and reckless strategy of the Bush Administration over the past eight years should not only be continued, but that it was too timid. If you listened to McCain pop off in Fall 2001, we should have attacked Iraq, Iran and Syria in response to 9-11. If you listened to McCain in 2003, our adversaries included France and Germany in addition to Iraq. John McCain wants to keep American troops in Iraq for as much as 100 years. And John McCain actually jokes publicly about bombing Iran. Simply speaking, John McCain lacks strategic sense, and lacks the temperament befitting a Commander-in-Chief.

And what about McCain’s allegations these past months that Barack lacks experience? Well, John McCain must have had a senior moment last Friday when he settled on Sarah Palin’s resume.

Again, nothing is more important for a President than the decisions on war and peace…and for this reason alone, McCain’s selection of Sarah Palin is alarming. Yes, as the renowned Fox News scholar Steve Doucy has said, she is the governor of Alaska which is next to Russia. Some recommendation.

Palin is truly a foreign policy blank slate, ripe for neocon engraving.

Actuarial tables and American history tell us that Palin has a nearly even chance of acceding to the Presidency…in McCain’s first term. In selecting Palin, John McCain confirmed once again that his judgment is seriously impaired.

So truly, we Democrats had a great Convention…full of substance and full of energy. We are fired up and ready to go!

We have a powerful, compelling message for the American people and the world, that addresses the real challenges Americans face at home and abroad. We have brilliant, convincing nominees in Barack Obama and Joe Biden…and they’re out front in the polls as well as in the electoral vote forecasts.

We’re going to coast to victory in November, right?

Unfortunately, assuming victory at this stage is absolute lunacy.

Not only are the stakes far too high to take anything for granted, but we can expect the Republicans to do whatever they have to do to retain the White House. They will pull out all the stops.

And the greatest enemy we face is not the Republicans, but voter apathy.

The real lesson of the duelling Conventions, for this first-time Delegate, is that now more than ever, it’s important to take the energy, the enthusiasm, the issues, and the facts back home to our neighborhoods here in Arizona. The work that good Democrats do every day, the canvassing, the phone-banking, the discussions with your friends and neighbors…that hard work is what will get us to victory in November.

Our hard work will bring John McCain “home”, wherever that is, because we must not let him occupy the White House.

And only our hard work will elect Barack Obama the next President of the United States.

We will win this election, not because the polls and pundits say we will, but because of the hard work of everyone in the Party, pulling together these next few weeks. For my part, I’m looking forward to marching with you, to our battle with the Republicans, and to our victory in November.

"It's Not About Me, It's About You"

by John Adams

Dateline Denver...the inspiration of Day 4 was matched only by the determination, shared among tens of thousands at Invesco, and tens of millions who watched, to work for the change we deserve, and the change we need.  We know it's up to all of us, together, to make the difference on November 4.  We know we must ensure we awake on November 5 to the promise of a new dawn.

Speech after speech, message after message, motivated the audience...yes, it was a celebration, but more than that, a call to action.  This was a working convention.

We know what change is, and that Barack is singularly prepared to lead this country.  He has the judgment, the experience, and the character to be our President, and our Commander-in-Chief.

And we know what change isn't, and that John McCain has abetted George Bush's destructive presidency.  McCain has shown by his reckless and dangerous foreign policy blunders, and his disregard for the plight of the American people, that he deserves to be out to pasture.

A few observations from others with whom I spoke at Senator Barack Obama's Acceptance of the Nomination for President:

US Representative Joe Sestak, Seventh Congressional District, Pennsylvania:  "Many have said that Barack Obama needs to introduce himself to the American people.  He's certainly done so.  But this election will be won by the candidate that can demonstrate to the American people that he knows them."

US Representative Patrick Murphy, Eighth Congressional District, Pennsylvania:  "As an Iraq US Army combat veteran myself, I want a Commander-in-Chief who knows how to take care of troops, while they're in combat, and when they come home.  Barack Obama takes care of troops; he's there for them.  We trust him on foreign policy and on veterans' issues."

General Wesley Clark, US Army (Retired), former Supreme Allied Commander Europe and Commander-in-Chief, US European Command:  "We can expect almost anything from the Republicans, to try and divert attention from the achievements of this convention, and to distract from the issues."

