Democrats United: 20,000 Democrats Take Part in "Democratic Reunions"
Democrats across the country marked 100 days to Election Day by gathering last Saturday to offer a new direction for America and to organize, energize, and motivate voters at 843 "Democratic Reunion" national organizing events coordinated by the Democratic National Committee. The organizing day was an enormous success with over 20,000 Democrats pledging to maintain contact with two million voters between now and Election Day to help ensure victories for Democrats up and down the ballot in every state. On July 29th alone, volunteers distributed two million pieces of literature with the Democratic message for a new direction, including bilingual pieces in English and one of four languages including Spanish, Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese.
"Democrats across the country are offering a new direction for America, and after last Saturday's enormous success, we're one step closer to bringing much needed change to our country in November," said DNC Chairman Howard Dean. "Our momentum is growing, across the country Democrats are energized and ready to work hard between now and Election Day to ensure Democratic victories. Democrats believe that America should work for everyone, hard work should be respected, and health care, college and a secure retirement should be within every American's reach. Voters are responding to the Democratic message for change because they believe Democrats share their priorities and will do a better job leading our nation."
The "Democratic Reunion" was the latest in a series of DNC sponsored voter contact events that built on the success of the April 29th organizing day when 10,000 Democrats participated. Events took place in every state and in 267 congressional districts - including 80 percent of the 50 most closely watched Congressional races. Chairman Howard Dean pounded the pavement in Pennsylvania's fourth congressional district where he walked door-to-door with Jason Altmire, the Democratic challenger to Republican Rep. Melissa Hart, and then rallied the troops in Mt. Pleasant Township with Gov. Ed Rendell and other elected officials and volunteers.
In Ohio, more than 1,500 Democrats participated and candidates up and down the ticket, including U.S. Senate candidate Rep. Sherrod Brown, fired up the crowd. Over 400 volunteers joined gubernatorial candidate Martin O'Malley and Rep. Steny Hoyer in Maryland. In Spokane, Washington, volunteers reached out to rural voters, and DCCC Red to Blue candidate Darcy Burner canvassed in the eighth congressional district. In Oklahoma City, Governor Brad Henry and other elected officials addressed more than 500 volunteers, and 36 events took place in Arizona with almost 1,000 people participating, including U.S. Senate challenger Jim Pederson. And Governor Corzine campaigned for Linda Stender, a DCCC Red to Blue candidate, in the seventh congressional district in New Jersey.
On Monday, July 31st, the DNC launched 100actions.com, a website dedicated to helping Democrats from across the country get involved in the November elections. In an effort to support Democrats up and down the ballot, the website provides a new daily action through Election Day and provides resources focused on empowering every American with the tools they need to become involved with the Democratic Party. The site also connects people wanting to volunteer with local campaigns through their state parties or coordinated campaigns as a way to provide the people-power that's vital to effective get-out-the-vote efforts in November.
The DNC will hold its next organizing event in September.
