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Election News...
Obama Praises Clinton's Speech...
Warner's Keynote Address...
Obama Campaign Wages Fight Against Conservative Group’s Ads...
Casey, an Abortion Opponent, Praises Obama...
Some Clinton Fund-Raisers Are Still Simmering...

NY Times Election Guide...

National Headlines...
Taliban Gain New Foothold in Afghan City...
A Decline in Uninsured Is Reported for 2007...
Wind Energy Bumps Into Power Grid’s Limits...
Agency’s Head Expects Banking’s Crisis to Worsen...
Running Out of Money, Cities Are Debating the Privatization of Public Infrastructure...
State Headlines...
Pennsylvania will be Obama's, Biden's first stop on post-convention tour...
Voters' rights groups push for standby paper ballots...
Obama leads McCain in poll of Pennsylvanians...
Home Rule Charter Published by Government Study Commission...
State Party website PADems.com

Continuing Stories...

Artist Row (First Friday Events)
Pitts Watch...
Sites for Kids...



Project Vote Smart

Having trouble remembering your State Representative or Senator? Click here for an easy way to look them up, thanks to Vote Smart


Visit VotesPA for information about registering to vote and using the new voting system.


For Kids


also from this site:

state trivia quiz & images

 


Contact:

Lois K. Herr, Executive Director

Tracey Lynn Arriola, Office Manager

Lancaster County Democratic
Committee

53 N. Duke St., Suite 218

Lancaster, PA  17602-2839

Phone:  (717) 299-5701

Fax:  (717) 299-2105

Email:  lcdchq@epix.net

Contact Webmaster

Contact Editor


Office Hours
Monday thru Friday
10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

First Friday of each month
5:00 - 8:00 p.m.

First Saturday of each month
10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

other times by appointment.


Local Events and Reminders...

Lancaster Dems Convention Party at Penn Cinema...Aug 28

ALL YOU CAN EAT BUILD YOUR OWN ICE CREAM SUNDAES Fundraiser...Sept 5

Register for the LCDC 2008 Fall Banquet NOW...Sept 13


Today's News...

Casey, an Abortion Opponent, Praises Obama

Sixteen years after his father opposed Bill Clinton’s candidacy, Senator Bob Casey Jr. of Pennsylvania said Barack Obama could bring together supporters and opponents of abortion rights.

Acceptance Speech Convention Party in Lancaster

Join your fellow Lancaster County Dems in BIG STYLE on Penn Cinema's large screen to View Barack Obama's Acceptance Speech Aug. 28, 2008, 7:30 PM, $15 per person.


Obama Nominated

At 6:47PM Wednesday evening, Senator Hillary Clinton interrupted the roll call proceedings of the Democratic National Convention and moved to declare Senator Barack Obama the party's presidential candidate by acclamation. The the motion was seconded by thousands and Nancy Pelosi called for a vote on the motion. The motion passed without debate and Obama was officially named the Party's nominee.

Read more...


Clinton Delivers Emphatic Plea for Unity

Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton deferred her own dreams on Tuesday night and delivered an emphatic plea at the Democratic National Convention to unite behind her rival, Senator Barack Obama.

Mrs. Clinton, who was once certain that she would win the Democratic nomination this year, also took steps on Tuesday to keep the door open to a future bid for the presidency. She rallied supporters in her speech, and, at an earlier event with 3,000 women, described her passion about her own campaign.

But the main task for Mrs. Clinton at the convention — reaffirming her support for Mr. Obama in soaring and unconditional language — dominated her 23-minute speech. Read more...


Casey Calls Difference on Abortion an 'Honest Disagreement'

Sen. Bob Casey Jr.'s presence at the Democratic National Convention spoke louder than any phrases he could weave. A first-term, anti-abortion senator, he was given a prime time speaking slot, and his words were carried live to the nation by PBS, CNN and MSNBC.

"Barack Obama and I have an honest disagreement on the issue of abortion," Casey said Tuesday night, "but the fact that I'm speaking here tonight is testament to Barack's ability to show respect to the people who disagree with him." Read more...


Rendell Attacks McCain's Energy Record

Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell played the attack dog in his eight-minute speech to the Democratic National Convention Tuesday, focusing on the energy policies of Sen. John McCain.

His was the most policy-centered speech of the convention thus far, rattling off numbers of specific goals and investments from the Obama energy plan. He also criticized oil companies' recent record profits and what he said was McCain's reluctance to support renewable energy.

"If you look past the speeches to his record, one thing is clear," Rendell said. "John McCain has never believed in renewable energy, and he won't make it part of America's future."  Read more...


The Work Begins Anew, the Hope Rises Again and the Dream Lives On

Senator Edward M. Kennedy arrived on Monday night at the Democratic National Convention in a triumphant appearance that evoked 50 years of party history as Democrats gathered to nominate Senator Barack Obama for president.

"The work begins anew, the hope rises again and the dream lives on," Kennedy said in a strong voice, reprising the final line of a memorable 1980 speech that brought a different convention to its feet.

