Calling all Democrats- Campaign Institute Days Away!

We are putting the final touches on our upcoming Democratic Campaign Institute to be held March 4th and 5th in Worcester. We still have some spaces available for interested Democrats, but time is running out.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with the DCI, it's a two-day seminar that teachers you everything you need to know to run and WIN a successful campaign. The seminar follows three tracks- one for candidates, one for campaigns and campaign management and staff, and one for field and volunteers. The sessions are taught by experienced political strategists and current political leaders and are a great way to meet new people.
Sessions include: Campaign Planning and Organization,Message Development,Time Management, and Politics on the Web (which includes a session presented by the noteworthy Blue Mass Group bloggers), among others.
If you're interested you can sign up here or contact David Howard at 617-776-2676.
Thanks and I look forward to meeting many of you there.

The Truth

Enough is enough. I would like to clear up the patently false statements being made about an interpretation of the Democratic Party's rules regarding delegates eligible to sign papers for a candidate wishing to participate in the state convention after caucuses have been held.
An actual "change" in the rules DID NOT take place. Questions arose earlier this week as to who could be included in the delegate pool eligible to sign support papers for a potential candidate. Our rules say ANY delegate ELECTED to attend the convention may sign these papers. What must be remembered is that ALL delegates are ELECTED. Below is the interpretation by our chief legal counsel.

Legal Counsel Opinion Regarding the 2006 Massachusetts Democratic Convention Rules Section II, A3

“It is the intent and purpose of the rules to provide for an orderly and inclusive process by which all the elements and viewpoints of the Massachusetts Democratic Party may find expression. Accordingly, the word “elected” as referenced in the rules includes all those chosen or designated as eligible to serve as delegates to the convention and is not intended to be used to discriminate against or otherwise exclude from participation in the process of nomination those delegates who were not chosen at caucus events but who otherwise qualify as delegates by virtue of their election by other means."

James Roosevelt, Chief Legal Counsel
The Massachusetts Democratic Party

The Democratic Party has always been proud to be the Party of inclusion. Not allowing all delegates to sign papers is essentially creating a second class of delegates. Why would we want to turn to one of our minority, disabled, or youth add-on delegates and say, "sorry, you weren't elected at caucuses so you can't participate in this process."? It's not right.
Speculate all you want about why the ruling was made the way it was. But you have the truth and legal ruling in your hands.
Now can we please get back to winning this governor's race?

Caucus Roundup- In Search of Stories

Hi everyone- We're just starting to catch our breaths around here after Saturday's caucuses. Turnout was phenomenal- an estimated 35,000 Democrats particiapted in their communities. Reports from the field indicate that both Tom Reilly and Deval Patrick will be able to achieve their 15 percent at the June convention. I'm turning this post over to you now- did you attend your caucus? If so, please share your experience with us. Thanks!