New Democrat Update - February 1998
DEMOCRATS DEVELOP POLICY STRATEGY
The Colorado Democratic Leadership Council conducted a public policy strategy session with elected officials and candidates last month at the statewide, congressional and state legislative levels. Moderated by State Rep. Dan Grossman, the discussion featured the national DLC’s Ed Kilgore and Debbie Cox, focusing on the specific message and policy agendas that Democrats should be advocating this year.
The elected officials included Lt. Gov. Gail Schoettler, State Representatives Bob Bacon, “Mo” Keller, Bob Hagedorn, Gloria Leyba, Frana Mace, Carl Miller, Alice Nichol, House Minority Leader Carol Snyder, Penfield W. Tate, Ron Tupa, Suzanne Williams and Paul Zimmerman, along with State Senators Pat Pascoe and Joan Johnson. The candidates were Bill Astle, Ric Bainter, Jeanne Hall, James Johnson, Don Parker and Sue Windels. Later in the day, Kilgore met with Lt. Gov. Gail Schoettler and Senate Minority Leader Mike Feeley.
Kilgore and Cox emphasized that the budgetary surplus facing federal and state governments dramatically changes the political landscape. With numerous Democrats just saying "spend it" through new programs and many Republicans simply pushing tax cuts, New Democrats should take a “third way” and propose some middle-class tax relief and prudent investments - tied to specific outcomes - in education and transportation. Governor Romer's proposal to boost funding by 0.5 percent to school districts that improve achievement levels by 25 percent represents one great example.
Ed Kilgore is the Political Director of the national DLC, and until recently, senior fellow of the Progressive Policy Institute, where he directed policy development on crime, federal-state relations, welfare reform, and national service. Before joining the Progressive Policy Institute, he was federal liaison for Georgia governors Zell Miller, Joe Frank Harris and George Busbee and worked as communications director for US Senator Sam Nunn. Debbie Cox is the Field Director of the national DLC, managing the organization's efforts to engage up- and-coming Democratic elected officials at the federal, state and local level.
Thanks to State Rep. Dan Grossman, Ed Kilgore, Debbie Cox and everyone in attendance for a great discussion!
NEW DEMOCRAT OPPORTUNITIES
The political outreach department of the DLC in Washington DC is looking for a State Coordinator to serve as primary liaison to state elected officials, manage a series of national events, and track specific legislation at the state level. At least three years of state legislative and/or political experience, along with excellent writing and communication skills, are required. Call Debbie Cox at 202-546-0007 for more information.
The New Democrat Network, a political action committee that works to elect congressional and gubernatorial New Democrats, is taking resumes for the new position of Campaign Director. The Network is seeking someone with at least one senior-level campaign job in his or her background, experience in working directly with candidates, a willingness to work hard and good communication skills. Applicants should mail, fax (202-547-2929) or e-mail their resumes to Theo Yedinsky as soon as possible. The address is 501 Capitol Court NE, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20002. Please do not make phone calls.