Newsletter – May 28, 2018

Posted on May 29, 2018 by gwd_admin

“At its core, the nobility and the majesty of Memorial Day can be found in the story of ordinary Americans who become extraordinary for the most simple of reasons: They loved  their country so deeply, so profoundly, that they were willing to give their lives to keep it safe and free.”
– Barack Obama, 2010

In this Newsletter:

  • Letter from the Chair
  • Fish & Dogs FUNdraiser
  • Upcoming Events
  • Local Democrats in the news

Letter from the Chair

Hello Democrats,

The 2018 Primaries are almost upon us. I am pleased that many of you have signed up to work the polls this year. Please everyone, remember that the Mid-Terms, consisting of Primary and General Election 2018, are just as important as the Presidential election in 2020. This is what happened to President Obama: Voters did not go out as we should have in 2010 and as a result, he had an uphill climb to get the progress we need to move the country forward.

I have asked Dr. Bob and his committee to make available for you the list of Democratic candidates and the offices they are seeking. They have been included in this newsletter. Hopefully, this will make your choices much easier.

If you have not made up your minds, then consider the following: U.S. Congressman James Clyburn, SC’s only Democratic Representative in Washington DC, has endorsed James Smith for SC Governor. Former VP Joe Biden also endorsed James Smith. SC Planned Parenthood, the former Governor and US Secretary of Education, Dick Riley, and many more organizations and leaders have also endorsed Jame Smith. So take the time to do your homework. Check out their sites and choose wisely on June12th.

Charles Lewis,
GWCDP Chair

Fish & Dogs Fundraiser

Our local Democratic Party holds only two major fundraisers a year: The Fish & Dogs picnic (formerly Dogs & Burgers) and the Carnell-Drummond Dinner. These events help us offset the expenses of printing and distributing voter education materials, hosting information meetings, acquiring basic audio-visual equipment and eventually renting space for a Greenwood County Democratic Headquarters.

Continue reading →

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May Breakfast Meeting notes, Fish & Dogs Fundraiser, Voter Registration Drive

Posted on May 16, 2018 by gwd_admin

In this Newsletter:

  • Fish & Dogs Fundraiser
  • Upcoming Events
  • Breakfast Meeting Notes
  • Youth Voter Registration Drive

Fish & Dogs Fundraiser

The annual Fish & Dogs Fundraiser (formerly “Dogs & Burgers”) is one of the two main events to help the GWCDP raise money to effectively pursue its goals for the year.

We need your help! Please contact the Fish & Dogs Committee Chair, Claude Wright, at wrighttravel65@yahoo.com or by phone  (864) 992-7087 if you would like to offer assistance in:

  • Food donations (chips, beans, drinks, hot dogs, etc)
  • Coolers & ice
  • Serving, cooking, clean-up
  • Offering and seeking donations for door prizes
  • Advertising, promotion, distributing flyers
  • Selling tickets!

All Precinct Leaders should pick up a batch of tickets to sell. If each could successfully sell only 5-10, we’d have the largest fundraiser ever! Please e-mail info@gwdcountydems.org to purchase tickets or to receive some to sell.

Upcoming Events

Continue reading →

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Letter from the GWCDP Chair

Posted on April 25, 2018 by gwd_admin

Greenwood County Democratic Party
Post Office Box 73
Greenwood, SC. 2964

 

Hello Friends,

We have been very busy during the past few months with the Precinct Reorganization, County Convention, Pratt Issues Conference, March for our Lives in Greenville and the Parents Expo at the YMCA in Greenwood. The Executive Council Members and I have been working on your behalf with the State Democratic Party to make sure our delegates to the State Convention had their credentials and information to vote on the convention proceedings.

I went to Columbia on Friday but had to leave due to notification that my property in Hodges was on fire. Since I could not stay, I notified the State Party that Mrs. Elaine Gentry would represent our delegation as chair. Thanks to all delegates that attended the convention on Saturday and voted on rules and resolutions for the SC Democratic Party Platform.

We have candidates running for election and reelection to local, state and congressional positions. Much thanks to Dr. Bob Phillips and the Search Committee for interviewing and vetting candidates for local positions on the School Board, Greenwood County Council, CPW Commissioners and State House Representatives. If anyone is interested in hosting a drop-in for the Democratic candidates let them know.

Twenty seven precincts in Greenwood County need captains. Let me or our Secretary Bill Kimler know of prospective precinct leaders. Another precinct Reorganization meeting will be held soon to connect with these voters. We need your help to turn South Carolina Blue. 

If your Precinct has organized make sure you are hosting activities to keep your Democratic neighbors informed of events and monthly meetings. Be creative and help spread the word to register more voters and stay informed on the issues and platforms of candidates. Precinct # 3 will be hosting a gathering at the Grace Street Park Fuji Pavilion, 112 Merrywood Road on Saturday April 28 at 1:30. I plan to attend along with Michael Gaskin, Candidate for South Carolina House District 13.

