As 2013 begins, all eyes turn to the Legislature as the new session begins. And during this session, #NVLeg will be tackling everything from immigrant rights to LGBTQ equality to health care to environmental stewardship... And, of course, the budget.
That's why a decent crowd showed up at the Henderson Democratic Club last night. Late last month, attorney Lesley Cohen was appointed by the Clark County Commission to fill the 29th District (Henderson-Green Valley) Assembly seat that was vacated by April Mastroluca shortly after the election. So last night, Cohen came to the Henderson Democratic Club to meet some of her new constituents and answer some questions.
Here's Cohen introducing herself.
Shortly after, she did a Q&A session. And of course, folks had questions about the budget. Cohen handled the questions by saying she needs more time to listen to constituents.
State Senator Joyce Woodhouse (D-Henderson), whose district overlaps AD 29, was also there. And she spoke up to mention her plan to co-host local town halls with Cohen and Assembly Member Andy Eisen (D-Paradise), whose 21st Assembly District overlaps with the other half of SD 5.
Cohen has certainly jumped into a difficult position here. She now must fill a full term that someone else just recently won. Still, she will be the one filling that full term representing AD 29. And she will have some major decisions to make.
This probably won't be the last time we hear from Lesley Cohen. It's now just a matter of how long of a sojourn to Carson City she can handle.
Showing posts with label SD 5. Show all posts
Showing posts with label SD 5. Show all posts
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Sunday, October 28, 2012
Scenes from the Campaign Trail in NV-03
Late last night, we saw another Clark County update on early voting turnout here. Countywide, Democrats now have a 17.70% turnout advantage. In NV-03, Democrats have a 4.79% turnout advantage as of last night. In the Clark County portion of NV-04, Democrats so far have a 22.13% turnout advantage. And in the key State Debate Districts 5, 6, 9, and 18 which will determine control of the Nevada Legislature next year, Democrats so far have turnout advantages of 7.99% (SD 5), 10.83% (SD 6), 8.01% (SD 9), and 1.02% (SD 18). Overall and in most parts of Clark County, Democratic turnout continues to overperform voter registration.
So how is this happening? As we discussed last Sunday, it's all about the field now. We saw this on display again yesterday when local Sierra Club volunteers knocked doors in the Green Valley (aka SD 5) neighborhoods of NV-03 with John Oceguera. Everyone took part in turning out more Democrats to vote early...
And afterward, the candidate himself joined some volunteers in making "Get Out the Vote" (GOTV) phone calls!
And that's not all. Throughout last week, the local Nevada Democratic "Super Organizer" and local volunteers also canvassed the expansive and just recently developed Southwest part of the valley (aka SD 9). Since there were not as many early voting sites in the Southwest Vegas Valley as in other parts of the valley during the first week of early voting, it was imperative to reach these neighborhoods and turn out as many Democratic voters as possible.
And yes, John Oceguera himself also stopped by last Sunday to walk here himself. He's certainly taking his campaigning seriously.
There's clearly been plenty of work done by Nevada Democrats in the past week. But in the end, they're hoping all this work will be rewarded in President Obama and Shelley Berkley winning, along with the local Congressional and Legislature candidates. And so far, it looks like Nevada Democrats are laying the groundwork for just that. We'll just have to wait and see how Week 2 of early voting continues.
So how is this happening? As we discussed last Sunday, it's all about the field now. We saw this on display again yesterday when local Sierra Club volunteers knocked doors in the Green Valley (aka SD 5) neighborhoods of NV-03 with John Oceguera. Everyone took part in turning out more Democrats to vote early...
And afterward, the candidate himself joined some volunteers in making "Get Out the Vote" (GOTV) phone calls!
And that's not all. Throughout last week, the local Nevada Democratic "Super Organizer" and local volunteers also canvassed the expansive and just recently developed Southwest part of the valley (aka SD 9). Since there were not as many early voting sites in the Southwest Vegas Valley as in other parts of the valley during the first week of early voting, it was imperative to reach these neighborhoods and turn out as many Democratic voters as possible.
And yes, John Oceguera himself also stopped by last Sunday to walk here himself. He's certainly taking his campaigning seriously.
There's clearly been plenty of work done by Nevada Democrats in the past week. But in the end, they're hoping all this work will be rewarded in President Obama and Shelley Berkley winning, along with the local Congressional and Legislature candidates. And so far, it looks like Nevada Democrats are laying the groundwork for just that. We'll just have to wait and see how Week 2 of early voting continues.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
#NVLeg: Lay of the Land in SD 5
We've talked plenty before about the fiercely competitive race to control the upper house of the Nevada Legislature. And perhaps of all the hot #NVLeg races not in Washoe County, the race in Senate District 5 will very much come down to what happens in the field.
