By Valerie Baldowski
vbaldowski@henryherald.comThe Henry County Democratic Party turned its December meeting into a holiday fund-raiser.
The group recently held a Henry County Democratic Christmas Party at the historic Hazlehurst House in McDonough. The Democratic Party raised more than $2,000 during the event, according to party member, Jim Nichols.
Guest speakers at the event included a number of candidates for state and federal office.
Nichols said President Barack Obama has brought new energy to the Democrat Party, on a national level, and that the energy may translate into successes for Democrats in 2010 elections.
“Along with that brings an opportunity for a new group of leaders and activists to arise at the local level, who can bring in new energy and ideas to the Democratic Party,” he said.
Nichols said Henry Democrats have a number of goals for 2010.
“We hope to elect a new chairman and vice chairman in January, and begin a very important election year,” he said.
Robert Abercrombie, the former chairman, announced his resignation in October due to increased career responsibilities. Former Vice Chairman Christie Jean-Baptiste announced her resignation in November, due to a job offer in Washington, D.C.
The elections to replace both are expected to be held during the group’s Jan. 26 meeting, said Nichols.
Democrats in Henry face a number of challenges as well as opportunities, he continued.
“I believe the Democratic Party has let down the citizens of this state for a number of years, and has needed to get its act together,” said Nichols. “Democrats bring together a much larger tent of ideas and policy preferences — just look at the health-care debate — which means we struggle from time to time staying organized and effective as a party.”
Other goals for next year include expanding the group’s membership, training volunteers to work on campaigns, and assisting statewide Democratic candidates in their efforts to reach residents in Henry County, said Nichols.
show details Dec 22 (6 days ago)
1. How much was raised?
We brought in over $2000 but I'm not sure what the total raised ended up being.
We hope to elect a new Chair and Vice-Chair in January and begin a very important election year. Expanding our membership, training volunteers to work on campaigns, identifying candidates to run in local elections, and assisting state-wide Democratic candidates in their efforts to reach out to citizens in Henry County.
3. What were the highlights of the event? Did all the expected speakers show up? Tell me who was there besides Gail Buckner.
U.S. Senate Candidate R.J. Hadley
Candidate for Governor David Poythress
Secretary of State Candidates: Gail Buckner and Gary Horlacher
State School Superintendent candidates: Dr. Beth Farokhi and Brian Westlake
4. What challenges do the Henry County Democrats face next year?
Speaking for myself, as one voice on the County Committee, I believe the Democratic
Party has let down the citizens of this state for a number of years and has needed to get its act together. Democrats bring together a much larger tent of ideas and policy preferences--just look at the health care debate--which means we struggle from time to time staying organized and effective as a party.
Obama brought new energy to the party nationally and there is a great group of citizens here in Henry who for the past two years have been working to grow our County Committee into a sustainable political entity that can turn things around for us at a local level. Its an exciting time in Henry County politics!
5. What opportunities do you see for the group in 2010?
There are a number of important elections coming up this year, and along with that brings an opportunity for a new group of leaders and activists to arise at the local level who can bring in new energy and ideas to the Democratic Party.
The elections will be held at the January County Committee Meeting (4th Tuesday of every month). Robert announced he was stepping down at the October meeting, and Christie Jean-Baptiste announced at the November meeting she was as well. Both left because of career opportunities--Robert got a promotion at the Fulton County Sheriffs department and Christie got a job in Washington D.C.
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