We will also consider party plan amendments to increase membership and diversity of our committees (see below) and consider resolutions regarding corporate campaign expenditures, restoration of voting rights, and immigration.  (Personally, I am not a big fan of amending the Constitution, but I like the other resolutions).  Note: There is a file embedded within this post, please visit this post to download the file.

Rules and Bylaws Chairs presented the Call, Delegate Selection Plan and Charter Amendment, as discussed at the Executive Committee meeting as posted yesterday.  in addition, note that the unpledged party leader and elected official delegates (superdelegates) are to pledge 10 days after their states finalize delegate sslection.

There was one change to the drafts below – Delegate Selection Rule 20(c)(7) – page 19, line 39 – “may” changed to “shall” – what this means is that if a state party cannot comply with the party rules becuase of state law, and the party takes “provable positive steps” to change the law (but cannot), the RBC shall not (rather than “may” not) reduce the state delegation’s numbers.  This change was pushed by Florida, but would appear to ease the path for any states seeking waivers of RBC rules.

We have heard from HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius.  The Committee has adopted the draft resolutions report (below).   Vice Chair Donna Brazile spoke about voting rights and Gulf recovery.  Association of State Dem Chairs President Ray Buckley talked about the need for field work and voter contact to win 2010 elections.  Treasurer Andrew Tobias said that the DNC has an all time high of 1.3 million contributors; compared to four years ago, we are ahead of where we were and competitive with the GOP.  But, of course, we need more – some very important Senate and House races that the DNC can assist – www.Democrats.org. 

VP Biden then spoke – he talked about the mess (“ponzi scheme”) we inherited, and the hard work required to bring about Change.   Accomplishments include stabilization of the financial system which avoided global economic collapse – the banks will pay back their loans; health insurance reform providing coverage and reducing costs; economic recovery for a new economy; unemployment has declined (although still high); policing wall street to avoid future problems; limitations on credit card rate increases; rescued auto companies which are now back on their feet – adding jobs; revamped college loan process making more funds and tax credits available, making college more accessible and affordable; and  business growth – new technologies developing (we know that the free enterprise system, not the government will restore the economy).   Poll numbers are not as high as they should b people haven’t focused on accomplishments and alternative – The Republican Tea Party (citing Mayor Kevin White – “don’t compare me to the Almightly, compare me to the alternatives.”)   The GOP is offering candidates of the past on steriods -  the GOP has decided to provide virtually no Republican votes for the administration’s initiates – even on procedural votes.  Their success rests on their failure, without regard to harm to the American people.  The GOP wants to return to the tyranny of the insurance companies and repeal health care benefits that are becoming available.   The US can regain its international economic supremacy, be innovative and creative in new technologies – if we are not, we cannot led the world.  We cannot use the same energy, educaiton, and health policies as the last century.  We will lay out honestly what we did and what is the alternative.   Make it clear that we are moving in the right direction; we can’t turn back now.

The Executive Committee also heard from DNC Chair Kaine (a University of Missouri graduate), St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay, and officers.  The treasurer noted that the number of donors and average donations continue to increase and otherwise fundraising is encouraging.   Kaine discussed the successes of the Obama administration and the Democratic Congress, including health care reform, continuing tradition of accomplishments like social security and medicare.  We accomplished this, for the first time, without any GOP assistance.  He also mentioned Wall Street reform, Justice Kagan, and economic recovery, and the need to go forward.

DNC 2010 is focusing on electing Democrats this fall, though field organization, voter registration, election protection, and strengthening state parties, as well as the efforts of OFA, particularly reaching out to new 2008 voters.  The DNC will put $50 million into midterm elections  - without federal PAC and lobbyist dollars.  DNC efforts include  www.RaiseYourVote.com, which facilitates voter registration, and the accountability project, which allows publicity for GOP/Tea Party statements.  OFA is focusing on Commit to Vote canvassing efforts.   The DNC will decide on a convention location by the end of this year or early next year.  There was also discussion about important state legislative races which are critical regarding upcoming redistricting.

New business – the Committee recommended a Charter Amendment to eliminate the approximately 70 unpledged add-on national convention delegate position, and add this group as part of the 700 new pledged convention delegates.

Alfonso Lopez says hi.   Gaylene Knoyton represented DPVA well at this morning’s Association of State Democratic Chairs.  New AFL-CIO President Doris Crouse-Mays, Delegate Lionell Spruill, and At-Large member Grindley Johnson are also attending the meetings.