Panoramic photos courtesy of Joe Patterson

Manatee County Democrats announce State Convention delegates elected at county caucuses

 

Bradenton, FL — Today, the Manatee CountyDemocrats announced the results of the first ever County Caucuses. These delegates elected at the county level May 5 will now move on to attend the Florida Democratic Party's state convention in Tampa this June — the final step towards becoming a Florida Delegate at the 2012 Democratic National Convention in Charlotte.

"Manatee County Democrats are excited and energized heading into the 2012 election" said Chairman Richard O’Brien of the Manatee County Democrats. "We will harness the enthusiasm generated by Florida Democrats at our caucus and convention towards building one of the strongest grassroots organizations the state has ever seen so we can re-elect President Obama, Sen. Nelson and Democrats up and down the ticket."

The following individuals were elected at the 2012 Manatee County caucuses:

Patricia Benson, Linda Crawford, Petra Fuhrmans, Nancy Hartley, Cornelle Maxfield, Janet Mendoza, Lisa Ramirez, Delia Smith-Orth, James Dias, David Fernandez, Roderick Fetsch, Thomas Finnerty, James Golden, Lawrence Jennis, Charlie Kennedy, James Lacher, William McGrath, Eugene Mendoza and Cole Williams.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE FLORIDA DELEGATION
• The county caucuses were held statewide from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., May 5, 2012, and all registered Democratic voters were invited to attend to cast a ballot for their county’s delegates to the State Convention June 1-3 in Tampa.

• The Florida Democratic Party is committed to diversity in our delegation, and to this end has adopted goals to ensure that Florida's delegates accurately reflect our electorate. More information about FDP's diversity policy is available online at www.fladems.com/timetoshine.

• This year, Florida will send its largest delegation ever to the National Convention with a record 300 delegates, a majority of which will be elected in Congressional District caucuses at the state's Delegate Selection convention June 1-3 in Tampa.

• The FDP has created a special website for those interested in taking part in the 2012 Delegate Selection Process. Please visit www.fladems.com/timetoshine, for more information on this exciting event.

 

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Newt Gingrich: Frankly, not Mitt Romney's biggest supporter.

 

Uploaded May 2, 2012, by www.youtube.com/user/BarackObamadotcom.

The Obama campaign released Wednesday a web video reprising Newt Gingrich's past criticisms of Mitt Romney — on the same day Gingrich is expected to drop out of the race officially and back the presumptive GOP nominee.

"You certainly have to say that Bain at times engaged in behavior where they looted a company, leaving behind 1,700 unemployed people," Gingrich says in one clip, referring to the private equity firm of which Romney was the CEO. "I don't know of any American president who has had a Swiss bank account. I'd be glad for you to explain that sort of thing," he says later.

 

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Stephanie Cutter: Get the facts on Mitt Romney, Big Oil, and the Koch Brothers

 

Uploaded May 2, 2012, by www.youtube.com/user/BarackObamadotcom.

Fellow Americans,

This one couldn't wait for the tipsheet — I need your help getting a few important facts out about a negative ad that is so blatantly false, the Washington Post said the "erroneous" attacks were made "without any shame."

The ad was created by Mitt Romney's Big Oil allies, "Americans for Prosperity," and they just launched it in some important battleground states.

I want to make sure you have all the facts you need about it, so I recorded a quick video here in the office.

 

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Tune in now!

 

The Manatee County Democratic Party is now LIVE on YouTube.com. Visit our channel at http://www.youtube.com/user/manateecountydems.

And for some Democratic inspiration, check out this video highlighting President Barack Obama:

 

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DEC HQ revs up for election

 

Back row from left, Exec Director David Fernandez, Chairman Richard O'Brien, OFA Organizer Jacob, Fundraising Consultant Joe Cooper, State Committee Chairwoman Susie Copeland, Associate Executive Director Hayley Markman, Intern Andrew Gould, HQ Office Manager Carol Graves, Democratic Women's Club President Patty Benson and President Obama. Front row is Intern Stephanie Hames and Interim Executive Director Adrianna Ramirez of the Florida Democratic Business Caucus.

 

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Susan G. Komen Top Officials Resign As Backlash Gains Steam

 

Dr. Kathy Plesser, a Manhattan radiologist on the medical advisory board of Susan G. Komen for the Cure's New York chapter, said she plans to resign from her position unless Komen reverses its decision to pull grant money from Planned Parenthood.

"I’m a physician and my interest is women’s health, and I am disturbed by Komen’s decision because I am a very strong advocate for serving under-served women," Plesser told The Huffington Post. "Eliminating this funding will mean there’s no place for these women to go. Where are these women to go to have a mammography? Do they not deserve to have mammography?"

With her decision, Plesser joins Komen's top public health official, Mollie Williams, and the executive director of Komen's Los Angeles County chapter, Deb Anthony, both of whom also resigned in protest.

Susan G. Komen, the nation's largest breast cancer charity, announced on Tuesday that it had adopted a new rule against partnering with organizations that are under investigation, and that it would therefore sever ties with Planned Parenthood, which is currently under investigation in Congress. The groups that prompted that investigation are anti-abortion advocacy organizations that have long criticized Planned Parenthood, primarily a women's health and family planning organization, over the fact that some of its clinics offer abortions.

Komen has faced an increasing amount of pressure from the public, women's health groups, lawmakers and even some of its own regional affiliates to reverse the decision and continue its five-year partnership with Planned Parenthood. The $600,000 that Komen donated annually to the organization provided underserved women with free and low-cost breast exams...read more.

