Dems Rally: Pledge to Fight Back!

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Welcoming the overflow crowd at the Boone County Democratic Party annual Chili Supper, Angie Wood, the County Chairperson, told the attendees, "Our fire is not made of paper.

1 Boone county democratic MARCH 2017 The Boone County Democrat Newsletter is digital! If you require a printed newsletter, please call (573) To be sure your is up to date, scottcristal@boonecountydems.net. Dems Rally: Pledge to Fight Back! Welcoming the overflow crowd at the Boone County Democratic Party annual Chili Supper, Angie Wood, the County Chairperson, told the attendees, "Our fire is not made of paper. It is made of hard, dry wood, and it will burn long and hot, until the job is done". Thus, began a high-spirited evening which featured State Auditor, Nichole Galloway, State Democratic Party Chairperson, Stephen Webber, House District 50 candidate, Michela Skelton, and the presentation of awards to worthy local Democrats. The highlight of the awards ceremony was the presentation of the Howard Riback award to Betty Wilson. Vicky Riback-Wilson and her sister chose Ms. Wilson, a liberal Democratic icon in Boone County since the 1960s, for the award, presented in honor of their father to recognize a leader who lives out the values of the Democratic Party in her everyday life. All agreed that no one better exemplifies this criterion more than Betty Wilson. Jason Kander also received a Riback award for his outstanding candidacy for the U.S. Senate and his continuing work to insure every citizen can vote in the American democracy. The annual Chili Supper brings Democrats together to socialize and recall what they stand for. This year s event was also a call to action. Speakers reminded their audience of what is already happening in the nation and in Jefferson State Auditor Nicole Galloway, a champion for working families and lone statewide Democrat is an independent check on waste and fraud in state and local government. Photos of the chili supper courtesy of Andrew Twaddle. City. Keynote speaker and State Auditor, Nicole Galloway, reminded the attendees that she now was the only statewide democratic elected official in Jefferson City. She alone, is an independent check on waste and fraud in state and local government throughout the State of Missouri. Muleskinners co-chairs, Mahree Skala and Leslie Clay, presented Muleskinner awards to Brianna Lennon and Stephan Webber. Brianna is the Muleskinners choice as the outstanding young Democrat, and Stephen was selected as the outstanding elected official. The Muleskinners award for life-time achievement went to Vicky Riback Wilson. See these photos and continue reading on page 4. PAID FOR BY BOONE COUNTY DEMOCRATIC CENTRAL COMMITTEE, JENN HENDERSON, TREASURER

Changes with the Boone County Democratic Central Committee By Angie Wood For many years, the headquarters of the Boone County Democratic Central Committee has been at 912 E. Walnut.

2 Changes with the Boone County Democratic Central Committee By Angie Wood For many years, the headquarters of the Boone County Democratic Central Committee has been at 912 E. Walnut. However, beginning March 1, our new headquarters is at 409 Vandiver, Building 5, Suite 104. Our need for a new headquarters reflects the growth in our activities and the large numbers of Boone County Democrats who want to become active in the Democratic Party. Our new site has over twice the space, two separate offices, and a large meeting area. We encourage everyone to stop by and check out our new location. We are improving and expanding our electronic footprint, expanding the Central Committee, and developing our Deep Blue program. We are also reaching out to progressive groups in the county to increase our collaboration. We are a party on the move, and our new headquarters gives us the space we need to respond with strength to the challenge of the Trump-Geitens led assault on the people of the nation and of Missouri. Providing opportunities for involvement in the Boone County Democratic Party is very important to our plans for engaging grassroots Democrats. Key to accomplishing this goal is expanding the membership of the Central Committee. Currently, we are in the process of changing our by-laws to permit precinct committee people to serve on the committee. Changes in the State Statute governing political parties permits us to elect representatives from each precinct to serve on the Central Committee. The first consideration of By-Law changes will be at the March meeting of the Central Committee. The Amendments can, then, be adopted at the April meeting. Many people want to have a voice in the Democratic Party in the years ahead, and we want to give them the opportunity. If you would like to become a precinct person, please contact me, or any member of the Central Committee. NEW BOONE COUNTY DEMOCRATIC HEADQUATERS 409 Vandiver, Building 5, Suite 104 New and exciting changes are coming in the Boone County Democratic Party. We will keep you informed as we move forward. There is a meaningful role for everyone. Please stay involved; or if you want to get involved, let us know. We welcome everyone who is appalled and wants to fight back against an un- American agenda. Angie Wood is the Chair of the Boone County Democratic Central Committee 2