General Merrill "Tony" McPeak, US Air Force (Retired), former Chief of Staff of the Air Force:  "I'm feeling great about where this campaign is.  After this convention, and these past months of campaigning, I don't think there are many Americans who don't know who Barack Obama is.  I think the issues that will resonate this election will be 49 percent economic; the rest will be national security.  We need a hard focus on the economic issues, because that's what the American people expect.  The national security debate is hugely important, but Americans are looking for a President that understands how to fix the economy, and can do the job.  Barack's A-Game is just getting started...just you wait!"

Dan Abrams, Chief Legal Correspondent, MSNBC:  "This convention has an energy I've never seen before."

Lorin Dealey, Assistant Communications Director, Obama-Biden Campaign:  "Barack's first challenge is to restore the faith of the American people in our government, in trust.  We have a government that knows everything about us, but about which we know very little.  They read our emails, but we don't know what goes on behind their closed doors.  I trust Barack Obama to restore our faith in our own government."

To follow-up on Joe Sestak's observation, the great success of this Convention has been to give the American people that sense that Barack Obama knows them, and that they can trust him.  That's going to make the difference in November in our battle for the White House.

And as Barack has said so many times, this movement is not about him, it's about us.  This is our Time.

The Southern Arizona Team is Fired Up and Ready to Go!

We're All Fired Up and Ready to Go!!!

It's Official -- We Are Family

by John Adams

Dateline Denver...this really is a family affair, from the Kennedys to the Clintons to the Bidens to the Obamas -- to the Democratic Party.

The theme for the Convention week is drawing a stark contrast between the More of the Same offered by McCain, and the Change We Need offered by Barack.  However, I'd say at least as important this week and especially tonight is the feeling of Convention participants that they are part of a family, with consequent family responsibilities, family pride, and a family's sense of what needs to be done to bind together in adversity.

As Joe Biden said tonight, "Americans have been knocked down by the Bush Administration; now we have to pick ourselves up."

Everyone in the Convention Hall eagerly anticipated Bill Clinton's speech tonight, and we weren't disappointed.  It was as if he had a conversation with each of us in the audience...inspiring us to work together for victory in November.  He's powerful and at the same time ingeniously witty.  At one point, in what had to be an unscripted response to the mass cheers of "Yes We Can" he remarked, "We've got to elect Barack Obama first."  He is the rhetorical master of turn-of-phrase, to wit:  "We must lead by the power of our example, rather than by the example of our power."  Bill Clinton's going to be a huge asset to Barack Obama this Fall, and we'll all need his wisdom and talents as we heal the destruction brought to our country by the Bush Administration.  We will incur incalculable damage if we allow this Administration to rule America for four more years.

In his acceptance speech, Joe Biden emphasized that we have a choice between the failed policies represented by John McCain and the prospect of positive change represented by Barack Obama.  The choices for the American people are stark -- whether we're considering foreign policy, the economy, energy independence, or the state of our educational system.  In all these areas, the Republicans -- with John McCain as Bush's sidekick -- have failed the American people. 

It's time to pick ourselves back up and seize the opportunity for change represented by Barack Obama.

Tomorrow night is Barack's acceptance speech -- I can't wait!

On the Attack

by John Adams

Dateline Denver...on Tuesday evening the Party launched a blistering attack on John McCain...if Monday was about who we are as Democrats, Tuesday was about taking the offensive -- together -- to defeat John McCain and the Republicans this Fall.

As an Arizona Delegate, I couldn't have been more proud of our Governor who delivered one of the sharpest, most direct attacks of the evening against John McCain.  Granted, we in Arizona have the misfortune of hosting his "home state offices" (though of course, he's as absent from business on the part of his constituency as he is from the Senate floor).  But as Janet Napolitano said last night, we're not sure what home he'll return to in Arizona, but we know we can't let McCain take up residence at the White House.

Her speech, followed by several other eloquent, rousing attacks against John McCain, culminated in a magnificent call to action by Hillary Clinton...I heard many remark after the speech that if she had spoken that powerfully during the primaries, the results might have been different.  But no question about it, her speech and her inspiration pulled in the entire Convention Hall last night, leaving no-one in any doubt about the imperative to drive the Republicans out of the White House, send John McCain out to pasture, and elect Barack Obama as our Commander-in-Chief.

