My Candidate Statement for California Democratic State Central Committee

In 2010, California Democrats face two statewide contests that could require an unprecedented marshaling of resources:

1. It is likely that the Republican gubernatorial nominee will be extremely wealthy and capable of self-funding their campaign.
2. Rumors persist that Governor Schwarzenegger will mount a challenge Senator Boxer for her seat.

On their own, either of these races would present a challenging fight. In 2010 we may be called upon to respond to both.

Answering these challenges will demand a recommitment to local organizing in all 58 counties and enhancement of CDP’s use of technology for direct voter contact and messaging.

As an Assembly District Delegate to the State Central Committee, I will advocate for CDP’s better engagement in the grassroots and netroots to successfully defend Senator Boxer’s seat and take back the Capitol.

Drawing on more than a decade’s worth of campaign experience - beginning as a field organizer, and most recently as Senior New Media Advisor to the Obama campaign in California - I will bring a combination of tested techniques and willingness to experiment with evolving tools to carry out the mission of the California Democratic Party - to win elections.

Governor Schwarzenegger’s Hit Christmas Family Movie (but not Jingle All the Way)

The good folks at Courage Campaign Issues Committee (disclosure: I’ve done a bit of work for them) are making spirits bright…at the Governor’s expense.

Robert in Monterey talks about the piece at Calitics:

The Courage Campaign, in partnership with Donkey on the Edge and with the support of Cheri and Naren Shankar, put together this video of Arnold’s “California Carol” - Arnold is visited by the ghosts of California past, present and future, showing him the error of his ways.

Unfortunately, California’s Ebenezer Scrooge isn’t going to have a Christmas morning change of heart and suddenly decide to provide funding for schools and health care. Not unless we the people demand that he stop cutting and start saving California by signing the Democratic budget deal.  (Calitics - Arnold’s Nightmare: A California Carol)

Lest ye forget, this is not the Governor’s first foray into holiday entertainment.  As bad as the situation is in Sacramento, do we really want him going back to this…

More Holiday Season Charitable Videos

Earlier this morning I posted a pair of videos from the Advent Conspiracy and TOMS Project Holiday.  Those are just two of the many videos looking for more meaningful giving during the holidays:

Already done your part for those less fortunate? You can help spread the joy of giving through the Vlogbrothers’ Project for Awesome. All you have to do to participate is create a video about your favorite charity or cause and encourage the YouTube community to support it. The Vlogbrothers have even have promised to donate $1000 to the charity that inspires the best video – so get to work!  (YouTube Blog)

Here’s the Project for Awesome clip mentioned at YouTube:

Have you seen any effective, moving, or powerful calls to action this season?

Advent Conspiracy, TOMS Project Holiday and the Spirit of Christmas

I usually say, “Videos = Votes” (but not today)

There’s a mantra I repeat, beating it like a drum (some would say a dead horse): Videos = Votes

Tonight I’m singing a different tune…a Christmas Carol, no less.

As we’re being urged to shop our way out of a recession, the Advent Conspiracy Promo Video above and the TOMS Project Holiday video below are reminders of how  small gestures (by American holiday standards) can make a world of difference elsewhere.

Clean water.

A pair of shoes.

Simple things that would elicit false smiles and hollow thanks here, but reflect the real spirit of the season.

YouTube - Gavin Newsom on Prop 8 - The Fight Continues

YouTube - Gavin Newsom on Prop 8 - The Fight Continues.

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