An appearance later by Michelle Obama began a weeklong effort to present her family as embodiments of the American dream. Mrs. Obama spoke of her own family’s blue-collar past and spoke of her husband’s life as “a great American story.” Read more...


Acceptance Speech Convention Party in Lancaster

View the Acceptance Speech

Join your fellow Lancaster County Dems in BIG STYLE on Penn Cinema's large screen:

August 28, 2008 7:30 PM
Penn Cinema, 541 Airport Rd., Lititz
$15 per person

The doors will open at 7:30 pm and we will party in convention style with a feed from the convention on the theater screen. Refreshments will be available. The emphasis will be on Obama's acceptance speech but there will be time to mix and mingle with other Democrats from around the county, meet your Congressional and State Senate candidates, and enjoy a program of entertainment featuring the music of Ripe http://www.MySpace.com/RipeLancaster. Tickets may be purchased in advance by calling Lancaster Democratic headquarters at 299- 5701 or on-line at the LCDC Store     View press release...


Obama Chooses Biden

Barack Obama named Delaware Sen. Joe Biden as his vice presidential running mate early Saturday, balancing his ticket with a seasoned congressional veteran well-versed in foreign policy and defense issues

Biden, who has served in the Senate since being elected at the age of 29, is the chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee.

Bruce Beardsley, Chair of the Lancaster County Democratic Committee said in a phone interview, "I'm thrilled with Senator Obama's choice of Joe Biden as his Vice-President.  I'm a long-time Biden fan, and Senator Biden is very popular in Lancaster and throughout Pennsylvania. 

"While he is a foreign policy expert, a former Judiciary Committee Chairman, and experienced and knowledgeable about the ways of Washington, he has never lost his blue-collar, middle class roots and family values. 

"This choice also says a lot about Senator Obama's strength of character, by being unafraid to choose a strong, independent voice who will provide him wise counsel and will be unafraid to disagree with him. 

Senator Biden is universally respected in the Senate and, like Senator Obama, treats those with whom he differs on policy issues with great respect and is very comfortable with working with Republicans in the spirit of compromise to advance needed legislation. And, of course, Senator Biden is among the most qualified Americans to assume the Presidency, if necessary. Read more...


Home Rule Charter Published by Government Study Commission

The proposed Home Rule Charter for Lancaster County Government, as amended August 19, 2008, is now available on the GSC website, www.homeruleinfo.com.

Bruce Beardsley, LCDC Chairman, has criticized the Charter because Government Study Commissioners are recommending that the five County Commissioner positions be elected at large rather than by regionally.

Beardsley said, "The most important characteristic of a truly representative body is that it be truly representative of the diversity of viewpoints of the larger body it is said to represent, not simply representative of the single, monolithic majority viewpoint. Representatives elected at-large are much more likely to reflect the latter situation, which is the authoritarian model. It is no accident that America and each state is governed by representatives elected by geographic region." Click here to view the amended charter...


Keystone Progress Calls for Reinstating PA's Hate Crimes Law

In July a part of PA's hate crimes law was struck down on a technicality.

That law extended protections against hate crimes for people based on their gender, ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity and mental and physical disability.

It was an amendment to a law called the Ethnic Intimidation and Institutional Vandalism Act, better known as the PA Hate Crimes Law. It was overwhelmingly passed in 2002 by Democrats and Republicans and signed into law by then-Governor Mark Schweiker.

The action of the PA Supreme Court leaves Pennsylvanians in all of those categories vulnerable to hate crimes.

Keystone Progress is calling on the state legislature to once again pass this legislation.

To join Keystone Progress in calling for the reinstatement of the amendments to PA's hate crimes law, click here...


Those Ugly Rumors

Swift Boat rowdies are reactivating the rumor E-mill about Barack Obama's citizenship again. In a series of emails they try to build a convoluted case that the Democratic Presidential nominee is not truly an American citizen. Some of these same hooligans attempted to cast doubt on John McCain citizenship during the Republican primary. McCain was born in Panama.

Fight the Smears is a website sponsored by the Obama campaign that corrects the falsehoods spread by far right disinformation machines. Click here to view Obama's birth certificate...


Lancaster CITY Democratic Committee Fundraiser
Iron Chef Cook-off

The Lancaster City Democratic Committee held its Iron Chef Cook-off yesterday, Sunday, Aug 17th, at the  AMVETS Post 19 Pavilion in southern Lancaster City

Chefs Bruce Slater, Greg Paulson,  Representative Mike Sturla,  and  Jose Urdaneta went head to head on a beautiful evening in stiff competition for the honored title of Best Chef in Lancaster County.

Left to right (above): Greg Paulson is campaign Manager for Slater for Congress and the current City chairman; Bruce Slater is running for the 16th Congressional seat;  Jose Urdaneta is running for the 13th state Senate seat; and Representative Mike Sturla currently holds the 96th House seat.

The event was well attended by city Democrats and committee people as well as Democrats from around the county. Mike Sturla squeaked by with a narrow victory to claim this year's title. All four recipes will be featured in our new section on this website, "Recipe's for Change" to be publish in September.
View pictures of this event...