Being a gathering of elected officials, party activists, politico's, and just-plain-interested from across the country and around the world, you can imagine the number of off-site gatherings in Denver.  Of particular interest to me as a Veteran are the number of national security events in and around the Convention.  Yesterday was a treasure...the opportunity to participate in a small group discussion with Barack Obama's chief foreign policy advisor, Dr. Susan Rice, on the issue of the Georgia-Russia conflict; to attend a seminar discussion with former Secretary of Defense William Perry, former Secretary of the Navy (and national security advisor to Barack Obama) Richard Danzig, and to participate in the formal Veterans and Military Family Members Caucus at the Convention.  I can tell you that two themes dominated all our discussions:  1) our need to elect Barack Obama as our President, a Commander-in-Chief who understands the 21st Century challenges facing our country, and 2) our need to prevent John McCain, a man whose only consistencies are his reckless and dangerous policies, from entering the White House.

A couple of impressions from participants and observers of the Convention:

- Omar Adams, Delegate from Minnesota:  "Just being here is a family event...it helps that my mother is here as a Delegate too.  But after last night's speech by Michelle, and the gathering of the Kennedy, Clinton, and Obama families, we're all feeling a sense of family unity as we get ready for the next two months."

- A friend of more than 30 years who currently works in the Office of the Secretary of Defense in the Pentagon:  "Great to see the Party go on the attack on Day 2.  We've got to keep Mad John from getting to the White House.  As bad as the current policies are for the United States, he'll make our situation much worse.  After the blow-up in Georgia, we in the Pentagon are dealing with the aftermath of his bellicose and useless rhetoric about Russia, when we need to focus on how best to deal with a serious challenge.  But that's McCain shooting from the hip as usual."

- Yane Kone, immigrant from Mali, met outside the Pepsi Center: "I'm excited about Barack Obama.  My family and I came from Mali six years ago, I've got a job, and we're just getting by in Denver.  We know Barack Obama would be good for this country and good for the world.  But I'm concerned that there may be some people who say they'll vote for Barack Obama but will not do so in the end.  I want to believe that America can elect an African-American, but I hope I won't be disappointed."

Kone reminded me that what we're doing here, celebratory though it is, has absolutely serious global impact.  We are here in Denver as part of a larger struggle for those who are doing their best just to make it day-to-day, perhaps not even able to participate in our political process, but who place their faith in us, the voting citizens of the United States, to actually follow through on our pledge to seize change.

For my part, I assured Mr. Kone that the energy and enthusiasm I and so many other Americans is real -- that Barack Obama is the best leader we have seen in decades and we really mean it when we say we want change.  But I also know, especially after the adversity that Mr. Kone has encountered in his own journey, that he's still wary. 

We must not disappoint Yane Kone, nor ourselves.  As Hillary Clinton so eloquently charged us last night, it's up to us to follow-through, to work to elect Barack Obama as our next President.

The world is counting on us to do our duty.

Who We Are

by John Adams

Dateline Denver...first night of the DNC.  Tonight was all about who we are as Democrats, and about who we nominate to lead this country out of the night of the past eight years.  We were treated to numerous moving, powerful, evocative speeches and images.

Not least of which was the beautifully planned marriage proposal -- on the Convention floor -- by Arizona Delegate Ruben Gallego to his now-fiancee, Kate Widman.  Perfectly timed to correspond with the other events of the evening, Ruben (who also serves as our Delegation whip -- he who orchestrates Delegation floor activities, including cheering and sign-waving) did us all proud -- and touched us -- in sharing this hugely important event!  Kate said yes...congratulations by all followed!

There were other wonderful, more public, moments...my favorite was when Ted Kennedy made his appearance, to the joy and universal respect of the Convention Hall.  And that after a beautiful speech by Caroline Kennedy...all of us shared the privilege just to witness this beautiful and touching moment in the history of the Kennedy family, and in the history of modern American politics.

And Michelle Obama's speech was magnificent...powerfully delivered, eloquent, and convincing.  We'll be fortunate to have a First Lady who understands and inspires the American people...as well as the President.

A few other Delegates' perceptions during the evening:

John Rayson, Florida:  "The Convention is our preparation for taking on the Republicans this Fall, and one of our challenges is to more fully introduce Barack Obama to the American people.  That's what tonight is about.  The Convention is also about building teamwork among the party leadership, harnessing the efforts toward the goal of winning the election."

David Hageman, North Carolina:  "My father's a US Navy officer, and used to be a strong supporter of John McCain.  He's still a Republican.  I'm not sure whether he'll vote for Obama this Fall, but he's thinking a lot about it, and he seems to understand why I'm so committed to Obama and to the change he represents."

Carolyn Wagner, Arizona:  "One of Obama's strengths will be that he'll encourage cooperation with our international partners, particularly the European Union, on a wide range of global issues."

