Beyond 495

Cross-posted at Blue Mass. Group

The Democratic State Committee met Wednesday evening at the Marlborough High School. I haven’t been to too many of these meetings so I always feel a bit out of my element. It was fitting that the meeting was held in the high school cafeteria because walking in, it took me right back to that awkward moment in school when you walk into the lunch room and hope that you won’t have to sit by yourself. I was glad that Andy was able to join me and we found a friendly spot to sit and take things in.

There was a dinner before the meeting so folks were eating and meeting and greeting and milling around until Uncle Phil called the meeting to order just after 7:00 PM.

Starting off, Johnston touted the democratic victories in both the House and Senate, and naturally he was fairly bursting with pride that Democrats had regained the corner office.

The DSC business included a Treasurer’s Report with budget information for 2006 as well as the proposed budget for 2007. Number freaks: have at it. (pdf) [page1] [page2] [page3]

There was no discussion of the budget and it was quickly passed unanimously. And when I say quickly, I mean Johnston asked for a motion, a second, “allthouseinfavorsayaye,opposed,ayeshaveit.” Yes, it was that quick.

Next up to the podium was John Walsh. Everyone stood up, clapping, and cheering. John was humble, as he always is, and everyone gave him the respect he rightfully deserves. There were many folks in that room who, at the beginning weren’t exactly on board with this “new way” of running a campaign, or with Deval Patrick, but had to give props to the man, who orchestrated the most successful campaign for governor that this state has seen in a generation. John talked a bit about the transition, but said that he hadn’t had time to make up a full report so he asked “someone” to come in and give us a briefing.

That someone was the Governor-Elect himself, Deval Patrick. Everyone was on their feet again. Deval was all smiles, tailed closely now by his Trooper escort. After many hugs and handshakes, he made his way to the podium. Deval thanked John Walsh and Nancy Stolberg and all of us again for all the hard work we did. He commented on how unified democrats were after the primary and how that made all the difference this year. We had the money and the people-power to be competitive. Deval encouraged us to stay involved and to continue to reach out and bring new people into the process.

After Deval left there was still business to take care of. Reports were presented from various sub-committees.

• Field Services is planning to update their online manual. Activist Days are also in the works - not sure when that will be happening. The 2007 convention in May will focus on the grassroots.
• DNC Report on the success of the 50 State Strategy and rural outreach. New website myruralamerica.org
• Victory 06 Coordinator gave a report of how they worked with all the campaigns and the resources they provided such as mailers and phones. This cycle the state party did not outsource calls (I’m assuming robo-calls?) to outside vendors, but kept them in-house (I’m not clear on how this was done) Phil Johnston indicated that the calls made on behalf of the candidates for the House were paid for by Sal DiMasi.
• Labor Report on what the various labor groups did this election cycle. I had the opportunity to work with many of these folks in my senate district during the election. They made phone calls and walked precincts. The union folks were always fun to hang out with too at standouts. Great stories. Funny folks.
• John Walsh was nominated, and elected Deputy State Party Treasurer. Phil Johnston indicated that Walsh was to have more of a role in raising money for the state party. The current Deputy Treasurer (Gus? Sorry didn’t get his whole name) resigned his position and nominated Walsh.

Meeting was adjourned. Things move pretty fast at these meetings. I’m not sure if I got everything that happened. During the meeting, people move around in the back and network, chat, plot. Sometimes it’s very distracting.