CAUCUS INFO COMING SOON

Hi everyone-

We here at the Party have received numerous phone calls and emails from Democrats wanting to know about the upcoming caucuses and state convention. We are hard at work on a Nominatng Convetion '06 website that will allow everyone to access information about the caucuses and convention, including dates, times, and locations.

For the first time, Democratic committee chairs will be able to submit caucus information online for individual towns, including delegate and alternate names, chair information, and caucus locations.

Here is some information to get you started. The Nominating Convention will be held at the DCU Center in Worcester, 50 Foster Street on Friday, June 2 and Saturday, June 3, 2006. The schedule will be announced in the Final Call to Convention, which will be published in May 2006. Caucuses will be scheduled for early February.

The site should be up and running within the next few days, so check www.massdems.org for more information soon!

Dems Host House Parties Tonight to Kick Off National Organizing Effort

Hi everyone!
In an unprecedented display of nationwide grassroots organizing almost one year before the 2006 mid-term elections, Democrats in every state in the Union are hosting more than 1,000 separate events across the country to participate in the National Organizing Kickoff. The events will build upon the momentum from resounding victories for Democrats all across the country last week, and will bring Democrats together to build grassroots organizations in local communities across America.

Each of the events is locally organized, locally hosted and locally run. Each party’s host will brief the participants on Governor Dean’s 50-state strategy for the Democrats and educate them on how to get involved. In addition, every participant will be asked to commit to volunteering in their community for Democrats on Election Day 2006.

Here in Massachusetts, Democrats will gather at restaurants, in homes, and on college campuses at nearly 40 individual meetings. If you haven't yet signed up to attend, here is a list of the parties in your area. Just enter your zip code for a list.

http://www.democrats.org/page/event/search_simple

Have fun and let's get ready for 2006!

KERRY, JOHNSTON JOIN MASS DEMS FOR EXCITING WEEKEND

Whew! Democrats across Massachusetts were busy this weekend, holding several events across the state. With a swing through Western Mass, Party leaders kicked off trainings for Democratic committee chairs in anticipation of the February 4 caucuses. The winter caucuses will determine who is sent to the state convention as a delegate June 2 and 3. During the trainings, chairs were also introduced to the party's Mass Victory '06 Coordinated Campaign--the largest Democratic grassroots campaign effort in state history! Matt Kennedy was the featured speaker at the trainings, and spoke about the importance of re-electing Sen. Ted Kennedy next year and ensuring a Democratic victory down the '06 ballot. Chair trainings will continue throughout the month in Gloucester, Lowell, Framingham, Worcester, and Boston.
Following the trainings Chairman Phil Johnston joined Congressman Jim McGovern at the first in a series of forums on the Iraq War. The event was quite a draw, as panelists discussed exit strategies, costs, and politics of the war. Two more forums will be held this month featuring Congressmen Barney Frank and John Tierney. Read more about Saturday's forum at http://www.recorder.com/Headlines/today_basic.htm
Sunday was another busy day as Sen. John Kerry joined College Democrats and Young Democrats for a chat about grassroots campaigning, GOP corruption in Washington, and other news of the day at Tufts University. The senator took time to answer a few questions and reminded the young audience about its very important role in the campaign. Read more about the event at http://news.bostonherald.com/localPolitics/view.bg?articleid=110765
Following that gathering, Kerry joined Chairman Johnston back at Party Headquarters in Charlestown, where about 100 activists and leaders gathered to kick off the Victory '06 Campaign. Kerry and Johnston encouraged the crowd to become leaders in their community to ensure victory next year.
The weekend was the first of what will be many invigorating days ahead. Stay tuned for more updates and check out our website (www.massdems.org) for current news!