The Progressive Predicament

Thanks to RB for sharing this, from The Weekly Sift.

The Progressive Predicament

Watching the ever-shrinking reform of the health-care system has made a number of progressives ask some bigger, harder questions. Thomas Shaller wonders why

the bar to clear for public support seems to be asymmetrically higher for progressive agenda items than conservative agenda items. ... the political reality that less support is needed, say, to pass a tax cut for rich people or start a war than is needed to expand health care coverage or raise the minimum wage

And John Aravosis asks:

how was George Bush so effective in passing legislation during his presidency when he never had more than 55 Republicans in the Senate?

DailyKos' thereisnospoon says outright that Obama and the Democrats in Congress sold us out on health care and financial reform, and delivers this wake-up slap-in-the-face:

He hasn't done this because he's a bad guy. In fact, he's a great guy. I think he's doing pretty much the best job he can. He's sold you out because he's not afraid of you. And really, if I may be so bold, he shouldn't be afraid of you. You don't know who really runs the show, and you're far too fickle and manipulable to count on.

S/he (I'm not sure) laughs at the idea that Democrats could elect a president and 60 senators and then expect that they will go off and work our will. It's more difficult than that.

The Right has built vast networks of think tanks, newspapers, periodicals, cable news channels, and political advocacy organizations to spread their finely tuned, well-honed messages. Their politicians may fail them, and their actual policies may be deeply unpopular, but their message machine nearly always works its magic to get them what they want, even when Democrats are in power.

That's partly because the American political Right never quits and never gives up. They know that organization is the key to their success, and they don't trust politicians to do their work for them. Democrats, on the other hand, get disappointed and quit when our politicians don't pan out the way we wanted. That's why we lose.

Until liberals have an equivalent level of organization, s/he claims, our agenda will always fall by the wayside.

OpenLeft's Paul Rosenberg pulls a bunch of this together, and then makes some very good observations about structural problems in the American political system.

We are the only advanced industrial nation with a pronounced and persistent class skew to our rates of voter participation-a skew that persistently under-represents progressive views, and like any feature of the political system that has endured this long, there is nothing accidental, incidental, casual, or individual about this.

Sure it's specific individuals who are not voting, but their non-participation is not fundamentally a result of individual choice. They are responding rationally to the fact that their votes don't make a difference, that politicians don't listen to people like them, and that paying attention to politics only gets their hopes up in order to dash them--an extra helping of bitter disappointment that they really don't need in their lives.

He proposes an agenda to change the nature of the political process: election reform, strengthening unions, immigration reform so that we no longer have a non-voting underclass, and so on. Democrats pay lip service to this stuff, but haven't put any real muscle behind it.

It all comes down to the difference between corporations and people. Corporations are rich, they're totally amoral, they never take their eyes off the ball, and they don't get discouraged. People aren't like that. So a political movement that looks out for people is disadvantaged when it faces a political movement that looks out for corporations. This doesn't mean that people can't win, but they've got to face their disadvantages squarely.

Good Read for the Day

E J Dionne has a thoughtful column today on the Senate Health Care Reform situation. Urging progressives "don't scream, organize", he warns now is not the time to throw up our hands.

Of course what has happened on the health care bill is enraging. It's quite clear that substantial majorities in both houses of Congress favored either a public option or a Medicare buy-in.

In a normal democracy, such majorities would work their will, a law would pass, and champagne corks would pop. But everyone must get it through their heads that thanks to the now bizarre habits of the Senate, we are no longer a normal democracy.

Because of a front of Republican obstruction and the ludicrous idea that all legislation requires a supermajority of 60 votes, power has passed from the majority to tiny minorities, sometimes minorities of one.

Worse, more influence in this system flows to those willing to kill a bill than to those who most devoutly want to pass one. The paradox in this case is that senators who care most passionately about extending health coverage to 31 million Americans have the least power.

He notes how dysfunctional the Senate is, and if you read the comments on this article in the Oregonian, the writers miss the fact that the D's do NOT have 60 votes.

What transpired was thus not the product of some magic show in which more conservative senators are endowed with mysteriously ingenious negotiating abilities while liberals are a bunch of bunglers. The whole system is biased to the right because the Senate itself -- a body in which Wyoming and Utah have as much representation as New York and California -- is tilted in a conservative direction. The 60-vote requirement empowers conservatives even more.

Democrats have no purity pledge when they run as Democrats. Indeed, there are Democrats in some states which shall remain nameless but you know who they are, who would be R's any place else. The presence of only a few 'centrist' R's, like Maine's senators, underscores the vanishing species of 'just right of center' politicians in the GOP.

This whole process is very frustrating. Op Eds bash 'Obama's Health Care Bill' when in fact it's been castrated by the GOP efforts to stop any reform at all. But we progressives need to get over our anger, and resist walking away from this mess. No excuses. We should join the likes of Jay Rockefeller and Sherrod Brown, and ramp it up.

In the meantime, progressives such as Brown and Rockefeller are right to be fighting with all their might to push through this less than perfect but still remarkably decent proposal.

To vote against it, Rockefeller said when I caught up with him recently, "you have to be for not covering 30 million people ... you have to be for denying coverage to people with pre-existing conditions ... you have to be against helping small businesses buy health insurance." His list went on and on and on, making the point that this bill represents rather astonishing progress.

Brown is of the same view, and also points to where progressives now need to direct their energies. Senate passage of this bill is not the final step. The Senate proposal, Brown said in an interview, can still be improved.

Let's urge our Senators and Representatives to get the final bill closer to the House bill than it is to the Senate bill and keep the pressure on to constantly improve it. If we'd had imperfect health care legislation back when the Clintons were working on it, think of how it could have been morphed into something GOOD by now. Inaction is not an option.

It's a lot easier to improve a system premised on the idea that everyone should have health coverage than to create such a system in the first place. Better to take a victory and build on it than to label victory as defeat.

Victory for Democrats

Dwight Pelz
Chair, Washington State Democratic Party
November 21, 2009

If the Democrats get 60 votes for cloture this week, then a health care bill will probably pass the Senate. The bill will go to Conference Committee, and a new health care bill will emerge which can be expected to pass both houses and be signed by the President. When that happens, it will be a great victory for Democrats and working families in America.

When Congress passes a health care bill it will be declaring that health care for Americans below the age of Medicare is now a federal responsibility. Health care will join the list of issues "federalized" in the last 75 years by Congress: unemployment, retirement, and health care for seniors. Congress created unemployment insurance and Social Security in 1935, and Medicare in 1965.

