Newsletter - October 14, 2012

24 Days to Election Day
Last Day to Register to Vote: Tuesday, October 16
If you've moved, you must update your registration

 

Get Obama and all our Democratic candidates elected! Get our Democratic voters to vote!

Join the Blue Crew! There's a place for you! Call the JCD HQ Office (541-858-1050) for additional information and to volunteer.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR. Get a letter in this week in support of our candidates.

Click here for letter writing tips and newspaper e-mails

GET-OUT-THE-VOTE CALLS: October 28 - November 6; Fill the shifts!
The phone bank will operate October 28 to November 6. These calls are to remind voters to get their ballots in. Call from HQ office. Call the office (541-858-1050. Shift schedules are:

  • Weeknights 5 - 6:30 p.m. and 6:30 - 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, 10 a.m. - noon, noon - 2 p.m., 2 - 4 p.m., 4 - 6 p.m., and
  • Sunday, 3 - 5 p.m. if we have enough volunteers.

ELECTION PROTECTION OBSERVERS
Monitor the counting of the votes at the Jackson County Elections Office, October 23 through November 6. This is very interesting and very easy. Training is provided. Shifts are 8 a.m. - noon, 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Probably even later on election night. Volunteers need to be flexible depending on the needs of the election office.

"LIFT ALL DEMS" PROJECT CONTINUES UNTIL OCTOBER 19
We'll call those Democrats who did not vote in the primary and remind them of the importance of the general election and the importance of voting for President Obama and Joyce Segers down the ballot. Scripts, talking points and training provided. Come on in to the JCDems HQ (40 S. Central, Medford) between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Michael Rey, our office manager, will get you started.

COME OUT FOR THE BLUE BASH, November 6 LOTS OF FUN! JACKSON COUNTY DEMOCRATS SUSTAINING FUNDRAISER.

Blue Bash - Buy Your Tickets Today!
Supporters and volunteers for Democratic candidates are ramping up in Jackson County and across the nation.
This is an incredibly important election! Phone calls are being made; neighborhoods are being canvassed; candidates are spreading their message and babies are being kissed!

It all comes together at the Blue Bash on Election Night, Tuesday, November 6th and we want YOU to join in on the excitement at the Historic Ashland Armory!

Two massive 30' screens with up-to-the-minute elections results, both national and local, will be shown all evening while you meet and greet fellow Democrats and candidates. Appetizers and a no-host bar open at 5 p.m., and a fabulous dinner, catered by the Ashland Springs Hotel, will be served at 6:30 p.m.

Click here for more information about buying tickets and becoming a sponsor of the event.

Drawing Tickets - win prizes valued up to $1,000 for only $10

We are thrilled to be able to offer wonderful Drawing Prizes as a fundraiser. Tickets are only $10, and you could win:

  • A week at an elegant Phoenix, Arizona resort in May 2013 - valued at $1,000
  • A fantastic 2-hour "from the air" tour of Northern California, the Cascades and Crater Lake with Oregon Executive Charters - valued at $1,000
  • Politics, Poker & Pizza Party for two with Representative Peter Buckley and former Jackson County Commissioner Dave Gilmour - priceless!
  • A basket of goodies and gift certificates from eateries throughout Ashland - valued at more than $200
  • A case of delicious locally-grown wine from various Rogue Valley wineries -valued at $200
  • 6 hours of "Obamacare" for your garden, from Master Gardener Myrl Bishop, and Landscape Designers Jane Hardgrove & Jose Gonzalas - valued at $400
  • Shakespeare Clock by artist Richard Newman & Hilltop Gallery - valued at $325
  • Original Watercolor by artist Rochelle Newman & Hilltop Gallery - valued at $300

Winning tickets will be drawn at the Blue Bash on Tuesday, November 6, but you do not need to be present to win, so please purchase Drawing Tickets, whether you're coming or not by clicking here!

Jackson County Democratic Candidate List is Now Available
Pick up your copy of the slate at Jackson County Democrats Headquarters, 40 S. Central, Medford during office hours (11 a.m. - 3 p.m., Tuesdays through Saturdays) or see it at www.jcdemocrats.org.

Obama Bumper Stickers, Buttons and Lawn Signs: NEW SUPPLY GOING FAST
Call the office (541-858-1050). We're asking for a donation to cover the costs.


JACKSON COUNTY & OREGON NEWS


BALLOT MEASURES
There are nine important state-wide issues. Complete descriptions are in the "The Voters Guide", now available on line at www.oregonvotes.org. The paper copies have been mailed.

