Best of luck, Jenny!

The clash of the old guard vs. the new guard.

I am not sure why the election of the DNC delegates is on the agenda at this meeting, since according to he DPO bylaws (Article 8 Section 3 )

"The Democratic National Committee Members shall be elected at the Organizational Meeting following a Presidential Election year."

And I am pretty sure that this is not going to be the organizational meeting, since many counties are still working on electing the delegates to the DPO central committee. And it would be too early anyway, according to the bylaws (Article 6, section 2):

"The initial meeting of a newly-elected State Central Committee shall be known as the organizational meeting. It shall be called by the retiring State Chair, or as provided by statute, and shall be held not earlier than fifty-five (55) and not later than seventy-five (75) days after a general election for the purpose of organizing and electing officers."

Marcello has a sharp eye. The bylaws were changed in May, moving the DNC members' election to the fourth quarter of a presidential election year, in order to comply with DNC rules. The officers of the DPO (chair, etc.) are elected at the organizational meeting, in a time frame set by state law. The DPO had traditionally elected its DNC members in the fourth quarter of the presidential year, but it was changed in 2000 to have the DNC members and the DPO officers elected at the organizational meeting. The first and only time that happened was in 2001. The DNC informed the DPO that it was out of complaince last spring, and the DPO voted in May to put the DNC member elections back where they used to be. Unfortunately, the DPO website hasn't been updated with the new bylaws. I've been pestering them about it, and I'm sure the updated bylaws will be up soon.

I think Mary and Jenny are both great...I really do not get why they are running against eachother. Maybe because Jenny is not "establishment"?

More info needed :).

A few words about Wayne Kinny from the vicechair of Gilliam County Democrats (an endangered but surviving species). My hope is that Wayne will be reelected as DNC Commiteeman. I won't repeat all the good things that Wayne has done for the DPO in the last few years because you already know or can easily find out what they are and how effective he has been. I would rather talk about what he has done specifically for Dems on our side of 'the great divide.' Wayne has done an excellent job of getting many of us who have been kind of sitting on the sidelines more involved the DPO through his personal contact and encouragement.
Though I was born and raised 'in the valley' (that's our way of saying the other side of the mountains) I have lived over here long enough to learn that people over here do view the world from quite a different perspective and feel that our views are not often addressed in Democratic circles. Wayne not only understands that but has worked diligently to change that. He has gone to extra lengths to keep us informed of things going on around the state and nationally. Indeed I will also say that the DPO has made a much greater effort in the last couple of years to support and involve us in the work of the DPO and I give Wayne a lot of credit for that. I'm just sorry that I won't be able to make it to the meeting in Portland this Saturday (I have a job). I want him to continue his good work for us, for the DPO and for the national Democratic party. Wayne Kinney deserves to be reelected. Dale Thompson Condon, OR

Jesse, don't blow a major vein or artery.

I think that Kari or others on the board that knows Mary; should invite her to post her platform and idealogy of being a DNCwoman, to be fair and unbaised.

Jesse, I was stating not to blow a vein from your post stating: "I would be so pissed if the Democratic Party of Oregon didn't make decisions like this out in the open."

Kari, Thanks. I just want to see open dialog from so the only 2 women running for that position.

I have never done this before so I apologize ahead of time for the length. It is hard to boil down 20 years into a single pithy paragraph. Please read on at your leisure.

Taking stock of what one has achieved as an elected official of the Party is an opportunity to both look back at accomplishments and look forward to what is left to do.

Let's take a look forward before we revisit the past. Here, in my view, are our top five goals for the immediate future:

1. Elect a new Chair. This is the first thing the DNC must do. The new Chair needs to exemplify the moral fiber of the Party and its members — all of its members — not just the "blue states" but the red ones as well. This person must show a proven ability to heal the country and the Party. I look forward to doing that as your DNC woman.

2. Revitalize and maintain ties to young voters. Nowhere in the U.S. has anyone shown a better example of how to motivate young voters than we have in Oregon through our innovative Bus Project. Young voters are our future and must be brought into the leadership of our party. It is through internal organizations like the College Democrats and Young Democrats that we can continue to provide the kind of training camps necessary for this to happen. I have consistently worked with these organizations in mentoring and training programs to assist in promoting their leadership. This work has resulted in their leaders becoming executive directors of state parties, full-time staff people for Congressional and state elected officials and professional political positions. I am currently working on — and intend to continue expanding my efforts — to address the specific needs of minority youth through the ethnic caucus structures respecting their elected leadership.

3. Prioritize training. I have worked with the Training Department of the DNC to expand training opportunities and advancements at all regional and national meetings. As one of the original "partners" for our own Voter File project, I made sure our model was utilized at several meetings as an innovative and valuable tool for all state parties. Because of this effort more state parties now own and operate their own Voter File and have broken their dependence on outside "vendors" for voter information. I intend to continue promoting the Oregon model as a viable alternative to expensive voter information that must be re-purchased by the candidates each election cycle.

4. Emphasize "grass roots." Grass roots organizing began with the Labor Movement. I am a graduate of the Midwest Academy on Organizing for Power. I am a student of the Labor Movement and numerous organizing campaigns. I started organizing grass roots efforts with Oregon Fair Share, the New American Movement and DSOC. I followed the teachings of Saul Alinsky and Bill Whipisinger starting in the 1960s on through the '80s till now. When others promised hundreds, I promised 10 volunteers — and mine came. When others promised to train their volunteers, mine already were trained. Grass roots isn't just a "term of art" for me — it is a way of life. It is what makes my union one of the strongest and most respected in Oregon. It is why in the last days of the election we were able to call other states. One of my proudest moments was when I chaired Women for Clinton - set up the location - expecting 30-50 women -- over 200 showed up--ready to voluteer and work hard. Being re-elected to the DNC simply allows me to continue to do what I have been doing most of my life: organizing, motivating and disseminating volunteers. I want to continue to learn more and do the work on the DNC.

5. Continue to improve communications. In my tenure on the DNC I have seen us go from tin cans and string to sophisticated, cutting edge technological advancements. We have now built our own office and facility with state of the art television, radio and computer equipment. The DNC is no longer in a position to be held hostage by contractors who profit from our message delivery system. This has been possible through massive fund-raising efforts by every member of the DNC, me included. My greatest accomplishments are being part of the "partners group" that set up the voter file through Astro for use by local central committees and Democratic Campaigns, establishing phone banks with "predictive dialers" for volunteer calls to Democrats and Union members. Our predictive dialers were "leased back" to the Oregon Democratic Party for GOTV calls in Oregon and around the country this year.

Of course, people will always be the most important component of our Party. Paige Richardson ... Paddy McGuire ... Neel Pender and more — all came to us from inside the "Beltway" years ago and are now considered Oregon's own. John Kerry did not send us a new "staffers" because we already had our own respected professional staff — in-house. We have been successful in developing our own state experts and through the years the National Party has come to respect us for that work. I want to expand on our reputation, credibility and respect through my work on the DNC.

