Upcoming Events
Washington 4th District Public Calendar
Join Saundra Hill (former Pasco School District Superintendent), Rebecca Francik (former Pasco City Councilmember), Jean Ryckman (Port of Pasco Commissioner), Ana Ruiz Peralta (Franklin County Commissioner candidate) and Frances Chvatal (16th LD House of Representative candidate) on July 15th at 6pm.Tickets start at $10 and can be purchased below. We hope to see you there!
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY (CONTACT-FREE)
Time for “Operation: Primary Door Hanger” for Justin Raffa for Benton County Commissioner District 1.
Randy Slovic and her husband Bob did yeoman’s work to get us maps and lists of precincts that we’re targeting so the Democrats remember to vote for us in the Primary. Those lists are at Justin’s house and ready for distribution to volunteers with specific houses to hit in each precinct. It’s easy and fun! We are hitting “friendly” houses who are established Democratic voters for this first door hanger approach.
There are 62 precincts in Richland and 22 in West Richland. Precincts range in size from 2 to 207 households, so volunteers can pick and choose what works best for them. We’re looking for about 20-25 total volunteers to share the workload.
Volunteers are asked to hole punch and rubber band their own cards, although some have been made up as needed. Cards are bundled in quantities of 50 for ease of distribution. We can provide hole punchers and rubber bands as needed.
Target timeline for getting these out is close to ballots dropping on Friday July 17. We are recommending that folks not start hanging before the July 4 holiday.
If you can help by walking a district or two, please contact Justin Raffa and take a look at the lists. This is the first time Justin is actively engaging our volunteer base, so please reach out to your friends/family who have been asking you for weeks how they can help support the campaign!
July Candidate Forum
Online with the Tri-City Democrats
Time: July 10, 2020 06:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Primary ballots will drop around July 18, so in the interest of informing voters, we’ll host as many candidates as we can who we believe will be of interest to our voters. This is an open-door event and we encourage Democrats, Democrat- friendly and Democrat-curious folks to attend.
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From State Chair Tina Podlodowski:
After consulting with public health officials about the COVID-19 pandemic, DNC convention organizers are announcing today that they have determined state delegations should not plan to travel to Milwaukee and should plan to conduct their official convention business remotely. The DNC will be in touch with delegations in the coming weeks to share more information about the processes being developed.Four nights of convention programming will be anchored out of our host community, Milwaukee, from August 17-20, 2020. Programming will include live content from both Milwaukee and other satellite cities, locations, and landmarks.
Announcements
[See the Web Log for prior Announcements]
The Benton County Democratic Central Committee encourages EVERYONE to protect their family and neighbors by wearing their masks in public.
Tap or Click this link to see How you can support strikers at Yakima Valley fruit warehouses.
Tap or Click this link to donate to the StrikeHuelga Fund for Yakima Agri Workers
The Central Committee of the Benton County Democrats has endorsed a number of candidates in the upcoming elections.
- Doug McKinley for the 4th Congressional District.
- Website : https://dougmckinley2020.com/
- Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/vote4mckinley
- Justin Raffa for Benton County Commissioner District 1
- Website: https://justinraffa.com/
- Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ElectJustinRaffa/
- Danielle Garbe-Reser for 16th LD Senator
- Website: https://www.garbereser.com/
- Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/electgarbereser
- Frances Chvatal for 16th LD Representative, Position 1
- Website: https://www.electfrances.com/
- Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/electfranceschvatal
- Carly Coburn for 16th LD Representative, Position 2
- Website: https://www.electcarlycoburn16ld.com/
- Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ElectCCoburn
- Shir Regev for 8th LD Representative, Position 1
- Website: https://www.atthetablewithshir.com/
- Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ShirRegev4Washington
In Washington state, the Public Disclosure Commission has strict rules on what amounts to in-kind donations to political campaigns. Facebook has determined that it isn’t in their interest to do the necessary reporting to the PDC for political advertising. Our local political campaigns have been effectively cut out of using Facebook to spread their messages. Therefore, there’s a special need for local supporters to haunt their preferred candidates’ pages and assist in spreading their messages by Loving (not just Liking), commenting, and sharing their posts.