Democratic Party of Oregon Ballot Measure Recommendations

SUPPORT

Measure #77: SUPPORT (95.3%)
Amends Constitution: Governor may declare "catastrophic disaster" (defined); requires legislative session; authorizes suspending specified constitutional spending restrictions.

Measure #78: SUPPORT (96.5%)
Amends Constitution: Changes constitutional language describing governmental system of separation of powers; makes grammatical and spelling changes.

Measure #85: SUPPORT (92.9%)
Amends Constitution: Allocates Corporate Income/Excise Tax "Kicker" Refund to Additionally Fund K Through 12 Public Education.

OPPOSE

Measure #79: OPPOSE (92.9%)
Amends Constitution: Prohibits real estate transfer taxes, fees, other assessments, except those operative on December 31, 2009.

Measure #82: OPPOSE (94.1%)
Amends Constitution: Authorizes Establishment of Privately-Owned Casinos; Mandates Percentage Of Revenues Payable To Dedicated State Fund.

Measure #83: OPPOSE (96.5%)
Authorizes Privately-Owned Wood Village Casino; Mandates Percentage Of Revenues Payable To Dedicated State Fund.

Measure #84: OPPOSE (95.2%)
Phases out existing inheritance taxes on large estates, and all taxes on intra-family property transfers.

NO ENDORSEMENT

Measure #80: NO ENDORSEMENT (Support 45.9%; No Endorsement 43.5%; Oppose 10.6%)
Allows personal marijuana, hemp cultivation/use without license; commission to regulate commercial marijuana cultivation/sale.

Measure #81: NO ENDORSEMENT (Support 55.3%; No Endorsement 34.1%; Oppose 10.6%)
Prohibits commercial non-tribal fishing with gillnets in Oregon "inland waters," allows use of seine nets.

County Commissioner Candidates Forums, "Jeff vs. Doug"
Wednesday, October 17, 7 p.m. at the Ashland City Council Chambers. (Note corrected location)
Tuesday, October 23, 7 p.m. at the Medford Library
This is a great chance to see these candidates in action. NOTE: Jeff has received the support of the Rogue Valley Association of Realtors (RVAR), normally a right-leaning group, because of his initiatives re family-wage jobs.

DINNER AND CANDIDATES AT RUCH SCHOOL
Location: Ruch School. Date October 16. Moderated Forum: all 3 Commissioners and Surveyor candidates, 6 p.m. Lasagna Dinner (fundraiser, suggested donation $10 to Ruch PTO). 6:30 p.m. Forum begins. RSVP (for dinner) 541-899-1672 Priscilla Weaver.

Jeff Scroggin for County Commissioner Campaign Needs YOU!
We are starting down the home stretch. Now is the time to help get Jeff elected. Please call the Scroggin Campaign at 541-941-7015 and sign up today.

  • Phone Callers: Two Evening Shifts: 5:30 - 7 p.m. or 7 - 8:30 p.m. - OR - Day shifts at your convenience.
  • Canvassers: Saturdays, 10 a.m. to noon. Sundays, 1 p.m. OR make arrangements for another time.

If calling other volunteers to sign them up for campaign activities is more to your liking PLEASE CALL to see how you can help. We make it easy with lists, scripts and you will only be calling volunteers who have already said they will help.

Trent Lutz, Editor, and the DPO Express Support for the Joyce Segers Campaign
"I wanted to pass along this message to you from our Democratic candidate in the 2nd Congressional District, Joyce Segers. Joyce is running a value driven campaign against Greg Walden, who has been a driving force behind the extreme policies of the Republican Congress, and the right-hand-man to John Boehner. I hope you will consider getting involved in a major way with her campaign!"

See Joyce's message here.

Signs for Segers. Help Her Campaign Gain Visibility; Show a Sign
Printable window signs for your home or car are available at www.segersforcongress.org; Click on MEDIA. There are twenty window signs to choose from.

OUR BALLOTS, OURSELVES: Southern Oregon Women's Collective Analysis of the 2012 Election Choices Thursday, October 18, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Medford Public Library - large room 205 S. Central Ave. On the 100th anniversary of Oregon women's right to vote Oregon Action is sponsoring a meeting to bring women together to discuss the issues that affect women in the upcoming election: health care and health equity, pro-choice, education, jobs, immigration, budget, families, ballot measures, and more. Snacks and beverages provided. RSVP to Oregon Action 772-4029 or virginia1mom@yahoo.com.