SEEKING DANCERS / SINGERS

Lancaster County Democratic Women's Association is seeking dancers and singers to perform during their 2009 State Convention which will be held here in Lancaster. Entertainers are needed to represent the Flapper 1920s, 1940s, Bobby Sox 1950s, and the Disco times of 1970s. If you are interested for yourself or on behalf of a group please contact Rebecca Lyttle at lyttle6@comcast.net


Slater Hits Hard For Working Families

by: John Morgan, thepennsylvaniaprogressive.com, 2/12/2008

Joe "He's The" Pitts once again failed to find his way to appear before his Berks County constituents at the Working Families Win candidates forum held in his 16th Congressional District at Reading Area Community College.

Bruce Slater did attend though and illustrated why he would be a breath of fresh air for the 16th congressional district. Bruce pointed out that he didn't have a conflict when it came to appearing before working people and was glad to be there.

On the issue of health care Slater called himself an "avid supporter of a single payer, universal system." He also called for reforms "from the bottom up," opening clinics to take pressure and costs off emergency rooms, expanding what nurse practitioners are permitted to do within their training, and, of course, having a Congressman willing to stand up to the insurance companies instead of being on their campaign payroll. Slater aptly said "healthcare for profit is immoral." Read more...


ALL YOU CAN EAT BUILD YOUR OWN ICE CREAM SUNDAES

Lancaster County Democratic Women's Association is hosting a fundraiser for Bruce Slater for Congress Campaign.

DATE: Lancaster City First Friday September 5, 2008.  Time: 5-7 pm.

LOCATION: Campaign Headquarters: 151 N. Queen St. Lancaster.

SUGGESTED DONATION: $10.00 adults $5.00 children under 12 years of age.

You can prepay at the LCDC Store...


Victory 2008 Fund

The General Election is less than 100 days away.  Despite the incredible ineptitude, corruption, and misguided policies of the last eight years, the polls indicate another close Presidential race.  While all the news focuses on the big, national picture, the truth is that this election will be decided where it usually is decided – in the grassroots on the local level.  Pennsylvania will again be a key battleground state and Republicans will be looking to Lancaster County to provide huge pluralities.

WE CAN’T LET THAT HAPPEN!      We need to raise $30,000 by August 30

Your local county Democratic Party has been growing in numbers and effectiveness for the past decade.  Today, we are among the premier county political organizations in the state.  Look at our progress:

  • We have TWICE as many Democrats registered to vote, while Republicans have actually lost voters over the past four years!

  • We have FOUR times as many elected Democratic officials!

  • We have TWO THOUSAND Democratic volunteers ready to be mobilized this fall!

  • We have active, viable candidates for State Senate, State House, and Congress!

That won’t stop state, national, and county Republicans from pouring in hundreds of thousands of dollars into Lancaster County to save “their” state senate seat, to save Joe Pitts, and, most of all, to try to maximize John McCain’s margin.  They really have no choice.  They will lose big in Philadelphia and they can no longer count on winning in the Philadelphia suburbs.  That means John McCain’s only hope for winning Pennsylvania is to win really big in Lancaster County.

And, that’s why we need your help right away!

1500 Democrats can make a difference.

Contribute $20.08 or $50.00 or $100.00, but contribute so that we turn Lancaster County Blue.


Contribute On-line

Go on-line to the LCDC Store and contribute to the Lancaster County Democratic Party so that we can reach our goal of raising $30,000 in August for the fall campaign.

Click here to make a on-line contribution


Warwick Dems on the Move...

The Warwick Democrats meet the first Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM in one of the coolest places in Lancaster County - Café Chocolate. Café Chocolate is located at 40 E. Main Street in Lititz, PA and is owned by Selina Mann, world famous chocolatier.

At their meeting on Wednesday they endorsed Bruce Slater for Congress. Bruce is running against incumbent Joe Pitts in PA's 16th Congressional district.

The Warwick Democrats Club includes Lititz Borough, Warwick Township, and Elizabeth Township. They have been very active and have been increasing numbers in their club as well as the number of registered Democrats in their district. For more information, contact Sally Lyall at slyall@lancasterdems.com.                     View pictures...


Voter Registration Update - COUNTDOWN TO 100,000

According to the State Department’s website, 2437 additional Democrats have registered in Lancaster County since the spring Primary, through July 5.  Republicans have lost 52 net registrations while Independents gained 75.

“So much for the Republican attempt to win back the thousands of Republicans who switched to Democrats before the Primary,” declared Bruce Beardsley, Lancaster County Democratic Chairman.

This brings the total Democratic registration in Lancaster County to 97,391.  Chairman Beardsley has established the goal of 100,000 Democrats by the November election.  However, at last month’s Corn Roast, Beardsley predicted “Based on incredibly sophisticated computer extrapolations, we expect to reach our 100,000th registered Democrat on September 20 at 2:23 PM.”

Today, Beardsley indicated “We’re right on schedule.  Those computers are amazing!”  On a more serious note, Chairman Beardsley applauded the efforts of Party committee people and particularly the Obama campaign for their voter registration outreach efforts.


 

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