THE CHAIR'S CORNER

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Every Democrat has been waiting for this new year. Contrary to what the Chinese calendar may say, 2008 is the Year of the Donkey! This is the year in which the American people will reclaim their Constitution and return our nation to the rule of law. Conventional wisdom says that this year's election is the Democrats to lose. Even if that is true, the Republican Party is not about to turn over power without a fight. We must take the fight to them. Opportunity abounds from the Courthouse to the White House but we have to mobilize to take advantage of the situation.

Everyone reading this newsletter has a role to play. You can help by giving generously of your time by talking to your neighbors, by distributing yard signs, helping in the office and all the other activities of an election year. The first opportunity for you to show your support is on Tuesday, March 11, when all of the county precincts will hold organizational meetings. Locations and times for those meetings will be announced in the Tunes-News but, for now, please circle March 11 on your calendar.

You can also help by financially supporting your local Henderson County Democratic Party as well as your favorite candidates. Our budget for 2008 will exceed $30,000. To raise that amount of money, we rely heavily on our dues paying members.

We are actively recruiting well-qualified candidates to run for county and legislative offices. If you would like to run or if you know someone who would be a viable candidate, please let me know. Candidates filing for those offices may do so beginning at noon on February 11. The filing period closes at noon on February 29.