As an aside, several of our concerned Delegates have created a website, http://www.FreeCindyMcCain.com to address the need to bring relief to the long-suffering wife of our senior Senator...visit if you get a chance before the Republicans trot the unfortunate pair out next week at the Republican Convention.

This first evening of our Convention was about telling the story of our heritage as a Party -- and about passing the torch to a new generation, as Ted Kennedy said, to Barack Obama and the movement for change he has ignited.  Tonight was both educational and inspirational...a great start for what promises to be an excellent staging ground for our battle to take our country back this Fall.

Now we need to take the offensive, to get on to Who They Are -- to provide the stark contrast between our Party's leadership and the destructive prospects of four more years of Republican disaster.

Real Heroes

by John Adams

Dateline Denver...the gavel goes down tomorrow afternoon in the Pepsi Center. 

Already there's huge energy building.  A rousing speech by National Chair Howard Dean welcomed the Delegates, honoring those who have suffered so much under the Bush Administration, and motivating us Delegates throughout all fifty states -- yes, especially Arizona! -- to work for victory this Fall, to take our country back.

A few brief observations:

- Great hospitality...everyone I met in the city was friendly and welcoming.  Denver's red carpet is out.

- Lots of security, everywhere.  Police from throughout Colorado are in Denver to keep the peace.  I like that just fine.

- Cool architecture downtown.  Like downtown Bisbee only bigger.

- Great spirit within the Arizona Delegation...forward-looking, ready to battle with the Republicans.

As I took the measure of the Convention scene today, the most moving experience I had was meeting Laura Dempsey, the Founder and Co-Chair of an organization of military spouses who support Barack for President, Blue Star Families for Obama.

Blue Star Families for Obama is a grass-roots organization of military spouses and family members.  Like the troops themselves, military families have sacrificed much these past years.  Like our troops, they have done their duty...steadfastly supporting their husbands, wives, parents, and children who serve us all so well.

No one can impugn the courage and dedication of our military.  They serve our Constitution with honor, determined to do their duty to the best of their ability.  And they have performed magnificently. 

Our troops are not responsible for the wrong-headed ideology that led us into the misadventures in Iraq.  On the contrary, our troops deserve immense credit for their heroism and their devotion to the Constitution.

And our troops' families serve as well, supporting, upholding, and sacrificing their own lives, families, and well-being for the cause of defending our national security.  Our troops' families know the costs of a war that should never have been fought.  They also know that we need a strong military, a military that can preserve our national security.  They want their sacrifices to be honored, and certainly not taken for granted.

Laura Dempsey and the hundreds of members of Blue Star Families for Obama are dedicated to electing a president who honors their sacrifices, who understands that we need a strong military, who will respect our troops, and who will guard our national security.

Our troops' family members are real heroes, as are our troops.  Meeting Laura Dempsey, and seeing the dedication of Blue Star Families for Obama, inspired me today as our Convention begins.

This week in Denver, the Democratic National Convention will honor our troops and their families, conveying respect and appreciation for all they have done.  The Convention will feature several events to highlight Barack Obama's plan to restore American security after the destruction of the Bush Administration.  And central to restoring our security is honoring the sacrifices of our troops and their family members.  Indeed, we must honor the sacrifices of those who serve our country...and in contrast to John McCain's casual disregard for our veterans and our national security, Barack Obama will keep faith with our military and their families. 

Barack Obama will restore our national security.

Blue Star Families for Obama is growing by the day...as more and more family members of our military realize that America's national security has been squandered by the wrong-headed Bush strategy, and that the Bush Administration has not only mortgaged American national security, but disrespected our military as well.  And John McCain promises more of the same. 

Our troops and their families yearn for the change that Barack Obama will give as our Commander-in-Chief...he will privilege America's security first, and he will honor the sacrifices of those who defend our country.

As for me, I'm moved by the dedication of these young military spouses of the Blue Star Families for Obama, forging a grass-roots movement on their own dime, and doing wonderful outreach to other military families to accelerate our movement for change.  Blue Star Families for Obama members are my heroes.

If you're a military family member, please join Star Families for Obama and join this growing movement for change, and for respect for our military.  Their website is:

http://my.barackobama.com/page/group/BlueStarsForObama

...It's Sunday, the day before the DNC gavel goes down...we're just getting started with staging our assault on the Republicans who have wrought such carnage on the American people.  With Barack Obama as our next President, we are going to take our country back. 