Like our nation, Democrats are diverse, complicated, opinionated and complex. No single message works for all and no single strategy fits in every area. The Oregon delegation has great ideas, good experiences and some tremendous successes. Still, we must be careful as we share not to sound arrogant or self-important. I have built relationships over the years with delegates from every state. We have shared ideas, strategies and messages. Some have worked; others have not. We are still learning about our challenges. Urban - rural splits are one of my top priorities. As staff for a state-wide Union I face this challenge every day at work. I don't have the answers yet --because like you I too am still learning.

Historical perspectives come with age and experience. There is room for both youth and vigor and steady, solid experience. I'll admit I can no longer claim "youth." But I continue to combine vigor with steady and solid experience.

In 1980, I became a precinct committeeperson and continue to serve in that capacity. For several years I served as District Leader for House District 14. Over the last 25 years, I have served my national, state and local party faithfully.

When I was first elected to the DNC, the Oregon Committeewoman had moved to California and refused to resign until after the 1988 convention. This left Oregon with only three representatives on the DNC. I was outraged, and made a promise to make a difference for our state. At my first meeting, I diligently attended the Women's Caucus expecting to see strong leadership and great guidance from national women leaders. Instead, I found a caucus with no leadership ... no money (in fact over $2,500 in debt) ... no direction ... and no plan for the future. I gave them two more meetings and then decided to run as the Chair of the National Women's Caucus of the DNC. I won a hard-fought election against Congresswoman Ruth Rudy with the active support of DNC Chair Ron Brown and Congresswoman Bella Abzug.

That election launched my 6-year tenure as Chair. I was proud to be able to appoint women from around the United States to serve on the national board. Under my leadership, this board took on the monumental task of researching, writing, publishing and distributing a national Gender Gap Report which outlined talking points for candidates on women's issues. We were able to raise sufficient funds for this project from union and private sources — this project was done completely by Oregon women from the research to the final printing and national distribution at the 1992 Convention. We successfully raised over $45,000.

As a DNC Executive Committee member, and in addition to my activities with the Women's Caucus, I worked closely with Black and Latino caucuses and was instrumental in establishing the Asian Pacific Islander Caucus.

Prior to my tenure as Chair, women were NOT equally represented on the floor of the National Conventions in clear violation of DNC rules — but no one had ever bothered to demand enforcement of the rules in the past. After lengthy discussions with my board we determined that we would refuse to seat two state delegations because of their lack of compliance with the gender balance rule. Those states were then forced to "re-balance" their delegations to meet the 50-50-gender balance rule. We joined with other ethnic caucuses to force the DNC to abide by their own rules and "goals" for a balanced delegation from every state. When I chose not to seek re-election, one of my board members, Susie Turnbull, ran for the vacancy. I was able to turn the Women's Caucus over with goals, credibility, great women leaders and a healthy bank account of over $50,000. Today the Caucus Chair is Mame Riley from Virginia another of my original board members.

When the DNC tried to disqualify Oregon's delegation because of our groundbreaking vote-by-mail system, I and the other members of your DNC leadership organized Congressional members and major donors to amend the DNC rules so that our state delegation could participate and be full voting delegates at the 2000 Convention.

For the last 20 years I have been committed to the needs of working families. As a member of AFSCME Council 75's political department and Local 2346 (Tillamook County), I have had the honor of being senior staff in the political program and hold the distinction of being the senior labor lobbyist at the Capitol in Salem.

My employment has given me the opportunity to actively work on issues most important to the Democratic Party and myself. These issues include: equality in the workplace ... pay equity and equal pay laws ... increases in minimum wage ... the Oregon Health Plan and heath care policies ... injured workers rights ... tax policies ... rights for the mentally ill and retarded ... equal housing ... usury controls ... and campaign finance laws. I'm personally proudest of my work on establishing Martin Luther King's birthday as an Oregon state holiday.

This last election was one of the most exciting I've worked on in many years. The involvement of so many young and energetic people has given me hope for the future. We have every reason to be proud of the innovative Bus Project and I'm personally pleased that I and other active AFSCME Democrats were able to convince our union to provide badly needed start-up money. While all the new people involved encourage me, I feel I still have much to offer and with George W. Bush unfortunately still in the White House, my experience and national network is vital to our future success.

As your DNC committeewoman, I will work to strengthen the caucus system within the Party structure. I will continue to encourage and empower our future leaders. I will utilize all the resources at my disposal to win back the U.S. House and Senate in 2006 and the White House in 2008. I have served Oregon well and ask that you support my re-election.

I totally disagree with Anne. Mary doesn't have a reputation of being a bully. She has the reputation of being a belligerent bully. Sheesh, get it right.

A belligerent bully-um? That is a new one me - I have heard a lot of things over the years but never that. I guess if you call strong views - open opposition - never backing down from an honest fight being bully or a belligerent bully then I am guilty. Cause sometimes you have to bully you way through a crowd to get heard. I thought those were strengths - I guess some view them a weaknesses. I'm struly sorry to those who have felt bullied or belligerently bullied by me.

Thought this might help all of you in your discussions. Here are the "official" duties as adopted by the 2004 Convention and outlined in the DNC Charter.

Charter

ARTICLE ONE

The Democratic Party of the United States of America

The Democratic Party of the United States of America shall:

Section 1. Nominate and assist in the election of Democratic candidates for the offices of President and Vice President of the United States

Section 2. Adopt and promote statements of policy;

Section 3. Assist state and local Democratic Party organizations in the election of their candidates and the education of their voters;

Section 4. Establish standards and rules of procedure to afford all members of the Democratic Party full, timely and equal opportunities to participate in decisions concerning the selection of candidates, the formulation of policy, and the conduct of other Party affairs, without prejudice on the basis of sex, race, age (if of voting age), color, creed, national origin, religion, economic status, sexual orientation, ethnic identity or physical disability, and further, to promote fair campaign practices and the fair adjudication of disputes. Accordingly, the scheduling of Democratic Party affairs at all levels shall consider the presence of any religious minorities of significant numbers of concentration whose level of participation would be affected;

Section 5. Raise and disburse monies needed for the successful operation of the Democratic Party;

Section 6. Work with Democratic public officials at all levels to achieve the objectives of the Democratic Party; and

Section 7. Encourage and support codes of political ethics that embody substantive rules of ethical guidance for public officials and employees in federal, state and local governments, to assure that public officials shall at all times conduct themselves in a manner that reflects creditably upon the office they serve, shall not use their office to gain special privileges and benefits and shall refrain from acting in their official capacities when their independence of judgement would be adversely affected by personal interest or duties.

