Keep California Blue

Democrats Making the “Year of the Young Voter” Real in California

2008-04-01T19:14:00.000-07:00

From the California Progress Report...
Democrats Making the “Year of the Young Voter” Real in California

By Becca Doten
Political Director
California Young Democrats

This weekend Democrats of all ages converged on the San Jose convention center to listen to speakers and panels, participate in trainings and conduct Party business. Throughout the weekend there was a special buzz of excitement – that of the Young Democrats who were a part of this important convention.

You might have caught us wearing red CYD t-shirts or stickers with the phrase, "Year of the Young Voter" and the Chinese character for young, or seen us at the Assembly District Endorsement Caucuses or on the Convention floor. But no matter where you were, you'd be sure to see these young activists participating and engaging in the process. This year, more than ever, is a year that young people are getting involved in the political process. Not just as voters, but as active members of the Democratic Party.

It's important not to discount how critical it is that we're seeing this increase in young voter turnout and activism for the Democratic Party, because when young voters vote, the chances are they're going to vote for the Democrat – and this cuts across gender and race differences. This can't be said about any other age group. In 2008, 47% of young voters self-identify as Democrats and only 28% self-identify as Republicans – and the 47% who identify as Democrats is up from 40% in 2004, a year that young people ages 18-30 were the only age group to support the Democratic ticket for President.

One just has to look at the Super Tuesday numbers to see the increased impact of young voters on the Democratic Party. Nationally more than three million young voters cast a vote or caucused, with over two million votes cast for a Democratic candidate compared to only 900,000 for Republicans. Additionally, nearly every Super Tuesday state saw a dramatic increase in young voter turnout, with some states seeing turnout triple or even quadruple over past years.

This engagement can be attributed to a couple of factors – the first being the disgust for the current administration and the lack of a national agenda that speaks to our needs. Young people look around and wonder how we're ever going to own a home, worry that the worsening economy is going to mean we won't be able to find a job, and we are forced to go without health care because it's too expensive. And it's young people who have to watch our friends and peers go to Iraq for a senseless war and – if they're lucky enough to come back – many of our generation will spend the rest of their lives with physical or mental injuries because of the war. Seeing how poorly the country is responding to our needs, many young people naturally turn away from the status quo. But turning away is not enough – because young people need to know that there is a Party that we can join that speaks to our issues.

What is so exciting about 2008 is that this year young people have choices that are connecting our generation. The Democratic presidential candidates are speaking to our needs and reaching out to us on the issues that matter. And it's not just lip service or putting up a Facebook page – it's participating in a debate focuses on youth voter issues. It's presenting plans on keeping college costs low. It's talking about universal health coverage and green technology. And it's challenging our generation to step up and invest ourselves in our country and our neighborhoods.

We're seeing that when young people are targeted and brought into the process we will respond – and respond in a big way. And this is the year that we all need to do everything we can to ensure that young voters continue to engage and participate.

We all need to take responsibility to increase youth turnout. The Party establishment needs to respond to the needs of students and young professionals, include our issues in the greater policy agenda and ensure that the campaigns include real resources and organizers focused on young voter turnout. But young people also need to take responsibility for increasing turnout. We need to ensure that our friends, colleagues and peers all know the importance of this election on our futures. We need to take that extra time to get our friends who have voted to come out and work on a campaign and to get our friends who don't vote to go to the polls this year.

So far, 2008 has been the Year of the Young Voter in the primaries – now we all need to commit to continuing the Year of the Young Voter into the general election to ensure that a Democrat is in the White House and we can begin to get our country back on track for people of all ages.

Becca Doten is the Political Director of the California Young Democrats. She is also the President of the Los Angeles County Young Democrats and Co-Founder and Consultant of the Young Progressive Majority.

http://www.californiaprogressreport.com/2008/04/democrats_makin.html

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CYD ELECTS NEW OFFICERS AND HONORS SAN FRANCISCO MAYOR GAVIN NEWSOM AT THE 2008 ANNUAL DEMOCRATIC PARTY CONVENTION

2008-03-30T15:34:00.000-07:00

SAN JOSE - The California Young Democrats (CYD) and the California College Democrats (CYD) have returned from the 2008 California Democratic Party State Convention revved up for the upcoming election year with a fresh board of elected officers to rally California's young Democrats to bring even more young voters to the polls for California's June Primary and November General Election.

The California Young Democrats presented San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom with the CYD Mentor of the Year Award for his dedication to the California Young Democrats and our mission, and for his willingness to take action on the issues facing the young people of his city and of California. "I am proud to be honored by the young Democrats," said Mayor Gavin Newsom as he accepted his award. "These are tomorrow's leaders and it is my privilege to be recognized by such a committed group of young people."

The new CYD board was elected info office at the annual State Convention. "We have an excited group of young leaders and we are going to reach out to young voters, get them engaged and to the polls and make 2008 the year of the young voter," said Rocky Fernandez, the newly elected CYD President. "Young people in California and across the Nation are showing up to vote in record numbers, and they're turning out and voting for Democrats."

2008-2009 CYD Executive Board

President: Rocky Fernandez, Easy Bay Young Democrats

National Committeewoman: Natalie Rojas, University of California, Santa Cruz

National Committeeman: Owen Stephens, San Francisco Young Democrats

Vice President of Membership: David Phelps, San Fernando Valley Young Democrats

Vice President of Finance: Alissa Ko, Sacramento County Young Democrats

Political Director: Rebecca Doten, Los Angeles County Young Democrats

Secretary: Paula Villescaz, Cal Berkeley Democrats

Parliamentarian: Nick Caston, Sonoma County Young Democrats

Region 1 Director- North State: Amanda Sheldon, Sacramento County Young Democrats

Region 2 Director-Bay Area: Julie Lind, Silicon Valley Young Democrats

Region 5 Director- Los Angeles: Damian Carroll, San Fernando Valley Young Democrats

Region 6 Director- South State: Brandon Tate, Stonewall Young Democrats of San Diego

Region 7 Director- Orange County/Inland Empire: Rashad Al-Dabbagh, Arab American Democrats

2008-2009 CCD Executive Board

President: Nick Warshaw, Claremont McKenna

Executive Vice President: Christine Smith, University of California, Berkeley

Northern California Vice President: Ryan Mcelhinney, Chico

Southern California Vice President: Morgan Lucas, University of California Santa Barbara

Political Director: Charlie Carnow, University of Southern California

Communications Coordinator: Stephanie Chan, University of California, Berkeley

Treasurer/Secretary: Grace Bisel, Chapman University

"The California College Democrats have elected the most diverse and talented slate in the history of our organization," said Nick Warshaw, the newly re-elected California College Democrats President. "With these leaders who represent the diversity and passion of the students of our golden state, the California College students will turn out in record numbers in June and in November."

The California Young Democrats are positioned to engage thousands of young people to vote in California's upcoming elections. Young workers, young families, college and high school students will be the margin of victory in turning red California blue in 2008 and in electing a Democrat to the White House.