Obama y Biden - Que Viva "Change We Can Believe In!"

by John Adams

Dateline Denver, the 2008 Democratic National Convention...staging ground for victory for the American people in November.

Why Joe Biden?

Let's ask the neocon icon, Mr. William Kristol, his thoughts on the question:  "There's lots to like about Barack's choice of Senator Joe Biden as his running mate: Biden's bowling score, honed by years of practice...now that will help the ticket."

OK, I admit I didn't ask the unctuous, reptilian Kristol to answer the question...rather I overheard the above flippant BS as Bill K spoke to one of his slobbering minions in the lobby here at the Hyatt Regency Tech Center...I like this hotel lots, but why couldn't they book better peeps than Fox News to share OUR delegation's convention residence?

But that begs the question, why is Joe Biden such a good choice as Barack's running mate?

1) Biden is a fighter.  After all, we're in for the political struggle of our lives over the next couple of months, and Biden is proven in battle.  Great message for all of us on the campaign...it's time to take the offensive.  McCain's earned whatever we throw at him...Biden's already firing fastballs.  This convention is all about marshaling our resources to take on McCain and the Republicans, and Biden's strong, sharp attacking style is just what we need.

2) Biden is grounded.  He knows personal adversity, he knows public adversity, and like Barack, he understands what it's like to have to work hard to make it in America.  He wasn't born rich, he's not now, and he has no problem answering questions like how many homes he has.

3) Biden knows the stakes for this election: War and Peace.  Wannabe Emperor McCain doesn't understand how unsafe the Iraq War has made America; in fact, he's spoiling for a new war with Iran.  On the other hand, like Barack, Biden knows that the issue of war and peace is the most important question facing any President, and he's determined to keep us safe and at peace.  Like Barack, he has the courage to oppose the war-mongers who continue wasting American blood and treasure in Iraq...and he has the courage to oppose the twisted ideologues who want to expand the conflict to Iran.  Biden knows the world, he knows the value of diplomacy, he knows the risks of war, and he knows the importance of peace not only to restoring America's place in the world, but to healing our suffering economy.  In the Senate, Biden's proven himself to be an insightful expert in foreign policy and issues of national security.  He'll bring these talents to the campaign, and to the Office of Vice President. 

4) Biden's ready to lead now...dedicated to his role as Barack's Number 2.  Biden is a strong, forward-looking Vice Presidential candidate who's dedicated to electing Barack Obama this fall, and to serving the Constitution as Vice President, rather than as some sort of co-President.  If the situation ever arose, Biden will be ready to step up to the White House, but he respects and is dedicated to Barack Obama as the leader of our movement and as our next President.

5) Biden's selection is well-timed.  Of course, we always expected to know the selection prior to the convention kickoff, and thank God for that.  Next week in Denver is about moving forward, about winning the election, and restoring our country to the American people.  Biden's selection puts to rest one of the most often-cited issues for many who've had trouble putting the primary season behind them...we need to move on, and having a strong, talented running mate helps us do that. 

After the night of the past eight years, it will be wonderful to have a Vice President who serves the Constitution and is dedicated to preserving American national security.

Barack Obama leads a movement that will bring change to our deserving people -- now he's selected an excellent Vice Presidential nominee to accelerate our victory in November.

And as for our hotel-mates at Fox...I expect I'll hear more lame drivel over the next few days from Bill Kristol, Bill O, or one of the other Fox News idiots...but perhaps I should spare you more of that...

The Convention starts officially on Monday, and with the good news of Senator Joe Biden's selection to complete our White House ticket, we in the Arizona Delegation are ready to help ensure Hope becomes Fulfillment this November.

BlogForArizona Convention Coverage

BlogForArizona is hosting three convention delegates from southern Arizona during their time at the DNC convention in Denver: retired Brigadier General John Adams, former Pima County Democratic Chairman Paul Eckerstrom, and activist Patricia Canady. Also joining them in Denver will be Patricia's daughter Kelly Canady, who also be blogging from the convention here on BlogForArizona.

Of course, if any other Arizona convention delegates want to post their impressions or share an interesting story, they are more than welcome to post as well. BlogForArizona aims to be the place where the conventioneers write home to Arizona. Also check out Tedski's RCubed coverage as the official DNC Arizona blogger; he's sure to have some interesting insights.

This post will remain front and center through the convention, with all new posts appearing below. If you want to filter posts to only see convention related posts, Just click here or on the logo. Get ready for an insider's look at the convention that will propell the Democratic ticket of Obama/Biden to the Presidency.