Thank you to all the folks who filed as Precinct Committee Officer candidates. Nineteen people filed for 17 precincts. Two of the precincts will have their PCOs elected in the August primary election. The other 15 candidates will become elected PCO’s by default.
A new platform for 2020 has been approved. You can see it by tapping or clicking the following link.
Benton County 2020 Democratic Platform
Links to recently-approved resolutions have been added to the Documents and Resources page.
| Approved Bylaws, Policy Guide, and Rules Revisions to the three governance documents were approved in 2019. |
Committee News
[See the Web Log for prior Committee News write-ups. All meeting Minutes are available on the Documents and Resources page.]
We are working on a messaging campaign for use in all media that ends with the tagline, “—you might be a Democrat,” Take a look at our current list of messages on this Google Sheet. If you have more catchy lines, please send them to secretary@bencodems.org.
Here’s an excellent article on methods for activism to be effective. Practical Activism – Go for the Money
Our own Richard Badalamente has a cogent post on the contents of the Mueller Report, including the answers to a number of pressing questions.
BCDCC Officers and Subcommittee Chairs for 2019-2020
The Benton County Democratic Central Committee is searching for a Newsletter editor, if you’re interested please check out information here: https://www.bencodems.org/newsletter-editor/
Recent Events
See the Web Log for information about past events
Fourth of July Protest
(from Tri-Cities Black Lives Matter)
Saturday, July 4, 11 AM to 3 PM
HAPO Community Stage, John Dam Plaza
800 Jadwin Ave., Richland, WA
By popular demand the community has requested a 4th of July protest in Richland.
Being that this a historical day to celebrate a false idea of American Independence we feel it is necessary exercise our freedom to take a stand in solidarity with one another as a movement.
We recognize the power of our united voices as a direct threat to those in our society that resist the defacing of symbols deeply rooted in racial inequality.
We are visible. We will not tolerate being threatened. We will stand tall with our “little signs” against racism and declare until black lives matter we can’t celebrate the reality that freedom is designated to a select few.
We are not 2nd class citizens! Our lives matter! We celebrate the idea of real Independence for all Americans Junteenth June 19, 1865 and not the white washed narrative of July 4, 1776.
I-1776 – The People’s Campaign!
I-1776 would expand prohibitions on discrimination by the state; limit the current prohibition on preferential treatment; require that government agencies work to ensure no-cost vaccinations; and expand public availability of disease-related data.
Deadline July 2, 2020.
Forever Free: An Art Rally For Juneteenth
Saturday, June 20, 2020 at 12 noon Kurtzman Park 331 S. Wehe Ave., Pasco, WA
The Tri-Cities Juneteenth Commitee and The Black Lives Matter Coalition bring you ‘Forever Free: An Art Rally for Juneteenth.’Please join us in putting down our picket signs for the day and picking up on love. As we know, our #BlackJoy is a protest in itself. We will have a beautiful art show featuring some of the Tri-Cities own poets, painters, singers, rappers and dancers. Come enjoy yourself and take part in our phenomenal culture and all of its beautiful people. Please bring your blankets to sit on with your families and your masks as we will be socially distancing.
Advancing the Demand for Reparations and H.R. 40
Juneteenth, COVID-19, and the Killings of Black People
Advancing the Demand for Reparations and H.R. 40
After being forced to labor for the enrichment of America, newly emancipated Black Americans continued to suffer violent repression and exploitation under Jim Crow laws, black codes in the South, and de facto segregation across the nation — long after Juneteenth.
Even today, Black people bear the brunt of oppressive policies, as significant disparities in healthcare, wealth, racism in policing and the criminal justice system, and intentional voter suppression persist. These inequities continue to require a significant remedy and reconciliation process.
H.R. 40 would establish a commission to examine the institution of slavery, its legacy, and make recommendations to Congress for reparations, beginning a process of repairing and restoring after centuries of enslavement.Join this urgent forum that will highlight the case for H.R. 40 and the path forward.
Friday, June 19, 2020 at 4 PM – 6:30 PM PDT
This is an online event.
We are concerned when armed citizens include open-carry firearms as a means of “visual deterrence” of property violence.