The fierce battle taking place in America over this issue is actually a more critical battle of whether it is the role of government to solve problems facing our nation. This opposition is spearheaded by forces and ideas that have not accepted, and still seek to roll back, the New Deal.

For the greater part of the 20th Century it was the clear understanding of both political parties that the role of government was to solve problems, and that taxes were to be collected to finance these solutions. Dwight Eisenhower and Richard Nixon were classic New Deal American political liberals in this tradition. Eisenhower had utilized the full power of the American government to defeat Hitler; then directed the government to build the Interstate system and to respond to Sputnik by investing in education. Nixon was the greatest environmental President of all time, responding to Rachel Carson and the first Earth Day by passing the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and creating the Environmental Protection Agency.

Kennedy thrilled America with his challenge, "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country." Lyndon Johnson was the last New Deal President, passing the Great Society, the Civil Rights Act, the Voting Rights Act, and Medicare.

It was Ronald Reagan and his right wing oil patch patrons that declared war on the role of government in America. Reagan announced that "government is the problem, not the solution.", and promised that the way to improve government was to starve it of its funds. He cut the top income tax rates for his patrons from 70% to 28%, and launched an era of 25 years in which the income for the median American family remained flat while the top 1% doubled, and top .01% quadrupled.

GW Bush picked up Ronald Reagan's torch and carried it with a vengeance. He almost repealed Social Security, the New Deal bulwark once considered untouchable by American politicians. He became the first President to cut taxes during a war, reducing the rates for his friends in the top one percent by $930 billion, while creating a $1 trillion deficit in the midst of a growing economy. Bush asked his political base, “What can your country do for you?”

To illustrate how far we moved on the role of government, take the issue of poverty. When Michael Harrington's 1962 book "The Other America" identified destitute families and communities in America, his findings shocked the nation. In 1964, Congress, on a bi-partisan vote, quickly declared "War on Poverty". In George Bush's America we came to accept the homeless sleeping on the streeet, and beggars on every freeway ramp. These were simply the "have nots" in Bush's "Ownership Society".

Barack Obama has challenged the Reagan/Bush doctrine that the government should not confront the myriad problems facing America. In his Inaugural Address he said, "The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works, whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified." Obama has called on the government to end the Recession, enact health care reform, curb global warming, and boost clean energy jobs.

The opposition to the health care bill is fierce because the stakes are so high. FOX News commentators and Right Wing intellectuals lie daily about the basic facts of our health care system and the proposed legislation. Republicans in Congress offer no solutions because they do not believe the federal government should play a role in fixing the health care system.

If Congress enacts health care reform in the weeks ahead, the legislation will not be perfect. But once it becomes a federal policy matter, Congress will be forced in the future to improve the system and root out the inefficiencies and inequities. As that happens, it will be a great victory for Democrats and working families in America.

Holiday Party Time

Mark your calendars for Sunday, December 13th. The Klickitat Democrats will be hosting a party at the Lyle Lions Club, 5th St and State Hwy 14, from 1:30-4:30 pm. Wear your dancing shoes because The Old Time Fiddlers will be there playing some lively tunes for us.

The food theme for the pot luck will be salads and pies. Get creative!

We are asking everyone to bring canned goods for the Food Bank to help those less fortunate than ourselves during the holiday season.

Powerdale Dam Decommissioning

With our own Condit Dam project in the works, some might be interested in the project across the big river. Note that the Columbia Land Trust sponsored Powerdale Open House event will not be a traditional meeting format. It will be a true open house, which means you can show up at any time between 5 and 7 pm to learn about the coming land transfer and make your recommendations on the future management strategy. Show up at 5, however, to hear a welcome and introduction by the CLT staff. Thanks to Pat for keeping us 'in the know'.

PacifiCorp Powerdale Dam Decommissioning and Land Transfer

Community Information Meeting

When: Wednesday, December 2, 2009 at 5:00 pm

Where: Hood River Valley Adult Center

2010 Sterling Place Hood River, OR

Kathleen Room

Columbia Land Trust is hosting a community meeting to discuss transfer of the lands associated with the Powerdale Hydroelectric Project and proposed management strategies for those lands.

In 2012, it is anticipated that PacifiCorp, owners of the project, will transfer their associated project lands to Columbia Land Trust, Hood River County and Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife to ensure a future that benefits fish and wildlife, and retains existing recreational uses.

Overall management strategies, restoration project goals and activities, and recreational uses will be discussed. Please come share your thoughts. A representative from PacifiCorp will also be in attendance to discuss the decommissioning of the Project.

For more information contact Brad Paymar at 360-213-1208

Doc Watch

Thanks to The Other Side Online for keeping us up on Doc Hastings' voting record.

In the House of Representatives, there were four votes recently concerning various aspects of our military where Dick Hastings just didn’t vote:

• H RES 868- Honoring and Recognizing the Achievements of Women Who Are Current and Former Members of the Military.

• S 509- Authorizing a Major Medical Facility Project at the Walla Walla Department of Veterans Affairs facility

• H R 1168- Veterans Retraining Act

• H RES 291- Recognizing Service and Assistance Dogs in Helping Disabled Veterans Live More Independent Lives.

More on the Walla Walla facility and Doc's inaction here.

Thanks, Yakima Democrats. We'll be keeping an eye on your blog!

Add this Blog to Your Favorites!

Just found this great blog to keep us up to date on wider CD 4 issues. Now that Jay Clough has announced he's running against Doc, we need to keep up! Check out The Other Side Online and put it on your favorite links!

Institute for a Democratic Future

It's that time of year…the Institute for a Democratic Future (IDF) is officially accepting applications for the class of 2010!

Do you know any talented adults, ages 21-36, who might be interested in this coming year's class?

IDF is a six-month long civics program for men and women focusing on three core areas: public policy, the legislative process and campaigns/elections. The program is entering its 13th year and we are looking forward to hope to have another excellent class who will continue to do great things post-graduation: working for our Democratic allies, moving public policy mountains, shaking up the Washington establishment, running campaigns and running for office.

Our six-month program, which will start in January 2010, will take next year's class all over the state and to Washington DC. We will hear from elected officials, alumni, policymakers and local leaders. To see the program calendar click here.

We're proud of our alumni:

Mark Rupp (‘01) is an attorney who worked for State Rep. Ed Murray and US Sen. Maria Cantwell and currently serves as Gov. Gregoire’s federal liaison in Washington, D.C.

