BCDC October 2004 Newsletter, page 2

Page 2

Beach Cities Democratic Club

From the President’s Pen

Wow! Here we are at the end of October. Where did the time go?

As you are reading this, there are less than two weeks until the election. The election that will define the course of the US for generations to come.

As we all know, we are on a tragically wrong road. The radicals running our government must be stopped.

We need John Kerry and John Edwards to restore our reputation in the world and our rights here at home.

I have been so proud, and in awe of all the grassroots volunteers here in the South Bay, who for months have been working nonstop to take our country back. Their dedication and energy are truly inspirational.

With all the organizing, fundraising, tabling, voter outreach and registration, precinct walking and phone calling, everything is in place for a big presidential victory here in California.

For the two remaining weekends, focus is on insuring a Kerry victory in Nevada. Our volunteers have been traveling to Las Vegas to help put their 5 electoral votes in the Democratic column. Their efforts have helped make a victory there very possible. Please sign up and get on the swing state bus if you can.

Turning our attention to our own backyard, it is vital that we elect Mike Gordon to the State Assembly.

Our 53rd District has been honorably represented by both Debra Bowen and George Nakano since 1992. We have been able to sleep easy, knowing that our interests and our environment were in good hands. Now, the republican attack machine is working overtime to discredit Mike. Emboldened by the rise of Herr Hummer, who has raised zillions of dollars, they have

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September Recap

Countdown

With only 39 days until the election, there was no formal agenda this month. The meeting opened with a rousing song “Votin’ for Kerry” by a Torrance artist (zoomermusic.net).

George Nakano spoke on a bill he recently sponsored—AB 2093, which prevents cruise ships from dumping grey water within three miles of the coastline. The bill has been signed by Governor Schwartzenegger. Nakano told us that Democrats have only a 6% margin in the 53rd AD and we need to keep working hard for Mike Gordon.

George Wiley from Gordon’s campaign thanked everyone for their support and echoed the warning that we should not take the district for granted.

Lori Geittmann and Ray Waters reported on precinct walking in their respective areas of Redondo Beach and Hermosa Beach, and Jim Aldinger introduced the city captains for all three beach cities.

We heard from judicial candidate

Lori Jones, running in District 29. She is facing another Democrat, Gus Gomez, in her race. We also heard from Judge John Gutierrez who is running in Office 2. He has 21 years of legal experience and 11 years of service as an administrative judge. We voted to endorse both candidates and contribute $100 to each of their campaigns.

We heard from M.T. Karthik from KPFK radio, who expressed concern about the lack of political dissent permitted at the Convention in Boston. The station is pacifist and promotes the view that the war in Iraq is illegal.

Sean Eggers, who started the Democratic Club at El Camino College, thanked club members for their support.

Alyse Laemmle, from the League of Conservation Voters, spoke about the importance of this election on environmental issues.

In closing, Bobbi urged every member to take advantage of the many volunteer opportunities and work hard for our candidates until election night.

Thanks to Kathleen Paralusz for the use of her notes for this writeup.