Tri-City Democrats Virtual Candidate Forum
On June 12 at 6pm, Tri-city Democrats will host a forum for candidates in and around the Columbia Basin. Candidates in Legislative District 8, Legislative District 9, Legislative District 16, Benton or Franklin Counties or Congressional District 4 or adjacent districts are invited to participate. Each participating candidate (or their delegate) will be given about 5 minutes to introduce themselves to the group and a few minutes further to address questions. We’ll be meeting virtually via Zoom.
Join Zoom Meeting Click or Tap Here to Join the Zoom meeting Meeting ID: 847 1933 4953 Password: 752067 One tap mobile +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)
We are thrilled to have three trailblazing women as our Democratic candidates for LD 16 — the only district in Eastern Washington to have three female legislative candidates, all endorsed by Win With Women.
Danielle Garbe Reser – State Senate
Frances Chvatal – State House Position 1
Carly Coburn – State House Position 2
Please join us in celebrating this milestone and supporting all three campaigns at this virtual fundraiser on Wednesday, June 10 from 5:00-6:30 pm (Pacific) with our candidates and our hosts:
Win With Women
Network of Exceptional Women
Senator Karen Keiser, Senator Mona Das, Senator Rebecca Saldana, Senator Patty Kuderer, Senator Emily Randall, Senator Valoria Loveland (former), Rep. Gael Tarleton, Rep. Noel Frame, Rep. Laura Grant (former), Norma Hernández, Yazmin Bahena, Diane Sundvik, Kate Moran, Genie Crowe, Meghan Ryan, Judith Johanneson, Pamela Guadet, Elizabeth Follet Figueroa, Afrose Ahmed, Sara Quinn, Julie Campos, Stella Williams, Naima Chambers, Joni Martin
Tickets available at a range of prices, starting at $15, and will benefit all three campaigns. Get yours today:
https://secure.actblue.com/donate/sweet16ld
Zoom details will be sent after ticket purchase.
Pasco Protest for George Floyd
June 6, 11 AM to 2 PM At the Albertson's 1330 N 20th Ave Pasco, Washington 99301
Jaime Torres and The Justice League was founded to stand for all of those who have been disenfranchised. All of those that have been effected by injustice and the systematic racism that this country has been founded on. We are aligning today and uplifting the black voices, spirits and minds of The Urban Poets Society (Daishaundra & Bryan Hearne), The Power Of ‘Re’ (Marlando & Stephanie Sparks) and Joel Nunn-Sparks photography to bring awareness to the racism and discrimination that black people face every single day. In this moment and at this time we are standing for, and fighting for, our beautiful black brothers and sisters. Justice for #GeorgeFloyd #EricGarner #SandraBland #BreonnaTaylor and the countless lives we have lost to racial injustice. Join us in making a change.
2020 Campaign Boot Camp
Emerge has one goal: To increase the number of Democratic women in office who are reflective of the incredible diversity of the Democratic party by recruiting, training and providing a powerful network. Since 2002, Emerge has trained over 4,000 Democratic women to run for office and currently, 690+ Emerge alumnae serve in office.
Candidate Filing for 2020
Candidate filing week is May 11 through May 15. Those who wish to be elected Precinct Committee Officers for the 2021-2022 term must file their candidacy during this week. You can file online for free in just a few minutes with the following link:
Your district type is PRECINCT.
Click START for Precinct Committee Officer – Democratic
Then fill out your name as you want it to appear on the ballot and your contact information. Your contact information will be public record. Then SUBMIT your form.
Please Notice!
There has been a problem with the filing process for people who filed for PCO on Monday or Tuesday. The were irregularities in the original process set up by the Secretary of State’s office for PCO candidate filings. Those have been corrected. For a more complete explanation you can read Tina Podlodowski’s letter which is linked here.
If you filed for PCO on Monday or Tuesday, you must REFILE using the Secretary of State’s corrected process using the Candidate Filing link above!
Precinct Committee Officers are the official members who make up our local Democratic Party organization. Elected PCO’s will be choosing the new party leadership in our reorganization meetings in the December timeframe. Leaders will be chosen for the county and legislative district local party organizations.
If you wish to be at the heart of our local party decision-making, please file to be an elected Precinct Committee Officer with the Benton County Elections Department beginning May 11.