JOIN US AT MULESKINNERS! Support the Democratic social network in Boone County and keep Democrats informed and engaged in political dialogue throughout the year. What did you miss in Febr

3: Columbia African American Association (CAAA), an organization of African American graduates from the Columbia Public Schools, presented the organization s mission and annual scholarship dinner,

Adrian Clifton, founders and organizers of the Worley Roundtable, led a conversation about race, religion, education and neighborhood organizing. Feb.

religion, disabilities and LGBTQ. Feb. 24: Kip Kendrick, 45th MO House District Rep and Minority Whip, discussed ethics bills and other efforts to keep the Republican-led government accountable.

3 JOIN US AT MULESKINNERS! Support the Democratic social network in Boone County and keep Democrats informed and engaged in political dialogue throughout the year. What did you miss in February? Feb. 3: Columbia African American Association (CAAA), an organization of African American graduates from the Columbia Public Schools, presented the organization s mission and annual scholarship dinner, which Muleskinners will be attending on March 11. Feb. 10: Verna Laboy and Dr. Adrian Clifton, founders and organizers of the Worley Roundtable, led a conversation about race, religion, education and neighborhood organizing. Feb. 17: Nikki McGruder, discussed her journey as a young, black professional and how the Diversity Awareness Program provides education and training for businesses in areas of diversity, including race, religion, disabilities and LGBTQ. Feb. 24: Kip Kendrick, 45th MO House District Rep and Minority Whip, discussed ethics bills and other efforts to keep the Republican-led government accountable. Muleskinners were also busy presenting awards at the annual chili supper, February 27. See the award winners on page 4! Muleskinners meet Fridays at noon at the Columbia Country Club off Old Rt. 63 North at 2210 North Country Club Drive. An optional lunch buffet is available for purchase starting at 11:30 am. Coffee and tea option is also available. The public is welcome & encouraged to attend! For questions, contact Scott Cristal Programs suggestions, contact Bill Clark MARCH Program Schedule Every Noon March 3 50th Legislative District Candidate: Michela Skelton March 10 1st Ward City Council Candidates: Clyde Ruffin, Pat Kelley, Andrew Hutchinson March 17 5th Ward City Council Candidates: Arthur Jago and Matt Pitzer March 14 Boone Hospital Center Board: (1-year term) Richard Shanker, Bob Wagner and Tayler Bunks (5-year term): Randy Morrow and Gordon Christensen March 31 Columbia School Board Candidates: Paul Cushing, Robin Dianies, Jonathan Sessions and Helen Wade 3

serve, and when Senator Claire McCaskill and many others encouraged him to come forward as a candidate for the position of state party chairperson, he felt it was his responsibility to do all that he

Michela Skelton told the Chili Supper audience that she saw her candidacy as a chance to prove Democrats could connect with voters in rural districts across the state.

live. Speakers and audience alike made it clear they are ready to take the battle for our political future into the homes and streets of Boone County and beyond.