CHARTER ARTICLE THREE Democratic National Committee

Section 1. The Democratic National Committee shall have general responsibility for the affairs ofthe Democratic Party between National Conventions, subject to the provisions of this Charter andto the resolutions or other actions of the National Convention. This responsibility shall include:

(a) issuing the Call to the National Convention; (b) conducting the Party's Presidential campaign; (c) filling vacancies in the nominations for the office of President and Vice President; (d) formulating and disseminating statements of Party policy; (e) providing for the election or appointment of a Chairperson, five Vice Chairpersons, three of whom shall be of the opposite sex of the Chairperson, one of whom shall be the President of the Association of State Democratic Chairs and one of whom shall be the Vice Chairperson for Voter Registration and Participation, a Treasurer, a Secretary, a National Finance Chair and other appropriate officers of the National Committee and for the filling of vacancies; and (f) all other actions necessary or appropriate in order to carry out the provisions of this Charter and the objectives of the Democratic Party.

Section 2. The Democratic National Committee shall be composed of:

(a) the Chairperson and the highest ranking officer of the opposite sex of each recognized state Democratic Party; (b) two hundred additional members apportioned to the states on the basis set forth in Article Two, Section 5(a) of the Charter, consistent with the full participation goals of Sections 3 and 4 of Article Eight of the Charter; provided that each state shall have at least two such additional members; (c) the Chairperson of the Democratic Governors' Association and two additional governors, of whom, to the extent possible, at least one shall be of the opposite sex of the Chairperson, as selected by the Association; (d) the Democratic Leader in the United States Senate and the Democratic Leader in the United States House of Representatives and one additional member of each body, who, to the extent possible, shall be of the opposite sex of, and appointed by, the respective leaders; (e) the Chairperson, the five Vice Chairpersons, the National Finance Chair, the Treasurer, and the Secretary of the DNC; (f) the Chairperson of the National Conference of Democratic Mayors and two additional mayors, at least one of whom shall be of the opposite sex of the Chairperson, as selected by the Conference; (g) the President of the Young Democrats of America and two additional members, at least one of whom shall be of the opposite sex as the President, as selected by the organization biennially in convention assembled; (h) the Chairperson of the Democratic County Officials and two additional county officials, at least one of whom shall be of the opposite sex as the Chairperson, as selected by the organization; (i) the Chairperson of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee and two additional state legislators, at least one of whom shall be of the opposite sex as the Chairperson, as selected by the Committee; (j) the Chairperson of the National Democratic Municipal Officials Conference and two additional municipal officials, at least one of whom shall be of the opposite sex as the Chairperson, as selected by the Conference; (k) the President of the National Federation of Democratic Women and two additional members selected by the Federation; (l) the President of the College Democrats of America and the Vice President, who shall be of the opposite sex, as elected by the organization annually; (m) the Chairperson of the National Association of Democratic State Treasurers and the Vice Chair who shall be of the opposite sex, as selected by the Association; (n) the Chairperson of the National Association of Democratic Lieutenant Governors and the Vice Chair who shall be of the opposite sex, as selected by the Association; (o) the Chairperson of the Democratic Association of Secretaries of State and the Vice Chair who shall be of the opposite sex, as selected by the Association; (p) the Chairperson of the Democratic Attorneys General Association and one additional attorney general who shall be of the opposite sex of the Chairperson, as selected by the Association; (q) the Chairperson of the National Democratic Ethnic Coordinating Committee, who is not otherwise a member of the Democratic National Committee and one additional member, who shall be of the opposite sex, as selected by the Coordinating Committee; (r) the Chairperson of the National Democratic Seniors Coordinating Council, who is not otherwise a member of the Democratic National Committee and one additional member, who shall be of the opposite sex, as selected by the Coordinating Council; (s) additional members as provided in Article Nine of this Charter. No more than seventy-five additional members of the Democratic National Committee may be added by the foregoing members. Section 3. Members of the Democratic National Committee apportioned to the states and those provided for in Article Eleven who are not otherwise members by virtue of Party office, shall be selected by each state Democratic Party in accordance with standards as to participation established in the Bylaws of the Democratic Party for terms commencing on the day the National Convention adjourns and terminating on the day the next Convention adjourns. Such members shall be selected during the calendar year in which a National Convention is held, through processes which assure full, timely and equal opportunity to participate. Vacancies shall be filled by the state party as provided in the Bylaws. The members of the National Committee from each state shall be divided as equally as practicable between committeemen and committeewomen. Members of the Democratic National Committee who serve by virtue of holding public or Party office shall serve on the Committee only during their terms in such office. Members of the Democratic National Committee added by the other members shall serve a term that runs coterminously with the Chairperson of the Democratic National Committee, through the election of the new Chairperson, and until their successors are chosen; members in this category shall have the right to vote for the new Chairperson. Members of the Democratic National Committee who serve by virtue of holding state Party office shall be selected by such parties in accordance with standards as to participation established in Bylaws. Section 4. The Bylaws may provide for removal of members of the Democratic National Committee for cause by a two-thirds vote of the National Committee and may also require continued residence in the jurisdiction represented by the member and affirmative support for the Democratic Presidential and Vice Presidential nominees as a condition of continued membership thereon. The Bylaws may further provide for a minimum level of attendance at National Committee meetings for Democratic National Committee members. The Bylaws may establish that any member of the Democratic National Committee who misses three consecutive meetings of the Democratic National Committee has failed to meet the minimum level of attendance and is deemed to have resigned from the Democratic National Committee. Section 5. The Democratic National Committee shall meet at least once each year. Meetings shall be called by the Chairperson, by the Executive Committee of the Democratic National Committee, or by written request of no fewer than one-fourth of the members of the Democratic National Committee.

I am a rural Democrat. I have the issues of a rural Democrat. When I got a flier from Mary Botkin about her run for re-election, I sent her a letter to address my concerns as a rural Democrat. Weeks have passed with no response. Finally, I got a call from a Bill asking if I would vote for Mary at the Dec. 4th meeting.

How could I possibly vote for her, she hasn't responded. 20 minutes later Mary is on the phone, and gives me her email address, which was oddly lacking on her flier, so I had sent me letter to her mailing address.

It is now a day later, and I haven't heard from Mary.

By contrast, Jenny Greenleaf called me up the other night and asked my opinion of how the Democratic Party could get more support in the "red" rural part of Oregon. We talked for 30 minutes about this.

I think I know how I'm voting Saturday.

Steve Bucknum

Let me set the record streight. I never recieved Steve's letter - still have not. Did get an e-mail from him last night and responded - last night.

For whatever reasons I have lost Steve's vote. Maybe it was because I never responded to a letter I never received or because I failed to include my e-mail address in my letter. I thought because I sent everyone an e-mail they woud have my address - silly me - it was a mistake - nothing more nothing less. If that is the reason you will not support me - then all I can say is sorry.

I thought by particpating in this new Technology called "blogging" I would get to connect to a whole new group of progressive dedicated Democrats that I haven't gotten to know through one-on-one, face-to-face conversations. I have and I am delighted.

To those who want to call out names or make unsigned and unfounded accusations - well - I sincerely wish you well.

