April 25, 2009

1st District Dems holding annual convention here

Democrats of the 1st Congressional District will hold their annual convention in Racine, on Saturday, May 2 at Infusino's. Registration begins at 9 a.m.

Top item on the agenda: Picking a new chairman, to replace Ray Rivera of Kenosha, who has held the post for the past four years and has said he is not seeking re-election. (At other times he has said he will run again, so that point is somewhat up in the air.)

Running for the post are two men:
  • David Corey of Burlington, a retired Chrysler legislative committee chair for Local 72. He was campaign manager last fall for Larry Zamba, who ran unsuccessfully for the 66th Assembly District.
  • Mark Pienkos of Walworth County, a school principal who was county chair for seven months before moving to Florida... from which he has returned.
The convention is open to the public, but only delegates can vote. To be a delegate, you must be a paid party member and have signed up with your county chairperson.

Number one issue for the 1st CD Democrats: How to beat Paul Ryan, the Republican congressman who has soundly won the seat in each of the past six election cycles. The candidates for chair were asked a series of questions about the race. Here's an excerpt from each of their answers:

Corey: "As the 1st CD chair, I would ask that we become more aggressive with letter writing campaigns, attend 'listening sessions' held by Paul Ryan, organize protest marches on things like the Employee Free Choice Act and CEO stock options, bonuses and salaries." In looking for a candidate to run against Ryan, Corey wants: "First and foremost is any prior political office they have held. Second, the ability to raise money. Third, a firm grasp of the issues facing our country and Ryan's voting record. Fourth, have a thick skin and have the ability to debate Paul Ryan on an open mike."

Pienkos: "We need to field a candidate who is energetic, positive, has fresh ideas and is able to articulate ideas well. What we have had over the past several elections are people who are idealistic, yet have had little or no political experience at the grassroots level... These are good people, but, they don’t know how to run a congressional district race... We must shake off the past five disastrous elections when we paid lip service to the congressional race. We must begin to truly believe we can win the seat." He offered a five-part strategy that included getting distict Dems more tech savvy, and publicizing Ryan's positions on such issues as privatizing Social Security.

Kay has given us a link to the candidates' full responses.

14 comments:

  1. Not sure if anyone really cares about this? How does this position actually affect my life? Oh well, maybe I'm just out of touch.

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  2. Anon 11:43pm. Surely you put us on. If you are happy with Paul Ryan then obviously do nothing. If not then contribute your time and talents to oust Ryan. Ummmm, do you even know who Ryan is? If not then maybe you are truly out of touch.

    This is real life. This is not a game we get to do over. Get involved and understand the issues. We have huge issues which need attention. If you can not tell the differences between the parties now I doubt you ever will. If you dig just a wee bit under the surface I believe you will have the answers you seek concerning how this will affect your life.

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  3. Ryan maybe a RINO but he is not a Marxist. The Dems can not touch him and by 2010 the right (in more was then one) will be coming back.

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  4. Wow - the well is kinda dry, huh guys? Zamba? Are you kidding me?

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  5. This is about the 1st CD chairman, not Paul Ryan.

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  6. I'm not sure it matters that much who becomes 1st CD chair, it boils down to finding a decent candidate to run against Ryan. Without that, you can have the greatest 1st CD chair in the world and it isn't going to make a difference.

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  7. More objective journalism....

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  8. Anon 4:38 -- Just what is it that's not "objective?"

    Stop hiding behind anonymity and snark and point out something, anything in this that is not strictly factual.

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  9. Pretty simple Pete, you don't cover GOP meetings, Lincoln Day Dinner, that sort of thing, yet you are there for free pub of every democrat meeting.

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  10. Because Pete like Obama knows what's good for us. Dems good GOP Bad that is all you/we need to know. Now suit up and pay your taxes

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  11. Anon 8:59 -- If Republican organizations send us meeting notices, we'll publish 'em.

    And if I were invited to their meetings -- well, be careful what you wish for.

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  12. Okay, one more time.
    You can read the whole questionnaire and corresponding answers here.

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  13. Hey, Pete, my name is Kay. You can call me by my first name, I'll let you. ;-)

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  14. Colt - Just how far to the right are you that you think Ryan's a RINO? Geez!

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