New Democrat Update - August 1997
Gov. Romer Consults DLC Leaders
Governor Roy Romer graciously hosted the Colorado DLC’s Second Annual Appreciation Dinner Monday evening at the Executive Residence. The Governor discussed the options and issues surrounding a possible special legislative session with DLC leaders and supporters. He also gave an update on his work as General Chairman of the Democratic National Committee and asked the group what his DNC priorities should be.
As the prototype “New Democrat,” Romer's support has been very helpful to our efforts here in the state and nationally. He emphasized the importance of the Colorado DLC’s work to the state and Democratic Party.
The Colorado DLC sincerely appreciates Governor Romer's leadership and support of the New Democrat movement!
Northern Colorado Democrats Speak Out!
The Colorado DLC conducted a panel discussion on July 31st in Fort Collins among prominent Northern Coloradans on the future message and agenda of the Democratic Party. Panel participants included Susan Kirkpatrick, former Mayor of Fort Collins, State Senator Peggy Reeves, who represents the Fort Collins area in the state legislature and Dick Bond, a former State Representative from Greeley and 4th Congressional District candidate. Tom Strickland, the Colorado Democratic US Senate candidate in 1996, moderated the discussion.
All speakers emphasized why and how Northern Colorado Democrats must change in this new era. Kirkpatrick focused on the need for the Democratic Party to embrace the DLC’s core principles - opportunity, responsibility and community. In a response to a question, Reeves talked about why Democrats should become pro-business advocates and seek policy opportunities that benefit both employers and employees. Bond shared why he was proud to be a New Democrat, stressed that “programs are not principles” and suggested some fresh thinking on how Colorado can heal its racial and ethnic divisions. Strickland's wrap-up emphasized why the Democratic Party should be about “ideas” that give hope to the middle-class and those struggling to get there.
The DLC has plans to do more of these discussions around the state. Keep an eye on your mailbox and fax machine for more information.
In the Press
Two recent published commentaries that advocate progressive institutional reforms, one in a signature Democratic federal program - Medicare, and the other in a traditional party constituency - the labor movement. Both pieces recognize that progressives must implement new reformist policies to meet the challenges of the Information Age.
For a copy of either, send us an e-mail.