Democratic Women of Forsyth County elect new officers !

Left to right :

Kerri Rosewall, 2nd VP
Camille Fareri, Recording Secretary
Linda Pratt, Corresponding Secretary
Angie Rigney, President
Marilyn Beverly, 1st VP
Northild White, Treasurer


PRESS RELEASE
Lauren Simon/Lauren@travelphish.com

The historic first chapter of the Democratic Women of Forsyth County elected the following officers on Thursday, May 8:

Angie Rigney, a Georgia native and resident of Forsyth County for the past 18 years, was elected to serve as President. Rigney works for a successful local distributor and serves on the Democratic Party’s Forsyth County Committee as a representative of District 5, and has served on the bylaws and events subcommittees. She and her husband, Mike, have a son, Zack, a senior at Forsyth Central.

Elected as First-Vice President, Marilyn Beverly, is a retired manager from Bell South and lives with her husband, Norm, and two grand daughters, Angel and Christian, in North Forsyth. Beverly has been active in politics for many years and serves on the County Committee as Secretary. Moved from Miami to Cobb County in 1979 and a Forsyth resident since 2001.

Kerry Rosewall was elected as Second Vice-President. Rosewall currently works at the Forsyth County Community Connection as a volunteer coordinator and at Forsyth County Family Haven as a special events assistant. She was an active member of the Cobb County Democratic Committee and the Cobb Democratic Women. She and her husband, Dan, have lived in Forsyth County for 10 years and have one son, Mitch, a freshman at Georgia State University.

Camille Fareri, PHD, elected Recording Secretary, is a New York native who has lived in Georgia for over 12 years, has been an educator for over 35 years and currently teaches on the college level. An aspiring author, she spent over a dozen years in New York state government and has written and supported both state and federal adult literacy legislation, including testifying before Congress on behalf of amnesty education.

Dr. Linda Pratt, a retired full-professor and Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at North Carolina Central University, will serve the DWFC as corresponding secretary. Pratt moved to Forsyth County in 2004 to be near her daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren after living in the Raleigh-Durham, NC area for 32 years. She was active in the Wake County Democratic Party and is a member of the Forsyth County Democrats.

Northild White, a resident of Forsyth County since 1981, will serve the group as Treasurer. White is the wife of Michael White, retired solicitor for the City of Atlanta , and has two grown daughters. She has served on the board of a ballet company, was active in Girl Scouts and the Garden Club and has worked on several Congressional Democratic campaigns.

The Democratic Women of Forsyth County meet monthly. Meetings are held the second Thursday of every month ,alternating between lunch and dinner meetings .For more information, contact Angie Rigney at rigneybot@comcast.net.

Start a Democratic Women's Club?

Want to start a Democratic Women's Club? Want to join an existing Democratic Women's club? Want to re-activate an old club?
Email ktina1[at]windstream.net and you will be sent information or put in contact with an existing club. You can also join as an at-large member.

HoCo Commissioner speaks at MGDWC meeting on May 17

[photo by Beth Perera]
Houston County Commission chair Ned Sanders was the speaker at the monthly brunch meeting of the Middle Georgia Democratic Women's Club on Saturday, May 17. The meeting was held at Chef Audrey's Bistro in Warner Robins. Commissioner Sanders reported on recent growth in Houston County and the necessity for the infrastructure, expecially roads, to meet the needs of present and future growth. His talk was followed by a spirited question and answer session and the group invited him to come back soon and present an update.

Georgia Win List events

Check the Georgia WIN website for info on upcoming events.
http://www.georgiawinlist.com/events.html

Nan Orrock Qualifies to Seek Second Term as State Senator

Nan Orrock Qualifies to Seek Second Term as State Senator

Atlanta – State Senator Nan Orrock (D-Atlanta) began her campaign for a second term as State Senator representing in-town neighborhoods within the 36th District at the Capitol.

