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Still Working for Change
October 18, 2009 - Ben Goodman
In 2008, young people not only turned out in droves for President Barack Obama, but worked hard to elect a visionary leader. We know that change didn't end last November–young people everywhere, including so many of Maine's College Democrats are working to help implement the President's agenda, including the right to affordable, quality healthcare for all Americans.
College Democrats across the state worked hard to lobby Republican Senator Olympia Snowe to vote in favor of the Baucus Healthcare Bill in committee–and she did. For our work, Maine was honored as a College Democrats of America Spotlight Federation. Our work didn't end in committee, however–we're going to continue fighting to encourage Senator Snowe to vote for comprehensive reform when it hits the Senate floor.
We're working hard at home, too, to make sure that Mainers stand for equal opportunity and equality this November, by voting NO on Question 1. Democratic Governor John Baldacci became the first Governor in the nation to sign record-breaking marriage equality legislation, and we're going to be the first to support it.
We also are working hard to make sure that Mainers say no to TABOR II (Question 4) and an unfair excise tax decrease (Question 2). Quality schools, essential and emergency services, affordable tuition–you name it–would all be out of reach with TABOR's rigid and unfair formula. It was a dumb idea in 2006, and it's a dumb idea in 2009.
The Road to November 4th
September 16, 2008 - Chris Van Alstyne
For this first time in a generation, we have the opportunity to bring real change both to Maine and to America. After 8 years of the poor judgment and failed policies of the Bush administration, we can turn a new direction - the right direction. This won't be easy. We are up against an institution of corporate and political corruption as well as a slew of corporate interests who have invested heavily on the failed status quo. Even more, we have to fight a long history of racial intolerance and bigotry which has lingered far too long in this country. In this election which has turned so close, we can't afford to remain apathetic. If we want real change, real leadership on energy, the environment, the economy, healthcare, education, and civil rights, then we have to stand up and do something. In this election, it's not enough to just sit back and talk about change, you have to get up and act. Vote. Volunteer. Knock on doors, call swing voters, get others to register to vote - there are hundreds of ways to help. It's true - We are up against a daunting array of challenges. But together, we can bring the change we need. This time around, the question shouldn't be "why should I get involved?" Rather, it should be "why aren't you involved?" With the stakes so high and the choices do clear, how can you not vote? How can you not act? How can we afford not to stand up together and work for change? This November, our voices must and will be heard. We as College Democrats can help build a better America and we in Maine will boldly lead the way.
Students Take Action
February 8, 2008 - Maine College Democrats Newsroom
It is an exciting time to be a Maine College Democrat. In anticipation for the Maine Democratic Caucuses this Sunday, campuses across the state are busy hosting events to get out the vote.
This weekend College Democrats will play an integral role by supporting the Presidential candidates. The Colby Democrats chapter will be hosting Chelsea Clinton on Saturday at 10:45 am in the Diamond Atrium. The University of Southern Maine will also welcome Chelsea at the USM Amphiltheater at 1:30 pm on Saturday. In Bangor, students will be receiving Senator Barack Obama at the Bangor Auditorium at 2:30 pm.
In upwards of three feet of snow, many campuses are providing rides to the polls. Student leaders interested in mobilizing their peers are also helping students take advantage of Maine’s same day registration laws.
Maine College Democrats Co-President Julia Stuebing expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming events, “I am thrilled. This year, more than ever before, student voices are making a difference.”
Maine College Democrats To Hold Annual Convention Saturday, November 3rd
Democratic congressional candidates will debate issues from the War in Iraq to national healthcare at Bowdoin College
October 31, 2007 - Maine College Democrats Newsroom
BRUNSWICK-Maine College Democrats are busy preparing for their annual convention this Saturday. The highlights of the Convention will include a keynote address by Congressman Tom Allen at 5:30 PM followed by Congressman Mike Michaud.
A debate between candidates vying to replace Congressman Allen will take place at 4 PM in Bowdoin’s Moulton Union. State Sen. Michael Brennan, attorney and Iraq war veteran Adam Cote, State Sen. Ethan Strimling, York County District Attorney Mark Lawrence, and former State Senator and Common Cause President Chellie Pingree will all attend.
“With one year to go, Maine College Democrats will play a crucial role in electing a new President, a new US Senator, and Democrats up and down the ticket in 2008,” said Henry Beck, President of the Maine College Democrats.