National Young Democrats of America Conference in Anaheim Sparks Positive Change Locally & Nationally

2008-03-02T17:20:00.000-08:00

Veterans and Military Affairs Caucus Established
YDA Jewish Caucus Announced the Tom P. Lantos Award
250 Young Democrats March With Local Labor Union for a Fair Contract Extension from Disney

The Young Democrats of America National Winter Conference in Anaheim, CA at the Disneyland Hotel & Resort pumped up hundreds of Young Democrats who learned the skills needed to organize their communities for victory in November.

"We are thrilled to be in California as we build momentum for the 2008 general election," said YDA President David Hardt. "The Young Voter Revolution is underway, with young people voting – and voting for Democrats – in record numbers." California Young Democrats President Tim Steed added, "The California Young Democrats are excited to host Young Democrats from across the country in Orange County, CA, the heart of the GOP base, showing that Young Democrats will fight for every vote to ensure Democratic victory."

The Young Democrats of America established the Veterans and Military Affairs Caucus to be chaired by Cole Hickman, the President of the Young Democrats of Arizona, and a Sergeant in the US Army Reserve. Young Democratic Veterans who have returned from their service abroad have united together to form this caucus, to organize and advocate the issues affecting our country's newest veterans and their families.

An award to honor the memory and service of the late Representative of California Tom P. Lantos, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the only Holocaust survivor ever to serve in Congress, was announced by the Young Democrats of America Jewish Caucus. Chairman Tom Lantos leaves a legacy and commitment of fighting for many important issues that include, human rights, civil rights, ending genocide in Darfur, combating anti-Semitism and Israel's safety and security. The Tom P. Lantos Award will be given annually to a public figure who exemplifies Chairman Lantos's dedication to public service and who serves as an advocate for individuals who cannot speak for themselves.

Two hundred and fifty Young Dems demonstrated their commitment to progressive causes by marching in solidarity with two hundred and fifty members of UNITE HERE Local 681 to demand a fair contract extension for the workers at the Disneyland Hotel. Representatives from YDA and Local 681 requested, without success, a meeting with management to discuss their demands and our work will not end this weekend.

The Saturday afternoon march followed a luncheon with Writer's Guild of America (WGA) Political Director John Kosinski and members of WGA who discussed the strike that shut down Hollywood. Young Democrats also attended hands-on trainings with prominent speakers such as Christine Pelosi, Author and Chair of the Platform Committee for the California Democratic Party, as well as internal committee and caucus meetings led by our members.

Members of the Young Democrats have returned to their home states to translate skills into action, as they engage thousands of young people to vote in upcoming elections. Young workers, young families, college and high school students will be the margin of victory for Democrats up and down the ballot, in red and blue states, in November.

California Young Democrats Congratulate Senator Steinberg and Assemblymember Bass on Elections to Leadership

2008-02-28T17:18:00.000-08:00

California Young Democrats President Tim Steed released the following statement today upon the election of Assemblymember Karen Bass as Speaker of the State Assembly and Senator Darrell Steinberg as President Pro Tempore of the California State Senate:

“California’s young voters are extremely fortunate to have two wonderful, progressive and effective members of the legislature assuming the leadership of the Senate and Assembly next year. Senator Steinberg has been a strong champion of California’s young voters, and has been a close friend and ally to the California Young Democrats even prior to his election to the legislature. Assemblymember Bass’s leadership on such issues as foster care reform speak to the concerns of young voters throughout the state. The millennial generation has found two exceptional allies in Senator Steinberg and Assemblymember Bass.”

“On behalf of California’s Young Democrats, I wish to extend my congratulations to Senator Steinberg and Assemblymember Bass, and I am looking forward to working with them on engaging the youth vote in this critical election year. I would also like to thank Speaker Fabian Núñez & President Pro Tempore Don Perata for the support they have given to the young voter movement during their tenure. Both men have been great friend to CYD and we wish them well in their future endeavors.”

Record Youth Turnout in California--Young Democratic Voters Nearly Doubled

2008-02-06T10:51:00.000-08:00

Young Democrats flooded the polls yesterday to pick the next President of the United States. 852,459 voters under 30 cast ballots and 74 percent of the young voters who turned out to the polls voted for Democrats. Young people turned out in such high record numbers around California, that for instance, Berkeley polling locations were held open an additional two hours to accommodate University of California, Berkeley students who were so excited about this election.

California Young Democrats worked to get young people out to the polls through peer-to-peer phone banks, get out the vote email campaigns, and by utilizing social networking sites to remind people about Election Day and direct voters to their polling place. The California Young Democrats and the California Democratic Party, made every effort possible to make sure Decline to State voters knew they were welcome to request a Democratic Party ballot. Our efforts paid off. The youth share of the electorate this election was 16 percent, an increase of 7 percent over 2004. Young people delivered, continuing to vote overwhelmingly for Democratic candidates, choosing to end the war in Iraq, bring economic recovery to the middle class, and fight for college affordability, climate change, and affordable health care instead of affirming the failed Bush agenda.

"Record youth turnout for this primary is just the beginning," said Tim Steed, CYD President. "The Young Voter Revolution will continue into June and November and young people will be the margin of victory for Democrats up and down the ticket. No matter which candidate they choose in the primary, the youth vote momentum is with Democrats for the general election."

Throughout this Presidential primary season, youth voters have been heavily targeted by the Democratic Presidential campaigns, receiving more attention from campaigns than ever before. Students for Barack Obama and the Hillblazers have done a phenomenal job of reaching this crucial demographic with youth-centered campaigns. With 51 percent of youth turning out for Senator Hillary Clinton, and 47 percent for Senator Barack Obama, it is evident that young voters were swayed by the candidates who invested resources in talking to young voters. See: Clintons Crisscross State Trying to Draw Youth Voters.

“Thank you to the Democratic Presidential campaigns, for showing that when campaigns target young voters we turn out to vote,” said Nick Warshaw, President of the California College Democrats. “We are thrilled to be finally treated as a valuable demographic with individual qualities and concerns. With ever-rising tuition costs, and the need for universal healthcare and a real plan to fight global warming, young people are the present of the Democratic Party and will be the future to carry its values on to the next generation. Thank you for the energy you have put into working with us, and for treating us as voters, not just as volunteers.”

The California Young Democrats have already started preparing to increase young voter turnout for our June primary. We're motivated. We're energized. We're passionate about our future and inspired by the Democratic Party and its candidates. And in 2008 we will continue to be the margin of victory.

"Young people aren't just voting in record numbers – they're voting overwhelmingly for Democratic candidates," said David Hardt, President of the Young Democrats of America. "In early primaries and caucuses and now again on Super Tuesday, young people strongly supported Democrats over Republicans. This is a continuation of the trends we saw in past election cycles, where Democrats won the youth vote 54-44% in 2004 and 60-40% in 2006."