Last Saturday, Joyce Woodhouse (the Democratic nominee in SD 5) did another precinct walk. However, this was not just any precinct walk. Twenty-five Henderson firefighters joined Woodhouse to walk about a dozen precincts in SD 5 in Henderson.
Between recent "tea party" fueled attacks on firefighters (along with many other public servants) and State Senate G-O-TEA Leader Michael Roberson (R-Henderson; he himself narrowly defeated Woodhouse 51-48 in the old and slightly more GOP friendly SD 5 in 2010) announcing plans to attack workers' rights next year if he becomes Majority Leader, it looked like these Henderson firefighters were stirred into action. And they were ready to fight back. Although Roberson himself won't be up for reelection until 2014 (in the new SD 20 formed from the southern portion of the old, "super sized" SD 5), (the compacted Silverado Ranch to Green Valley north of I-215 to Old Henderson) SD 5 presents a key opportunity. Not only can they avenge Roberson's narrow of defeat of Woodhouse, but they may very well prevent Roberson from becoming Majority Leader by propelling Woodhouse back to Carson City.
Obviously, Nevada workers see a whole lot at stake in SD 5. That's why they took to the streets. And really, there's no better way for them to score a win here than to work the field.
After all, field matters. Democrats have already been working the field at the top of the ticket, but they haven't been alone. In fact, Joyce Woodhouse walks herself almost every day. And as she's been talking to voters throughout the district, she's been engaging in the kind of valuable face to face voter contact that just can't be replicated or imitated by any billboard, mail piece, or TV commercial.
So far, voters have been expressing their concern with the state of our schools, as well as what's happening with the overall economy. A few voters have even mentioned their frustration with the state's unfair tax code. And again, these conversations are so valuable because they allow for the kind of dialogue and interaction that one can not reach with TV ads or roadside signs. And believe it or not, many voters actually appreciate this dialogue (and prefer this to generic TV and mail ads).
Occasionally, I've seen flyers for Steve Kirk, Woodhouse's Republican opponent. They look quite generic, basically proclaiming him as "Generic Conservative Republican". While he clearly has some people out canvassing, it's unclear as to what kind of impression he's making on voters. While he's spent plenty of money on those flyers, as well as roadside signs and mail pieces, he hasn't really spent time engaging in any dialogue with local voters. If this continues, both he and Michael Roberson won't like the results in November.
Last Saturday, Joyce Woodhouse (the Democratic nominee in SD 5) did another precinct walk. However, this was not just any precinct walk. Twenty-five Henderson firefighters joined Woodhouse to walk about a dozen precincts in SD 5 in Henderson.
Between recent "tea party" fueled attacks on firefighters (along with many other public servants) and State Senate G-O-TEA Leader Michael Roberson (R-Henderson; he himself narrowly defeated Woodhouse 51-48 in the old and slightly more GOP friendly SD 5 in 2010) announcing plans to attack workers' rights next year if he becomes Majority Leader, it looked like these Henderson firefighters were stirred into action. And they were ready to fight back. Although Roberson himself won't be up for reelection until 2014 (in the new SD 20 formed from the southern portion of the old, "super sized" SD 5), (the compacted Silverado Ranch to Green Valley north of I-215 to Old Henderson) SD 5 presents a key opportunity. Not only can they avenge Roberson's narrow of defeat of Woodhouse, but they may very well prevent Roberson from becoming Majority Leader by propelling Woodhouse back to Carson City.
Obviously, Nevada workers see a whole lot at stake in SD 5. That's why they took to the streets. And really, there's no better way for them to score a win here than to work the field.
After all, field matters. Democrats have already been working the field at the top of the ticket, but they haven't been alone. In fact, Joyce Woodhouse walks herself almost every day. And as she's been talking to voters throughout the district, she's been engaging in the kind of valuable face to face voter contact that just can't be replicated or imitated by any billboard, mail piece, or TV commercial.
So far, voters have been expressing their concern with the state of our schools, as well as what's happening with the overall economy. A few voters have even mentioned their frustration with the state's unfair tax code. And again, these conversations are so valuable because they allow for the kind of dialogue and interaction that one can not reach with TV ads or roadside signs. And believe it or not, many voters actually appreciate this dialogue (and prefer this to generic TV and mail ads).
Occasionally, I've seen flyers for Steve Kirk, Woodhouse's Republican opponent. They look quite generic, basically proclaiming him as "Generic Conservative Republican". While he clearly has some people out canvassing, it's unclear as to what kind of impression he's making on voters. While he's spent plenty of money on those flyers, as well as roadside signs and mail pieces, he hasn't really spent time engaging in any dialogue with local voters. If this continues, both he and Michael Roberson won't like the results in November.