I am a who I am - a labor negotiator - a Union lobbyist - once a bra burning feminist who belives in gay rights - gay marriages - a womans right to choose - the right of everyone to vote and count every vote - outspoken - honest - pushy and often times aggressive - tax me more - a defender of everyones right to an opinon even if I don't agree - supporter of other yellow dog Democrats who belives that our Party is big enough for everyone and small enough to listen. If you want something different then don't vote for me - but don't call me names either.

Mary

My name is one of those that has surfaced as one who is interested in running for the DNC Delegate position on Saturday. I wanted to let folks know that if people so move, I will accept the nomination to run for DNC Delegate.

This has been a difficult decision for me because I have a great deal of respect for Wayne. But I have decided to go ahead with this because I feel a deep sense of obligation to help revitalize the Democratic Party and to do whatever I can to help bring us out of a very dark period in our Nation's history.

During the last 12 years, under the current Democratic leadership regime, the party has lost 59 seats in the U.S. House and 12 seats in the U.S. Senate. There are now more Republican Governors than Democrat Governors, and in 2000, for the first time since the reconstruction-era, there were more Republicans than Democrats in State Legislatures.

In the last election, for the first time ever, Democrats raised more money than Republicans in a Presidential race. And that money, our money, was squandered.

It was squandered by a Democratic Leadership Council helped kill the candidacy of Howard Dean, the first populist candidate to emerge from the Democratic party since Bobby Kennedy in 1968.

It was squandered by a Democratic Leadership Council that ran a candidate who failed to beat an incumbant President with a 45 percent approval rating and an agenda that a majority of Americans oppose.

If we cannot reform the Democratic Party now, we may never be able to reform it, and this would be a catastrophic defeat for those who support civil liberties and the public interest.

In my view, the first step towards reforming the Democratic Party and taking our country back, is to send people to the DNC who will challenge the existing power structure, particularly the Democratic Leadership Council, for control of the party.

If I am elected, I will spend the next 2 weeks finding 20 delegates who are willing to nominate Howard Dean for DNC Chair should he choose to run. And, more importantly, I will spend the next two months working through the party's back channels to build a progressive voting bloc capable of challenging the DLC regardless of which candidates step up in February.

I will support efforts to reduce the number of chair appointed committee-persons at the DNC. I will also support the efforts of the Democratic Governor's Association to assert greater control over the party at the expense of our Washington wing of beltway triangulators and back-room strategists.

A little about myself:

I am the chairman of the Democratic Party of Yamhill County. I am the director of Democracy's Edge Action Fund, a 501(c)4 non-profit, founded by Harry Lonsdale to help promote progressive political reform in Oregon over the next 10 years. Our executive director, Peter Buckley, is a newly elected State Legislator who was one of the "Dean Dozen" candidates in Oregon.

I have strong ties to various issues and organizing groups in Oregon, including the Rural Organizing Project, Oregon Peaceworks, our local 1000 Friends chapter and, more recently, the Bus Project. I also have strong ties to our local business community as an active member of the McMinnville Downtown Association, and the Rotary Club. I also serve on the County Parks Board.

I am the founding editor of ProgressiveTrail.Org, a public interest news and information web site that features top progressive writers including ProgressiveTrail.Org contributors include Arianna Huffington, David Corn, Michael Moore, Kathy Kelly, Juan Cole, Tom Engelhardt, Kurt Nimmo, and others; and am currently developing "Articles of Faith", a monthly print dispatch that is set to launch in February, 2005.

In case it helps with the decision process, here are a few of my recent articles:

A Veteran's Sacrifice http://progressivetrail.org/articles/040728Peralta.shtml

Reclaiming the Democratic Party - Paging Dr. Dean http://www.progressivetrail.org/articles/041115Peralta.shtml

Corporate Tax Law and the Politics of Greed http://www.progressivetrail.org/articles/041024Peralta.shtml

Bush's Guard Service and the Right Wing's 60-Minutes Mythology http://www.progressivetrail.org/articles/040911Peralta.shtml

Results Matter - The Record of George W. Bush http://www.progressivetrail.org/articles/040731Peralta.shtml

Debate Wrapup - Cheney's Reality Gap http://www.progressivetrail.org/articles/041006Peralta.shtml

Regards,

Salvador Peralta

I've been trying to be quiet on this, because the Mary/Jenny race has drawn a lot of interest, and I haven't wanted to intrude on it.

That situation changed this evening, when Salvador Peralta, the Yamhill County chair, called to tell me that he's going to challenge me.

Sal's a good person, and is going to be a leader in our Party sooner or later. I believe, however, that my record, experience and the role I have played in the DPO justify my re-election.

I'm not going to type in yards of verbage -- you can see my website at wkinney.netfirms.com. There, you will find my letter to the central committee members, a list of the things I've done while in the DPO, letters from people who have endorsed me, and the county chairs guide I wrote last fall. If anyone has questions, concerns or comments, I'll be happy to visit with them.

Elizabeth,

Of course one non-response is not the sole basis of how I make up my mind. By the way, Mary still hasn't responded.

Listen, I don't know if you got the orange colored flier from Mary Botkin over a month ago. My letter to Mary was about this flier. I found it strange, and noted that in her page long flier Mary managed to not once mention anything that pertained to the 97% of Oregon outside of the urban growth boundaries.

Heck, let me paste my darn letter into this space -

Dear Ms. Botkin:

I received the orange flyer indicating that you were running to return as our Democratic National Committeewoman. I have read it, re-read it, put it aside, re-read it again, and finally I am ready to contact you.

I found your flyer vaguely disturbing. As a rural Democrat, I saw nothing in your flyer than was even remotely sensitive to the 97% of Oregon that exists outside of the urban growth boundaries of our State.

Instead I see that you like to “drink whiskey, smoke cigarettes, and talk trash”, but you have had to give up the whiskey and cigarettes for health reasons. I’m not sure what to make of that. I suppose that you say things like that to convey to us that you portray some sort of romanticized image of Oregon to the national venue. If this is an attempt to show some sort of rugged frontier image, it fails. If this is some sort of street-wise urban image, it fails to fly in rural Oregon.

I am of the belief that on the national level we lost the election for two reasons this time. 1) Diebolt helped Bush steal Ohio, and 2) the Democratic Party is completely insensitive to rural America – completely in the dark. In Oregon, I look around and see that if our State Democratic leadership were more sensitive to rural Oregon, we could easily pick up 10 to 20 thousand votes each election cycle. If I could demonstrate Democratic Party sensitivity to rural issues, I could get a thousand more votes right here in little Crook County. Rural Oregon could well be a good place to have a laboratory of experimenting on what would work to change rural voters minds to vote more Democratic.

So, when I come to vote for the Democratic National Committee seat, I will be looking for rural sensitivity. I thought that I would give you a chance to respond to my concerns prior to the point in time when we hold the election for the position you current hold.

If you would like my vote to continue to be the “Grand Dame of the Oregon Democratic Party”, I would like you to respond to the following:

1. What are your thoughts on the key issues affecting rural Oregon that the Democratic Party could use to make a difference in the perception of rural Oregonians of the Democratic Party?