Data from:
http://www.civicyouth.org/PopUps/PR_08_Super%20Tuesday.pdf
http://www.cnn.com/ELECTION/2008/primaries/results/dates/#20080205

Other Early State Results for Youth Vote
Iowa/New Hampshire
In Iowa, 80% of young voters caucused for a Democratic candidate. Turnout amount 18-29 year old caucus-goers rose from 4% in 2004 to 13%.
Additionally, almost 65,000 young people participated in the caucus, and young voters were 22% of all caucus-goers.
The trend continued in New Hampshire, where turnout rose from 18% in 2004 to 37%, with the majority of 18-24 year olds supporting Barack Obama and the majority of 25-29 year olds supporting Hillary Clinton.
They were 18% of all primary voters, a greater percentage than the previously courted over 65 age group (who comprised 13% of primary voters).
Nevada/South Carolina
Young voters supported Democrats in Nevada by a 3:1 margin, and 22,000 young people turned out to caucus, comprising 12% of all caucus-goers.
Even in the red state of South Carolina, young people supported Democratic candidates with 62% of young people voting for a Democrat.

College Democrats in CA Targeted by Campaigns

2008-01-16T22:57:00.000-08:00

Photo: Davis College Democrats President Max Mikalonis introducing President Bill Clinton.
L to R: Speak of the State Assembly Fabian Núñez, DCD President Max Mikalonis, President Bill Clinton, State Assembly Member Lois Wolk, Lt. Governor John Garmamendi
Photo by Kristine Slipson Kristine Kreations Photography

Clintons Crisscross State Trying to Draw Youth Voters

Because of the increased importance of the youth vote, California college students are witnessing incredible attention from Democratic presidential candidates.

In Iowa, Senator Barack Obama treated young people as voters, not just campaign volunteers. His strategy paid off. In Iowa more than 65,000 people under the age of 30 (more than triple 2004) showed up to vote for a change. After tremendous youth turnout in Iowa, Senator Hillary Clinton was determined to attract young voters to her campaign saying: “I’m going to, in the next five days, do as much as I can to talk about my record in creating opportunities for young people.” With both the Obama and Clinton campaigns targeting young voters in New Hampshire, youth turnout increased by an astounding 43%. In both of these contests it was crystal clear that when campaigns invest the resources to target young voters, it pays off. All of the Democratic presidential campaigns are realizing that the youth vote is truly going to be the margin of victory in 2008.

This week, all three Clintons are running up and down California targeting the youth vote. Tuesday night, January 15, President Bill Clinton spoke to an audience of about 7,800 people at University of California Davis. Thursday, January 17, Senator Clinton has scheduled two rallies at college campuses in California: the first at California State University Northridge, and the second at University of California Santa Barbara. All three events are co-sponsored by their campus’ College Democrats chapter. Additionally, last week Chelsea Clinton visited with college-aged Democratic voters at University of California Los Angeles, University of California Hastings College of Law in San Francisco, and Stanford University.

The California College Democrats are thrilled that Presidential hopefuls are realizing that the shifting political landscape demands they pay attention to the youth vote. “Many young Californians are still undecided and we’ve seen that when a Presidential candidate shows us they care about young people and the issues affecting us, we respond by turning out to the polls,” said Nick Warshaw, President of the California College Democrats. “With over 4.6 million young people in California, young people will be the key demographic for campaigns to target on February 5th. I implore all the Presidential candidates to continue to reach out to young people, throughout California, as young people will be the margin of victory this November.”

UC Regents and CSU Trustees Out of Touch With Average Californians

2007-11-15T09:01:00.000-08:00

The California Young Democrats have endorsed the YES on Proposition 92 campaign-the California Community College Initiative because for far too long the budget has been balanced on the backs of students and our community colleges have been shortchanged. The UC Regents and CSU Trustees are out of touch with average Californians, and more focused on raising salaries than ensuring every Californian has the opportunity to go to college.

A statewide survey released earlier this month by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) found that a strong majority (65%) of Californians say that many residents who are qualified don’t have the opportunity to attend college. California residents see college as essential but access elusive, costs rising, and the state system underfunded. Two-thirds of adults think that the cost of college prevents qualified, motivated students from pursuing higher education.

The PPIC survey also found that over 70% of Californians say that the state’s economy will need a higher percentage of college-educated workers in 20 years. Overall, most residents give excellent or good ratings to the state’s community college system when it comes to training students for technical or vocational jobs (70%) and preparing students to transfer to four-year institutions (71%). It is important to note that two-thirds of all CSU graduates and one-third of all UC graduates began at community colleges.

UC chancellors' pay could increase up to 17% in 2008 (11/10/07 By Eleanor Yang Su, San Diego Union-Tribune) “UC's proposal comes on the heels of California State University's decision in September to raise campus presidents' salaries by an average of 12 percent.”

California Young Democrats Speak Out on ’08 Ballot Initiatives

2007-11-11T09:30:00.000-08:00

The California Young Democrats have taken positions on the three ballot initiatives that will be on the February 5, 2008 statewide ballot.

Proposition 91-NEUTRAL
Transportation Funding. Initiative Constitutional Amendment and Statute.
Proposition 92-YES
Community Colleges. Funding. Governance. Fees Initiative Constitutional Amendment and Statute.
Proposition 93-YES
Limits on Legislators’ Terms in Office. Initiative Constitutional Amendment.

These decisions were made at the biannual California Young Democrats retreat in Tahoe, CA which was attended by over 300 young Democrats. The California Young Democrats also voted YES on a resolution calling on all presidential, legislative and local Democratic candidates to uphold the highest standards of civility and discourage negative campaigning as intolerant behavior, including unwarranted attacks on one another and to constructively address intra-party differences through vigorous debate on the issues, while staying focused on our mission of electing Democrats and a government of which we can be proud.

The California Young Democrats honored three individuals for their commitment to the organization while active members and the ways in which they have continued to empower and give a voice to young people: Jay Hansen, Legislative Director for the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California; Scott Lay, President and CEO of the Community College League of California; and Paul Mitchell, Political Director for EdVoice. The California Young Democrats’ Mentor of the Year Alexandra Rooker, Senior Lobbyist for the Communication Workers of America, AFL-CIO Local 9400 and 1st Vice-Chair of the California Democratic Party was in attendance to help thank Jay Hansen, Scott Lay and Paul Mitchell for all of their efforts to engage California’s youth.

The California Young Democrats will be actively involved with the campaign to pass Proposition 92-the California Community College initiative because for far too long the budget has been balanced on the backs of students and our community colleges have been shortchanged. In order to keep California’s competitive edge over the next 20 years, almost 40 percent of the workforce will need to be college educated. Unfortunately, today we are well below that percentage. Our community college system is California’s lynchpin to ensuring we produce the highly skilled workers required to meet the demands of the next technological era.

“As a Saddleback Community College graduate, I saw firsthand how higher tuition fees impacted students,” said Tim Steed, President of the California Young Democrats. Steed continued, “By lowering fees, we make sure more students can attend college. When fees were increased in 2004, hundreds of thousands of community college students either dropped out or just didn’t enroll. Those impacted the most are minority students - there are almost four times as many minority students attending community colleges than are attending CSU and UC campuses combined. For generations community colleges have been the best investment California makes in education. Community colleges serve a large and diverse population of Californians who become an integral part of the educated workforce needed for California’s evolving economy. For many Californians community college is the only opportunity they have to get a college education. By passing Proposition 92, we can ensure that everyone has a chance to go to college.”

The 2008 election will mark a turning point in American history and the California Young Democrats will be the margin of victory for progressive change.