If you have suggestions for the blogging conventioneers, please post them in the comments of this post.

Ready, Set, Go

Heading to Denver - by Pat Canady

It is time to head to Denver for the 2008 Democratic National Convention. Being inundated with event invitations, Caucus materials, and Special Interest Group packets, tells me this is going to be a very busy and informative convention.

The Arizona Delegation is staying at the Hyatt Regency Tech Center Hotel which is 25 miles south of Denver. We will be leaving in the morning via Light Rail and most likely not be returning until midnight. This makes for a very long day so I have been in training.

Besides getting up early to walk the dog and exercises, I have been volunteering for candidates and the Pima Democratic Headquarters. More recently I've been working on Barack Obama Fund Raisers and an upcoming event, G.O. Tucson (Generation Obama) to be held September 27th. For late night endurance, the Olympics have been keeping me up until midnight for two weeks. It remains to be seen if my training works!

One of the first Caucus Sessions I am attending is Senior Power '08, sponsored by Alliance for Retired Americans, AFT Program on Retirement, AFSCME Retirees, National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare, Retirees Dept of the IAM. I am attending as a Steering Committee Member for Grandparents for Obama. You can find out more about this group on www.barackobama.com. With a history of high voter turnout, older people will be key to a Democratic victory in November. More recently, senior voters have been "swing" voters. We cannot afford to have this group voting Republican this year!

For my enjoyment, I am attending Emily's List Luncheon with keynote speakers, Nancy Pelosi, Hillary Clinton and last by not least Michelle Obama. I have been told this luncheon is worth attending and look forward to meeting these women Democratic leaders.

I have also signed up for Delegate Service day, hosted by Michelle Obama. My assignment is working with Meals on Wheels sorting and packing food. There are a variety of community service events going on all over Denver that day. This is a great way to support Obama Works such as community events we've held in Tucson this year.

Floor time at the Pepsi Center and Senator Obama's acceptance speech will be highlights for me as well. I look forward to participating in as many events as possible.

My husband is driving 5 women to the convention and back. We are meeting another friend, from Seattle, there who will be staying with our group at their hotel. All of these women have been volunteering for Obama for over a year and they will be volunteering in Denver. We are a dedicated team! And husband, Ron, deserves a medal for driving us and being so supportive!

Many people have signed up to Blog for Arizona. I may occasionally share my daughter's lap top and do the same if time allows. We will be checking in at the media tent and find our Arizona friends there.

Meanwhile, keep up the HOPE and support Barack Obama '08! YES WE CAN!

A Meeting with our Future Commander-in-Chief

by John Adams

Last Wednesday, June 18, in Washington, I had the privilege of joining a group of thirty-seven retired generals and admirals in a meeting with Senator Barack Obama, to discuss national security issues. 

I entered the meeting with Hope, believing with all my heart that Barack Obama can bring the change our country needs, to restore our safety and prosperity.  I left the meeting with Fulfillment, knowing that this is a leader who is ready to be our Commander-in-Chief today.

A small but revealing digression...as our group waited for our meeting to start, greeting each other, including (for me) some whom I hadn't seen for years (previous assignments in the Middle East, the Balkans, the Pentagon), speaking of why we were together, suddenly we recognized -- literally in our midst -- the voice we've all come to know, that of Barack Obama.  The room hushed immediately.  Barack told us he was running about fifteen minutes late, and he wanted to let us know that he regretted the delay, but we'd get down to business soon.  He could have sent someone to tell us, of course, but that's not his style.  Instead, he told us himself. 

The mark of a leader who respects others...

As the outlines of the meeting have been reported in the press, I'll take the liberty of commenting on the atmospherics within the bounds of discretion, as the points of our discussion must remain "closed-door."

Senator Obama opened the meeting with a heartfelt thanks to all of us -- and to those who wear the uniform of the United States of America -- for our service.  He asked us not to hold back in the discussion on national security issues -- encouraging us always to do the right thing, to speak our minds with absolute candor.  His demeanor was calm, relaxed, purposeful, and completely businesslike. 

Throughout the meeting, he genuinely listened -- and responded appropriately to -- our concerns.  His tone of urgency and determination to address the serious issues facing our country inspired all of us to voice our concerns in the same spirit.  And Barack's encouragement -- to speak our minds honestly and directly -- found success.  No one held back. 