4 Dems Rally, continued. Democratic Party State Chairperson, Stephen Webber, told the audience that although his November election loss to fill Senate District 19 was heartbreaking, his overriding purpose in life was to serve, and when Senator Claire McCaskill and many others encouraged him to come forward as a candidate for the position of state party chairperson, he felt it was his responsibility to do all that he could to continue his service to the citizens of Missouri. Still another Democrat committed to fight back is running for the legislature in HD 50. Michela Skelton told the Chili Supper audience that she saw her candidacy as a chance to prove Democrats could connect with voters in rural districts across the state. She strongly believes that quality health care, good education, improved infrastructure, good jobs, and fair taxes for everyone are issues of importance to all Missourians regardless of where they live. Speakers and audience alike made it clear they are ready to take the battle for our political future into the homes and streets of Boone County and beyond. There was little doubt among the attendees that we are at a crossroads in American democracy. Those who love America must resist the Republican agenda of special deals for the rich, limited rights for the average citizen, and the destruction of democratic institutions, such as public schools and labor unions. They expressed a spirit of unity in the fight to rescue American democracy from the forces of bigotry, greed, and betrayal that currently characterize the Republican Party in Jefferson City and Washington D.C. Democrats believe they can restore the dream. It was a concerned but confident group of Democrats who attended the Chili Supper and pledged to fight to save Missouri and the nation. The enthusiasm and seriousness with which Boone County Democrats face the special election for HD50 in 2017 and local, state, and the U. S. Senate races in 2018, speaks for the readiness of Boone County Democrats to meet the challenges of our time. There is much at risk. However, the opportunity to place our state and nation on a true path to greater equality and prosperity, and to come to grips with the genuine threats of the twentyfirst century, is exciting. Democrats are beginning to comprehend what is at stake, and they are embracing the challenge. 4 Muleskinners Co-President Mahree Skala, presents Brianna Lennon the Young Democrat Award. Stephen Webber receives the Betty Saunders Officeholder Award for his time as an outstanding representative for 8 years. Muleskinners Co-President Leslie Clay, presents a Lifetime Achievement Award to Vicki Riback-Wilson. Earlier that day, Jason Kander, was presented a special Harold Riback Award, while Betty Wilson was presented the 2017 Harold Riback Lifetime Achievement Award for a lifetime of work and dedication to the party.

Walk AND Chew Gum By Bill Romjue, February 23, 2017 This week The New York Times printed columns by Steve Phillips and Nate Cohn that seem to imply that the secret to resuscitating the beleaguered

5 Walk AND Chew Gum By Bill Romjue, February 23, 2017 This week The New York Times printed columns by Steve Phillips and Nate Cohn that seem to imply that the secret to resuscitating the beleaguered Democratic Party is to single-mindedly chase the rising demographics of the South and West and forget the Industrial Midwest where Trump eked out victories in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Wisconsin and earned more substantial ones in Ohio and Iowa. The news from California, of course was great. Hillary carried each of the thirty-nine districts now held by Democrats as well as seven of the fourteen still represented by Republicans. Nearby Nevada flipped two seats our way along with both Houses of the State Legislature and an impressive new Latina United States Senator. There were also encouraging favorable trends at the congressional district level in parts of Arizona, Texas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, and Virginia that bolster the cause for optimism. Our mindless Democratic campaign committees in Washington have never been known for strategic genius, so perhaps it is logical to raise the caution flag before we find ourselves careening pell mell in yet another senseless direction. The most rational way to learn from the Democratic debacle in 2016 is to compare Clinton s performance by Congressional District with that of Barack Obama in 2008 (recalculated to reflect the new post-2010 districts) as The Daily Kos website has done. After calculating the winning or losing margins between the Democratic and Republican standard bearers by congressional district in both races, then ranking the former President s performance in 2008 with Clinton s last November, we find that the overwhelming majority of districts where Hillary s performance exceeded that of Obama s eight years earlier were in the southern and western states mentioned above, and that 96% of the fifty districts where her performance lagged his by the greatest margins were in the Midwest or in adjacent states like Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Kentucky. None of this of course was surprising considering the shellacking Clinton took in rural and blue-collar areas, but the Democratic Party would be making a major mistake to write off white working class voters in the Midwest and patiently wait for the magical demographics of 2040 to render it a genuinely competitive national party again. The temptation is strong in Washington to use the 2016 election as a recovery model for the entire country Bill Romjue, (right) sits with fellow Democrat at the recent chili supper. instead of recognizing it for what it clearly was: an aberration election between two terribly flawed candidates. Hillary was unable to credibly present herself as a candidate who favored campaign finance reform or someone who would take on Wall Street, fight the unfair trade deals so reviled in the Midwest, or check the oligarchs of the fossil fuels industry. Remarkably, it was Donald Trump, not Hillary Clinton who spent the most time attacking the out-of-control and quite unpopular pharmaceutical industry that had so bedeviled the Clinton s healthcare dreams a quartercentury ago. It is fair to speculate that another Democratic candidate not so encumbered, might have been able to achieve the kind of success Obama had had in the two previous Presidential elections. He twice carried six of the eight largest Midwestern states, missing a clean sweep of all eight by less than five thousand votes. So as we fight to reclaim our historic strength in the Midwest, let s look at those 2008 numbers as a floor and a place to start. The explosive grassroots reaction to the Trump promises electoral opportunities we could only have dreamed about six months ago. It won t be easy, but let s get to work. Today, the Democratic Party is in ruins in two of the four large regions of our country. Among the twentysix Southern and Midwestern states, only three: Illinois, Minnesota, and Virginia can in any stretch of the imagination be fairly described as Democratic states and none of those three can even claim to have both a Democratic Governor and a Democratic State Legislature. Furthermore, as the 2020 Census looms on the horizon, Democrats must somehow reclaim Governorships in Florida, Georgia, Texas, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, Iowa, and Missouri and replace term-limited Democrats in Virginia, West Virginia and Minnesota to even have a place at the table in the next round of redistricting, so vital to winning the House of Representatives. 5