CYD Response to Racist Islamo-Fascism Awareness Week

2007-10-25T10:05:00.000-07:00

The California Young Democrats call on all Californians to keep on the look out for blatantly racist and insensitive events put on by conservative groups. There’s nothing scarier than California’s College Republican groups thinking that it is OK to alienate and marginalize an entire group of people on our state’s public and private campuses. The College Republicans hosting ‘Islamo-Fascism Awareness’ events this past week should be a wake-up call to all Americans that the seeds of racism and terrorism are being planted in the minds of our young people and we must work tirelessly to educate all Americans on the dangers of hatred.

“‘Islamo-Fascism’ awareness week seeks to portray Islam as an inherently oppressive and violent religion,” said Rashad al-Dabbagh, President of the Middle Eastern American Democratic Project. “The term ‘Islamo-Fascism’ is a false term and war propaganda adopted by some Republican presidential candidates, which is designed to generate fear in order to mislead the American people into supporting the permanent presence of our troops in Iraq and conducting a future war with Iran.”

“The College Republicans seem so proud of their political incorrectness and of this week’s publicity stunt to spread hateful ideas. Our country has already been through struggles for racial integration. We are supposed to be living in a free, enlightened society. It is ludicrous that college students would be the proponents of an awareness week like this,” said Nick Warshaw, President of the California College Democrats.

Nothing is more important than ensuring that California’s young people, our future leaders are not swept up by an irrational wave of fear mongering.

From the Los Angeles Times
Coulter's appearance at USC prompts ovations, protests
By Rebecca Trounson, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer October 25, 2007

As Muslim students and their supporters protested outside, commentator Ann Coulter told a USC audience Wednesday night that Americans should get tough on terrorists and "stop genuflecting before Islam."

Coulter's speech to a supportive audience of about 230 in Annenberg Auditorium was part of a nationwide series of events on college campuses that has been dubbed "Islamo-Fascism Awareness Week" by its organizer, Los Angeles author and activist David Horowitz. Another 100 or so watched on screens in the auditorium lobby, not far from about 150 protesters from Muslim, Jewish and Christian student and community groups.

Coulter, who spent as much of her hour-long appearance bashing Democrats as discussing Islam, was greeted in the hall with laughter, cheers and several standing ovations."The fact of Islamo-Fascism is indisputable," she said. "I find it tedious to detail the savagery of the enemy . . . I want to kill them. Why don't Democrats?"
To read the article in its entirety, click here.

From the Golden Gate [X]press, San Francisco State University
Memorial week is just hate speechby Nihar Bhatt and Jason Smith October 25, 2007

Hate crimes directed at Muslims in the United States have continued to rise in frequency since the attacks on September 11, 2001, and many of these attacks have been abhorrently violent.
In one horrifying example reported in the New York Times on Sept. 17 a 52-year-old woman entering her workplace was forced inside by two men. The Times reported that the men hit her with a hammer and sliced her with a box cutter before writing “anti-Muslim” language on a mirror.
Closer to home, just last November in Fremont, Alia Ansari, an Afghan-American mother of six, was shot dead at point blank range. She was not carrying a purse or money. These are not isolated incidents; these crimes are part of a national trend. The Council on American-Islamic Relations, in their most recent Civil Rights Report stated that in 2006 they received 167 reports of anti-Muslim hate crimes, a 9.2 percent increase from 2005.
To read the article in its entirety, click here.

From the Daily California, University of California, Berkeley
College Republicans’ Event Kickoff Draws Protest
By Will Kane
Tuesday, October 23, 2007

It was sometimes difficult for listeners to hear Nonie Darwish, the founder of Arabs for Israel, amid the protest at last night’s kickoff event for Islamo-Fascist Awareness Week.
…
“I left the Middle East because there was no freedom of speech and now I am here and there is fascism,” Darwish exclaimed in frustration as a loud debate was taking place in the audience.

To read the article in its entirety, click here. And here for today’s story.

From the Daily Nexus, University of California, Santa Barbara
Conservative Radio Show Host To Lecture on Defeating Islamo-Fascism
By Allison Bailey
October 25, 2007

The College Republicans have invited Prager to campus as part of IFAW, a national week promoted by conservative pundit and occasional Fox News analyst David Horowitz. In addition to Prager’s speech, a screening of the film “Obsession” Tuesday night aroused debate on campus, prompting responses from both sides.
The Muslim Student Association and Campus Democrats held counter-events, including tabling outside of “Obsession” and hosting a post-screening discussion on the peaceful nature of Islam. Additionally, students were encouraged to wear green in solidarity against the week’s events.
According to UCSB Democrats officer Amanda Wallner, the group is uncertain how to respond to Prager’s lecture because, unlike “Obsession,” which the group could pre-screen to prepare a better response, the subject matter of Prager’s speech is vague.
“For Dennis Prager we’re unsure exactly what his message is,” Wallner said. “He’s kind of all over the place. As a general sign of solidarity we’re going to try to fill up at least half of the auditorium that he’s speaking in with people wearing green shirts.”
In addition to concern about the content of “Obsession” and Prager’s lecture, controversy has surrounded the publicity for the events. An unknown group put up satiric fliers around campus advertising “Obsession.” Its text urges its readers to stop Muslim “evil-doers” and to not “Let the Wrong Religious Fanatics Win! Support Christofascism!”
To read the article in its entirety, click here.

From the Daily Bruin, University of California, Los Angles
USAC votes to condemn Islamo-Fascism week
By Lucy Benz-Rogers
Thursday, October 25, 2007
“One of the reasons why this resolution was brought to the table was because hundreds of students had concerns that the week did not make a clear distinction between radical Islam and the rest of the Muslim population, as well as the Middle East or South Asia,” General Representative Sanobar Sajan said.
Bruin Republicans representatives also argued that USAC, as a governing body that gives funding to student groups, should not be stepping in and taking sides in this issue.
President Gabe Rose said while he appreciates the Bruin Republicans’ desire to bring a political discussion, he was not comfortable with their accusations that MSA is linked with terrorism.
“The distinction I’m trying to draw is between legitimate political discourse and hate speech,” he said. “For me where it crosses the line is targeting a specific student group.”
Indeed, the issue of what constitutes free speech versus hate speech was at the core of the debate.
To read the article in its entirety, click here.

Thanking the Circuit City Coalition

2007-08-30T16:52:00.000-07:00

Friends, Back in March, I wrote to you on behalf of SFVYD to enlist your support for a boycott of Circuit City. Each of you, in turn, answered the call and helped to spread the word that this company's mistreatment of workers was a perversion of capitalism that was bad for labor, consumers, and all those pursuing the American Dream. Many of you also joined us for a series of protest rallies in front of Valley Circuit City locations - braving scorching temperatures and heated opposition from store management to do so. For taking time out of your busy lives to fight selflessly for workers, I am deeply grateful.

Make no mistake, our Circuit City boycott has made an important impact. Through our demonstrations thousands of Valley residents were alerted to the company's callous firing of loyal, hard-working employees, and as a result chose to make their purchases elsewhere. Through our combined e-mail lists we have alerted thousands more that Circuit City is undeserving of our business. Our boycott garnered newspaper and radio coverage, and caught the attention of supporters all over the state.