Robocalls About Your Voter Registration Status?
State officials are asking Oregon voters to be wary of widespread automated calls questioning their registration status. These calls are designed to overload the phones at county clerks offices at the busiest time in the election cycle. Click here for how to report it if you get such a call.

Senator Jeff Merkley Asks Support for State House and Senate Candidates
Read the profiles and contact information for the ten Oregon candidates recommended by Senator Merkley. Time is growing short. Help! Help! Help! Click here.

Important Election Information Roundup

  • Last day to register to vote for the November 6 general election: October 16. Register online : www.sos.state.or.us/elections
  • If you've moved, update your registration. Ballots are not forwarded.
  • If you've changed your name, use the paper registration form.
  • Registration forms are available at the DMV, all libraries, and the Jackson County Democrats office, 40 S. Central, Medford.
  • Jackson County Elections Office: 1101 W. Main, Medford (upstairs). Their telephone number is 541-774-6148 for any questions you may have.
  • If you will be out of town during the election cycle, go to the Elections Office and vote early- call first to determine if ballots are ready.
  • If you have not received your ballot by November 1, call the Elections Office.

Tell Governor Kitzhaber to Stop LNG Exports
Governor Kitzhaber can shut down both LNG export projects by denying them key state permits — but he won't do it unless we make our opposition clear. Sign the CREDO petition here.


NATIONAL ISSUES


Don't Miss the Next Presidential Debates
October 16, 6 - 7:30 p.m.; October 22, 6 - 7:30 p.m.
For topics and complete details click the link here.

Poll Watchers, Here's a Website for You!
www.Fivethirtyeight.com from the NY Times gives you the very latest poll statistics. Check it out.


WIDER COMMUNITY


TODAY! MOVE-TO-AMEND, JACKSON COUNTY holds a Community Forum on Ashland City Ballot Measure 15-116 and campaign finance, Sunday, October 14, 7 p.m., Ashland Public , Gresham Room. Library. Speakers will address: · How big money affects our democratic process · How corporations became "people" · What we are doing about it. Community discussion to follow. For information on this specific event contact: andyseles@gmail.com Or call 541-727-2677.

Peace House hosts State Representative Peter Buckley speaking on ballot measures, Tuesday, October 15, 5PM , at Tabu Restaurant, 76 N. Pioneer St., Ashland.

Rogue Valley New Day Network - Friday, October 19
8 - 9:30 a.m., Talent Community Center, 206 E. Main St., Talent

Daniel Guy & Dan Davis, Rogue Valley Veterans for Peace and Don Chapin, Rogue Valley Peace Veterans will speak on Reducing the Bloated Military Budget.

League of Women Voters Series Presents Films with Election Themes
Saturday, October 20, 7 p.m. discussion, 8 p.m. film in the large room at the Medford Library, 205 S. Central, Medford.
Paul Becker Primary Colors John Travolta, Kathy Bates, Billy Bob Thornton, Emma Thompson & Larry Hagman. Rated R. Click here for more details on this and other films to be presented in the series.

United Nations Association of the USA, Southern Oregon Chapter
Invites you to celebrate the 67th anniversary of the founding of The United Nations,On Friday, October 26, 2012 at 4 p.m., at the Medford Congregational United Church of Christ, 1801 East Jackson Street, Medford, OR. Light refreshments, musical welcome, and keynote address by Stephane Dujarric, Director, News and Media Division, United Nations Department of Public Information, on Current Issues for the United Nations:Moving Toward a Just World . A Public Event - Admission Free.

World-renowned reporter Amy Goodman, Sunday, October 28, 7 p.m. ,Ashland High School
Amy Goodman - anchorwoman, fearless journalist and Producer of Democracy Now - is celebrating 16 years of reporting on hot topics at the cutting edge of politics often ignored by mainstream media. On her current tour, she is promoting her new book The Silenced Majority: Stories of Uprisings, Occupations, Resistance, and Hope, written with Denis Moynihan. Tickets at Bloomsbury Books.

Stand For Children Educational Summit
Saturday, October 27, 9 - 11:30 a.m., Jackson Elementary School, Medford
Hear firsthand about education reform initiatives happening in Oregon from Ben Cannon, Governor John Kitzhaber's Education Policy Advisor. See the flyer for all the details.

"Immense Possibilities" Has Moved to Fridays
"Immense Possibilities" will now be seen on SOPTV, Friday, 8:30 p.m.
See what's coming at www.immensepossibilities.org

 

JCD Facebook Page
If you want up-to-the-minute news about JCD activities, please "like" us on the Jackson County Democrats Facebook Page.