Click this link to file: Candidate Filing
Gary Kanter Concert And Picnic
The Tri-City Democrats are sponsoring a virtual concert and picnic.
Let’s have a virtual picnic and concert as a Zoom meeting. The details are below.We’ll get as many candidates to chat with us as we can starting at 6 and maybe do a bit of other business before the music at 6:30 or so.
Gary Kanter is a New York-born Songwriter/Humorist with a passion for topical songs in the tradition of Phil Ochs, Tom Paxton, and John Prine. His songs will make you laugh, cry, and think, though not necessarily in that order. His songs of labor and solidarity are reminiscent of labor icon, Joe Hill.Gary has also taken on the mantle of “labor troubadour,” having organized and performed at numerous benefits for organized labor including two concerts to fundraisers for the Wisconsin recall elections. He had penned two labor songs at the behest of the Northwest labor community including “Northwest Union Call” and “Right To Work Is Wrong.” He recently performed both at the Washington State Central Labor Council held in Vancouver, WA (7/13). “Right To Work…” was requested by the president of his own union local, Musicians’ Association of Seattle (Local 76-493, AFM) and will be featured on its website for universal access. “Northwest Union Call” is currently being produced as a DVD. Both songs were featured on his third CD, “Forever Vigilant.”
Zoom meeting topic: Gary Kanter performs for Tri-city Democrats
Time: May 8, 2020 06:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)Join Zoom Meeting
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Meeting ID: 940 6122 2184
Password: 680827
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Meeting ID: 940 6122 2184
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Online County Convention
We will have an online County Convention on May 3, 2020 at 2:00 PM. The only order of business will be the approval of the 2020 Benton County Party Platform. The platform is a consensus of the views of our local party on the issues facing our voters and our nation. It is part of the basis on which we endorse local candidates. Many people have worked diligently since the beginning of the year, to compile our platform.
In our online meeting, neither “wordsmithing” nor additional platform planks will be in order. Sections can be stricken out if the convention wishes to do so.
When we are closer to the time of the convention, there will be more information available on how to join the online meeting. We will be using the Zoom application for this, so install it and familiarize yourself with it beforehand. If you have question about how to install or use Zoom, please contact the Secretary at secretary@bencodems.org.
You can prepare for your participation by carefully reviewing our proposed platform by clicking or tapping the following link: Proposed 2020 Benton County Democratic Platform.
8th Legislative District Caucus
All Precinct Committee Officers should have received an emailed Call to Meeting which explains their role in the selection of the legislative district delegates. If you are a PCO and have not received this email, please notify your county Chair at chair@bencodems.org.
All Precinct Committee Officers will receive a digital ballot no later than 9:00 am on Sunday April 26th, 2020, and must complete that ballot, following all instructions provided, no later than 9:00 pm on Sunday May 3rd, 2020.
If you want to be a legislative delegate candidate and help select the national delegates who represent your presidential preference at the Democratic National Convention, please register at the link on this webpage, https://www.waelectioncenter.com/ .
Chavez & Huerta Student Poster Contest
From the Tri-Cities LULAC Council:
TRI-CITIES STUDENTS ARE INVITED TO DRAW/PAINT* The Washington State approved two symbolic state holidays -Chavez March 31st and Huerta April 10th. Students may enter contest an win prizes at the same time enhance their understanding about these iconic figures of our U.S. history. Ask your teacher/school/college for an entry form or call: 509.420.0596 email: port_ga@hotmail.com
Chavez & Huerta Student Poster Contest
PRIZES AGES 1ST Place 2ND Place 3RD Place
Category A Age 18+ $250 $150 $100
Category B Age 13-17 $150 $100 $75
Category C Age 8-12 $100 $75 $50
10 Students All grades 10 Art kits Honorary
Disability Awareness
Hosted by the Tri-City Democrats
Friday, March 13, 2020 at 6 PM – 8 PM
Benton PUD, 2721 W. 10th Ave., Kennewick, WA
Join us in March to hear from Nancy and Carly, local disability activists and self advocates, about the current affairs affecting national, state, and local disability communities. Topics will range from mention of the Disability Day of Mourning (March 1, 2020) to discussing the 30th anniversary of the ADA and how far we still have to go
Link to the event on Facebook