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
NV-03, SD 5: Why I Can't Sit on the Sidelines
(Also at DKos)
On Saturday, I enjoyed a full day of activism. I started out walking with my favorite State Senator, Joyce Woodhouse, and finished calling for her and for Dina Titus. I can't help it. I want to keep Nevada blue and keep good people representing me and my neighbors. :-)
We've all been frustrated over what's happening and what's not happening in Congress. And yes, it's important to defeat those "friends of Wall Street" Republicans (and ConservaDems) who have been forgetting all of our woes on Main Street while they agree to more and more corporate welfare. However, it's also important for us to reward those who have stood with us in supporting real help for real working class families. Dina Titus has been there for us, so now I'm here for her.
When her opponent beamed with pride in recalling his support for enshrining discrimination in our state constitution, Dina stood with us LGBTQ constituents and reaffirmed her support for our full equality. While her opponent remained quiet about a proposed gravel pit that would spew out all sorts of dangerous pollution near my neighborhood in Henderson, Dina stood up to fight for us. While her opponent proudly voted to deny young women protection against cervical cancer, Dina delivered on health care reform that expands access to better, affordable health care here in Southern Nevada. And while her opponent embraces the same extreme Tea Party, Inc., agenda as Sharron Angle that it's not his job to care about our jobs and our homes, Dina has been working tirelessly to help people save their homes from foreclosure and find or keep their jobs.
And the same really goes for our state legislature. Our state is at a crossroads, and we can't afford any more of the same failed policies of the "No New Taxes on Our Big Bid'ness Buddies" Republicans. We need better schools so our kids will have better job opportunities. We need to invest in clean energy so we can reap the rewards of a healthier planet and better green collar jobs. We need to move Nevada forward into the 21st century, and Joyce Woodhouse has been working on this. And really, it's imperative that she be reelected and more good Democrats get elected so that we have enough good folks in the legislature to move Nevada forward.
So this is why I went out to walk in the morning, and then call in the afternoon on Saturday. And believe it or not, what you see the pundits discuss on TV isn't entirely true. When I walked what's thought to be a conservative part of Henderson off the 95 near Boulder City, I was surprised to find a number of REPUBLICANS talk with me about their concerns regarding their kids' education. And when I was on the phone later in the day with local voters closer to my neighborhood, we shared stories on people we knew were close to foreclosure and/or losing their jobs. I know this isn't an easy time for any of us, but at least it's good to know we have elected officials who actually care about us and are working on real solutions. We can't afford to lose them.
So this is why I just can't sit on the sidelines. There is just too much at stake for Nevada, and for our entire country. It's bad enough that we have Sharron Angle already as a total disgrace to our state, and who would be even WORSE for Nevada and America if elected. We just can't let that happen. However, we also can't let Sharron Angle help any of her radical right buddies, like Joe Heck and the many "Angle clones" running for state and local office, get elected either. We need to hold the line for smart, sensible, compassionate, and courageous leaders.
So if you're here in Nevada, please join me in making sure we continue to have real leaders working for us in Carson City and Washington. And if you're not, I hope this inspires you to get off the sidelines and get active in your community.
On Saturday, I enjoyed a full day of activism. I started out walking with my favorite State Senator, Joyce Woodhouse, and finished calling for her and for Dina Titus. I can't help it. I want to keep Nevada blue and keep good people representing me and my neighbors. :-)
We've all been frustrated over what's happening and what's not happening in Congress. And yes, it's important to defeat those "friends of Wall Street" Republicans (and ConservaDems) who have been forgetting all of our woes on Main Street while they agree to more and more corporate welfare. However, it's also important for us to reward those who have stood with us in supporting real help for real working class families. Dina Titus has been there for us, so now I'm here for her.
When her opponent beamed with pride in recalling his support for enshrining discrimination in our state constitution, Dina stood with us LGBTQ constituents and reaffirmed her support for our full equality. While her opponent remained quiet about a proposed gravel pit that would spew out all sorts of dangerous pollution near my neighborhood in Henderson, Dina stood up to fight for us. While her opponent proudly voted to deny young women protection against cervical cancer, Dina delivered on health care reform that expands access to better, affordable health care here in Southern Nevada. And while her opponent embraces the same extreme Tea Party, Inc., agenda as Sharron Angle that it's not his job to care about our jobs and our homes, Dina has been working tirelessly to help people save their homes from foreclosure and find or keep their jobs.
And the same really goes for our state legislature. Our state is at a crossroads, and we can't afford any more of the same failed policies of the "No New Taxes on Our Big Bid'ness Buddies" Republicans. We need better schools so our kids will have better job opportunities. We need to invest in clean energy so we can reap the rewards of a healthier planet and better green collar jobs. We need to move Nevada forward into the 21st century, and Joyce Woodhouse has been working on this. And really, it's imperative that she be reelected and more good Democrats get elected so that we have enough good folks in the legislature to move Nevada forward.