Prior to being elected to the Senate in 2006, Orrock represented neighborhoods in Fulton and DeKalb counties for 20 years in the Georgia House. In that chamber, Orrock waged successful battles to pass the Georgia Family Medical Leave Act, the Prescriptive Equity for Contraceptives Act, the Georgia Hate Crimes Act, and the Omnibus AIDS statute. She won honors and praise from the Center for Policy Alternatives, the Center for Democratic Renewal, Georgia Association of County Commissioners, Georgia Conservation Voters, the Human Rights Campaign, Georgia Equality, Georgia State AFL-CIO, Stonewall Bar, Planned Parenthood, Georgia Democratic Women and the American Civil Liberties Union.

Her first term in the Republican-controlled Senate was marked by infighting among the leadership and between the chambers. “I tried to use my time at the Capitol on the Senate floor to improve the lives of Georgians,” said Senator Orrock. “Unfortunately, attempts to do the people’s business this year were overshadowed by bickering and ego. So much went undone. Opportunities to make headway on critical issues like transportation, trauma care and tax relief were needlessly squandered.”

“I will do everything in my power to see that the next legislative session is one in which the needs of Georgians are addressed and problems are solved rather than created. Despite all the grand-standing and distractions of this past session, we managed to expand the Fulton County homestead exemption, get some help to those facing foreclosure, and protect reproductive rights,” said Orrock. Orrock also passed a resolution to spearhead efforts to examine the impact of Alzheimer’s disease and to plan for expanded services for the patients and their families. Her resolution on “visitability” seeks an approach to build homes that are accessible for the disabled.

Nan has demonstrated her commitment to the values of hard-working families and communities throughout Atlanta with her votes on thousands of legislative proposals and hundreds of billions of dollars in state budgets during her 22 years of public service. “Nan Orrock is committed to building stronger families and prosperous communities in Atlanta,” said LaShawn Hoffman, Chief Executive Officer of the Pittsburgh Community Improvement Association, Inc.

Gail Buckner to run for Georgia Senate District 44

Just in -- Gail Buckner will run for Georgia Senate District 44

More later as we receive further information.

Read all about Georgia's Democratic candidates for United States Senate

Check 'em out ! What a great group of candidates.


Dale Cardwell -- www.dale08.com


Rand Knight -- www.knightforsenate.com


Josh Lanier -- www.joshlanier.com


Jim Martin -- www.martinforsenate.com

Moore will run for senator of 43rd District

Atlanta, Georgia- 5/1/2008 - Businesswomen and political community advocate Angela Moore today, qualified with the Democratic Party of Georgia to become a candidate for State Senator in the 43rd district of DeKalb and parts of Rockdale County, Georgia.

Ms. Moore says that "she feels that she can lend a special element to her county delegation along with teamsmanship and a strong responsible and responsive commitment to constituent service".

Ms. Moore says she would like to aggressively address and continue to advocate those issues concerning the Georgia foster care system, Department of family and children services, mental health facilities as well as predatory lending practices in her community.

A proud Georgia foster parent, Ms. Moore's concerns include more funding directly to the children who have nothing and no one across Georgia. Ms. Moore says she is not interested in creating programs that only endure more red tape and fiery hoops that prevent these children from enjoying a more normal life. " I believe in the old adage that it takes a village to raise a child and we as the villagers have a irrevocable responsibility to our children. We must act accordingly and we must act NOW. It is up to all of us. The children of today are the people who will be taking charge of our community with in the next ten years".

For more information, info@angelamoore.info

WIN endorses Dr. Dee Dawkins-Haigler

SPECIAL ELECTION

MAY 13TH

GEORGIA HOUSE DISTRICT 93

press release from Georgia WIN


We are proud to announce our endorsement of Dee Dawkins-Haigler for the Georgia House of Representatives, House District 93, which includes portions of DeKalb and Rockdale Counties and parts of Lithonia and Conyers. Voting in this special election to fill a vacant seat will be on Tuesday, May 13th.

Many of you will remember Dee as one of our stellar 2006 endorsed candidates who undertook a hard-fought race but fell just short of victory.

Dee was a top-notch candidate who ran an efficient and professional campaign. We expect nothing less this time around and are confident the end result between 2006 and 2008 will be like night and day. With the knowledge she gained last cycle, she should be a winner.

