2005 Year in Review

DPO In The News - Some of the Headlines from 2005

Democrats Lodge Ethics Complaint Against Kitts - Oregonian 2/18/05

Oregon Democrats Set Sights on Rural Seats - East Oregonian 4/26/05

Democrats Putting Pressure on Smith Over Social Security - Oregonian 4/27/05

Smith Trip to Ireland Paid for by Lobbyist, Records Show - AP 5/4/05

Senator Smith May Have Violated Ethics Rules with Free Trip - Register Guard 5/4/05

Does Billy Dalto have a “Dan Doyle” problem? - Blue Oregon 10/30/05

Opponents Question Dalto Fund Committee for Bush - Statesman Journal 10/30/05

Democrats Bash Smith for Medicare Vote - Gazette Times 11/7/05

• DPO Chair Jim Edmunson elected to 4th consecutive term joined by the return of fellow officers Vice Chair Meredith Wood-Smith, Secretary Genie Uebelacker and Treasurer Margaret Branson
• Republican culture of corruption unfolds in Oregon as Salem Republican Dan Doyle quits legislature, eventually being sentenced to prison for improperly converting over $80K of campaign funds for personal use.

• New era dawns for the Democratic Party with Oregon delegates helping propel establishment outsider Howard Dean as Chair of the Democratic National Committee.
• 1st quarter statewide organizing meeting held in Corvallis
• Democrats cite major ethics violations against Republican Representative Derrick Kitts for using his office for financial gain;

• DPO added Party2win web platform to enhance on-line house party organizing

• Executive Director Neel Pender elected President of State Democratic Executive Directors at national meeting in Little Rock, Arkansas
• Statewide House Party Campaign to stop Bush’s plan to privatize Save Social Security, featuring a conference call with Senators John Kerry and John Edwards and Congressman Earl Blumenauer
• State Central Committee Meeting in Pendleton
• Rural caucus organized by Steve Bucknum and chair by Jack Lorts
• Portland reception with DNC Chair Howard Dean
• Statewide radio campaign launched to pressure Gordon Smith’s vote on Social Security; Smith never pledges to defend S.S.

• Al Franken reception attracts over 900 + standing room only eager Democrats
• DPO reveals Gordon Smith’s golfing junkets to Ireland funded by group tied to now infamous and indicted GOP lobbyist Jack Abramoff
• DPO initiates successful weekly phone bank program for recruiting volunteers

• DPO staffer Cindy Moody attends intensive campaign finance law training in DC
• Neel leads DNC Partnership Project site visits in MT, TX, AZ and CO
• Democratic Business Council founded by Microhelix CEO, Ty Petitt

• Statewide House Parties organized for a Fair Supreme Court, featuring a conference call with Senator Barbara Boxer and Congressman Earl Blumenauer
• 3rd Quarter statewide meeting in Medford – features special Ashland performance of the play Gadfly, the Story of Wayne Morse (how we miss him today!)
• GLBT caucus formed with outstanding leadership from Frank Dixon
• Statewide print and radio campaign launched Bush and Gordon Smith accountable for a fair and balanced Supreme Court

• DPO sponsors booth at the State Fair staffed with volunteers from around the state.
• Oregon Legislature adjourns; DPO has sent out 24 editions of “Capitol Insider” on policy.

• Al Gore drops in Portland for haunting global warming presentation; DPO helps organize over-flow crowd of thousands.
• Hurricane Katrina relief program – Oregon Democrats collect and send over 2000 pounds of supplies to Louisiana

• Oregon Summit in Sunriver attracts capacity crowd of 550: includes all Democratic statewide elected officials, members of Congress, and House and Senate leadership;
• Summit webcast for the first time thanks to Ron Burley of Lane County
• DPO publishes Biennial Report detailing party finances and activities
• DPO investigates more corrupt campaign practices by Rep Billy Dalto.

• Statewide House Party organized to “Win Back the House – Send Minnis Home” featuring a conference call with DNC Chair Howard Dean, Congressman Earl Blumenauer and Oregon House Democratic Leader Jeff Merkley
• DPO blasts Gordon Smith for voting against Wyden amendment to reduce prescription drug costs.
• Rural caucus holds strategic planning retreat in Sublimity.

• DPO joins Rep. Blumenauer for “Good Government without Delay” reception, raising over $50K funds to help Nick Lampson defeat Tom DeLay in Texas
• 4th Quarter statewide meeting in Portland