R U A Blogger?

Are you a Blogger? Would you like to attend the National Convention as a credentialed member and report back to the state of Oklahoma concerning the daily activities? If so, you have two days remaining to submit your request to be selected as a DemConvention State Blogger for the Oklahoma delegation. To find out more about this wonderful opportunity, please read the posting below.

The Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC) has announced that bloggers credentialed as part of the DemConvention State Blogger Corps will be seated with their respective delegations in the Pepsi Center during the historic four-day event. The move guarantees bloggers with a focus on state politics a unique vantage point to provide localized coverage of the convention. It also creates opportunities for state parties. Because each state’s selected blogger will now be seated with the delegation, it is critical that state parties engage in the process and encourage bloggers to apply.

Under the DemConvention State Blogger Corps, which is designed for those covering state and local politics, the DNCC is offering the opportunity for one blogger to be credentialed from each of the states and territories. The program, recognizing the growth of more localized blogs and in line with Governor Dean's 50-state strategy, has been open for applications since December.

The criteria used to select members of the State Blogger Corps and an application can be found at http://www.demconvention.com/blogger-credentialing-process/. Thus far every state and territory has had at least one blogger apply except Alaska, American Samoa, Democrats Abroad, and the US Virgin Islands. All applications must be submitted by April 15th. parties with questions about the credentialing process should contact Ana Ma at 202-362-2033.

Governor Howard Dean in OKC

Please join Governor Brad Henry and Chairman Ivan Holmes for a DNC Rally and Fundraiser, Monday April 7. For additional information on time and location, please scroll down to Governor Deans' picture on the blog.

Planning for the National Convention

Plans are currently underway for the National Convention in Denver Co. The 2008 DNC convention will be held in Denver, Colorado August 25-28, 2008. DNC National Committeewoman Betty McElderry and Vice Chair Kitti Asberry will be the official Arrangements chairs for the Oklahoma delegation. A hotel and convention site walk-through is scheduled for June 26-28. While in Denver, the Oklahoma delegation will be staying at the Embassy Suites, 1881 Curtis Street, located in downtown. As additional information is available, the Arrangements chairs will keep you updated.

2008 Oklahoma Status of Women

Please make plans to attend the 2008 Oklahoma Women’s Summit Friday, April 25. The event will be held at the State Capitol. Pre-registration is $25 ($15 for students) and includes Continental breakfast and lunch.

Click here to download the 2008 Oklahoma Women's Summit Registration Form.

For more information, email ocsw@opm.ok.gov, or call (405) 522-6897.

For additional information concerning the Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women, click below to visit the site
Commission website.

Call from Gov. Dean

Had a phone call from DNC Chairman Governor Howard Dean today about the April 7th event in OKC. This is a great time to show your support for the work of the national Democratic Party and to show Gov. Dean appreciation for his support of the Oklahoma Democratic Party through the 50-state strategy. For more information check out the event on the DNC website here.

OFDWC Convention

The Oklahoma Federation of Democratic Women’s Club (OFDWC) will hold their annual state convention, Friday April 18, - Saturday April 19, 2008. The convention is being hosted by the 1St District OFDWC’s Heart of the Party club.

When the Democrats go marching in is the theme for this year’s event which will be held at the OKC Embassy Suites, 1815 S. Meridian. Registration is $75 p.p. which includes Friday lunch, Saturday dinner, Saturday lunch and Saturday night’s banquet.

Individual tickets may be purchased for the following prices: Friday lunch - $20, Saturday Lunch – 20 and Saturday night banquet - $40.

This year, the OFDWC will introduce their new 20 month calendar. The calendar which includes the remainder of this year and all of 2009 can be purchased for $15. Pictures on the calendar include photos of our elected officials. Be sure to get your at the event!


Friday’s speaker for lunch will be Insurance Commissioner Kim Holland. Friday’s activities include a trip to the Oklahoma National Memorial and Museum, the museum and memorial dedicated to the victims of the bombing in Oklahoma City of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building.

Friday night’s activity will include our biennial candidate auction. This year, the theme for the auction will be Mardi gras. Candidates will decorate their tables with masks and beads reminiscent of New Orleans all - time famous party.