Volunteers are asked to contact Mr. Claude Wright, chair of the Dogs and Burgers Fundraiser Committee.

The next major fall event will be the Carnell Drummond Dinner. This is your party and you are the key to our success and victory in turning South Carolina BLUE. Keep up the GOOD work everyone!

Charles Lewis, Chair
Greenwood County Democratic Party

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Newsletter April 22 – State Convention & more!

Posted on April 23, 2018 by gwd_admin

If April showers bring May flowers…

What did the April State Convention Bring?

In this Newsletter:

  • Upcoming Calendar Events
  • SC Democratic Party State Convention
  • Parent’s Expo & Kids Day

Upcoming Calendar Events

Monday, April 23
Deadline to reserve a bus seat for the May 2 “Day in Blue” in Columbia.

The lunch is $5.00 per person and the bus trip (provided by Wright Travel) is $15.00 per person. Get your payment to Edith Childs, (864) 227-9511 or Cathie Swindell, (864) 992-2182 by this MONDAY.

Tuesday, April 24
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
The Mill House

Join Mary Geren and supporters in Greenwood at The Mill House on April 24th! Mary is running against Jeff Duncan to represent South Carolina’s 3rd Congressional District. As a mother and a teacher, Mary is running because we need a Representative who fights for all of the residents of her district, not special interests. Make sure to read our interview with Mary on our website!

Saturday, April 28
1 pm – 3 pm
Precinct 3: “Bring Your Own Picnic”
Grace St. Park, Fuji Pavillion

Bring your own food & socialize in a fun environment for the family. While geared towards bringing in voters from Voter Precinct 3 (Northside Middle School), all are welcome! Michael Gaskin, Democratic Candidate for SC House District 13, will also be there!
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SCDP Statement on Speaker Ryan Resignation

Posted on April 12, 2018 by gwd_admin

For Immediate Release
April 11th, 2018

“Speaker Ryan just told the world that Republicans are going to lose the House in November and I couldn’t agree more.“

Columbia, SC – The South Carolina Democratic Party released the following statement in response to Speaker Paul Ryan’s abrupt resignation on Wednesday morning:

“The Speaker looked at his reelection prospects after selling out the American taxpayers to his campaign contributors and decided to opt for an abrupt retirement instead,” said South Carolina Democratic Party Chairman Trav Robertson. “He knows the Democrats are going to win not only his district, but the majority in the House, and that his replacement is going to be a Democrat. The chief fundraiser for the Republicans just quit and every Republican in South Carolina from Mark Sanford to Tom Rice ought to be scared. He’s given our great candidates here at home plenty to run with a legacy that ties trillion dollar deficits with cuts to essential services that all Americans rely on. While Speaker Ryan is running back to Wisconsin with his tail between his legs, we’re looking forward to sending Congressman Clyburn back to Washington in November with a few more Democratic colleagues from South Carolina. Speaker Ryan just told the world that Republicans are going to lose the House in November and I couldn’t agree more.”

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Breakfast Meeting Notes, April 7

Posted on April 11, 2018 by gwd_admin

In case you missed it, here are some notes from the

April Breakfast Meeting

In this Newsletter:

  • Candidate Search Committee update
  • Michael Gaskin, candidate for State House Representative, District 13
  • Mary Geren, candidate for US Congress, SC District 3
  • Secretary Update
  • Meeting location & Youth Engagement update
  • Updates from the Chair
    (Precinct Reorg, State Convention & Blue Palmetto Dinner)
  • Open Discussion

Candidate Search Committee Update

The Greenwood County Democratic Party held another room-busting, action-packed breakfast meeting at Inn on the Square this past Saturday, April 7, at 9 am.

After an opening Prayer from Rev. James Thompson, Party Chair, Charles Lewis, quickly introduced the newly elected GWCDP Executive Committee.

Dr. Bob Phillips, chair of the Candidate Search Committee then reported the following:

  • Now that candidate filing is over the committee has shifted focus and has renamed itself the “Candidate Search & Support Committee”.
  • The purpose of this Committee is to support Michael Gaskin for SC House as well as any certified local Democratic candidate involved in a race in Greenwood County.
  • A big “kudos” was given to Mayor Terrence Culbreath on his successful re-election last week in Johnston, SC. Mayor Culbreath is a good friend of the GWCDP, having spoken at one of our breakfast meetings last year.
  • Rep. Anne Parks is seeking re-election for State House Rep, District 12
  • Introduced Ms. Edith Childs, who is seeking to continue her service on the Greenwood County Council. She also encouraged all to sign up for “Blue Day“.
  • Announced that Rev. Melissa Spencer is running for the Greenwood County Council position that Gonza Bryant will be vacating
  • Announced that the Honorable Travis Moore will be seeking re-election for the position of Probate Judge.
  • Introduced Michael G. Monaghan who is seeking another term on the Board of Commissioners for CPW. Mike shared the positive news that Greenwood hasn’t had a rate increase in 10 years and that we enjoy the lowest electric rates in South Carolina.
  • Introduced Claude Wright, Greenwood School District 50 Board Member

Edith Childs Michael Monaghan Claude Wright

Dr. Bob then introduced our two keynote speakers: Michael Gaskin and Mary Geren.