While it is disappointing that our efforts have not led to management hiring back these fired workers, I do not believe Circuit City won this round. Their stock is currently trading at its lowest level since 1996 - not a sign that getting rid of their best employees was a smart financial move. For our part, we now have a working coalition of labor-friendly organizations that can be called up at a moment's notice to respond to future mistreatment, and bring it to the public's attention. This protest action was a new experience for SFVYD, and we learned lessons today that will make us doubly effective tomorrow.

Recognizing that success, and recognizing that it has now been almost six months since the firings took place, I believe it is time for us to conclude our public protests and focus our energies on what lies ahead. With the '08 elections in front of us, scheduling protests and bringing out enough people will become increasingly difficult, and should not distract us from larger issues.

That being said, THIS IS NOT THE END OF OUR BOYCOTT. I, for one, will never shop at Circuit City again; their values are totally abhorrent to me, and to patronize such a company would make me part of the problem. I know from our conversations that many of you feel the same way. I will continue to educate friends and family about Circuit City's history, and not let this be forgotten. I know you will do the same. Again, thank you everyone - individuals and organizations - for joining together in this endeavor, and let us stay vigilant to protect the American Dream from those who would sell it for profit.

Best regards,
Damian Carroll Immediate Past President, SFVYD

Poll: Young voters disenchanted with Republican party

2007-08-28T15:51:00.000-07:00

The polls keep coming out--young people are more and more turning to the Dems!

Yesterday, the San Francisco Chronicle reported on a Democracy Corps poll from the Washington firm of Greenberg Quinlan Rosner that shows that on every single issue Democrats are doing better with young people that Republicans- no matter what the issue is.

On June 27, the New York Times reported on a New York, CBS, and MTV poll which revealed that young voters favor Democrats over Republicans. The poll conducted from June 15 - 23rd showed that young Americans dramatically favor the Democratic candidates over the Republicans in the 2008 presidential election by a spread of 54 to 32. Furthermore, the poll also showed that young Americans are far more likely to agree with Democratic positions on issues. Also evident from the polling is the fact that young people are engaged early on in the 2008 election and are closely following the important issues facing our country.

Here is the letter to the editor our CYD President sent in response to yesterday's article in the Chronicle:

Dear Editor,

While the Chronicles' recent article (Poll: Young voters disenchanted with Republican party by Carla Marinucci: 8/27/07) rightly addresses the fact that the Republican Party is at cross purposes with young voters on every single issue, it fails to ask why young voters are flocking to the Democrats in droves.

The short answer: young voters are interested in solutions, not scapegoating.

From college affordability to health care, global warming, the war in Iraq and a fair economy, Democrats are earning our support through principled action. Simply put, when it comes to the issues young people care about, the Democratic Party is fighting for us and engaging us. The Republicans aren't even on the field.

Today, a winning campaign is one that acknowledges that young people are progressive, passionate and hardly apathetic. Consider last year's election, where young voters provided the margin of victory to 22 Democratic candidates who now proudly call themselves members of Congress. Without the engaged youth vote, Nancy Pelosi would not be Speaker of the House.

In 2004 and 2006, youth turnout increased in the largest percentages since 18- year-olds gained the right to vote. Next year, we're poised to hit the election with the force of an earthquake. We're motivated. We're energized. We're passionate about our future, inspired by the Democratic Party and its candidates. In 2008 we will continue to be the margin of victory.

Sincerely,

Tim Steed

President, California Young Democrats

And the California Democratic Party put out this Press Memo today:

California Democratic Party
For Immediate Release
Tuesday, August 28, 2007

New poll finds that Republicans are hemorrhaging youth support, while Democrats find more and more ways to reach youth

According to a new Democracy Corps poll from Greenberg Quinlan Rosner, voters ages 18 to 29 have undergone a striking political evolution in recent years.

Unfortunately for the Republican Party, there’s not much good news in the poll’s findings – the evolution doesn’t trend the GOP’s way.

The San Francisco Chronicle reports: "‘Young Americans have become so profoundly alienated from Republican ideals on issues including the war in Iraq, global warming, same-sex marriage and illegal immigration that their defections suggest a political setback that could haunt Republicans for many generations to come,’ the poll said.

"The startling collapse of GOP support among young voters is reflected in the poll's findings that show two-thirds of young voters surveyed believe Democrats do a better job than Republicans of representing their views - even on issues Republicans once owned, such as terrorism and taxes.

"The anti-GOP shift for this generation - which is expected to reach 50 million voters, or 17 percent of the electorate, in 2008 - represents a marked contrast from their predecessors, the Gen Xers born in the mid-'60s to mid-'70s whose demographic represented the strongest Republican voters in the nation….”

Let’s compare that with the poll’s findings with respect to Democrats’ prospects, looking at the 2008 presidential race, for example:

The poll finds: “While early in the cycle, Democrats seem well poised to carry the younger cohort. Both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama lead Rudy Giuliani (the most acceptable of the Republican candidates among youth) among all young people; among likely voters, they lead by 15 points, 55 percent to 40 percent. They have an advantage across a diverse set of groups including independents, moderates, less and more educated voters and in every region of the country.”

Still, the California Democratic Party refuses to take the youth vote for granted, and is continually taking proactive steps to solidify support from young Californians.

For instance, the CDP is currently establishing new partnerships with the California Young Democrats and College and High School Democratic clubs to build upon the successes of 2006 among young voters. In 2006, the CDP recruited over 2000 students from 160 high schools across California becoming Democratic Activists for the first time. And this year, the CDP raised its goal for youth representation in the California delegation for the 2008 Democratic National Convention.

It’s a tale of two parties, that’s for sure. Only time will tell which approach will pay off in the long run, but if the national and California Republican parties’ current situation are any indication, it’s not a good omen for the GOP.

Republican Leadership Out of Touch with Californians

2007-08-22T10:00:00.000-07:00

Republican Leader Dick Ackerman and his Senate flunkies failed the young people of California. After 51 days of preventing the state’s colleges, hospitals, clinics for the elderly and child care facilities from receiving much needed state funding, Senate Republicans have decided to raise the fees on California's students yet again. Yesterday, as Senate Republicans raised student fees, they passed tax breaks for boat owners. Senate Republican Leader Dick Ackerman sent a clear message to the people of California that his rich friends at the Yacht club are more important than California's students—the future of California.

“How does this add up? Whose priorities are these? Republicans held-up the budget for what? Certainly not to protect California’s young voters,” said California College Democrats President Nick Warshaw.

Republicans will pay at the ballot box for their contempt of students. On Election Day, young Californians will again turn out to the polls in record numbers and we will all be wishing Senate Republicans a Bon Voyage!

California Young Democrats kicked ASS in Dallas

2007-07-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

The California Young Democrats have returned from the 2007 Biennial National Convention of the Young Democrats of America (YDA) Convention in Dallas, TX ready to wrangle up the young voters of California!

Crystal Strait of California was elected Democratic National Committeewoman for YDA. Strait, CYD’s immediate past president, will be one of seven DNC members under 35 (there are 447 total DNC members) and will specifically represent young people to the DNC. Strait has worked tirelessly to ensure that young Californians are heard at the California Democratic Party and will bring the same energy to the DNC.