Be a part of Dee's success in 2008 and contribute now!

About Dee Dawkins-Haigler

At the heart of the election plan is its best asset--Dee! She has dedicated her life to public service through her roles as a minister, college educator, community activist, and political strategist and organizer. With her experience and passion, Dee has the background to win this race and become another champion in the Georgia General Assembly.

As president and owner of DDH & Associates, a political consulting/policy and analysis/campaign management firm, Dee has much experience in the political arena. She has worked on national Democratic campaigns, managing GOTV programs throughout the Southeast for the Clinton-Gore presidential team. In 1998, she worked with the Georgia Coalition of Black Women and the SCLC Women organizing college outreach voter programs. One of her proudest achievements was serving as campaign manager for past West Columbia, SC Mayor Pro Temp Rosemounda Peggy Butler, her mother, who is a disabled nurse and Gulf War veteran.

Dee is an advocate for youth and is concerned about the plight of American youth. She previously served on the Juvenile Parole Board of the state of South Carolina after being appointed by Governor Jim Hodges. She was elected to numerous positions on the board, including serving as Chair. She is currently serving her second term as the PTSA president of Martin Luther King Jr. High School.

A graduate of South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, SC, Dee earned a BA degree in political science. She also has a Masters in Public Administration/Personnel Management from Kentucky State University. She is a graduate of Turner Theological Seminary at the Interdenominational Theological Seminary where she earned a Master of Divinity degree in theology and ethics. She holds a Doctorate in Ministry and is a Ph.D. candidate in political science at Clark Atlanta University, where she is currently ABD.

Dee is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, The National Council of Negro Women, 100 Black Women Decatur/DeKalb, the NAACP, and the SCLC.

This vibrant and visionary leader currently lives in Lithonia, Georgia, with her husband, US Army Captain David H. Haigler, Jr. They are the proud parents of four children, Christopher 16, Christyn 15, Hannah 8, and Joshua 7.

We know Dee's 2008 special election campaign will result in another progressive Democratic woman added to the House of the Georgia General Assembly. But first she has to raise the resources necessary to communicate her message to the voters. We hope you join her in that effort. Please support this dedicated, ethical, energetic leader, Dee Dawkins-Haigler, with a contribution today.

Served in Korea, mother of 5.... so RuthE ought to be able to handle the Georgia legislature !!

Georgia Democratic Women has its own former military candidate! RuthE
Levy served in the US Air Force for 12 years in a variety of roles
including being a commander in a combat support squadron as seen here, in
Taegu, Korea. Other duty stations included California, Georgia,
Mississippi, Honduras, and North Carolina before returning home to her
native California in 1992. "It was my duty in Warner Robins that made me
love Georgia and brought me back." The wide variety of skills she gained
in military service will helpful as she battles in the GA House!

Campaign to Re-Elect State Rep. Stephanie Benfield (D-Decatur)

Official Press Release

For Immediate Release - April 29, 2008
Contact: Rep. Benfield at 404-964-7025 or at stuckey@mindspring.com


Rep. Stephanie Benfield Announces Plans for Re-Election

Decatur - Rep. Stephanie Benfield (D-Decatur), who represents House District 85 in the Georgia House of Representatives, has officially announced her intention to run for re-election.

"Since taking office in 1999, I have sworn to represent the interests of those who believe in justice, equality, and opportunity for all Georgians. I look forward to again serving the good people of House District 85 in the ethical and professional manner they have become accustomed to," said Rep. Benfield. During the 2008 Georgia General Assembly, she introduced or co-sponsored legislation to expand lottery funded pre-K, prohibit the sexual exploitation of minors, reform the eyewitness identification process, and protect the environment.

Rep. Benfield currently serves on the House Banks and Banking, Code Revision, Non -Civil Judiciary, and Natural Resources and Environment Committee. For the four term legislator, it is important to tackle the tough issues. "My responsibility is to ensure the challenges confronting Georgians are adequately dealt with through the legislative process. We must have the courage and conviction to ensure positive change occurs," stated Rep. Benfield.