Continue reading →

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First Time Running: SC-3 Congressional Candidate, Mary Geren

Posted on April 2, 2018 by gwd_admin

This is the third in a series of posts that highlight our elected officials and candidates, focusing on what drove them to public service and their experience on the campaign trail. Hopefully, their stories will inspire YOU to make a difference and help turn South Carolina Blue!

We recently spoke with Democratic Congressional Candidate, Mary Geren, who is looking to unseat Republican incumbent Jeff Duncan in November and represent South Carolina’s 3rd Congressional District in Washington, DC.

Mary has been an active member of the Anderson County Democratic Party, an activist for social causes in her community, and a dedicated educator at Clemson University and Tri-County Technical College. We wanted you to understand her motivation to run for public office and learn what it’s like to put yourself out there to be a servant of the people.

When did you first become involved in politics?

I’ve been involved since about 2007. I had volunteered in the campaigns for Hillary Clinton and then Barack Obama. Locally, I helped with Jane Dyer’s campaign both times she ran for Congress. It’s been something I’ve felt a calling toward for some time. I also co-chair the Anderson chapter of SC Democrats Care.

What prompted you to take the leap from volunteer to candidate?

My first election was actually in 2012. I ran for a DNC delegate spot to nominate and eventually re-elect President Barack Obama. And, I won! I encourage folks who are interested in running for higher office to serve as delegates at the local, state, and/or national level. Doing so will give them an idea of what it is like to run an actual campaign.

In 2016, I ran for the SC State House here in District 9, and that was an interesting race! I ran against Ann Thayer, who is a very nice lady, and I had even taught her son. She had just disappointed me so much on the Confederate Flag issue. She was one of the few who voted to leave it flying on the State House grounds after the church shooting in Charleston.

In fact, it was Jaime Harrison who specifically asked me to run.

The fact that you had Jamie Harrison’s ear is impressive. How did you go about making connections and getting that type of support to run for office?

I gained connections through campaigning and volunteering, serving as a delegate at the state party convention and the DNC in 2012, working with the College Democrats at Tri-County Technical College- – taking them to conventions, etc. That’s what I encourage people to do; develop relationships and start networking. It’s not going to happen overnight. It took a decade’s worth of volunteering before I accepted the challenge to run for State House.

That doesn’t mean people have to wait 10 years before they should decide to run either. There’s never a perfect time!

Continue reading →

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Newsletter – March 24

Posted on March 27, 2018 by gwd_admin

The Blue Wave Continues to Roll 🌊

Hello, fellow Democrats! It’s been a little while since our last newsletter. But on this day when nearly 1 million citizens marched in Washington DC (and hundreds of thousands more across the nation) to say we have had ENOUGH of the poisonous culture that values assault weapons over our children’s safety, we’re letting you know that we’re more active than ever in Greenwood County to help Turn SC Blue in November.

In this Newsletter:

  • Greenwood County Democratic Party Convention
  • Important Upcoming Events
  • Local Democrats in the News

Greenwood County Democratic Party Convention

The Greenwood County Democratic Party Convention was held on Saturday, March 3, 2018. It featured speeches given by local representatives including: State Senator Floyd Nicholson, State Representative Anne Parks, and County Councilpersons Gonza Bryant and Edith Childs.

Continue reading →

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Government Officials Contact List

Posted on February 25, 2018 by gwd_admin

We’ve added a new page of local government officials: From the Governor’s office to the Greenwood City Council. Click on the link below or “Gov Officials” from the menu bar above.

Local Government Contacts

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February Monthly Breakfast Meeting Notes

Posted on February 6, 2018 by gwd_admin

First off, we want to express our GRATITUDE for the tremendous turnout at last Saturday’s monthly breakfast meeting. We are all very concerned citizens who want to make a positive difference in our community and in our nation. We would appreciate any feedback you can offer to help us improve upon future meetings. What did you like? What can be done better? Let us know at info@gwdcountydems.org.

Scheduling Notes

Precinct Reorganization Meeting
Sat, Feb 10   10 am – 12 pm
Greenwood County Library, Veteran’s Room

Open to all Democrats in Greenwood County

At least one Representative from each Precinct should attend and stand by their Precinct Sign to speak to those who may be coming in that are in their Precinct. The Precinct Rep will need to stay for the full time period.

For all others, if you have not partaken in a previously scheduled Reorganization Meeting for your precinct, this would be the place & time to show up to get acquainted with your Precinct Leader and learn more about this effort. You can show up at any time between 10 am – 12 pm and leave once you’ve spoken with your Precinct Leader. Opportunities may still exist for Officers, Delegates and Alternates positions within your Precinct.
Continue reading →

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