Californians exhibited their considerable leadership in several of the major YDA caucuses: Rachel Kau-Taylor was elected Chair of the GLBT Caucus, Ben Stangenberg was elected Chair of the Disability Caucus, and Justin Meyers was elected Vice-Chair of the Labor Caucus.

Newly elected YDA President, David Hardt heartfeltedly expressed that the Democratic Party was the only political group where an openly gay man could chair the national organization.

Senator John Edwards was the only Presidential candidate to address the YDA Convention in person and stressed that young people have been the leaders of the greatest social causes of history and that young people are the present and future backbone of the Democratic Party.

Former California State Controller Steve Westly, co-chair of Senator Barack Obama’s California campaign met with the California delegation before his keynote speech. Westly encouraged young Californians running for office to contact him and his political action committee, the California Leadership Committee, "the only PAC in California dedicated exclusively to helping young Democrats advance into leadership positions in our state."

General Wesley Clark was a motivational voice during our Democrats Work project. Clark thanked the Young Democrats of America for recognizing the families of the American soldiers as true heroes for their sacrifice for our Country.

Even President George W. Bush’s home state of Texas is visibly counting down until “His last day 1/20/09” as is written on bumper stickers here, even in the red counties. The opening Convention speaker, the Honorable Jim Hightower, rallied the crowd especially when he stated, “George W. Bush is corporate America’s wet dream.”

The California Young Democrats are positioned to engage thousands of young people to vote in California’s upcoming elections. Young workers, young families, college and high school students will be the margin of victory in turning red California blue in 2008.

Congratulations to our 2007-2009 YDA Executive Board

President: David Hardt of TexasExecutive

Vice-President: Chris Anderson of Tennessee

Democratic National Committeewoman: Crystal Strait of California

Democratic National Committeeman: Francisco Domenech of Puerto Rico

Vice President: A’Shanti Fayshel Gholar of Nevada

Vice President: Omar Khan of Florida

Vice President: Josh Blevins of Arkansas

Secretary: Stephanie Hausner of New York

Treasurer: Amy Lewis of Virginia

CYD Tells the Governor to Stop Pretending to be the President

2007-06-27T11:00:00.000-07:00

Governor forgoes budget haggling
By Kevin Yamamura - Bee Capitol Bureau
Published 12:00 am PDT Wednesday, June 27, 2007Story appeared in MAIN NEWS section, Page A3

Stacy Berger, right, and Chris Chafee of California Young Democrats deliver postcards to the governor's office criticizing him for traveling to Europe during budget talks and the Tahoe wildfire. Sacramento Bee/Lezlie Sterling

After visiting the British prime minister, French president and friends in Austria, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger returns today to Sacramento with no spending plan in place four days before the start of the fiscal year.
Besides traveling to Europe, the governor last week addressed health care executives, mayors and political junkies at three conferences in Las Vegas and Los Angeles.
But the Republican governor still has not convened a "Big Five" meeting with legislative leaders in his Capitol office to hash out the budget. Instead, he has asked them to resolve their differences on their own, a contrast from previous governors who would preside over budget meetings with leaders on a daily basis.

Schwarzenegger has used a hands-off strategy ever since Republican and Democratic leaders last year struck deals on the budget and public works bonds without involving him until the end. The governor also allowed lawmakers to negotiate a $7.9 billion prison package on their own in April before he signed the legislation and praised the deal.
Some Democratic activists criticized the governor this week for being absent earlier this week, but Schwarzenegger officials say the governor has found it more effective to have legislative leaders meet before engaging him.
"This is the same sort of leadership that led to the infrastructure bonds and the prison reform package," said Schwarzenegger spokesman Aaron McLear. "He thinks it's better to have respect for all four caucuses and allow them to do their jobs."
The governor's top aides contact lawmakers in between leadership meetings to remain involved. But they do not sit in on meetings among Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata, Senate Republican leader Dick Ackerman, Assembly Speaker Fabian Núñez and Assembly Republican leader Mike Villines. Without the governor, the once-dubbed "Big Five" has become the "Big Four."
Both Perata, D-Oakland, and Ackerman, R-Irvine, said they prefer to negotiate without Schwarzenegger until late in the process, and have not asked for his help. Before the governor left for Europe late Saturday, Perata told Schwarzenegger that his presence at budget meetings was unnecessary, though the Senate leader now believes lawmakers are at an impasse and need the governor.
"It's worked in the past," Perata said of the governor's strategy. "I think this year he's going to have to come in and lift a little more because we are quite a bit apart. The only way we're going to close that gap is by having the governor force that gap to be closed."
Former Gov. George Deukmejian began "Big Five" budget sessions in 1983 when he grappled with a then-sizable $2 billion budget hole, said Steve Merksamer, Deukmejian's chief of staff.
"We felt like we couldn't work with leaders of the Assembly," Merksamer said. "There were too many issues and too many personalities, so the governor convened a 'Big Five.'"
The meetings carried on for days, lasting from morning until night with a dinner break, he said. Gov. Pete Wilson took up the "Big Five" tradition in the 1990s, and Gov. Gray Davis convened similar meetings with leaders, although not as frequently as Wilson.
Merksamer suggested that term limits have reduced the collective budget experience of legislative leaders and aides, making sessions with the governor far less productive than they once were. The need for such meetings may be greater in years with more significant budget problems, said Dan Schnur, former communications director for Wilson.
"The biggest difference between Wilson and Schwarzenegger isn't their negotiating style; it's the economic environment," Schnur said. "Particularly in Wilson's first term, it took a lot of pressure and arm-twisting from the governor to get legislators to make some very difficult decisions."
Despite daily "Big Five" meetings in 1992, Wilson and lawmakers set a record with a 64-day budget standoff.
"I remember one that was two months late, and the governor was here every day," said former Senate President Pro Tem John Burton.
Schwarzenegger used to conduct traditional meetings with lawmakers as a budget rookie in 2004, when Burton was in his final term. Burton, a colorful Democratic leader, was known at the time for making espresso for the governor during the "Big Five" meetings, as well as for shutting off his coffee machine when the governor called lawmakers "girlie men."
"He probably wasn't as engaged as Pete, but you know, Pete had a lot more experience," Burton said. "Arnold was engaged. He'd listen, ask questions, talk to his people."
But Schnur suggested Schwarzenegger changed tactics completely after suffering across-the-board political defeats in 2005's special election.
"Schwarzenegger learned that drawing a line in the sand at the beginning of the process isn't nearly as effective as stepping in to reconcile the two sides at the end," Schnur said.
When Schwarzenegger is out of state, state law dictates that he relinquishes his powers as governor. The California Young Democrats attacked Schwarzenegger on Monday for being in Europe during this week's Angora fire and budget talks. Assemblyman Hector De La Torre, D-South Gate, a budget subcommittee chairman, said Schwarzenegger's overseas trip simply came at the wrong time.
"I think going off on a little road trip to Europe doesn't send the best message in regard to engagement on the budget," said De La Torre. "Even if you were to believe the 'Big Four' could bring things to a close in short order, he'd need to be there to close the deal."