Kevin Van de Wege, (’02), a firefighter from Sequim, was elected to represent the 24^th District in the Washington State House of Representatives in 2006.

Sudha Nandagopal (’08) and Kelly Drake (’07) work with Washington Conservation Voters to keep our elected 
officials green and moving a green, pro-environment agenda forward.

Jennifer Estroff (’09), a community health educator in Ellensburg, got involved in politics through the Obama campaign and currently is the Kittitas County State Committeewoman and a member of the WSDCC Rules Committee.

These are just a few of our graduates who are changing the political landscape. IDF can count among its alumni labor leaders, congressional staff, policy analysts, campaign workers, political consultants, lawyers, fundraisers, and engaged citizens who volunteer on campaigns and in their communities. We are proud for our small part we play in these successes.

Can you help us build our next great class? Do you know someone who might be interested in our program? Send them our way!

For more detailed information on the program and to apply visit our website at
www.democraticfuture.org. We'll be accepting applications through November 20. Please feel free to forward this email to anyone else who might be interested. If you have any questions or comments please call 425-395-4330 or contact me atovrobinson@gmail.com.

Olivia Robinson

Board Chair, Institute for a Democratic Future

Calling All CD 4 Democrat Writers

On Being a Democrat in Central Washington: An Essay Contest
All too often, the majority of voters in Central Washington cast their ballots for Republican candidates and causes. We Democrats must do a better job of communicating our message.

To help shine a brighter light on our party’s principles and priorities, the Fourth Congressional District Democratic Committee is sponsoring an essay contest. Interested participants should answer this question: “What does it mean to be a Democrat in Central Washington?”

Qualifying essays must contain at least 300 words; there is otherwise no word limit, but clarity and brevity will be considered. The three judges will be Norman Luther, of Skamania County; Elaine Smith, of Yakima County; and Barbara Newman, of Kittitas County. Only those residing within the bountiful boundaries of Washington’s unrepresented Fourth Congressional District may enter this contest. Officers of the Fourth Congressional District are disqualified from entering the contest.

All entries must be submitted by midnight, Tuesday, January 12, 2010. Entries should be submitted to George Fearing, Leavy, Schultz, Davis & Fearing, P.S., 2415 W. Falls Avenue, Kennewick, WA 99336, or by e-mail to gfearing@tricitylaw.com.

Most, if not all, essays will be posted on the Fourth Congressional District Democratic Committee website.
Prizes will be awarded to the authors of the first place essay and the two runners-up.
Get your Democratic fingers punching the keyboard!!

Jay Clough Announces CD4 Run Today

UPDATE: See today's Yakima Herald.

This was in Saturday's Yakima Herald.

If you were at the October meeting of Klickitat Dems, you got to meet Jay, who attended with George Fearing. The announcements were made today during a pair of campaign kickoff press conferences, one at Columbia Park in Kennewick and the other at Millenium Plaza in Yakima.

Jay graduated from Central Washington University with degrees in Pacific Asian studies and Chinese language. He served in the Marines from 1995 to 1999, attaining the rank of corporal. He is married and has lived in China, Japan and Korea.

Though he has no prior experience in local elective office, he feels international experience and younger perspective will have the greatest impact in Congress.

“With my international experience and my education, my desire was to serve my state and represent my state to the nation,” he said.

Look for more from Jay Clough in the coming months!

There may be another candidate making a formal announcement soon...stay tuned.

One Year, Looking Back

Yesterday evening, a dozen Klickitat Democrats met up at Everybody's Brewing to commemorate the one year anniversary (just a day late) of Barack Obama's election. It was a great turnout, with PCOs from White Salmon, N. Fruit Valley, Lyle and Trout Lake among the attendees. Everyone enjoyed the casual conversation, and we all got to know one another a little bit better.

We also checked election results online, and looked for some silver linings in the nonpartisan races. Among them: White Salmon city council and several fire district results. We all had a good laugh about 'Jobs' getting a 1300 votes in the LD race he withdrew from, then unwithdrew, then conceded well before election day. What else could we do? We couldn't help but notice the percentage of the vote was a little bit enhanced. There were actually 800 undervotes, so his percentage was actually 23%, not 27%. At least there were 800 voters who knew the score.

The statewide ballot initiatives were headed in a progressive direction in Washington as a whole, though results in our county were as expected. I1033 won (61-38%). Slightly more encouraging was the vote on R71 for enhanced domestic partners: (58% against-42%for).

Then we all got to thinking about how we felt a year ago.
Barack Obama told us on November 4, 2008:

"The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America -- I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you -- we as a people will get there.

There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won't agree with every decision or policy I make as President, and we know that government cant solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And above all, I will ask you join in the work of remaking this nation the only way its been done in America for two-hundred and twenty-one years - block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand."

These words are honest and true today. He has done a remarkable job in the face of incredible adversity in the nearly 10 months he has been in office. All present stood by their votes, and we have recommitted ourselves to doing the hard work it will take to make our country the best it can be. And to having more of these informal gatherings!

People, Get Ready

Folks,
When the Republican Senate filibuster begins, what a moment in history that will be.
Wealthy Republicans with government provided quality health insurance denying Americans basic health coverage.
I hope we are ready. We need to be mobilized.

Imagine:
-100,000 on the Mall and in front of the Capital in Washington, DC, while the filibuster is underway

-thousands at every Senator's office participating in the filibuster,

-the senate chamber filled with folks denied health insurance or not able to pay the exorbitant premiums

-protests outside every Senator's state offices

Let the TV cameras capture this moment in history,as they did with the civil rights marches and Viet Nam war protests

This is our moment in history and it is fast approaching.

Are you ready?

COLLAPSE on Thursday Night

Need something different to do on Thursday night? Concerned about where our economy is going and the future of our country? Head across our favorite bridge to Hood River and the Skylight Theatre to preview Collapse, the 82 minute 'buzz film' of the Toronto Film Festival. Read a review here and see a clip here.

Show times are 6:30 and 8:30 pm. Get there early enough to buy a beer and a slice of pizza. After the show, there will be a film crew there interviewing people's reactions!

Colbert Report Weighs in on Referendum 71

If you missed the Colbert Report last night, here's what you missed:

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
The Word - Don't Ask Don't Tell
www.colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor Religion

Public Option Annie

The Billionaires for Wealth Care have struck again, infiltrating Friday's conference in DC of the American Health Plan Insurers. This creative protest is worth a look.