2. Where do you think the Oregon Democratic Party and the Democratic National Committee should stand on the effect of resource issues on those living in rural areas?

3. Senator Ron Wyden is well regarded throughout rural Oregon for his commitment to visit every Oregon County every year. In Crook County, a heavily Republican County, his vote out performed Kerry’s vote by 25 percentage points. What plans do you have to get out to rural Oregon as our Democratic National Committeewoman?

4. What would be your core message to the people of rural Oregon should you visit here and speak to our local press?

I hope to have your answers to these questions prior to the time of the election for your position.

Sincerely, Stephen C. Bucknum, Chair Crook County Democratic Central Committee

-- So, please don't think I'm somehow sand bagging Mary Botkin - these are relevant concerns that are the basis of my thinking about the vote on Saturday. So far, Jenny Greenleaf has "passed the test" and shown rural sensitivity. So far, Mary Botkin hasn't responded.

Steve Bucknum

Wow, I away from the BlueOregon for a day and it gets interesting. I am glad to see the DNCman position is not going uncontested. I do not like to see critical positions in the party go uncontested. If I were a voting delegate this Saturday, after reading Salvador Peralta's post and links, I would have a very hard choice in-between Sal and Wayne. For the DNCwoman position, it is a lot tougher race since I admire both Jenny's and Mary's work at different angles for and within the party. For the reference of the post of Steve Bucknum--I think that the urban-suburban-exurban-rural divide issue is absolutely the biggest challenge for the DNC members will have to resolve in a quicktime fashion. The questions that have been posted by Steve here are very critical for the urban-suburban-exurban Democrats to think about and remember. Without a doubt, that Oregon's rural Democrats need an equal voice at the table because we, the members of the Democratic Party of Oregon; cannot have an exclusivity mindset based on geography. On building the party with the knowledge that we need to make clear and progressive framework and policies that will work in all areas of the state. However, Ryan's statement of: "There is a meme that circulates among the party insiders that one must "pay one's dues" before aspiring to party positions"—personally, I glad that Ryan came out and stated that. If you desire a position, work damn hard for it and throw the dice.

Since Steve seems unable to read the repsonse I sent to him two days ago I have pulled it off my "sent items" file from last night and posted it here.

Mary, I mailed this letter to the address as show below, as your orange colored flier had no email address on it.

Steve Bucknum

Text:

November 11, 2004

Mary Botkin

3215 SE Stark St.

Portland, OR 97214

Dear Ms. Botkin:

I received the orange flyer indicating that you were running to return as our Democratic National Committeewoman. I have read it, re-read it, put it aside, re-read it again, and finally I am ready to contact you.

I found your flyer vaguely disturbing. As a rural Democrat, I saw nothing in your flyer than was even remotely sensitive to the 97% of Oregon that exists outside of the urban growth boundaries of our State.

Instead I see that you like to "drink whiskey, smoke cigarettes, and talk trash", but you have had to give up the whiskey and cigarettes for health reasons. I’m not sure what to make of that. I suppose that you say things like that to convey to us that you portray some sort of romanticized image of Oregon to the national venue. If this is an attempt to show some sort of rugged frontier image, it fails. If this is some sort of street-wise urban image, it fails to fly in rural Oregon. [Mary Botkin] wasn't trying to relay anything - it was the Oregonian who said that - I just repeated it.

I am of the belief that on the national level we lost the election for two reasons this time. 1) Diebolt helped Bush steal Ohio, [Mary Botkin] I sort of agree but waiting till all the investigations are completed - if they ever are - till then I think we have to continue to push vote by mail - since we have less voter fraud than any other state that I can think of.

and 2) the Democratic Party is completely insensitive to rural America – completely in the dark. In Oregon, I look around and see that if our State Democratic leadership were more sensitive to rural Oregon, we could easily pick up 10 to 20 thousand votes each election cycle. If I could demonstrate Democratic Party sensitivity to rural issues, I could get a thousand more votes right here in little Crook County. Rural Oregon could well be a good place to have a laboratory of experimenting on what would work to change rural voters minds to vote more Democratic.

So, when I come to vote for the Democratic National Committee seat, I will be looking for rural [Mary Botkin]

I guess I need more information on the type of sensitivity you are looking for and what issues you see as critical-I am actually interested in listening a little.

I thought that I would give you a chance to respond to my concerns prior to the point in time when we hold the election for the position you current hold.

If you would like my vote to continue to be the "Grand Dame of the Oregon Democratic Party", I would like you to respond to the following: [Mary Botkin]

My sense is - I have made you very cranky by insulting you accidentally. My effort at humor has failed miserably - for that I apologize-it is all I can do.

1. What are your thoughts on the key issues affecting rural Oregon that the Democratic Party could use to make a difference in the perception of rural Oregonians of the Democratic Party? [Mary Botkin] I work for one of the few truly state-wide unions in Oregon and we represent a cross-section of working Oregonians in rural and urban Oregon. I face these issues everyday in my day job. I don't have any magic solutions for these problems but let me give this a honest shot. Some of the issues as I see them - are:

   Natural resources and endangered species: Our members I believe are pretty mainstream and family conservative on these issues and see the Democrats as totally committed into to a position of locking down all the rural lands. I think our position has more accurately been to "manage" lands in a way that preserves parts and provides for responsible development of some industrialized land set-asides. This is the Gov's position and I pretty much support that position. I have heard more about bear and cougar hunting, spotted owls and leg-hold traps than most. My family were working farmers and timber workers - all of which were either killed on the job or pretty much run out of business by corporate agriculture. Again, our position have been distorted and rumored while our real positions of appropriate and responsible resource management has not been properly reported in media sources and our lack of "new" language that people can "hear" has been lacking. Do we need to do better? - You bet- Can we do better? - We have to! Do I have an automatic solution? No - but I keep trying - both for my fellow democrats and my members who live and work in Southern, Central and Eastern Oregon.

   There are any number of moral and personal issues along with guns and religion that get us off on a tract that we can't win on. A friend of mine from Georgia told me that "Democrats down here aren't like you all in the North - we can't win by running against God and Guns and standing up for government and liberals". Sound familiar?

2. Where do you think the Oregon Democratic Party and the Democratic National Committee should stand on the effect of resource issues on those living in rural areas? [Mary Botkin]

Not sure what type of "resource" you are referring to - but I will assume you are talking about campaign resources right now.

I am one of the few (besides Wayne) who is a strong supporter of more campaign funding for rural Oregon. I do what I can through my Union by supporting the efforts made outside urban Oregon. I am all about putting more resources in rural Oregon-it takes a commitment from everyone on the Central Committee not just me. The DNC moves the resources to the state parties (not enough though) and then the Coordinated Campaign Committee makes resource allocation decisions. That committee is made up of campaign staff from all the democratic candidate and issue campaigns. This year Kerry dominated the decisions. I can't control that process - I can say that our Union made a huge commitment to rural Oregon Democratic Candidates - financial and in-kind. I am sorry it is not enough - I do what I can to fairly move the resources I have control over.