And though Senator Obama was clearly in charge of the meeting (setting the broad topics, responding thoughtfully and knowledgably to our observations), he listened to our group far longer than he spoke to us. 

The mark of a leader who values counsel...

Senator Barack Obama is both brilliant and wise.  Vitally important for a Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the United States of America, he knows how to lead, and how to call professionals to duty in service to our Constitution.  He knows the national security issues facing our country internationally -- and domestically.  He understands the process by which our national security strategy should be derived -- and he also understands how the process can go off the rails. 

Most important for Americans who trust in his leadership and wisdom, he is already tackling national security issues with both urgency and determination...as a Senator and as our Party's standard bearer now, but looking forward to the challenges he'll face in office.  Barack Obama leans forward.

The mark of a leader with his priorities straight...

We've all seen how masterfully Barack has run the most successful primary campaign in recent memory, harnessing the energy of tens of millions of Americans, a host of committted volunteers, as well as a skilled professional staff, to build a movement that overcame all the odds to win.  Now we can see he has hit the ground running in the general election campaign. 

Among other things, I took away from our meeting last Wednesday that Barack Obama feels a solemn duty to Americans to restore our national security after eight years of the Bush Administration's disregard for our safety and prosperity.  As Barack quotes Martin Luther King, this movement is about "the fierce urgency of now"...

The mark of a leader who serves the American people...

And you can believe -- on national security as on all the other urgent issues crying out for leadership and competence -- President Barack Obama will hit the ground running in January.

Congratulations to RumRomanismRebellion.net, Arizona's DNC Convention Blogger

Just want to give a shout out to Tedski at R3 for his selection as Arizona's floor blogger at the DNC convention! I'm disappointed that my peeps didn't get the nod (I won't be able to attend the convention myself), but I'm glad that Ted's prose stylings and witty insights will be on the job.

BlogForArizona.com will also be in Denver as elected Arizona delegates post their impressions during the convention. I'm also hoping that BlogForArizona will still be chosen for additional press pool passes for non-delegate correspondents from this blog. Keep your fingers crossed.

Convention Highlights

Excerpts from The 1908 Denver Demo Convention, Tom Noel) by PL Canady

Before continuing the Convention Highlights, let me introduce myself. My name is Pat Canady and I am retired from a career in Education and being a Small Business Owner.  My interest in politics led me to becoming a Democratic Party volunteer starting with the JFK Campaign.  Since retiring to Arizona, I have volunteered for a variety of candidates in many capacities. As an Elected Precinct Committee Person, I became a member of the AZ Democratic State Committee. I met Michel at the March 15th Congressional District 8 Caucus where I was campaigning for an Obama Delegate position .  Out of a group of 15 women, I was elected in the sixth round of voting.  Michael was interested in having someone blog to his site from the Democratic Convention in August 2008.  That is why I am posting these articles about Conventions, Candidates, and Delegates. I will continue to research points of interest and eventually share experiences from Denver with you.

Meanwhile back at the Denver Democratic Convention in 1908, the New York Times and East Coast newspapers sniped at Denver's handling of the Convention. The July 7th edition of the New York Times commented that it was a "populist convention", with whiskers, homespun suits and "riled" shirts and hayseed everywhere. It seems to me that they were paving the way for cable news stations and political pundits of today!

Colorado women received the vote in 1983. The other states giving the women the right to vote were Utah and Wyoming. The women from these states attended the convention and were sorely disappointed that the Democratic Platform did not endorse nationwide women's suffrage. These women were pioneer female delegates. This makes the West seem far more progressive then the East Coast critics of Western style politics!

Today, the states send an equal amount of women and men delegates to the conventions. Women's issues still remain on the forefront, however. For example: Violence Against Women at the Senior Round-table for Women's Justice; A Right to Choose as in Roe VS wade decided in 1973; Discrimination in the Work Place are just some issues unresolved in many states in the USA as well as other countries. These and other issues will be brought up at the convention in Denver 2008.  The pioneers would be both proud of the progress made in 100 years and astonished at the fact that there is so much unfinished business.

Democratic Convention Highlights (Excerpts from the 1908 Denver Demo Convention, Tom Noel)

Early in the last century, Denver, Colorado constructed the huge Municipal Auditorium to hold large conventions. After being rejected by the Republican's 1908 Convention, Denver enticed the Democrats with offers of free use of the auditorium, free decorations, drinks and $100,000 cash.  In comparison, this year Denver will have to come up with more like $100,000,000 to cover the Party's cost!