Got Your Ballot?

Good. Now Mark It and Drop It Off! Better yet, see if any of your friends or neighbors need theirs dropped off, and run a Ballot Carpool!

Need suggestions? The WA State Democrats endorsed a NO vote on I-1033, which is listed right below the instructions on how to fill out the ballot. Also endorsed was a YES vote on I-71 to uphold the domestic partners legislation.

If you'd like some discussion first, be sure to head on over to Dallesport for tomorrow night's Klickitat Democrats meeting. It will be a full night, with presentations on the ballot issues, health care reform, and introduction of a 2010 LD candidate by none other than George Fearing, who ran against Doc Hastings last time around.

Finally, Klickitat Democrats now have a Facebook Page! Come visit, we need all the fans we can get.

Ballots On The Way

A Message from the WA State Democrats:

Today, ballots are available for the 2009 General Election. Absentee voters should be getting their ballots this week or early next week.

There are two items on the ballot that you should pay close attention to:

• Vote YES on Referendum 71. If this measure fails, important protections will be taken away from Washington's domestic partners.
• Vote NO on Initiative 1033. Tim Eyman's Initiative 1033 will hurt our communities by taking away needed resources.

These races are hotly contested, and your vote and support are needed!

Also, did you know that there's still time to register to vote for the 2009 General Election? For this information and answers to more of your questions, visit our Voting Information page:

http://www.wa-democrats.org/2009votinginfo

OCTOBER MEETING

Mark your calendars:
Friday October 23rd
Dallesport Community Center

5:30 pot luck
6:15 business meeting
7:00 program

Due to scheduling difficulties, we are postponing the meeting with Sharon Smith but are working on a future joint meeting with Skamania Democrats. With the election upon us, there are a few initiatives and referenda on the state ballot to discuss, as well as some more local items. The health care reform debate is ever evolving, and we will have a panel discussion on that as well. Please join us for an evening of information and Democratic fellowship.

Democrats Convene in Walla Walla

The WA State Democrats met this past weekend in Walla Walla. Klickitat State Committee reps Bob Hansen and Lorrie DeKay were there, and report some highlights.

Friday night, after a quick pizza dinner with the Skamania County delegation, Lorrie attended a Votebuilder workshop, and has some good info to share with PCOs on how to use this valuable tool. Bob sat in on the Executive Board meeting, so he had a preview of what was to come on Saturday. Both of us joined the 4th Congressional District Caucus, where George Fearing was elected chair in a unanimous vote. You may recall that George ran for Congress in the last election. We'll have more info soon on potential candidates for the next election. We adjourned to the only hospitality suite for a taste of some local wine, fruit and cheese. Since we had an 8 mile drive to our 'homestay' in Milton-Freewater OR that night, and because it was SO crowded in the hotel suite, we headed out early.

Saturday morning, Skamania State Committeeman Paul Spencer made a presentation to the Rural and Agriculture Caucus on Forest Utilization. We have a copy of the speech and will post it to the main webpage shortly. While Bob attended the Eastern Washington Committee meeting, Lorrie went to the Technology Committee meeting, where more discussion of Votebuilder training and authorized use of Votebuilder took place.

Following that session, Bob went to hear an update of Organizing for America efforts, and Lorrie sat in on the Chairs Meeting, since we didn't have a chair with us. The most interesting part of the Chairs Meeting was an excellent presentation by Dr. Susan Plymate on health care reform. She referenced Sept. 2009 article in the New England Journal of Medicine , Getting Past Denial-The High Cost of Health Care in the United States. She reminded everyone that the TIME IS NOW to contact all of your representatives to insist on health care reform. For more information on Health Care Reform, see the WA Democrats website.

We also heard from the Approve 71 Campaign to preserve the Domestic Partnership Law. Please go to their website to see what you can do to help.

Sharon Mast gave a summary of the Caucus Improvement Team Report. Both primary format and caucus format have their plusses. One of the interesting ideas presented was to use the primary results to determine number of delegates, and caucuses to choose delegates and discuss platforms.

We joined the Skamania delegation for lunch and talked about doing some joint events with them. Then it was back to the hotel for the Central Committee Meeting. The main discussion and action was about Rules for the Selection of Candidates and Nominees for Public Office, and the 2010 Delegate Selection and Affirmative Action Plan. We also had a number of resolutions that were voted on as recommended by the Resolutions Committee. The location of the 2010 State Convention will be Vancouver, WA. Fortunately for us, the meeting was over by 5 pm, and we made it safely back to Klickitat County Saturday night.

If you'd like to know more about the WSDCC meetings, ask Bob or Lorrie.

Next Meeting: October 23rd

REMINDER:
There is no scheduled meeting for September. Our State Committee representatives will be attending the WSDCC meeting in Walla Walla on Friday and Saturday. The next scheduled meeting of Klickitat Democrats is Friday October 23rd. Save the date.

The MYTH of 60

Yesterday, Governor Dean laid out the strategy for passing the choice of a public option this year and contrary to the conventional wisdom in Washington D.C. and the media, the Senate doesn't need 60 votes to make change happen.

The Senate only needs 50 senators and Vice-President Biden to pass -- by majority vote -- healthcare reform including a public option in a budget bill this year. Thanks to you, we have 50 senators on record ready to vote for real reform.

The budget process can start as soon as October 15. We need to hit the critical mass of at least 250,000 signers by then to make sure our call to action has an impact on every member of Congress nationwide. We're already off to a great start with over 10% of our goal in just 24 hours. If we work together, I think we can double it and gather 50,000 signatures by Monday.

As the President said in his speech to Congress last week, this is the season for action. The majority of Americans want the choice of a public option and majority votes in Congress will pass it. Join me in calling on Congress to get the job done this year.

ADD YOUR NAME RIGHT NOW

The myth of 60 is pushed by those who want to kill reform.

But the foundation of American democracy is based on majority votes and the United States Congress is no exception. While Senate rules allow a procedural tactic known as the filibuster to block most bills without the support of 60 senators, there are exceptions -- because Senate rules also ban the use of a filibuster to block budget reconciliation bills. That means, if the Senate can't pass healthcare reform including the choice of a public option with 60 votes, they can still pass it in the budget bill this year by majority vote.