The day’s events will also include training workshops centered on the theme “One Year Until Victory” that will focus on fundraising, event planning and grassroots campaigning.
The War in Iraq is likely to dominate much of the discussion at the Convention according to Alex Cornell Du Houx, senior at Bowdoin College and National Council Chair of the College Democrats of America. Du Houx also served as a Marine in Iraq.
“Today’s young adults have a great deal to be concerned and energized about as Election Day approaches. Our generation is being deployed to Iraq - the average U.S. military causality in Iraq is age 21. We are lucky to have leaders like Tom Allen who understand the need to change the current policy in Iraq.”
Maine College Democrats Launch New Website; Announce Fundraising Success
October 8, 2007 - Maine College Democrats Newsroom
Today, Maine’s College Democrats announced the launch of a new and improved website – www.MaineCollegeDems.com. Linked to web resources from College Democrats of America, OpportunityMaine, and important political groups in Maine, the new website will act as a source for real time news about College Democrats and provide campus contact information. Each page on the site also includes inspirational quotes from Maine Democratic leaders like Gov. John Baldacci, Cong. Mike Michaud, Attorney General Steve Rowe and others. Watch for improvements and updates soon.
In the next 24 hours, Maine’s College Democrats will also file the necessary reports with the State of Maine Ethics Commission to report record fundraising success this quarter. Maine’s College Democrats will report over $10,000 in receipts since the beginning of their first fundraising push. More fundraising events are planned both in Maine and Washington D.C. for October and November. Funds raised will be used to implement a state of the art peer to peer voter activation network to bring record Democratic victory for races up and down the ticket in 2008. Maine’s college voters will make the difference.
Can you help Maine’s College Democrats now? Just $20 will help tomorrow's political leaders invest in Democratic victory today.
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Maine College Democrats Take the Fight for Voting Rights to Washington DC
July 26, 2007 - Courtesy of SAVE
Former Vice President of the Maine College Democrats testifies in Washington DC about Student Voting Rights in Maine
Christopher Appel, the former Vice President of the Maine College Democrats testified today at the first-ever student-run forum on the future of youth voting rights hosted by Student Association for Voter Empowerment (SAVE), a non-partisan voting rights organization, at the House Judiciary Committee Hearing Room in the Rayburn House Office Building in Washington DC.
Appel’s remarks were largely focused on last year’s successful effort by the Maine College Democrats to organize against and defeat LD 203, the so-called “Republican Voter Suppression Act” sponsored by Representative L. Gary Knight (R-Livermore Falls) which would have disenfranchised tens of thousands of Maine voters had it passed.
“Voting rights, especially among college students, should never be a partisan issue but unfortunately in Maine the Republican leadership tries to pass a bill each year that would have a devastating effect on the ability of both in-state and out-of-state students to participate in the political process,” said Appel, former Vice President of the Maine College Democrats. “Partisan maneuvering should never trump defending the core pillars of our democracy.”
The committee included current and former members of Congress, distinguished academics including Curtis Gans the Director for the Center for the Study of the American Electorate, non-profit leaders including Hilary Shelton Director of the NAACP Washington Bureau as well as representatives from the Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights, Common Cause, Demos, Rock the Vote, and FairVote. Commissioners Gracia Hillman and Rosemary Rodriguez of the Election Assistance Commission presided over the hearing.
“Hearings in the past have focused on electronic technology, voter fraud, and disenfranchisement but never have they been specific to young people,” said Matthew Segal, Executive Director of SAVE. “It is important that our legislators, policy leaders, and the public understand that youth are a suppressed and minority demographic in the American electoral system. I look forward to highlighting the untold stories of my peers and elucidating the insidious nature of youth voter suppression.”
Maine College Democrats President and Waterville City Councilor Henry Beck also shared Maine's voting rights story as a panelist at the national Campus Progress Conference, an arm of the Center for American Progress, in Washington DC in June 2007.
The Maine College Democrats are dedicated to working to further democratic causes at the local, state, and federal levels. We look forward to collaborating with Organizing for America, other progressive organizations, and individuals in our towns to effect change. Last year, President Obama’s campaign and election electrified young people across the United States. We are determined to show that this passionate civic and political engagement among young people was not an anomaly. College students are crucial voices in the political sphere; our future rests on decisions made now. We look forward to working with you in the upcoming months!
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