The meeting was one of the largest in DWBC history. A collection was held for tsunami victims and raised $1300 dollars. Susan Corbett spoke about a pro-choice rally on inauguration day. Britta suggested that members might want to join the Not One Dime boycott on the same day. She also informed members that they could contact Colorado DNC members to voice a preference for the election of the new party leader. She then presented retiring County Commissioners Paul Danish and Ron Stewart with a framed document thanking them for their service. Newspaper clippings about both of them were on display as well as the texts of Congressional Record tributes entered by Congressman Udall for Commissioner Stewart and for Commissioner Danish. DWBC donated $100 to tsunami relief to honor each commissioner, bringing the grand total for the day to $1500. Both Paul and Ron stressed the importance of involvement in politics. Ron stated that involvement in groups such as DWBC has changed Boulder County from red to blue over the last 35 years.

Dorothy Rupert came straight from the opening session of the state legislature to report on the event which was almost spoiled by the behavior of Republican Senator Norma Anderson who verbally attacked Joan Fitz-Gerald. Nothing could lessen, however, the pride everyone felt in the Democrats reclaiming the majority after 44 years. Joan is the first woman President of the CO Senate and the only one in the nation.

Dorothy stressed the importance for Democrats in reclaiming the language of politics. She mentioned the book Don’t Think of an Elephant by George Lakoff which has become the book to read for Democrats interested in reframing our message.

Mark Udall gave a short talk and answered questions. He pointed out that we are seeing the consequences of reapportionment in the Republican control of state and national legislatures. He also stated that he thinks that the process by which Democrats select a candidate for President is too short. He agreed with Dorothy on the importance of framing our message especially in regard to saving Social Security. His final point concerned the 3 southwest states which he said is where the action is and which are close to going blue.

In response to a question on selecting a chair for the DNC, he said that he is supporting Wellington Webb but noted that there are several other good candidates.

Question 2 concerned election reform. He noted that HAVA has never been fully funded and that the Republicans are not eager to do so.

He answered question 3 concerning choice stating that the action on this issue will be in the Senate and we will need to keep pressure on Senator Salazar and others. He added that George Lakoff makes a very good case for why the Democrats should not move to the center.

In response to a question of the Democratic Leadership Council, he said that while the DLC is a good organization, but the members need to realize we won’t win as Republican lites.