6 Walk AND Chew Gum, continued from page 5. In the twenty-six states of the South and West, only in Illinois is there any prospect whatsoever of controlling redistricting, and there only if Democrats can unseat an incumbent Republican Governor. So what is the best route to rebuild a political party that has the ear of the American People perhaps more than it has had since the Nineteen- Sixties, but is weaker electorally at the local, State, and Federal levels than it has been since the Nineteen-Twenties? I believe that the Democratic Party is capable of walking and chewing gum at the same time. We can sustain and re-energize our proud war against discrimination of any kind even as we recommit to an all out battle against economic inequality. And we should joyfully exploit the emerging demographic-driven advantages that Hillary Clinton exposed last year in the South and West even as our fight for economic justice helps us reclaim the Midwest. Bill Romjue is a long-time Missourian, organizer and political wonk. What s Happening in March? Connect with the Google calendar at BooneCountyDems.org EVERY WEDNESDAY in MARCH 5pm - 8pm Michela Skelton for MO 50th - Phone Bank w/ Wine & Cheese! 1201 W Ash St, Columbia, Contact: Laura Mikytuck, Lmikytuck@gmail.com or Thu, Mar 2 6pm - 8pm: Our Revolution March Meeting Carpenters Local Union, 404 Tiger Ln, Columbia, Fri, Mar 3 - Sun, Mar 5: Missouri Democrat Days in Hannibal! Hannibal Inn, 4141 Market St, Hannibal, Wed Mar 8: Last Day to Register to Vote in the April 4 Election Thu, Mar 9 7pm - 9pm: Central Committee Meeting Boone County Gov. Center, 801 E Walnut St, Columbia, Sat, Mar 11 10:30am - 12pm: Claire McCaskill Campaign Kick-Off Country Club of Missouri, 1300 Woodrail Ave, Columbia, Sat, Mar 25 10am - 5pm: March Against Right To Work Missouri State Capitol, 201 W Capitol Ave, Jefferson City, Send your events to Central Committee Chairwoman Angie Wood: angelinewd@gmail.com DNC, Meet Missouri! Members of the Missouri delegation participated in the recent Democratic National Committee meeting in Atlanta, including new Missouri state chair, Stephen Webber (left) and DNC member Persephone Dakopolos (back). Persephone was elected at the Missouri Democratic State Convention last summer. Photo courtesy of Persephone Dakopolos. 6

