AND THE DEMOCRATS KEEP ON MARCHING

Inspired by gains on the national scene, despite the disappointments in Kansas, Reno County Democrats refuse to give up the struggle to offer something besides "politics as usual" to the state. In fact there is an increasing interest being expressed from surrounding counties to build membership and work together. Some ideals are just too important to abandon.

Response from the crowds during the Christmas parade in Hutch, bolster hope for the future and belief that we are making a difference. Working off the parade theme of "Rockin' Kansas Christmas" we altered it to "Ba-Rockin' Kansas...", with a tree decorated with multi-colored photos of our President-elect that brought cheers and applause as we passed by. Mayor Trish Rose along with her "yellow dog Democrat" labrador named Rocco was a hit with the crowd. Perhaps most encouraging was the help of former primary candidate Kevin Branscom and the invaluable assistance of State Senatorial candidate Dave Inskeep. It takes courage and dedication to carry on after a defeat. The best appreciation we can show our candidates is to continue our support and match their involvement in times to come.

High on my list of things to be thankful for are all those who contribute their time, effort and spirit to the Democratic Party. My best to you all during the holiday season.

TEARS OF JOY-TEARS OF SORROW

It would have been appropriate to write immediately following the election of Barack Obama. The depth of pride and hope I felt towards American voters that night was a surprise to me. The bitterness I felt towards Kansas for depriving me of the priviledge of contributing to his victory also surprised me. The disappointment that enveloped me at the losses by our Reno County Democratic candidates was deeper than I could have imagined. In short, I was a "basket case" for the entire day. Couldn't even muster the will to get dressed, instead schlepping around in PJs, screening calls so that I wouldn't have to pretend to be all right. A deep metaphysical "funk" settled over me.

Closing down the headquarters on Thursday I was reminded of the many who had worked so hard supporting our candidates over the last few months. I recalled the Grand Opening, the debate watches, the rally, parades and receptions. I thought of all the volunteers, the reliable long time helpers and the many new faces that appeared to buy a button or yard sign or just to express their hopes for Democratic successes.

Slowly the thoughts became more upbeat - what we did right; where we could do better; how to proceed; all the new contacts we had made...

So now I'm ready to take up the cause again. This isn't the time for regrets; it's time to start planning for the future. I believe all the old friends and all the new acquaintences are up to the challenge. We've come too far and accomplished too much to quit now, so make plans to attend the next meeting Wednesday November 19th, 5:30 at the Great Wall/Mongolian Buffet at 1528 E 17th and keep watching for new additions to the blog and the latest email newsletter.

"OBAMA CARRIES KANSAS" (Could It Happen?)

Just checked the most recent polling for Kansas. Less than a week old it shows a 13 point gap. This means if there was a movement of just 7 points KANSAS would go for Obama. Want to see it happen? Want to see Democrats take over from the GOP domination in Reno County? We need to reach voters, make sure they go to the polls. There has been an unprecedented number of new Democratic registrations in Reno County. Now it's up to us to get them out to vote.

I realize it's almost too much to believe after years of unopposed races or worthy candidates that couldn't break through that big red wall. This year we have to think and act like winners if it is going to happen.

Bring your cell phones - put on your walking shoes and come to the headquarters at 1129 W 4th this Saturday November 1 starting at 10:00 AM. If we give it our best and a race is still lost we know we have made progress and will work a little harder next time. If we sit back and defeat ourselves we will have done the job for the opposition ourselves.

You've heard the negativity. You realize what the correct path for the country is. Moderate Republicans are reaching out, willing to support the Democratic slate. Will you do any less?

Call the headquarters 620-200-0279 or send an email renodemo@earthlink.net and pledge to join the effort to make the "impossible" happen.

LAST MINUTE REGISTRATION EFFORT

The posted sign read "THE END IS NEAR" -Deadline for registration, Noon Mon. Oct. 20

Following another appearance by the Reno County Democrats at the Partridge parade on Saturday where we were surprised by cheers and applause, Vicki Henke and yours truly stationed ourselves at the parking lot of Grays Barber Shop at E and Main. We hoped to catch some unregistered voters and were successful. If Obama carries Reno County/Kansas by a margin of 4-6 votes we will happily take credit for the win! We spoke to many others through the afternoon who were already registered and happy to share their plans to support Obama. Our thanks to Richard Gray who allowed us to "harrass" his customers who stopped by. His willingness to help will be a great asset in future elections as well. Appreciate the help of Theda Woodson and Darrell Pope who suggested enlisting his help.