Over the summer she look forward to working on several study committees to further assess the depth and magnitude of expanding educational opportunities and ending the sexual exploitation of minors. As well, Rep. Benfield intends to speak with constituents about the 2008 legislative session, her agenda for 2009, and identify key issues impacting the district.

"The only way to make a difference is to become informed and actively engaged."

Stephanie

News from Cobb County Democratic Women -- McMurray honored at Cobb's JJ Dinner

The Cobb Democratic Women report that they will meet on Thursday, May 10th, on the patio of Pasta Bella Restaurant on Austell Road in Marietta. Dinner begins at 6:30 pm and the meeting starts at 7:15. The special guests for the night are the women candidates for local offices in Cobb County. Each will be given some time to tell us about her campaign.



Former CDW president Beverly McMurray was presented with the Al Burruss Hall of Fame award by the Cobb County Democratic Committee at their annual Jefferson-Jackson Dinner on April 26, 2008. Also receiving an Al Burruss Hall of Fame award was CDW member, Frances "Missie" Cook. This award is presented to people who have contributed to the Democratic Party of Cobb County in a measureable manner with results considered to be outstanding and/or made a unique effort beyond what is normally expected of any group member.

Photos from Houston County Democratic Picnic

Our GFDW president, Kathy Bird, is also chair of Houston County Democrats.
A picnic was held at Rozar park in Perry today. Among the candidates attending the
meet-and-greet picnic were Senate Candidates Rand Knight and Vernon Jones, Congressional candidate Robert Nowak, and representatives from Congressman Jim Marshall's office. A members of the Middle Georgia Democratic Women's club were present at the event and contributed food and drink for the event.







.

GFDW members to go to Democratic Convention

Congratulations to Beth Perera,(r) Houston County, and Kim Carter,(l) Bibb County, for being chosen to go to the Democratic National Convention from District 8.
Beth is President of Middle Georgia Democratic Women. She will go as a Clinton delegate. Kim Carter is a GFDW member and will attend the convention as an Obama delegate. Our friend Stephanie W. Miller, Atty., was also chosen as an Obama alternate.

RuthE Levy Declares Candidacy for GA House District 45

RuthE Levy, a former Air Force officer, teacher , has officially declared her candidacy for the Georgia State House, District 45 seat which represents the people of East Cobb County.

A 12-year resident of Marietta, Levy has been a teacher in the public schools, both Cobb and Fulton Counties, and is very concerned about the state of Georgia. “We need a legislature that is going to be proactive in looking out for the welfare of our state. The lack of planning of our water and transportations systems is a prime example of areas that need to be addressed. We need someone who will be looking forward to not only attract business and people to our state, but to plan ahead for the impact they will make on our resources.”

Levy, 55, is a mother of five children, holds two bachelor’s degrees, a master’s and a teaching credential. She is the owner of And Thou Shalt Read, a local book dealership, and is married to David Lombrozo. She said, “The people of Cobb County deserve to have someone representing them who, living and working among them, understands their needs and will be looking out for their concerns.”

MGDWC meets Saturday, April 19

The Middle Georgia Democratic Women will meet at Chef Audrey's Bistro (Wal-Mart Shopping Center on Watson Blvd) is Warner Robins at 8:30 Saturday morning, April 19.
Breakfast ($8.00) will be served as early as 8:00am. After a short business meeting we will carpool to the Democratic Caucus at Mercer University Law School in Macon.

Piedmont Democratic Women choose officers

A message from Beth Thompson, President of Piedmont Democratic Women


Just wanted to let you know that we had the charter meeting for Piedmont Women (Gwinnett, Barrow, Newton, and Walton counties) last night[April 16, 2008] We collected dues from 21 charter members and elected officers.

