The state Democratic party has prepared a helpful Voter ID education page to keep you updated on new voting requirements. Read below for answers to common questions about Pennsylvania’s new Voter ID law and be sure to share with your friends and neighbors: Continue reading
The Cumberland County Democratic Committee convened over the weekend to determine endorsements for the 2012 Primary Election. The following slate of candidates was selected for endorsement:
“I am excited by all our endorsements, especially the endorsements of Ken Lee for Congress in the 4th Congressional District and Susan Spicka for State Representative in the 89th. These two are exceptionally well-qualified candidates who are talking about stronger and better representation of the people of Cumberland County,” said Michael Fedor, Chairman. The Committee is also proud to endorse Eugene DePasquale, an exemplary state representative and a strong Democrat from South Central Pennsylvania, for Auditor General.
The committee chose to leave two Primary Election races open – the 11th Congressional District between Democrats Gene Stilp and Bill Vinsko and the race for Attorney General. “In both cases, the committee seemed to say we have a well-qualified field, and so the committee wants to let the candidates fight on an even playing field in the County so the strongest candidate emerges in each race this April,” said Fedor.
Asked about the number of races where Democrats do not have a candidate on the ballot for the state legislature this spring, Fedor said, “There is no doubt that the failure of the reapportionment commission to host a truly open process and its failure to pass a legal map played a part in this. We also recognize we are rebuilding as a Party. When resources are limited, it’s best to put forward a strategic plan for success that builds for the long term. Electing Susan Spicka to the state house and winning one or both of our Congressional races this year would be important steps in that direction.”
The Cumberland County Democratic Committee also elected Deb Fulham-Winston to fill the vacant Secretary position, and appointed Barb Muller as Deputy Secretary. Both women are from Carlisle.
It’s an exciting year and we have our first major event of 2012 rapidly approaching! On Wednesday, March 21st at Dickinson College, we are holding our first annual JFK-FDR Spring Dinner, where we will honor former Chair Gail McDermott, as well as a very special Committee Person of the Year for 2011. Also, we have confirmed that Mary Isenhour, former Pennsylvania Democratic Party Executive Director, will be our keynote speaker. Be sure to mark this on your calendars, you don’t want to miss it!
We’ve also revamped our fundraising efforts this year with the introduction of the Presidents Club, which will replace the Century Club. Many of you have contributed to the Century Club in the past, and we thank you for that generous support. The Presidents Club will take our fundraising to a whole new level, and enable us to deliver wins for our Party and our candidates while leveling the playing field against the Republican machine. To learn more about how you can get involved and join the Presidents Club, follow this link.
Tuesday was the first official day to circulate nominating petitions for the slate of wonderful candidates we have this year! If you haven’t received petitions yet, headquarters will be open the following times for you to stop in and pick some up:
Friday, January 27th from 6:00-8:00pm
Saturday, January 28th from Noon-3:00pm
Our headquarters are located at 46 W. Louther St., Carlisle.
Petitions are available for:
Barack Obama
Bob Casey, Jr.
Eugene DePasquale (Auditor General)
Rob McCord (Treasurer)
Gene Stilp (11th Congressional District)
Bill Vinsko (11th Congressional District)
Ken Lee (4th Congressional District)
We ask that all petition circulators give us their names and phone numbers so we can keep track of completed petitions.
Please note: The recent Supreme Court ruling on redistricting does not affect our work for our statewide or federal candidates, so continue to gather those signatures! The new deadline for completion is Thursday, February 16th. You may continue to circulate for general assembly candidates, but our advice as of today is to observe existing legislative district lines that have been in effect since 2002. If this changes, we will notify you with different instructions.
Thank you for your dedication to getting our candidates on the ballot. It’s going to be a great year.
The members of the Cumberland County Democratic Committee would like to commend the Pennsylvania General Assembly for its final passage of HB 1644, which will empower County Commissioners to eliminate the position of Jury Commissioner, a much needed reform to reduce government waste. Governor Corbett signed the bill into law on Thursday, December 15th, and its provisions are effective immediately.
Earlier this month, the Cumberland County Democratic Committee unanimously voted not to send a name to the County Court of Common Pleas to fill the Jury Commissioner vacancy left by Rick Rovegno. The Committee also called upon our elected representatives in the General Assembly to empower our County Commissioners to eliminate this wasteful expense. Due to the computer automated selection of jury members and the talented workforce that oversees that process, the position of Jury Commissioner is no longer necessary and eliminating it is the just and responsible action to the taxpayers of Cumberland County.
It is for these reasons that we also call on Republican Jury Commissioner Lowell Gates to
uphold his 2009 campaign pledge to return his salary to the County treasury, a promise he has thus far failed to keep.