As I mentioned above, your hard work has identified a majority of Congress in both chambers -- at least 218 House Democrats and 50 Senators -- who will vote for the final healthcare bill if it includes the choice of a public option rather than vote against the bill and kill reform. So Congress has the majority votes needed to pass a public option.

The question is do they have the political will to fight back against right-wing fear mongering and misinformation to deliver real reform?

It's up to us to demand action. Let's work hard to get 50,000 signers by Monday.

ADD YOUR NAME -- THEN PASS IT ON

We're winning because you know it takes action to succeed. You don't sit back and hope for change, you deliver results and get the job done. That's why we're going to win.

I know I can count on you to deliver. Thank you for everything you do,

-Jim

Jim Dean, Chair
Democracy for America

Tell Harry Reid It's Time To Lead

It's time for Harry Reid to step up to show leadership and pass the public option through the Senate.

A strong public option is overwhelmingly popular with the public, the House has the votes to pass a bill with a strong public option and President Obama says that he wants to sign a bill with a strong public option.

Yet in the Senate, some Democrats have been allowed to stall reform by fruitlessly trying to attract the votes of Republicans who want nothing more than to see any healthcare reform effort fail. It's clear that getting even a single Republican vote would require unacceptably weakening the bill. Bipartisanship is simply not worth it.

We have the votes to win on the public option. Unlike other types of bills in the Senate, the public option can be passed as a "reconciliation bill" that cannot be filibustered and only requires a simply majority to pass.

Tell Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid he must do whatever it takes, including passing health care reform as a reconciliation bill, to ensure Congress meaningfully addresses the health care crisis we are facing.

Please have a look and take action.

http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/reid_publicoption/?r_by=5995-1998074-GAm67Tx&rc=confemail1

Would YOU Give Glenn Beck the Key to the City?

Any city? Well, Mt. Vernon mayor Bud Norris wants to. And it will happen next week, so join other Washingtonians who think this is a disgrace, including Dwight Pelz, WA State Democrats Chair:

Our country is lead by a racist who is turning America into a fascist state.

That's what FOXNews's Glenn Beck is saying about President Obama, and that is the kind of fear mongering that will be honored later this month. Bud Norris, the mayor of Mount Vernon, Washington, plans to give the key to the city to Glenn Beck on September 26th.

If all politics is local, then we're in trouble. We need to all do our part to fight Glenn Beck's brand of politics. Our partner Fuse Washington has created a petition asking the Mount Vernon City Council to overrule this decision.

Please click right now to sign or read the email below for more information. Don't forget to pass this on to your friends and family too.

http://www.fusewashington.org/page/s/GBeck

Many thanks,

Dwight Pelz, Washington State Democrats Chair

A Message from Barack Obama

I hope everyone heard the speech last night. He said what had to be said, and stood tall for health care reform. Now it's our turn. So go to the link and let our senators and representative know you want them to vote YES on health care reform.

Dear Klickitat Democrats,

I just finished laying out my plan for health reform at a joint session of Congress. Now, I'm writing directly to you because what happens next is critical -- and I need your help.

Change this big will not happen because I ask for it. It can only come when the nation demands it. Congress knows where I stand. Now they need to hear from you.

Add your voice: Ask your representatives to support my plan for real health reform in 2009.

The heart of my plan is simple: bring stability and security to Americans who already have health insurance, guarantee affordable coverage for those who don't, and rein in the cost of health care.

Tonight, I offered a specific plan for how to make it happen. I incorporated the best ideas from Democrats and Republicans to create a plan that's bold, practical, and represents the broad consensus of the American people.

We've come closer to real health reform in the last few months than we have in the last 60 years. But those who profit from the status quo -- and those who put partisan advantage above all else -- will fight us every inch of the way.

We do not seek that fight, but we will not shrink from it. The stakes are too high to let scare tactics cloud the debate, or to allow partisan bickering to block the path. Your voice, right now, is essential.

See my full plan and call on your representatives to support it:

http://my.barackobama.com/SupportReform

Ours is not the first generation to understand the dire need for health reform. And I am not the first president to take up this cause, but I am determined to be the last.

Thank you,

President Barack Obama

Return of The Gotts

Is it 2012 already? Did I go into a Rip Van Winkle-like sleep? Is there no end to this nightmare? Or to John Gotts' ego?

Apparently Gotts got in the top two of the primary, even though he withdrew from the race.
He posted on his web blog on Tuesday:

I'm finding that the Palo Alto lifestyle is the only lifestyle for me. I will be here the rest of my life or will at least have a home here. I have to return to Washington to full-fill the promise I made to my 4th Congressional District but I will ALWAYS have a home here in Silicon Valley.

Dig that!

Sorry, John, I don't dig it at all. You don't HAVE to come back. Really. LD15 will be just fine without you. You obviously want CA to be your home. We're good with that. Especially since the last 'promise' you made was that you were withdrawing from the race to move to sunny California. Do us all a favor and stay where you are.

You can bet your many bottom dollars that your Republican opponent will point out the obvious flaws in your candidacy.

The Yakima Herald's question of the day:

Would you vote for a candidate, regardless of political affiliation, who entered a race, withdrew and then re-entered?

The response should not surprise anyone.
Except for John Gotts.

http://www.yakima-herald.com/polls/149

Maybe THIS is why he won't call us back...

All is becoming clear. Repeated calls for the Democratic Candidate for Legislative District 15 to provide more information on his candidacy have gone unanswered. The Yakima Herald reports this week on a possible explanation. I guess we won't be getting any recommendations from his previous employer...

Hold Dem Caucus Committee Chairs Accountable

At a time like this, you have to wish the Democrats were more like the Republicans. In one specific way, that is - the Republican Party term limits its committee chairs in Congress, whereas Democrats award chairmanships based on seniority. No wonder that Democrats are stuck with Senator Max Baucus to chair the pivotal Finance Committee. Baucus has been in the Senate since 1978, representing a great state, but one with a tiny share of the U.S. population. Not surprisingly, the drug and insurance industries are huge contributors.

Sen. Baucus, as you probably know, has used his chairmanship to put the brakes on health care reform in the Senate, and may ultimately succeed in killing a public health care option almost singlehandedly.There's no excuse for Sen. Baucus to wield this kind of power. Luckily, there's a way to fight back.

Some members of the Democratic caucus are discussing putting chairmanships to a secret ballot vote every two years - that is to say, every two years, all the Democrats of the Senate would get to vote on whether committee chairs get to keep their seats.