California Young Democrats Work Toward More Red to Blue in 2008

2007-06-27T08:30:00.000-07:00

The California Young Democrats are delighted by a new poll released yesterday by The New York Times, CBS, and MTV which reveals that young voters favor Democrats over Republicans. The poll conducted from June 15 - 23rd shows that young Americans dramatically favor the Democratic candidates over the Republicans in the 2008 presidential election by a spread of 54 to 32. Furthermore, the poll also shows that young Americans are far more likely to agree with Democratic positions on issues. Also evident from the polling is the fact that young people are engaged early on in the 2008 election and are closely following the important issues facing our country. [ New York Times, 6/27/07]

New data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows that, for the second major election in a row, young voter turnout rose in 2006. An analysis of the data from the Center for Information and Research on Civic Learning and Engagement (CIRCLE) at the University of Maryland confirms early estimates of increased young voter turnout and finds that 10.8 million 18-29 year olds voted in 2006, a nearly two million vote increase from 2002 levels (8.9 million). This is following young voters' large turnout increase in 2004, when 4.3 million more 18-29 year olds voted than had in 2000 and increased their turnout rate by nine percentage points, more than twice the overall electorate's 4-point increase. CIRCLE's analysis also shows that while turnout was up among voters of all ages in 2006 (by 1.7 percentage points), 18-29 year olds yet again increased their turnout by more, jumping by 3 percentage points from 2002 to 2006 - nearly twice the increase of the overall electorate. [Young Voter Strategies, 6/15/07 ]

"The young voters polling data and U.S. Census Bureau data is promising evidence that young voters in California and across the country are engaged in politics, vote when they are asked by one of their peers, and will be the margin of victory that elects a Democrat to the White House in 2008," said California Young Democrats President Tim Steed. "CYD is using a peer-to-peer outreach program to target young voters specifically, which is a proven mobilization tactic for this demographic. In last year's elections, we ran this program in Senate District 34 and were able to turn out 1500 voters that were not being targeted by the campaign. In a race that was won by less than 1400 votes, we know our efforts made the difference."

"This latest poll gives further proof that our efforts of targeting young voters directly, is exactly where our priority should be. Young voters see Democrats as working hard on the issues that really matter to their lives - college affordability, ending the Iraq War, affordable healthcare for all, and environmental sustainability," says Nick Warshaw, President of the California College Democrats. "We must now step up to the challenge and see that these newly engaged young voters, who prefer the Democratic Party, voice their opinions in the upcoming elections."

Young Americans Are Leaning Left, New Poll Finds, The New York Times, June 27, 2007
Young Americans are more likely than the general public to favor a government-run universal health care insurance system, an open-door policy on immigration and the legalization of gay marriage, according to a New York Times/CBS News/MTV poll… The poll offers a snapshot of a group whose energy and idealism have always been as alluring to politicians as its scattered focus and shifting interests have been frustrating. It found that substantially more Americans ages 17 to 29 than four years ago are paying attention to the presidential race. But they appeared to be really familiar with only two of the candidates, Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton, both Democrats.

Poll: Young Voters Favor Obama, Clinton, CBS News, June 26, 2007
(CBS) NEW YORK Democrats Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton are the favored presidential candidates of younger Americans, according to a poll conducted by CBS News, The New York Times and MTV.Eighteen percent say they're enthusiastic about Obama and 17 percent are enthusiastic about Clinton – far more than say the same about Republicans Rudy Giuliani (4 percent), Mitt Romney (2 percent) and potential candidate Fred Thompson (2 percent).

Young People Ready to Vote, Sacramento Bee, June 12, 2007"Matt Carson, just shy of 18, has thoughts on the war in Iraq, the way we secure our borders and how his paycheck is taxed. He made sure Monday that he is a man to be reckoned with -- at least in the voting booth. The Elk Grove teen joined 9,372 others his age who have registered to vote in Sacramento County...Sacramento County Voter Registration and Elections gathered a handful of teens Monday in an effort to promote voting. The office is boosting registration among young voters in collaboration with schools."

The Future of Political Communications: Connecting With Young Voters, The New York Times, June 10, 2007The New York Times' political blog covers last week's conference at The George Washington University in D.C., a daylong event which brought together online strategists from an array of 2008 presidential campaigns, as well as new media guru Joe Trippi, YVS Executive Director Heather Smith, executives from Facebook, MySpace, YouTube, and Comcast, and David Burstein, creator of the new film "I'm 18 in '08."

"Young America for Edwards" Launches, Future Majority, June 16, 2007From the new website: "This site is for young people, and inspired by young people. All across the country, young people are leading the charge on the major issues facing America today-from ending the genocide in Darfur to stopping global warming to ending the war in Iraq...Young people like you from all across America are joining our community of progressive, socially conscious activists-so sign up today, and together, we can change America!"

Clinton's "Club 44" Courts Young Women Voters, The National Journal, June 7, 2007"Set in the pavilion on the corner of 11th and H Streets in downtown Washington, a handful of celebrities and female public figures were on hand to help Clinton kick off "Club 44" -- so-named because if elected, she would become the nation's 44th president. The hip and catchy-titled coalition calls on women between the ages of 18 and 29 to support her historic campaign to become the first woman to hold the presidency."

The Holy Grail of Young Voter Stats

2007-06-25T16:29:00.000-07:00

Young Democrats-

We are going to be posting alot more on this blog in the coming weeks, months, and year. Just want to get folks excited about checking this blog!

Here is a great website for Young Voter Stats:
www.youngvoterstrategies.org

Enjoy!

Karl Rove Will Target Youth Vote

2007-04-03T15:29:00.000-07:00

Think we've been blowing smoke??? This article dipicts KR's interest in the youth vote, however, we know that young voters are voting with Democrats. But, if we don't get the resources we need to target young people, we will lose this opportunity.

The author, Michael Connery, is one of the early founders of Music 4 America.

Karl Rove Will Target the Youth Vote
Fri, 2007-03-30 05:26 — Mike Connery

In case you missed it, there have been some oversight hearings lately about improper partisan political activities on the part of our government. You can watch a video of Henry Waxman and other committee members grilling a clueless government official about these allegations here.

A happy outcome of these hearings is that the public now has access to some Republican strategy documents (pdf) related to the 2006 and 2008 elections, and it looks like Young Voters are going to be a priority for the GOP in 2008. Here's a slide from the presentation discussed in yesterday's committee hearing:

Rove Targets Youth and Latinos

This doesn't surprise me at all. We already know that young voters were a decisive part of many Democratic victories in 2006. As was the Latino vote (which is also a young vote).

The presentation also noted that in 2006:

* 22 races were decided by 2 points or less
* 18 races were decided by fewer than 5,000 votes
* 6 races were won by fewer than 1,000 votes

Increased young voter turnout probably makes the difference in lot of those races. It's what makes the work of groups like the League of Young Voters - who reach out to youth that are normally passed over by traditional GOTV - all the more important, and makes me wonder even further about the strategic thinking behind recent funding decisions by the Democracy Alliance.

We know the GOP will be targeting us and our peers in 2008 (or at least looking to suppress our turnout). This is not the time for Democrats to take our vote for granted.