So this is why I went out to walk in the morning, and then call in the afternoon on Saturday. And believe it or not, what you see the pundits discuss on TV isn't entirely true. When I walked what's thought to be a conservative part of Henderson off the 95 near Boulder City, I was surprised to find a number of REPUBLICANS talk with me about their concerns regarding their kids' education. And when I was on the phone later in the day with local voters closer to my neighborhood, we shared stories on people we knew were close to foreclosure and/or losing their jobs. I know this isn't an easy time for any of us, but at least it's good to know we have elected officials who actually care about us and are working on real solutions. We can't afford to lose them.
So this is why I just can't sit on the sidelines. There is just too much at stake for Nevada, and for our entire country. It's bad enough that we have Sharron Angle already as a total disgrace to our state, and who would be even WORSE for Nevada and America if elected. We just can't let that happen. However, we also can't let Sharron Angle help any of her radical right buddies, like Joe Heck and the many "Angle clones" running for state and local office, get elected either. We need to hold the line for smart, sensible, compassionate, and courageous leaders.
So if you're here in Nevada, please join me in making sure we continue to have real leaders working for us in Carson City and Washington. And if you're not, I hope this inspires you to get off the sidelines and get active in your community.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
SD 5: Walking With Joyce Woodhouse & Thinking About the State of Nevada Democrats in 2010
So yesterday was quite the busy day! I started the day walking with my State Senator, Joyce Woodhouse, and ended it with some wild times at the Stonewall Lt. Gov. Debate. Now I'll get to the debate tomorrow, but for now I want to talk about what happened yesterday morning and afternoon.
So early yesterday morning, before the Southern Nevada heat became totally unbearable, a group of us local volunteers showed up at Joyce Woodhouse's house in Henderson (actually, just down the street from my house!). We talked with our Senator for a few minutes, received our walk packets, and we assigned an area of Southeast Las Vegas (actually unincorporated Clark County, but the mailing address is "Las Vegas").
So what happened? I spoke with some of the neighbors concerned about the state of our economy and jobs. Others I spoke with wanted to hear about what Joyce has been doing about schools, since she is a local educator. And then, I had a chance to let them know about what our Senator has been doing in Carson City to deliver on her promises. And most of the people I spoke with really appreciated this.
Ever since we spoke last month on renewable energy, I've really come to appreciate this as well. Oh, and by the way, Joyce herself also took to the streets and walked to talk with folks in the neighborhood. Some of them even remembered her teaching their kids!
So after we finished walking, it was off to the big Democratic BBQ in Henderson. And guess who I ran into there? Oh, Dina Titus, of course!
Here's some of what she said yesterday:
And Joyce also had a chance to speak:
As you can tell from my photos and videos, we had a full house then. And this is supposed to be the year of "depressed Democratic turnout"? And "progressive ennui"? And "Democratic disillusionment"? Tell that to all of us at the BBQ yesterday!
As I've mentioned before, I think the "teabagger phenomenon" has been quite overblown. At the end of the day, people still want real solutions. And as long as good, hard-working Democrats like Dina and Joyce keep providing those real solutions, I think we'll be just fine this year. :-)
Monday, April 19, 2010
My Henderson Adventures Last Weekend
Here's a glimpse of what I was doing in the 'hood last weekend... And major props to State Senator Joyce Woodhouse for letting me march with her crew in the Henderson Heritage Parade on Saturday! :-D
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Scenes from the Henderson St. Patrick's Day Parade!
(Also at Stonewall)
In case you missed yesterday's lovely parade and festival in Downtown Henderson, here are some pics for you to peruse. I was with Congresswoman Dina Titus' famous pickup truck crew, and all of us at "Team Titus" had a great time (and got a great reception from the crowd!) marching down Water Street. Other great progressive Democrats marching were State Senator Joyce Woodhouse, judicial candidates Nancy Allf and Phil Dabney, our brothers and sisters at Transport Workers Local 721 (also showing their support for Dina Titus!), and more.
Democrats were out and proud yesterday in Henderson, and I think we and our supporters in the crowd showed that we'll be working to keep Henderson blue this year... After we finish with all our St. Patty's Day green. ;-)
In case you missed yesterday's lovely parade and festival in Downtown Henderson, here are some pics for you to peruse. I was with Congresswoman Dina Titus' famous pickup truck crew, and all of us at "Team Titus" had a great time (and got a great reception from the crowd!) marching down Water Street. Other great progressive Democrats marching were State Senator Joyce Woodhouse, judicial candidates Nancy Allf and Phil Dabney, our brothers and sisters at Transport Workers Local 721 (also showing their support for Dina Titus!), and more.
Democrats were out and proud yesterday in Henderson, and I think we and our supporters in the crowd showed that we'll be working to keep Henderson blue this year... After we finish with all our St. Patty's Day green. ;-)
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