Here is a petition to tell the senators of the Democratic Caucus to institute some accountability for their committee chairs. Please have a look and take action.

http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/chair_rules2/?r_by=5487-1998074-LUTPX8x&rc=confemail

Five Lies About Health Care Reform and How to Fight Back

The health care fight has turned ugly, fast. And lies about reform are spreading via anonymous email chains. Here are the real facts that you need to know:


Lie #1: President Obama wants to euthanize your grandma!!!

The truth: These accusations—of "death panels" and forced euthanasia—are, of course, flatly untrue. As an article from the Associated Press puts it: "No 'death panel' in health care bill."1 What's the real deal? Reform legislation includes a provision, supported by the AARP, to offer senior citizens access to a professional medical counselor who will provide them with information on preparing a living will and other issues facing older Americans.2

Lie #2: Democrats are going to outlaw private insurance and force you into a government plan!!!

The truth: With reform, choices will increase, not decrease. Obama's reform plans will create a health insurance exchange, a one-stop shopping marketplace for affordable, high-quality insurance options.3 Included in the exchange is the public health insurance option—a nationwide plan with a broad network of providers—that will operate alongside private insurance companies, injecting competition into the market to drive quality up and costs down.4 If you're happy with your coverage and doctors, you can keep them.5 But the new public plan will expand choices to millions of businesses or individuals who choose to opt into it, including many who simply can't afford health care now.

Lie #3: President Obama wants to implement Soviet-style rationing!!!

The truth: Health care reform will expand access to high-quality health insurance, and give individuals, families, and businesses more choices for coverage. Right now, big corporations decide whether to give you coverage, what doctors you get to see, and whether a particular procedure or medicine is covered—that is rationed care. And a big part of reform is to stop that.

Health care reform will do away with some of the most nefarious aspects of this rationing: discrimination for pre-existing conditions, insurers that cancel coverage when you get sick, gender discrimination, and lifetime and yearly limits on coverage.6 And outside of that, as noted above, reform will increase insurance options, not force anyone into a rationed situation.

Lie #4: Obama is secretly plotting to cut senior citizens' Medicare benefits!!!

The truth: Health care reform plans will not reduce Medicare benefits.7 Reform includes savings from Medicare that are unrelated to patient care—in fact, the savings comes from cutting billions of dollars in overpayments to insurance companies and eliminating waste, fraud, and abuse.8

Lie #5: Obama's health care plan will bankrupt America!!!

The truth: We need health care reform now in order to prevent bankruptcy—to control spiraling costs that affect individuals, families, small businesses, and the American economy. Right now, we spend more than $2 trillion dollars a year on health care.9 The average family premium is projected to rise to over $22,000 in the next decade10—and each year, nearly a million people face bankruptcy because of medical expenses.11 Reform, with an affordable, high-quality public option that can spur competition, is necessary to bring down skyrocketing costs. Also, President Obama's reform plans would be fully paid for over 10 years and not add a penny to the deficit.12

P.S. Want more? Check out this great new White House "Reality Check" website: or this excellent piece from Health Care for America Now on some of the most outrageous lies.

Sources:
1. "No 'death panel' in health care bill," Associated Press, August 10, 2009. http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51747

2. "Stop Distorting the Truth about End of Life Care," Huffington Post, July 24, 2009. http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51730

3. "Reality Check FAQs," WhiteHouse.gov, accessed August 11, 2009. http://www.whitehouse.gov/realitycheck/faq#i1

4. "Why We Need a Public Health-Care Plan," Wall Street Journal, June 24, 2009. http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51737

5. "Obama: 'If You Like Your Doctor, You Can Keep Your Doctor,'" Wall Street Journal, 15, 2009. http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51736

6. "Reality Check FAQs," WhiteHouse.gov, accessed August 10, 2009. http://www.whitehouse.gov/realitycheck/faq#r1

7. "Obama: No reduced Medicare benefits in health care reform," CNN, July 28, 2009. http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51748

8. "Reality Check FAQs," WhiteHouse.gov, accessed August 10, 2009. http://www.whitehouse.gov/realitycheck/faq#s1

9. "Reality Check FAQs," WhiteHouse.gov, accessed August 10, 2009. http://www.whitehouse.gov/realitycheck/faq#c1

10. "Premiums Run Amok," Center for American Progress, July 24, 2009. http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51667

11. "Medical bills prompt more than 60 percent of U.S. bankruptcies," CNN, June 5, 2009. http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51735

12. "Reality Check FAQs," WhiteHouse.gov, accessed August 10, 2009. http://www.whitehouse.gov/realitycheck/faq#c1

Sources for the Five Lies:
#1: "A euthanasia mandate," The Washington Times, July 29, 2009. http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51732

#2: "It's Not An Option," Investor's Business Daily, July 15, 2009. http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51743

#3: "Rationing Health Care," The Washington Times, April 21, 2009. http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51742

#4: "60 Plus Ad Is Chock Full Of Misinformation," Media Matters for America, August 8, 2009. http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51734

#5: "Obama's 'Public' Health Plan Will Bankrupt the Nation," The National Review, May 13, 2009. http://www.moveon.org/r?r=51744

Debunking Health Care Reform Myths

Ballots are Out!

It's kind of disappointing, all that expense to send out ballots with only one item to vote on. Even more ridiculous because there are effectively only two candidates, who would have automatically gone to the fall election as 'top two'. What a waste of money and paper.

Just a reminder, everyone: John Gotts is NOT a candidate for Legislative District 15. He withdrew from this race just days after the deadline to pursue other dreams in California. So don't waste your ink on his little block. And as anyone who is active in the Klickitat Democratic Party will tell you, Gotts does not have, nor will he ever have, the endorsement of the KCDCC.

TAKE ACTION

Have you heard about the six senators who are out to kill health care reform?

Of course, that's not how they'd phrase it. Sens. Baucus, Bingaman, Conrad, Enzi, Grassley and Snowe say they're striving for "bi-partisan compromise." But what they're actually doing is working to make sure reform won't include a public option or mandatory employer-based insurance - two key policies needed for effective reform

.There are 100 members of the Senate, but these six, inexplicably, seem to be holding all the cards when it comes to health care.

So you probably won't be surprised to learn that all six have taken a huge amount of money from the health insurance industry and pharma.