1. Senator Ron Wyden is well regarded throughout rural Oregon for his commitment to visit every Oregon County every year. In Crook County, a heavily Republican County, his vote out performed Kerry’s vote by 25 percentage points. What plans do you have to get out to rural Oregon as our Democratic National Committeewoman? [Mary Botkin]

Senator Wyden has a lot more resources available to him than I do. I visit rural Oregon as regularly as possible and meet with Democrats and our Union members when our schedules permit. I am going to Bend on Monday and am currently working on some District meetings in Ontario. I spent a week in the far east during the summer and another week in Central and southern Oregon in late September. I am one of the few Democrats (Wayne knows too) who actually knows where Huntington, Oregon is and have been there.

1. What would be your core message to the people of rural Oregon should you visit here and speak to our local press? [Mary Botkin]

My message to the rural press has been pretty consistent. There are two basic types of family wage jobs in rural Oregon - natural resource based and public employment. It takes real investments in transportation, high speed communication and tax policies for that influx of resources to result in a strong economy. We should not be diverted by issues meant to divide Oregonians. Issues like women's health care, who marries who and how land is developed only cause deeper resentments-we need to focus on our similarities and agreements. In my experience - a family wage job - a home - good schools - expanded transportation options - access to new technology through extended high speed internet connections - and fair tax policies - will solve most of our disagreements. If everyone feels they are getting their share of the pie they are less likely to fight over the type of pie it is.

I hope to have your answers to these questions prior to the time of the election for your position.

Sincerely,

Stephen C. Bucknum, Chair

Crook County Democratic Central Committee

PO Box 1087

Prineville, OR 97754

Interesting, Ms. McGee is a great lady; I worked with her at OLCV.

Jenny, yes we are on the same team at the end of the day of debate; even if there is drastic differences on personal ideology. We need to be able to create dialogue that will bridge these gaps of ideologies in a way to create a working framework for a progressive city, county, state and country.

Intolerance and closed mindedness is what the other side thrives on and drives the wedges on and at us with; let us not go down that path.

Ok, so "belligerent bully" was over the top, apologies to Mary.

That said, it seems that we are a little bit dancing around the question of who's going to vote for Dean or some other DNC head. It seems like Jenny is a Dean supporter but I don't want to assume how she'd vote. At least one candidate, I think Sal, indicated clear Dean support.

Could the candidates say who they support to replace that three-time loser?

Also, it's really important to recognize that the DLC really pushed us away from core progressive economic agendas. And if no one noticed, Unions and Greens ran the field for Kerry (and spent over $100 million)and his recognition of either groups issues was crappy at best.

Pop quiz, how many times did Unions, or the right to form them, come up in the debates? Once, and it was Kerry talking about standing up to unions.

Oh, and if you put a map of Blue states over a map of states with union density you see a 1:1 corelation of union strength with Kerry votes. 65% of union households voted for Kerry. Coincidence?

Mary, how come you never said any of this? Advocate for your position. Don't just talk about what a bad ass you are. Very frustrating. Very, very frustrating. Why do I, a psuedonym-posting asshole, have to make your points for you?

Apology accepted -I stood accused and had to respond. No more on this ok?

Our Union was one of the first to support Dean in Iowa and spent $5m + on his campaign. I thought it was clear who I will support. Dr. Dean has not yet agreed to run though. Again I am assuming people know what happened where and when. Actually Sharpton was one of my early favorites (just kidding) - just because he really was saying the right (actually left) things.

I have gotten the clear and distinct message that people want a "bad ass" as you put it - that will throw all the rascals out - I tried to do that last time - but because then everyone wanted "Terry" since he could raise buckets of money-he won. He did - twice - and lost both times. I've said this before but let me say it again - it takes a coalition to make changes at the DNC - the National Convention made no substantive changes in the power structure of the DNC and in fact added more "at large" positions (our own Gail Rassumssen has one of the at-large seats which I abolutely support). The national convention is where the changes had to happen - having said that I am prepared to go down in flames - trying or suceeding-to make needed structural changes within the limitations established by the National Convention actions-or rather In-actions. I have friends/colleagues around the country that I have suported on many issues for many years - I am willing to enlist their support to help make some of the changes - I know they already share our frustrations. It takes time to build relationships - who knows maybe every state is "throwing out" their experience for the promise of a new vision. I share that vision with all of you-I just don't think that every old hat on the DNC is part of the established problem!

As for the Union lable - I have worn it proudly since I was a minimum wage waitress at a "Union House" - I have talked about it more than one time. It seems to have gotten lost in this on line debate. I am the ONLY union member from Oregon elected to sit on the DNC - I use that to our advantage. I am able to raise money that would go to other states because Gerry McEntee is my National President and Larry Scanlon is my National Political Director. We don't do politics for fun at AFSCME land - we live and die by policial decisions. I am proud to be a member and staff person for the Union that has Bill Lucy as it's second in command - the only african american officer at that level in any National Union. I am proud that Martin Luther King walked with our Union in Atlanta and saddened that his decision to stand with our members in the fight for equal rights cost him is life. It is why our Union stands at the forefront of getting that holiday in every juriusdiction in America. It is why I stood with the Black United Front against the Portland School District for an end to bussing and a re-investment in my neighborhood schools (I attended Vernon Grade School and Jefferson High School in NE Portland) - it is why I ended up in Jail in the 60's.

Last thought - I am a believer of the great Emma Goldberg quote - "If I can't dance then I dont want to be part of your revolution!" When the day is done - we have to be able to laugh - we have to like each other - we have to honor and respect our differences - if we don't then we are just like the Republicans. Come on folks - there is room for new blood - room for old experiences - we are the Democrats - there is suppose to be room for everyone - if not then I have been wrong all my life.

In an deisre to establish dialogue between the DNC candidates and the statewide party faithful, Democracy for Oregon has arrainged for a open conference call to be held tonight, Thursday, Dec. 2 at 8PM with the two candidates for the Oregon DNC committee man position. Please read below for the details and how to participate.

<hr/>

The state wide group Democracy for Oregon, an offshoot of the Howard Dean for president campaign would like to invite you to a conference call interview/discussion with the two candidates for the Oregon DNC committee man position. Please scroll down for the details on tonight's call.

Moses Ross Portland, OR 503-226-0862

<hr/>

Deaners pride themselves on their passion and action on progressive issues. As you know, the Deaners have become more and more involved in the party around the state and have strong feelings about the direction Oregon needs to take. They also have strong feelings about Howard Dean and his potential as Chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC).

This passion has begun to manifest itself here in Oregon with the upcoming election of the Oregon DNC committeeman. The current committeeman is Mr. Wayne Kinney. He is being opposed by Mr. Salvador Peralta.

The election will be held this Saturday, December 4, at the state central committee meeting of the Democratic Party of Oregon. This meeting will be held here in Portland.