 

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The Latino Caucus is off to a running start

 

This last monday night, the Hispanic and Latino Caucus was reborn under leadership from Lisa Ramirez and David Fernandez with the help of Sherry Emigh. Approximately 16 Democrats met at Mr. Tequila's Restaurant to incorporate it and they will meet again this month (date tbd).

Here is an interesting point of fact everyone needs to be aware of for this up-coming election here is Florida:

About 1.5 million Latinos are eligle to vote in Florida, representing approximately 14 percent of the more than 11 million eligible voters in the state according to a Pew Hispanic Center analysis of data from Current Population Surveys conducted by the U.S. Bureau of the Census in 2003. This integral part of the electorate here in this battleground state will decide the outcome of the 2012 election.

The Republicans realize that they cannot win Florida without the support of the support of the Hispanic community, so they will lie, mis-represent and promise anything for their coveted votes.

Our job, as Democrats is to shine a light on the Republican hypocrisy, call them out on their lies but most importantly make sure that folks know that we stand together and we will fight together for our common interests.

 

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DEC welcomes new hires David A. Fernandez, Hayley Markman

 

David A. Fernandez has been appointed as the new Executive Director of the Manatee County Democratic Party. David is a Commercial litigator with the firm Englander Fischer specializing in business, real estate and bankruptcy law. David is an eight year Navy veteran and is a veteran of operation Iraqi Freedom. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Management from the University of Phoenix, a Master's in Human relations from the University of Oklahoma, and a Juris Doctorate from Stetson College of Law.

As Executive Director David will be responsible for fundraising on behalf of the Democratic Party to meet the goals of the Democratic Party Campaign plan. David will also oversee the activities of the Assistant Executive Director and be the liason for the Chairman of the Democratic Executive Committee, Richard O'Brien.

Please help me welcome David to his new post, I am certainly looking forward to working with him.

Hayley Markman has been promoted to the post of Associate Executive Director of the Manatee County Democratic Party. Prior to this, Hayley completed a successful stint as Assistant to Richard O’Brien, Chairman of the Manatee County Democratic Party. Hayley recently graduated from the University of South Florida with a major in Political Science and plans on attending law school. She is determined to use all the many tools available in order to benefit those who search for justice.

As Associate Executive Director, Hayley will be responsible for overseeing the execution of the Democratic Party Campaign Plan. She will also supervise the daily administration of the Democratic Party. These duties involve:
• Liaison with candidates, campaigns and staffs to aid their efforts in any and all constitutionally allowable ways. For all campaigns, she is the “go-to” person.
• Coordinating and supporting PDT Leader, Mary Duda and Volunteer Affairs Leader Kristine Ryan
• Supervising interns and their projects.
• Selecting, assigning and supervising project leaders for events such as parades, fund-raisers, rallies, voter registration, etc. in coordination with leadership structures.
• Aiding and coordinating party resources for canvassing, both in person and by phone.

I know that Hayley is excited to put many of her talents to work in her new post. Good job, Hayley.

 

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Welcome

 

Welcome! The Democratic Executive Committee of Manatee County is proud to welcome you to the party of inclusion. We are the party that is dedicated to creating jobs, protecting the health of all Americans, preserving our environment and standing behind soldiers, seniors, businesses and students in their pursuit of quality of life and happiness.

In the past two years alone, President Obama and the Democratic Party have stabilized a devastated economy, saved tens of thousands of jobs in the automotive industry and throughout the nation, secured the college loan system, and steadied banking, mortgages and the stock market.

We have passed healthcare legislation that will mean it will soon be illegal for insurance companies to drop you when you are sick. Seniors who fell into the donut hole and could not afford their medications will now receive help instead of doing without. Countless millions will be insured who would otherwise be left vulnerable. Insurance companies will be required to spend 80% of their premiums on actual coverage, and children with pre-existing and/or terminal conditions nationwide will get the coverage they and their families deserve.

The party that brought Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, unemployment insurance, comprehensive anti-discrimination legislation, college loans, the G.I. Bill, small business loans, clean air and clean water to the nation is now working on job creation, an American health care safety net and a common sense immigration policy.

There are many ways to get involved locally such as joining our great clubs or the Democratic Executive Committee, or participating in events and volunteer activities. You can also receive our e-mailed newsletter or informational e-blasts. I encourage you to join us. You are part of a larger American family and we, the 67,368 Manatee Democrats, welcome you.

With warm regards,
Chairman Richard O’Brien
Manatee County Democratic Party
(941) 761-8385
Send an email.

 

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About Us

 

The Manatee County Democratic Executive Committee is the official governing body of the Manatee County Democratic Party and works in cooperation with the Florida Democratic Party and the National Democratic Committee.

 

The Manatee County DEC conducts Democratic Party campaigns in Manatee County under the general direction of the Florida Democratic Party. It is responsible to build the party, to register Democratic voters and to encourage Election Day turnout among Democratic voters.

 

The essence of the Manatee County DEC mission is to encourage participation of all Democratic voters and to disseminate the Democratic message, platform and philosophy. The Manatee County DEC is the official charter of Democratic clubs and groups in the Manatee County area. There are five active clubs in the county.

 

Manatee County Democratic Executive Committee
5910 Cortez Road West, #140
Bradenton, FL 34210
(941) 761-8385

 

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