Our officers are:

Beth Thompson - President

Lisa Davis - 1st V. President

Cheryl Williams
Jimene Conn - Co 2nd V. Presidents

Sarah Finger - Recording Secretary

Mary Ellen Nolan
Jennifer Pinson Harvey - Co- Communications Secretary

Phyllis Kidder - Treasurer

--------------------

The Georgia Federation of Democratic Women welcomes and congratulates the Piedmont Democratic Women ! GO DEMOCRATS !! For information about GFDW membership and a chapter near you, contact ktina1@windstream.net

Message from Bill Gillespie

Ladies & Gentlemen,

Mark the Calendar!

INVITE: Bill Gillespie Congressional Campaign Qualification Party, Sunday, 4 May, 2-4 pm, Tybee Memorial Park

Please join us for an afternoon of fun, friendship and celebrating! Official GA Congressional qualification ends on 2 May. I will be qualifying with 5 other Iraqi War Veterans, all Blue-Dog Democrats, on 28 April, in Atlanta. We will have a joint Press Conference on the Capital Steps! On 2 May, I should be the 1st Congressional District's Democratic candidate, unless someone else enters the race in the mean time -- not likely. The 9 months of hard campaign work has earned us a moment of reflection, thanksgiving and celebration!

The party is open to all supporters and well-wishers! Please bring the kids and dogs! I will provide the food and refreshments.

I hope you all can make! Please let me or Jason Harvey know by an email RSVP - Jason Harvey jason@billforgeorgia.com

Sincerely,

BILL

Press release from Cobb County

For Immediate Release

Contact: RuthE Levy
Linda J. Schwartz for Cobb County Schools
Voice770 650-1106
Fax: 770 649-8336
Levyruthe1@juno.com
www.LindaSchwartzforCobb






Linda J. Schwartz announced today that she was launching her campaign running for the Cobb County School Board, Post 5 as a Democrat.

Linda commented, “I am extremely excited to be running for the Cobb County School Board. I have been asked to run by several members of the community. I have been closely involved with my child’s schools for the past 13 years and I couldn’t be more excited about working for the benefit of our children by serving on the Cobb County School Board.”

Linda has a degree in Business Management, and in addition to working for several years has been very active in the local community, serving as chairperson of her neighborhood association and president of the Pope High School Band Parents Association as well as numerous other committees. Linda is the mother of Steven Schwartz, a graduate of Pope High School, and the wife of Rick Schwartz, owner of Suprememetal in Alpharetta. Schwartz has been a resident of Cobb County in the same neighborhood for 18 years.

This is her first venture for political office; she has the support of many neighbors and friends.

For more information, go to www.LindaSchwartzforCobb.com

Dr. Karen Arms speaks in Houston County

Dr. Karen Arms, chair of Chatham County Democrats and noted science writer, spoke to the monthly meeting of Houston County Democrats on Saturday morning, April 12.
Dr. Arms spoke on building a strong county committee.
Left to right: Kathy Bird, chair of Houston County Democrats, and GFDW president; Dr. Arms, Gail Gallaher, and Betty Pearsall. Gail and Betty are both members of Middle Georgia Democratic Women, and Betty is chaplain of the GFDW executive committee.

Democratic Women of Forsyth County meet April 10

Democratic Women of Forsyth County -- The Democratic Women of Forsyth County will hold their next meeting on Thursday, April 10, at 11:30 a.m. at The Foster House located at 305 West Main Street in Cumming. Please contact Mary Chatfield at 770-887-1106 by noon on Wednesday, April 9, if you plan on attending or for more information.

Politics & Lunch in Macon with Mayor Robert Reichert

Macon's new Democratic Mayor Robert Reichert held everyone's attention today,
Friday, March 28, speaking at the City Club. He has so many good plans for Macon that there was hardly time enough for him to cover all the details. Amy Morton was the emcee for the meeting and several GFDW members were among those who enjoyed the mayor's talk and a delicious buffet lunch. Our GFDW president Kathy Bird, Kathryn Whitehead, and Kristina Simms drove up from Houston County to attend. We saw a lot of familiar faces and enjoyed socializing and meeting some new folks as well.