Many have wanted to learn more about the candidates and their positions on the issues that affect our state and national party. In light of that interest, we will be conducting a statewide conference call with the two candidates. Many thanks to the two candidates for agreeing to the forum.

I urge your participation in this unique and important conference call. You are welcome to invite other interested Oregon Democrats onto the call that may not be on this email list.

The call will be held Thursday, Dec. 2 at 8pm PST and is scheduled for one hour. Please call in a few minutes early. The number is 641-594-7510. You will be asked to punch in a passcode, which is PIN 78362# (make sure to use the pound key at the end).

I will moderate the call. The first half hour of the call will be with Mr. Kinney exclusively and the second half with Mr. Peralta. They will be asked a series of questions which were submitted to both before the call for their review. Afterward we will take questions from the audience, if time permits.

If you have any questions about the call, email Moses Ross at [email protected]

Please scroll down to review the list of questions for Mr. Kinney and Mr. Peralta.

All the best,

Moses Ross 503-226-0862

<hr/>

Questions for the candidates for Oregon DNC committeeman

1) Please introduce yourself and give us some quick background on your past history of service to the Democratic Party.

2) Briefly explain the DNC structure and the role the state committeeperson plays in determining policy and priority for the national party. Also, the role they play in electing chair.

3) Please discuss your priorities in your next term if you were re-elected. How would those priorities benefit progressive grassroots movements within the party? What will you do in your role as state committeeperson to foster, empower and channel that energy back into the party, statewide and nationally?

4) Some quick history. The success of Howard Dean in mobilizing and motivating the grassroots has been revolutionary, to say the least.

Howard Dean was and is the focal point of this rising grassroots/state-party movement. He changed the role of online fundraising and grassroots mobilization through use of the local meetups. This has now evolved from local and regional meetups to autonomous statewide groups representing thousands of volunteers committed to follow Dean's lead on progressive issues.

Our question is this: would you support a Howard Dean candidacy for DNC chair. If not, why not?

5) The rural/urban divide within Oregon is profound. How do you propose we help bridge that divide for rural Oregonians within the state and national democratic party structure?

Mary has finally responded to my letter about rural concerns. She responded via email, with red letter inserted comments. Unfortunately, the red letters don't come through in this format, so I am inserting some breaks and clarifications to show who the writer is in each part.

Full Text:

Dear Ms. Botkin:

I received the orange flyer indicating that you were running to return as our Democratic National Committeewoman. I have read it, re-read it, put it aside, re-read it again, and finally I am ready to contact you.

I found your flyer vaguely disturbing. As a rural Democrat, I saw nothing in your flyer than was even remotely sensitive to the 97% of Oregon that exists outside of the urban growth boundaries of our State.

Instead I see that you like to "drink whiskey, smoke cigarettes, and talk trash", but you have had to give up the whiskey and cigarettes for health reasons. I’m not sure what to make of that. I suppose that you say things like that to convey to us that you portray some sort of romanticized image of Oregon to the national venue. If this is an attempt to show some sort of rugged frontier image, it fails. If this is some sort of street-wise urban image, it fails to fly in rural Oregon. [Mary Botkin] wasn't trying to relay anything - it was the Oregonian who said that - I just repeated it. (end)

I am of the belief that on the national level we lost the election for two reasons this time. 1) Diebolt helped Bush steal Ohio, [Mary Botkin] I sort of agree but waiting till all the investigations are completed - if they ever are - till then I think we have to continue to push vote by mail - since we have less voter fraud than any other state that I can think of. (end)

and 2) the Democratic Party is completely insensitive to rural America – completely in the dark. In Oregon, I look around and see that if our State Democratic leadership were more sensitive to rural Oregon, we could easily pick up 10 to 20 thousand votes each election cycle. If I could demonstrate Democratic Party sensitivity to rural issues, I could get a thousand more votes right here in little Crook County. Rural Oregon could well be a good place to have a laboratory of experimenting on what would work to change rural voters minds to vote more Democratic.

So, when I come to vote for the Democratic National Committee seat, I will be looking for rural sensitivity.

[Mary Botkin] - I guess I need more information on the type of sensitivity you are looking for and what issues you see as critical-I am actually interested in listening a little. (end)

I thought that I would give you a chance to respond to my concerns prior to the point in time when we hold the election for the position you current hold.

If you would like my vote to continue to be the "Grand Dame of the Oregon Democratic Party", I would like you to respond to the following: [Mary Botkin]

My sense is - I have made you very cranky by insulting you accidentally. My effort at humor has failed miserably - for that I apologize-it is all I can do. (end)

1. What are your thoughts on the key issues affecting rural Oregon that the Democratic Party could use to make a difference in the perception of rural Oregonians of the Democratic Party? [Mary Botkin] I work for one of the few truly state-wide unions in Oregon and we represent a cross-section of working Oregonians in rural and urban Oregon. I face these issues everyday in my day job. I don't have any magic solutions for these problems but let me give this a honest shot. Some of the issues as I see them - are:

   Natural resources and endangered species: Our members I believe are pretty mainstream and family conservative on these issues and see the Democrats as totally committed into to a position of locking down all the rural lands. I think our position has more accurately been to "manage" lands in a way that preserves parts and provides for responsible development of some industrialized land set-asides. This is the Gov's position and I pretty much support that position. I have heard more about bear and cougar hunting, spotted owls and leg-hold traps than most. My family were working farmers and timber workers - all of which were either killed on the job or pretty much run out of business by corporate agriculture. Again, our position have been distorted and rumored while our real positions of appropriate and responsible resource management has not been properly reported in media sources and our lack of "new" language that people can "hear" has been lacking. Do we need to do better? - You bet- Can we do better? - We have to! Do I have an automatic solution? No - but I keep trying - both for my fellow democrats and my members who live and work in Southern, Central and Eastern Oregon.

   There are any number of moral and personal issues along with guns and religion that get us off on a tract that we can't win on. A friend of mine from Georgia told me that "Democrats down here aren't like you all in the North - we can't win by running against God and Guns and standing up for government and liberals". Sound familiar? (end)

2. Where do you think the Oregon Democratic Party and the Democratic National Committee should stand on the effect of resource issues on those living in rural areas? [Mary Botkin]

Not sure what type of "resource" you are referring to - but I will assume you are talking about campaign resources right now.