Senator	Lifetime contributions from Insurance/Pharma
Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT)	$1,203,205
Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-NM)	$206,297
Sen. Kent Conrad (D-ND)	$442,165
Sen. Mike Enzi (R-NV)	$342,228
Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA)	$702,595
Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-ME)	$161,706
TOTAL:	$3,058,256

These six senators -- who, by the way, represent only 2.74% of Americans between them -- are writing bad policy, and they're doing it while they take money from the very companies who stand to benefit the most.

Please read over this petition and if you agree, send it off and share it NOW.

Howard Dean with Rachel Maddow

This is worth the time to watch.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Take Action on Health Care

Here are a few links to visit and take action on health care reform:

Democracy For America wants to thank those who helped craft the Affordable Health Choice Act with a choice for a public health insurance option for all Americans, including local area Sen. Patty Murray-WA and Sen. Jeff Merkley-OR. Click here.

Add your name to the list of those supporting the President's health care reform here. You can even post it to your Facebook page and let everyone know you support health care reform. If you are like me, your Facebook Friends include people with all points of view. It's important that we come forward at this time and publicly declare our support if we want this issue to stay on the front page.

Women's health is at stake in this debate. There are legislators who are threatening to block health care reform if it includes reproductive health care in a public option. National Partnership for Women and Families has more on this issue. Planned Parenthood has issued a call for action. This is for real, people. We can't go backwards on women's health.

We'll try to keep you up to date on action items. Check back often.

Unsustainable

Democracy for America Ad Campaign

Democracy for America has teamed up with the Progressive Change Campaign Committee to run tough ads pressuring Democratic Senators who've taken millions of dollars from health and insurance interests while standing in the way of real health care reform.

The ads don't pull any punches, to make sure Democratic elected officials feel some heat if they're on the verge of opposing the President and 76% of Americans who want the choice of a public healthcare option.

If you are interested in more information about this ad campaign click here

Washington Families Standing Together

On May 18, Governor Gregoire signed Senate Bill 5688, a law ensuring that all Washington families are treated the same, with the same protections, the same rights, and the same obligations as their neighbors. Under this law, registered domestic partners (same-sex couples and opposite-sex couples over age 62), and married couples, are treated equally under the law in all parts of the state.

Key rights and obligations in the law include death benefits for the partners of police and firefighters killed in the line of duty; pension benefits for the partners of teachers and other public employees; victims' rights, including the right to receive notifications and benefits allowances; and the right to adopt a partner's child without paying for a home study.

These rights and obligations for domestic partners were passed following those adopted in 2007, when the Legislature established a domestic partnership registry and granted registered couples rights to make health care decisions for a sick partner, visit a partner in the hospital, and consent to an autopsy, along with some property rights. In 2008, registered couples gained community property rights, probate rights, joint responsibility for debts, and other protections.

A group has filed a referendum - Referendum 71 - to try to repeal the law. They have until July 25 to collect 120,577 signatures to get it on the ballot. We - and many, many people across the state - worked together to get this law passed. We are now working together to keep it from being repealed.

As was the case in 2006, strategic, early action may help avoid yet another costly campaign battle, which is especially important with all of the needs facing our citizens in these tough economic times.

So many people have asked how they can help, that a coordinated campaign has formed to help keep the law from being repealed. It's called Washington Families Standing Together - a coalition of community partners committed to working together to protect Washington's families.

Please visit their website to find out more about WFST and how you can help. You can start by signing the 'decline to sign' petition!

Support Clean Energy

Want a FREE sticker supporting CLEAN ENERGY?

MoveOn's partnering with acclaimed artist Shepard Fairey — who designed the iconic Obama "Hope" poster — to offer a FREE "Clean Energy for America" sticker.

Click HERE to order.

How Qualified is Judge Sotomayor?

Locals March for Single Payer, Saturday June 27

In support of the National Day of Service for Health Care, Hood River Democrats are organizing a march. Meet 10:30 at Jackson Park (13th and May) to make signs. The march will be to the Saturday Market downtown Hood River.
For more information call 541-386-3542 or 541-354-1036. Bring signs, sign making supplies if you have them. Materials will be available as well.

Health Care In Prime Time

President Obama will be holding a Town Hall Meeting to address questions about healthcare reform TONIGHT on ABC at 10 PM. Tune in!

National Health Care Day of Service

Organizing for America is working to ensure Health Care Reform in 2009. Community service is a key piece of that campaign, so OFA has designated June 27th as a National Health Care Day of Service. Volunteers will have a chance to make an impact in their own communities as we fight for long term, systemic health care reform.

Volunteers who participate in the National Health Care Day of Service will be stronger advocates for health care reform. Volunteer projects directly expose participants to the reality of our country’s health care system and the millions of people who it is currently failing.

A few ideas include:
• Volunteer at a Community Health Center
• Coordinate a Community Blood Drive
• Run a Healthy Food Drive
• Provide education to the community on Children's Health Insurance Programs

If you would like more information, or can help organize a project in your area, please go to the Organizing for America National Health Care Day of Service webpage.

The Klickitat Democrats also request that you bring nonperishable food items to the meeting on Friday, which will be donated to the Food Bank in support of this effort. Food items may also be dropped off at Coyote Coffee Shop, 120 W. Main St. in Goldendale today through Friday, 10 am til 3 pm. THANK YOU!

Wind Power

It's amazing how many windfarms there are now on the east end of the county. We are lucky to have options for clean energy here in Klickitat, with our hydropower and and stiff breezes. Our speaker for this week's meeting will discuss the electric power grid and how our electricity is distributed. How much power can the grid handle? If more wind generators come online, can the grid handle them all? It will be interesting to know how this all works.

The Whistling Ridge Wind Energy Project is a contentious one. This writer is undecided at this point as to whether this is a good or a bad idea. Part of me agrees with Jesse Burkhardt's editorial in this week's Enterprise. He makes some good points. From my viewpoint, I believe I'll be able to see the tops of some of the turbines, at least that's what I think from this simulation. That doesn't particularly disturb me. I'm willing to deal with that in exchange for cleaner energy.

But part of me distrusts that this will be the whole project, that it will grow to be even bigger, with more impact on the aesthetics of the area. What's the impact on the birds in this major flyway? People who live near the proposed development in Underwood and Husum are definitely impacted. Giant turbine towers were not in their vision of what the neighborhood would look like down the road.

How can we make this Wind Power option win/win?

This week's meeting about the power grid is very timely as we all gather information to help make important decisions about the future. We need to be informed, and we need our elected officials to make good choices on our behalf. Join us on Friday in Goldendale!