MORE FROM THE RALLY: The words to "BIG BAD MAC" that was performed at the rally will be available on our website by clicking on the OP/ED at the top of the home page. Hope to publish additional photos in the near future as well. http://klmnews45.googlepages.com/

ANOTHER BIG NIGHT FOR RENO COUNTY DEMOCRATS

Young Democrats raised a lot with their button sales and had a great time.
The response by the public was better than hoped for. Lots of fun. Lots of happy Democrats.

County Chair Vic Moser introduced candidates to the crowd.

If Democrats don't do well in November it won't be for lack of enthusiasm. There was live music, lots of laughter and cheers throughout the evening at our Obama-Biden Rally. Jim French and John Eberly did an outstanding job of entertaining everyone with their music. There are so many to thank for the success. Kam McEwen has worked tirelessly with the Young Democrats who were on hand to help. Democratic Women's Club President Ellen Neufeld and Treasurer Judy Langley kept on top of the details preparing for the event. Cheri Moser and Betty Taylor made sure there were plenty of treats available as the evening wore on. Ken Jorns entertained the crowd as emcee as he quoted our president "W" making everyone appreciate what a welcome change Obama will be! Nancy and Pat Clark provided a video camera to save many of the highlights of the event. Hope to share the great interview segment by Nancy and Bill Rogers as they canvassed the crowd asking folks "Why are you a Democrat?" at a meeting soon.

Do have a couple of requests. Judy Langley shared six large Obama rally posters that were hung at the entry to the building. Somehow there was a misunderstanding and the posters were gone at evening's end. We would really appreciate the return of them to Judy as they were her personal souvenirs. Also in the hustle of clean up a digital SD card in a small plastic holder got lost in the shuffle from the photo table. Please check to see if it was mistakenly gathered up with items by mistake. There are images from the National Guard homecoming and of our guest speaker Heidi Unruh that I would hate to lose.

Again MANY MANY thanks to all who helped to make the event so special. We need to get down to work now with walking and calling to make the election equally successful.

ADVANCE VOTING/BALLOTS, REGISTRATION

We're coming down to crunch time. Across the country polls are swinging in Obama's favor and "by golly", McCain's campaign has unleashed a Limbaugh avatar in the guise of Sarah Palin. "There they go again" with smears and outright lies when "gosh darn it", policies and suitability for the office just aren't "cuttin' it" anymore. It's becoming clear that every vote is vital. States that were once solidly "red" are lining up or leaning, "blue". Kansas remains crimson at this point but when one takes into consideration the huge numbers of re-registered Republicans, the unaffiliated, previously unregistered and young voters who are often not canvassed in polls, this could be THE YEAR!

People are asking "what can I do?". So here are some tips that can make the difference:

• Apply for an advance ballot NOW. Applications are available at Democratic HQ or at the courthouse. The ballot will be sent by mail and may be returned up until polls close on election day however the SOONER the BETTER to get that vote in. Encourage friends and neighbors to use this method as well.
• Even better; starting October 22 through November 3 you can cast your early vote at the courthouse from 8 AM to 5 PM. On October 30 only the courthouse will open for voting until 7 PM.
• ADDITIONAL EARLY VOTING PLACES: October 24 from 9 AM to 6 PM at the Hutchinson Community College student union Blue Dragon Room. Weekends (Sat. & Sun.) at the Hutchinson Mall - Oct 25, 10 - 6; Oct 26, 12 - 4; Oct 31, 10 - 4; Nov 1, 10 - 6.
• Contact Democratic HQ for phone lists of Democrats and Unaffiliated voters you can contact to remind them of the importance of this election.
• Send a letter of support to the Hutchinson News' Western Front. The local GOP is getting letter-writers out in force so it's imperative these are answered with support for Democratic candidates.
• Yard signs can go up NOW.

These are simple things you can do that will have an impact. More than any election in memory, this is the one that can't be ignored.