7 Railroad Trails What s the Central Committee and how do I join? The Boone County Democratic Central Committee represents the Missouri Democratic Party in Boone County and performs such Civil functions Township required Boundaries by the laws of the State of Missouri, the Charter and By-Laws of the Democratic Party of the United States, and the Constitution and By-Laws of the Missouri Democratic Party. Current Officers County Boundaries City Limits Chair - Angie Wood Surrounding Counties angelinewd@gmail.com Vice-Chair - Darren Hellwege dmhellwege@gmail.com Secretary - Greg Ahrens gregahrens@aol.com Treasurer - Jenn Henderson jennhenderson195@gmail.com Welcome, Newest Committee Members! Elke Boyd, Columbia Ward 2 Committeewoman Thomas Pauley, Hallsville Ward 1 Committeeman Katherine Corey, Perche Township Committeewoman To join the Central Committee, there must be a vacancy in your township or ward. You must be a registered voter for at least a year at your residence and you must attend two Central Committee meetings. The committee meets the second Thursday of each month at 7:00 pm at the Boone County Government Center on Walnut Street. All are welcome to attend. Boone County Civil Townships Katy Perche Bourbon Missouri Rock Bridge Rocky Fork Page 1 of3 Columbia Three Creeks Three Creeks Cedar Centralia Vacant Committee Seats Ashland Ward 1 Committeeman, Committeewoman Ashland Ward 2 Committeeman, Committeewoman Ashland Ward 3 Committeeman, Committeewoman Cedar Township Committeewoman Centralia Ward 1 Committeeman, Committeewoman Centralia Ward 2- Committeeman, Committeewoman Centralia Ward 3 Committeeman, Committeewoman Columbia Ward 6 Committeeman Columbia Township Committeeman, Committeewoman Hallsville Ward 1 Committeewoman Hallsville Ward 2 Committeeman, Committeewoman Katy Township Committeewoman Rocheport Ward 1 Committeeman, Committeewoman Rocheport Ward 2 Committeeman, Committeewoman Rock Bridge Township Committeeman Rocky Fork Township Committeeman Three Creeks Township Committeeman For a detailed map that includes wards, visit 7

MEMBERSHIP Thank you for joining the fight for 2017 and beyond! Become a card-carrying member of the Boone County Democratic Party.

Because of our joint option to pay both the Party and Muleskinners, the stars are more than embellishments. A blue star indicates Party membership and the silver indicates Muleskinners membership.

Become a member by returning the completed form and payment (cash and check) to Party Headquarters in-person at 409 Vandiver, Building 5 or send by mail: P.O.

8 MEMBERSHIP Thank you for joining the fight for 2017 and beyond! Become a card-carrying member of the Boone County Democratic Party. Receive your official membership card after you renew your membership or become a new member. Because of our joint option to pay both the Party and Muleskinners, the stars are more than embellishments. A blue star indicates Party membership and the silver indicates Muleskinners membership. If you have questions about your membership card, contact Jade Govero, jadegovero@gmail.com. I want a card! How do I become a member? Become a member by returning the completed form and payment (cash and check) to Party Headquarters in-person at 409 Vandiver, Building 5 or send by mail: P.O. Box 1294 Columbia, MO 65205; or the form to Treasurer Jenn Henderson and make an online donation to the Boone County Democrats ActBlue account here: DONATE / RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP NOW FOR 2017 The Boone County Democratic Party is a full-time, year-in, year-out, year-round organization that means we need your continued involvement. Please renew your membership for 2017 Your annual membership helps to provide the resources necessary. NOW with a joint option to pay both the Party and Muleskinners dues with one check. Name: City: Address: Zip: Phone Number: Date: Required for Donations over $100: Occupation Employer We Add keep me our to members the and listserv donors [ ] informed (notifies by you . of all No upcoming thanks [ events) ] I prefer to read my monthly newsletter: Send [ ] Online me the [ newsletter ] Printed and mailed By mail [ ] By You may use ActBlue for one-time or ongoing monthly contributions online. Go to: Then click on Contribute & select the Membership Fund. And, send us this completed form so we know how to direct your donation. Paid By: Check Cash or ActBlue (one time, monthly ) Please Circle Your Membership Level Membership Level: Individual Household BCDP M Skinners Joint BCDP M Skinners Joint Only Only Only Only Populist Member $40 $25 $65/yr $75 $45 $120/yr Supporting Member $80 $25 $105/yr $150 $45 $195/yr Sustaining Member $130 $25 $155/yr $240 $45 $285/yr Building Member 8 $255 $ 25 $280/yr $475 $45 $520/yr Student $ 10 Please Make Checks Payable to BCDP & Mail to: Boone County Democrats, P.O. Box 1294, Columbia, MO

Boone County Chair Resigns

BOONE COUNTY DEMOCRATIC PARTY @boonecountydems August 2017 Boone County Chair Resigns On July 26, Boone County Democratic Chairperson, Angie Wood, informed members of the Democratic Central Committee of