Lunch at Mary Mac's with the Georgia Commission on Women

Left to right: Gail Buckner, GFDW Board member and former member of the Georgia House of Representatives; Kristina Simms, GFDW Board member; Mary Long, member of DNC and "Superdelegate."
Mary and Tina were among ten women who received GLOW (Georgia's Legacy--Older Women)awards from the Georgia Commission on Women. Gail participated in the program and also introduced Tina. Do notice that Gail, Mary, and Tina are all wearing their TRUE BLUE pins ! If you are a GFDW member who was honored as "true blue" at the Spring meeting in Warner Robins, your pin will soon be in the mail to you ! We think you will like it. Many thanks to Gail Buckner for coming up with both the idea and the pins !

GFDW News from around the state

Welcome, Democratic Women of Forsyth County! The Forsyth County Club has voted to affiliate with the Georgia Federation. Mary Chatfield is currently the chair. Piedmont Democratic Women (Gwinnett, Barrow, and Warrencounties) have held their organizational meeting and will be electing officers soon. Cobb County Democratic Women have a new president, Connie Taylor. Cobb will host the fall state meeting of GFDW, with Beverly McMurray as chair, on Saturday, November 8. Houston County Democrats, with the help of some members of the Middle Georgia Democratic Women will have a picnic and candidate fair at Rozar Park in Perry GA on April 26 from 11a until 2p. MGDWC also plans to have three voter education projects.
Attn: Bibb, Glynn, and Bulloch Counties. Contact kathykb510@aol.com or ktina1@windstream.net about reactivating or starting a club.

GFDW STATE SPRING MEETING, WARNER ROBINS, MARCH 1 -- A DEMOCRATIC PEP RALLY !!

The Spring meeting of the Georgia Federation of Democratic Women, a "Democratic Pep Rally," Was held on Saturday, March 1, at the recreation building in Warner Robins
Speakers includes DPG chair Jane Kidd; DNC member and super-delegate Mary Long,
Senate Candidate Josh Lanier, Senate Candidate Maggie Martinez, blogger and Democratic activist Amy Morton, DNC representative Angela Chesebi, and YDG representatve Elena Weiss.
A buffet lunch was served and a drawing for a number of interesting door prizes added interest to the occasion. In keeping with the pep rally theme the tables were decorated with blue and white pom-poms. Members had fun getting their pictures taken with full-size cutouts of Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. GFDW members attended from Houston, Bibb, Jones, Macon, Peach, Clayton, Fayette, Cobb, Fulton, and other counties. We were delighted to have a contingent from Forsyth County as well.
The next board meeting will on Saturday, May 31, at Indian Springs State Park.
At that time a decision will be made about the date/place of the fall state meeting.
Typically the state meeting alternate between north and south Georgia.

Want to start a chapter of GFDW in your area? Email ktina1@windstream.net

GFDW State meeting photos submitted by Linda Horky--left click to enlarge; right click to save to disk

LEFT CLICK TO ENLARGE; RIGHT CLICK TO SAVE TO DISK.

GFDW State Spring Meeting, March 1 2008

Left click to enlarge; right click to save to disk.

GFDW Spring Meeting, March 1, 2008

Left click to enlarge; right click to save to disk.

GFDW Spring Meeting March 1, 2008

GFDW Spring Meeting, March 1, 2008

More GFDW Pep Rally Pics submitted by Tiffany Horne

LEFT CLICK TO ENLARGE; RIGHT CLICK TO SAVE TO DISK.

Fun in Forsyth County

A group of enthusiastic Democratic women got together for lunch on Feb. 14 in Cumming, Forsyth County, GA. Speaker for the occasion was Kristina Simms, representing the Georgia Federation of Democratic Women.

Lots of photos !!

Scroll down for lots of photos of the two leading Democratic Presidential candidates!

CNN Democratic debate shatters record

CNN Democratic debate shatters record

LOS ANGELES (CNN) — Thursday night’s Democratic debate on CNN shattered the cable ratings record again last night, with more than 8.3 million viewers tuning in to see the party’s final two White House hopefuls battle it out.

http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/2008/02/01/cnn-democratic-debate-shatters-record/