Saturday mornings convention will open with our annual business meeting. The committee is still awaiting confirmation for Saturday’s lunch speaker.

Lt. Governor Jari Askins has been invited as keynote speaker for Saturday night’s banquet. The evening will include a live auction.

For additional information, please contact Debi Thompson, President of the OFDWC at (405) 834-2348

Join the Party Rally

Please join Chairman Ivan Holmes and the Democratic Party as we welcome DNC Chairman, Governor Howard Dean to Oklahoma. Click on the link below for additional information.

http://www.democrats.org/page/event/detail/4vhtz

Women and the Political Process

According to an International Women's Democracy Center fact sheet the US ranks 63rd worldwide with 15.2% women in the House and 14% in the Senate. For more information on women and the political process visit the IWDC at http://www.iwdc.org.

Thought for the Day

Talent is a wonderful thing, especially when it is shared!

State Convention 2007 with Howard Dean

You Decide 2008 ODP State Convention

Thought for Today

When one's expectations are reduced to zero, one really appreciates everything one does have.
Stephen Hawking

Information for National Convention Delegates

The DNCC has launched a new page created specifically for national convention delegates. It's a one stop shop where they can register, find information about travel and hotels, and plan what to do in Denver. Visit it at www.demconvention.com/delegates2008.

Women's History Month

March is women's history month, and in recognition of this event, the Oklahoma Democratic Party is hosting a "Women's Development Training". The training will be held Tuesday, March 25 beginning at 11:30 a.m. Topics covered will include Campaign Planning, The 3 M's of Campaigning, Effective Communications and Survival Tips. The training will be held at ODP and will last approximately 2 hours. A light lunch will be served. If you are interested in attending please call Kitti Asberry at (405) 427-3366. This event is free, however, space is limited.

Welcome Linda!

Congratulations to Linda Gray-Murphy, the newly elected Treasurer for the Oklahoma Democratic Party. Linda was elected Saturday during a special meeting held by the Central Committee. As state Treasurer, Linda will complete the unexpired term of Jana Harkins who resigned in February, due to her illness.

Thought for Today

If you want to help, there is always an opportunity as long as you are not too selective.

Meet or Beat the Challenge: Become a Neighborhood Leader

The Party needs activists like you to become neighborhood leaders and inform voters in your community about our Democratic candidates and how they will lead our nation.

This spring, the Democratic Party will give activists the online tools needed to communicate with their neighbors. By becoming a leader you pledge to contact 25 voters in your neighborhood at least three times between March 11 and Election Day, 2008. Leaders will have access to online tools to help them reach out to neighbors and personalize their messages.

Each district is asked to participate. The DNC goal for Oklahoma is to identify 1500 new neighborhood leaders before October. CD-5 Chairman, Jeremy Hendricks has issued a challenge to the other CD Chairs to match or meet CD-5’s goal of 300 recruitments. According to Hendricks, “it’s not going to be easy to beat the challenge”.

ODP is asking all districts to participate and meet the challenge. Plan now to become a neighborhood leader. Call Christine Byrd at (405) 427-3366 for more information about this innovative program that will lead us to reclaiming the White House.

Congratulations!

Congratulations to our National delegates who were elected Saturday at the State convention. A total of 47 delegates representing Oklahoma will attend the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver, August 25-28. Congratulations are also extended to Betty McElderry and Jim Fraiser. Betty and Jim were elected to serve another term as our DNC National Committee members.

With close to 500 in attendance, district caucus groups elected 25 delegates during the first round of elections. The remaining delegates were elected at-large by the credentialed convention delegates.

A special thank you goes out to Emily Allen, Bill and Sue Clifford, Helen Reid, and our YD’s Ashley, Douglas, Jed, Kathy and Johnny for volunteering at the convention.

Did You Watch the Texas Debate?

Did you watch the Clinton Obama debate from Austin last night? What did you think?

For a debate recap click here then add your own to this blog as a comment.

To watch video from the debate last night click here.

Always Time for Change

This video is especially for political campaign junkies, candidates, and admakers. Enjoy!