Meeting THIS WEEK

Don't forget our meeting on Friday, June 26th at the Goldendale Library Meeting Room!

Members and non-members are invited.

Please bring a nonperishable food item for the Food Bank.

5:30 p.m. Potluck
6:00 p.m. Short Business Meeting
6:30 p.m. Presentation on electric power distribution and the smart grid
by a Representative from the Bonneville Power Administration.
7:00 p.m. Questions and Answers
7:30 p.m. Adjournment

Gotts Gone

Big news from the Yakima Herald this week should make many Klickitat Dems a little happier. John Gotts is leaving Washington.

Of course, his name will still be on the ballot, which probably thrills Marichalar about as much as Gotts' shenanigans last election season thrilled Klickitat Dems. What a coincidence, this opportunity came up so suddenly, just six days after certification. One has to wonder what kind of person runs for State Leg while casting a big net for opportunities out of state?

More good news, looks like he won't be coming back to Klickitat. He's burned that bridge. Heads up to Yakima County Dems if he's serious about Toppenish...vet your candidates well. The 15th LD has two more years to field true Democratic candidates before 'Gottcha' comes back. Maybe he'll run as something else by then.

YAKIMA, Wash. -- State House candidate John Gotts of White Salmon is ending his campaign and moving to California.

Gotts, an Internet entrepreneur and one of two Democrats who filed to challenge Republican state Rep. David Taylor in the 15th District, said Wednesday he’d found backers for a new Web venture in Palo Alto.

“These opportunities don’t come up very often,” the 42-year-old said.

Gotts’ withdrawal from the race came six days after the state Secretary of State’s office certified this year’s legislative candidates. His name will still appear on the ballot alongside Taylor and Donicio Marichalar of Grandview in the August primary.

Meanwhile, Gotts said he’ll launch www.byjobi.com, a Web site designed to simplify Google’s advanced search features.

Gotts, who lost a state House race last year to state Rep. Bruce Chandler, R-Granger, wished Marichalar well Wednesday and said he expects to be back in 15th District politics.

“My intention, when this (Internet venture) is over in two years, is to return and probably live in the Toppenish area and probably be involved in politics,” he said.

Fall Races

There are still some political offices without candidates after the filing deadline. There will be a special three day filing period for the offices listed below, June 22-24. If you are interested, submit a declaration of candidacy to the Auditor's Office in Goldendale at the County Courthouse by 5 pm June 24th.

Glenwood School Board Positions 3, 4 and 5
Bickelton Fire District Position 3
Dallesport Fire District Position 1
Roosevelt Fire District Position 2
Prosser Fire District Positions 1, 2, and 3
Appleton Fire District Positions 1 and 3
Cemetery District 2 Positions 1 and 2
Cemetery District 4 Postitions 1, 2 and 3
Hospital District 2 Position 1

Meeting Schedule Changes

This is a time of many important opportunities for Democrats and liberal-minded independents. It is also a crucial time; a time when each of us must stand united against the influence of greed and billions of dollars that would prevent change from taking place. We must be well informed so that we are capable of separating fact from fiction. We also must be ever diligent in our efforts to support Democratic candidates seeking public office at the local, state, and national levels. It is to this end that the Executive Board of the Klickitat County Democrats has designed our general meetings to be interesting and informative. This month our focus will be on energy and how clean, alternative energy sources and a smart grid will move us more quickly to less dependence on the polluting effects of carbon-based and other polluting fuels. Each general meeting will have an educational focus, and our administrative agenda will be kept to a minimum. We believe that you will find our new format to be interesting and informative. Please see the Calendar of Events in the sidebar for the remainder of 2009.

- Loren Johnson, Vice Chair, Klickitat Democrats

Executive Board Met

The Executive Board met on May 26th to establish the meeting dates listed on the sidebar to the left. Program content will be updated as our featured speakers are confirmed. Minutes are available here and will be posted on our main website.

Upcoming Election Opportunities

Klickitat County took a big step last November when voters elected Barack Obama in a very close race with John McCain. We can make even more progress by electing DEMOCRATS to our local offices, working from the ground up. If you or someone you know is interested in serving your community, here are some offices that will be up for election in 2009.

School Boards: There are at least two seats expiring in 2009 in each of the Wishram, Bickelton, Centerville, Trout Lake, Glenwood, Klickitat, Roosevelt, Goldendale, White Salmon and Lyle School Districts.

Recreation District: There are two Recreation District Director seats in Goldendale that expire this year.

City Councils: Bingen (4 seats including Mayor), Goldendale (4), and White Salmon (3) will be electing City Council members.

Cemetery Districts 1-4: Two Commissioners each in Districts 2 (Centerville) and 4 (Goldendale), One Commissioner each in Districts 1 (White Salmon) and 3 (Glenwood).

Port District Commissioner: One seat

Hospital Districts: District 1 (Goldendale) 3 seats, District 2 (White Salmon-Lyle) 2 seats

Fire Districts: The 15 Fire Districts have one or two commissioners' terms each expiring in 2009.

For a full list of elective offices for Klickitat County, please click here or visit the Klickitat County Auditor's webpage.

If you or someone you know is interested in running, please contact Klickitat Democrats.

Upcoming Election Opportunities

Klickitat County took a big step last November when voters elected Barack Obama in a very close race with John McCain. We can make even more progress by electing DEMOCRATS to our local offices, working from the ground up. If you or someone you know is interested in serving your community, here are some offices that will be up for election in 2009.

School Boards: There are at least two seats expiring in 2009 in each of the Wishram, Bickelton, Centerville, Trout Lake, Glenwood, Klickitat, Roosevelt, Goldendale, White Salmon and Lyle School Districts.

Recreation District: There are two Recreation District Director seats in Goldendale that expire this year.

City Councils: Bingen (4 seats including Mayor), Goldendale (4), and White Salmon (3) will be electing City Council members.

Cemetery Districts 1-4: Two Commissioners each in Districts 2 (Centerville) and 4 (Goldendale), One Commissioner each in Districts 1 (White Salmon) and 3 (Glenwood).

Port District Commissioner: One seat

Hospital Districts: District 1 (Goldendale) 3 seats, District 2 (White Salmon-Lyle) 2 seats

Fire Districts: The 15 Fire Districts have one or two commissioners' terms each expiring in 2009.

For a full list of elective offices for Klickitat County, please click here or visit the Klickitat County Auditor's webpage.

If you or someone you know is interested in running, please contact Klickitat Democrats.