CLUELESS!!!!!!!

The things I do in the name of the Democratic Party! Attended the Tiahrt "Town Hall" meeting at HCC Stringer Fine Arts Center thinking it might actually be an opportunity for a democratic exchange of ideas. Oh foolish child that I am! This should have been billed as a right-wing rally. Todd devoted an hour and 15 minutes to "Liberal Bashing" to the delight of the crowd (with one notable exception).

I expected a slanted view of the Health Care Reform struggles but in light of the articles in The Hutchinson News of late December, thought he might actually try to address the problems of ALL Kansans. The graphic accompanying one of the articles revealed the depths of the need in our state, especially in the western half. SIXTEEN counties reported that one fifth - 20% or more of its non-elderly residents were uninsured. In addition it listed NINE counties with 25% up to almost 30% (!) of the non-elderly are without insurance.

But take heart, Todd expressed his support for unregulated campaign contributions as long as they were made public in 24 hours of receipt - yeah, that's really going to Congress honest!

Todd may be deeply ingrained in the ultra-religious "Family" organization but Ti(NO)ahrt hasn't let that affiliation influence him in favor of any pesky Christian attitudes towards the needy. At least not if it goes against the GOP party line.

BI-PARTISANSHIP AT SHANK DINNER

Legendary former Kansas Attorney General Vern Miller greets a guest as Richard Shank looks on prior to RCDemocratic event at the Sampler's restaurant. The sizable crowd included Democrats and Republicans alike who were treated to colorful stories recounted by Miller. Ticket proceeds and sponsorships added over $800 to the RCDem's treasury. Support for these events is vital to a successful election effort come next November.

DEMOCRATS HONOR SEIMENS AT HOLIDAY PARADE

As the tradition continues, Reno County Democrats appeared in the Hutchinson Christmas Parade. The public response to these parades seems to grow every year and presents a great opportunity to encourage other Democrats in the area. There are several RCDems who show up faithfully to join in these events but we would like to encourage those who haven't participated in the past to commit to marching with us at least once in 2010. There are vocal disruptive forces who are bent on crushing the Democratic party in Kansas. It's up to each of us to see that our voices are not silenced.

RC DEMOCRATS LAST SATURDAY BREAKFAST

State Rep. Jan Pauls gives a report on progress in planning for the upcoming dinner honoring Richard Shank. This was our second Last Saturday Breakfast meeting at the Plaza Grill just south of South Hutch with several RCDems in attendance. We will forego meeting in December but the breakfast meetings will resume on January 30th. This is a great opportunity for discussion and sharing of ideas in a private room. We hope to see many more join us at future meetings. Watch for details.

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DEMOCRATS HONOR RICHARD SHANK

Friends and associates of Richard Shank are invited to a banquet in his honor on Wednesday, December 2 starting at 6:30 in the Downtown Sampler's Restaurant, Main & Sherman. You'll want to enter the 1st National Bank through the parking garage entrance. There is a requested donation of $35/Individual, $65/Couple; Special recognition sponsors $100/2 tickets, $200/ 4 tickets.

Our special guest speaker will be former Kansas Attorney General Vern Miller, friend and co-worker of Richard. Ideally reservations should be received by November 25. You may contact Judy Langley judyklangley@gmail.com or phone her at 620-662-7986. You may also mail donations to Judy: 6818 E Blanchard, Hutchinson KS 67501. Proceeds from the event will go to the general fund of the Reno County Democratic Party.

APPRECIATION FOR RENO COUNTY DEMOCRATS

When the annual Reno County Democratic Party salute to Veteran's Day was dropped off at the Hutch News the woman at the classified ads remarked "I think it's great that the Democrats do this." We started the tradition four years ago and I'll admit I was never sure if anyone ever noticed but obviously they do. It's just one more seemingly small gesture that has a real impact. So when we have an event; hold a reception; write well thought out letters of support for Democratic principles; appear at a parade - people notice!

So here's the pitch. We will be participating in the KSKU Christmas Parade again this year. The theme is a salute to Hutchinson's new industry, Siemen's Manufacturing. The efforts of the local Wind Energy Task Force which included MANY area committed Democrats and the Obama administration's stimulus program that is so unfairly criticized from the extreme right and received NO support from GOP legislators, contributed greatly to this boon to our local economy. So bundle up, join us at B & Main on Saturday November 21 starting between 9 and 9:30 to show your pride in being a part of the Reno County Democratic Party.