New Democrat Update - July 1998
USEFUL CONVERSATION
Governor Roy Romer, State Senator Stan Matsunaka (Loveland), State Representatives Bob Bacon (Fort Collins), Dan Grossman (Denver), Bob Hagedorn (Aurora), Jennifer Veiga (Denver), and Suzanne Williams (Aurora) joined President Bill Clinton, and more than 100 state and local elected officials from 34 states at the Democratic Leadership Council's second annual National Conversation, June 4-5, in Washington, D. C.
On the first day, President Clinton gave the keynote speech, citing the many examples of New Democrat ideas turned into action at the federal level. Governor Romer presented his views on how New Democrat ideas can be communicated to the media and general public.
Day One also included former White House Communications Director Don Baer, University of Maryland professor Bill Galston, former Clinton Administration "reinventing government" chief Elaine Kamarck and presidential pollster Mark Penn leading a discussion on the “New Political Landscape” confronting Democrats. The afternoon session focused on the examples of “New Democrat” ideas successfully implemented around the country.
Day Two was a strategy session for elected officials exploring how the President's successful politics and policies can be translated to all levels of government. That session was followed by a public lunch highlighting “New Democrat Leaders in the States,” followed by an exclusive policy briefing from experts at the White House.
All in all, both days were a major boost to the New Democrat movement in Colorado and across the country. If you would like copies of the President's remarks, Penn’s presentation slides or a more detailed report on the National Conversation, please e-mail the Colorado DLC.
SPECIAL THANKS!
Governor Roy Romer graciously hosted the Colorado DLC’s Third Annual Appreciation Dinner, Monday evening, June 22 at the Executive Residence. The Governor led a discussion with the organization's major financial supporters and leaders on opportunities and challenges facing the state and Colorado New Democrats. The Colorado DLC sincerely appreciates Governor Romer's leadership and support!
IN THE NEWS...
Right-wing Republicans in the legislature showed just how extreme they can be - this time on the tax refund issue. Their extreme partisanship and “my way or the highway” attitude resulted in a deadlock at the end of the legislative session.
In the Colorado Statesman, State Rep. Dan Grossman gives an insightful analysis of what happened in the last days of the session and a reasonable solution to get us out of this mess. Hopefully, some sanity will return to the State Capitol during the now-necessary special session. For a copy of the article, send an e-mail.