Karl Rove Will Target Youth Vote

2007-04-03T15:19:00.000-07:00

This is an article written by Michael Connery who was one of the early founders of Music 4 America.

If you think we've been blowing smoke......here's an article that will make you think twice about how we organize.

Karl Rove Will Target the Youth Vote

Fri, 2007-03-30 05:26 — Mike Connery

In case you missed it, there have been some oversight hearings lately about improper partisan political activities on the part of our government. You can watch a video of Henry Waxman and other committee members grilling a clueless government official about these allegations .

A happy outcome of these hearings is that the public now has access to some Republican strategy documents (pdf) related to the 2006 and 2008 elections, and it looks like Young Voters are going to be a priority for the GOP in 2008. Here's a slide from the presentation discussed in yesterday's committee hearing:

This doesn't surprise me at all. We already know that young voters were a decisive part of many Democratic victories in 2006. As was the Latino vote (which is also a young vote).

The presentation also noted that in 2006:

22 races were decided by 2 points or less

18 races were decided by fewer than 5,000 votes

6 races were won by fewer than 1,000 votes

Increased young voter turnout probably makes the difference in lot of those races. It's what makes the work of groups like the League of Young Voters - who reach out to youth that are normally passed over by traditional GOTV - all the more important, and makes me wonder even further about the strategic thinking behind recent funding decisions by the Democracy Alliance.

We know the GOP will be targeting us and our peers in 2008 (or at least looking to suppress our turnout). This is not the time for Democrats to take our vote for granted.

AD Caucus Meetings

2007-01-19T20:27:00.000-08:00

Did you win a delegate seat to the Democratic state convention at the delegate caucuses last weekend? Did you go to a caucus to vote for you fellow Young Dems? Tell us your stories!

Looking for Pre-Party Plans on New Years Eve in SF?

2006-12-27T15:22:00.000-08:00

Hey Young Dems,

For those of you planning to be in SF on New Years Eve, I would recommend stopping by to hang out with Mayor Newsom at Medjool in Mission. Donations from $25 to $500 are welcomed. Questions? Contact me directly: parliamentarian@youngdems.org.

Dear Friends and Supporters,

I hope you and your friends will start your New Year's Eve celebration early in the evening with our campaign. Our team is hard at work and I can't think of a better way to end this year than by thanking current supporters and asking new supporters to join the campaign by making a contribution.

Please come by:

Date: December 31, New Year's Eve
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 PM
Location: Medjool Restaurant, 2522 Mission @ 21st Street
Maximum Contribution: $500 per person ( Click here to make an online contribution.)
RSVP: Jake Saperstein at jsaperstein@gmail.com or (415) 288-5985
We have much to celebrate — in the last three years we have won key fights to make our government more effective, our economy stronger, our city more tolerant and our lives a little easier.

But there is so much more to be done. That's why I am running for re-election and that's why I am asking you to join me as we tackle the unfinished business of making San Francisco a city that works for everyone and a model for the world.

Thank you,

Gavin Newsom

Where's Wisconsin? On the Right Track

2006-12-02T09:16:00.000-08:00

Go Cheeseheads! In a recent write up, the Janesville Gazette pointed out that the 2006 exit poll data show voters ages 18-29 made up 17 percent of those casting Wisconsin ballots Nov. 7. Only Montana matched that percentage. Young voters made up between 12 percent and 13 percent of the electorate nationally, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Granted, big turnouts on college campuses accounted for much of the young vote, and many students voted against the same-sex marriage ban, which passed anyway. Republicans pushed the ban as a way to motivate conservative voters, but that backfired because college students also generally voted for Democratic candidates. Among others, the student turnout apparently cost Republican Rep. Debi Towns of rural Janesville her seat. Pending a recount, Democrat Kim Hixson was a slim victor in the 43rd Assembly District, which includes the UW-Whitewater campus. Regardless of how they voted, it's great to see so many young people engaged in their civic responsibility.

Young Progressive Democrats Club Takes Root

2006-12-02T00:28:00.000-08:00

Right out the gate, the Young Progressive Democrats of Ventura County are making a splash. This election YPD of VC sent out robo calls to Democrats and talked to voters about key Democratic issues and Candidates on the 2006 Ballot.

The Ventura County Star did a great write up of one CYD's newest clubs featuring President and founder Heather Schmidt.

Become a friend of YPVC on their myspace page at: www.myspace.com/vcyoungprogressives

2006-11-30T11:23:00.000-08:00

Dear Young Dems,

The proposed bylaw changes for 2006 are now available for review. Please see the link below for a PDF version of proposed changes. Please post comments directly on the blog for group discussion.

Proposed_bylaw_changes_2006.pdf

I have also posted a current version of the bylaws:
CYD_Bylaws_0406.pdf

Please note that proposals can no longer be submitted.

The proposed changes will be voted on at the CYD Executive Board Meeting in December in Southern California.

Don't Let the Door Hit You...

2006-11-20T20:06:00.000-08:00

Victories were celebrated locally, statewide and nationally for Democrats, and young people were key in these victories.

YOUTH VOTE 2006 FACTS

10 million young people, 18-29, voted in the 2006 elections. This is an increase of 2 million young people from the 2002 elections. This number will rise once absentee ballots, provisional ballots and other precincts give their final numbers.

24% of young people voted in the 2006 election cycle, which is a 4% increase over 2002. This number is also preliminary number and will increase once final numbers are in.

18-29 year olds voted Democratic by a 22 point margin, the next best age groups was an 8 point advantage, continuing a trend from 2004 (18-29 year olds voted 60% Democrats and 38% Republicans versus older populations voted 51% Democrat and 47% Republican).

The share of the votes cast by young people (18-29) according to exit polls is up by 2 points, to 13%. This means young voters shattered turnout records. 2006 was a higher turnout election overall, and young people are actually a smaller portion of the population than in 2002, so increasing the share of the overall vote means the 2004 youth vote trend continues.

Young people went into the election voting for Democrats with a 2 to 1 margin and the majority of them identifying as Democrats for the first time in years.

Research tells us that if a person votes for a Party three times in a row, they become a Party voter for life. Young people voted for Democrats in 2004 and now in 2006. 2008 is a call to YDA and candidates to target and turn out young people once again in order to build a solid bloc of young Democratic voters for years to come.

I'm goin' to Jackson, and that's a fact

2006-11-16T16:54:00.000-08:00

The California delegation to the Young Democrats of America is starting to arrive in Jackson, MS today for three days of training, peer-to-peer discussion, and celebration of our amazing 2006 victories!

They've got a big banner welcoming us right off of the freeway into downtown, and the newspapers are abuzz. It seems our meeting is the event of the week.

Rachel and Rocky got here a day early to tour the capitol, and see the sights (including several civil rights landmarks). We had lunch at Peaches, in the Farish street historic district, and had some great fried chicken, and of course, peach cobbler.

Some have wondered what there is to do over the weekend here in Jackson. Well, on Saturday, the Mississippi Symphony Orchestra and the Mississippi Metropolitan Ballet will have a special performance called "A tribute to the music of Star Wars and Other Cool Stuff." Can YOU beat that? I didn't think so.