I am one of the few (besides Wayne) who is a strong supporter of more campaign funding for rural Oregon. I do what I can through my Union by supporting the efforts made outside urban Oregon. I am all about putting more resources in rural Oregon-it takes a commitment from everyone on the Central Committee not just me. The DNC moves the resources to the state parties (not enough though) and then the Coordinated Campaign Committee makes resource allocation decisions. That committee is made up of campaign staff from all the democratic candidate and issue campaigns. This year Kerry dominated the decisions. I can't control that process - I can say that our Union made a huge commitment to rural Oregon Democratic Candidates - financial and in-kind. I am sorry it is not enough - I do what I can to fairly move the resources I have control over. (end)

1. Senator Ron Wyden is well regarded throughout rural Oregon for his commitment to visit every Oregon County every year. In Crook County, a heavily Republican County, his vote out performed Kerry’s vote by 25 percentage points. What plans do you have to get out to rural Oregon as our Democratic National Committeewoman? [Mary Botkin]

Senator Wyden has a lot more resources available to him than I do. I visit rural Oregon as regularly as possible and meet with Democrats and our Union members when our schedules permit. I am going to Bend on Monday and am currently working on some District meetings in Ontario. I spent a week in the far east during the summer and another week in Central and southern Oregon in late September. I am one of the few Democrats (Wayne knows too) who actually knows where Huntington, Oregon is and have been there. (end)

1. What would be your core message to the people of rural Oregon should you visit here and speak to our local press? [Mary Botkin]

My message to the rural press has been pretty consistent. There are two basic types of family wage jobs in rural Oregon - natural resource based and public employment. It takes real investments in transportation, high speed communication and tax policies for that influx of resources to result in a strong economy. We should not be diverted by issues meant to divide Oregonians. Issues like women's health care, who marries who and how land is developed only cause deeper resentments-we need to focus on our similarities and agreements. In my experience - a family wage job - a home - good schools - expanded transportation options - access to new technology through extended high speed internet connections - and fair tax policies - will solve most of our disagreements. If everyone feels they are getting their share of the pie they are less likely to fight over the type of pie it is. (end)

I hope to have your answers to these questions prior to the time of the election for your position.

Sincerely, Stephen C. Bucknum, Chair Crook County Democratic Central Committee

Now, my thoughts on Mary Botkin's response -

Overall I thought she made a good try at showing rural sensitivity, but fell short.

It was odd that she thought my question about resource issues was about campaign finance - which wasn't even in my mind when I wrote my letter. I thought I was talking about natural resource and land use issues. Isn't it odd how two people can speak the same language, and not communicate what they mean?

I found the comment about being one of the few Democrats that knows where Huntington Oregon to be strange. It probably shouldn't bother me, but it does. Huntington is right off of I-84 between Baker City and Ontario. To be "one of the few" implies that Democrats don't live there and sort of stumble into it. Democrats live all over the place. Heck, there are even some in Paulina and Izee.

Rural sensitivity would mean that someone appreciates how rural Oregonians have been left feeling like they are under constant attack from their urban neighbors. Rural sensitivity would mean that someone would become informed about how our land use practices and our natural resource practice have affected those of us that live in rural areas. Rural sensitivity would mean that someone is beginning to understand that our government has made it much more difficult to live and work in rural areas than in urban areas. Rural Sensitivity would mean that you understand and honor the people who live in rural areas and contribute to the base economy of Oregon in spite of the hardships. - Urban people won't eat if rural people didn't grow the food for them. Honor and respect - and appreciate on that last note.

Steve Bucknum

These questions were put to Mary Botkin, but they are relevent to both races so at the risk of being presumptuous, I'd like like to share a few of my thoughts...

1. What are your thoughts on the key issues affecting rural Oregon that the Democratic Party could use to make a difference in the perception of rural Oregonians of the Democratic Party?

The first step to reconnecting the Democratic Party to rural Oregon, and to rural America, is to promote leaders who understand the wants and needs of rural America's core constituencies.

The way to do that is to recruit party leadership and candidates from local farm bureaus, service clubs, grange halls, churches, and other places where citizens connect with one another in our communities.

We also need to cultivate leaders within the Democratic party in rural Oregon who will reach out to such groups regardless of whether they already belong to them, and who will take leadership positions with groups outside of the party in an effort to broaden our potential constituencies and to help connect our core allies with one another to form a solid core of issues-based voting blocs who will vote for our candidates because they know us and agree with our positions regardless of whether they are registered as a republican, independent, libertarian, democrat, or green.

Since it will be difficult to elect viable candidates who can win in rural Oregon in the near future, I would encourage local party chairs to begin placing a greater emphasis on grassroots organizing around local and state initiatives and on cultivating leadership through school boards and the various county and municipal advisory boards, as we have done in Yamhill County.

Finally, the Democratic Party of Oregon and its various committees need to rethink the strategy of funnelling such a vast majority of our resources into urban, winnable candidate races during an election cycle. We can't ignore those races, of course, but we should consider spending some money during off-year cycles to build leadership in our rural central committees and to teach those committees how to focus on party-centric rather than candidate-centric races. By that I mean that the DPO needs to help the smaller central committees to be in a better position to help candidates who don't really know the in's and out's of campaigning and who lack the ability to build their own campaign infrastructures. This needs to happen regardless of whether the political calculus says that a candidate will win or not. We also need to recruit multiple candidates and run contested races in every rural primary to help get our message out to the public.

2. Where do you think the Oregon Democratic Party and the Democratic National Committee should stand on the effect of resource issues on those living in rural areas?

Water rights are, and will continue to be, a primary concern for farmers and ranchers in the rural west over the next several years, and the Democratic Party needs to pay more attention to the impact of water rights that folks in cities take for granted, but which literally mean economic life or death for ranchers and farmers.

We also need to be willing to make the case to strongly support the positive aspects of our land-use laws while being willing to admit to, and minimize, the very real problems they create for folks in rural Oregon.

Many of the family farms such as vineyards and hazelnut orchards that we have in Yamhill County would not be possible in an environment with urban sprawl, largely because of the water rights issue. For example, grapes are a major crop in Yamhill County, but most vineyards could not easily survive inside of an UGB because they would run into conflicts over heavy water consumption that comes with municipal development. We need to make realistic arguments about land-use laws based on practical economic concerns as well as quality of life concerns.

We should also be willing to say that good environmental stewardship affects all of us and start cutting environmental and gun issues in different ways.

Like most of the other gun-owners and fishermen that I know, I'm more concerned about the environment where I fish and hunt than I am with whether or not there is a three day waiting period before an eighteen-year old buys an uzi. I don't want anyone grabbing the carbine that I inherited from my grandfather and take hunting 4 times per year, but I would like to make sure that the forest where my grandfather and I went hunting and fishing will be there when my grandkids want to take their grandkids hunting and fishing.

3. What plans do you have to get out to rural Oregon as our Democratic National Committeeman?

One of the things I am working on professionally during the next two years is to promote campaign finance reform. I would like to visit every County Central Committee, Rural Organizing Project affiliate, and rural newspaper editorial board in Oregon during the next two years regardless of whether I am elected on Saturday.

4. What would be your core message to the people of rural Oregon should you visit here and speak to our local press?

As a committeeperson speaking to the County Central Committee, my core mission will be to ask questions about the needs and concerns of Democrats in the county. My core mission as a member of the Rural Organizing Project, speaking to editorial boards and ROP affiliates, will be to promote awareness and build support for the ROP's legislative and initiative agendas. My core professional and personal purpose will be to make every effort I can to help build a 60 percent progressive majority in Oregon over the next 10 years.