William Jennings Bryan was the inevitable candidate in 1908. Denver tried to provide drama in other ways. They hired a troop of Apache Indians to dance and mingle with the hoopla of delegates making it difficult, as Damon Runyon put it in the Rocky Mountain News, to distinguish Wild Indians from Democrats, except that the latter were "wearing a lot of badges" and yelling ALL of the time.

In comparison, this year's Democratic Convention, thus far, does not have a clear cut candidate in place. Democrats may have a different kind of entertainment as the possibility of a brokered convention is pending.  Before the era of presidential primaries, conventions were routinely brokered. Adlai Stevenson, in 1952, for the Democratic Party, and Thomas Dewey, in 1948, fro the Republican Party were the last two candidates selected through a brokered convention, although the Democratic Party's 1968 convention might have been brokered had it not been for the assassination of Robert F. Kennedy.  The last brokered convention to yield a nominee that went on to win the general election was the Democratic Convention in 1932. That candidate was Franklin Roosevelt.

Since then, there have been many years when brokered conventions were projected but did not come to pass.  In 1988, a brokered convention was predicted for the Democrats since several candidates on the Super Tuesday primaries that year.  Theorists have identified two types of political momentum, piecemeal and all-at-once, with different impacts on the front-runners.  In addition, the political parties wish to avoid the negative publicity from a brokered convention as well as to maximize the amount of time the nominee has to campaign for the presidency. There are approximately two months between the major parties conventions and Election Day in November.  In addition, the candidate nominated from the brokered convention will be seen as unconvincing and must jump additional hurdles in a relatively short time to gain the needed votes.  It is in the party's best interest to have the Clinton and Obama race resolved prior to the convention in August 2008.

To be continued by Pat Canady

First Post - In Defense of Liberty!

by John Adams

First of all, thanks to Mike Bryan and Blog for Arizona for the opportunity to contribute to this exciting, progressive community.  It's a privilege to share our thoughts on today's issues.

Since this is my first post, please allow a brief introduction.

I retired from Active Duty in the US Army in September 2007, as a Brigadier General, with over thirty years' service to our Constitution as a Military Intelligence officer, Army Aviator, and Foreign Area Officer.

With on the ground experience in both Iraq and Afghanistan (temporary duty in 2004), I also served in Africa (Operation Guardian Assistance, Rwanda, 1996), Europe (Operation Allied Force, the Balkans, 1999), and the Middle East (Operation Desert Storm, Saudi Arabia, 1991).

On 9/11, I was at the Pentagon, 100 yards from the crash site...and on that tragic day I participated in the rescue and recovery of the shattered bodies of our brothers and sisters-in-arms. As a committed servant of the Constitution of the United States of America, I am determined to combat the murderers who attacked us on 9/11.

But I am just as determined to combat the fear-mongering criminals in the Bush Administration who assault our Constitutional rights under the guise of protecting us—and who under false pretenses, send our brave troops to die in the unconscionable occupation of Iraq.

From first-hand experience, I know national security issues. I also know that the Bush Administration cynically exploits our fears to gain ever more control of our national security apparatus, benefit the richest among us economically, and eviscerate our constitutional liberties.

Although I have taken off my Army uniform, I am no less committed to fighting for our Constitution—and for real national security—than I was when on Active Duty.

However, as John F. Kennedy said in his acceptance speech for his nomination as the Democratic Party candidate for President in 1960, "We are not here to curse the darkness, but to light a candle that can guide us."

In that spirit, please allow me to address a brighter subject...the movement to elect Barack Obama as our next President. Barack has a life experience that demonstrates his capacity for hard work and commitment...and most important for someone who aspires to the Presidency, Barack is a brilliant, caring, perceptive, and courageous leader.

My own life experience convinces me that Barack Obama is the greatest leader we have seen in America for generations. He has the experience, the judgment, and the passion to inspire all Americans, to unite us, and to carry this country forward beyond ethnic and economic divisions.

As a delegate pledged to Barack Obama, I will fight to make him our nominee at our Democratic National Convention.  With the help of Americans united in the conviction that we must change the course of our country, and chart a new one that benefits all our people, we will elect a President of whom all Americans will be proud.

I am privileged to call Blog for Arizona my "home," including at the upcoming Democratic National Convention. I welcome your thoughts—and your counsel—as we march toward Denver and beyond.

District-Level Pledged Delegates for Arizona

The complete list of the 37 delegates and six alternates selected at Saturday’s caucuses are:

See the results after the click...