May 2009 Meeting Summary
The May 2009 meeting of the Trenton Democratic Club was held at the Westfield Activities Center. We had two guest speakers: Justin Johnson (of the Michigan Senate Democrats) and John Freeman (of Heatlh Care for America Now).
First, Justin Johnson, Regional Director for the Michigan Senate Democrats, talked getting local Democratic groups more involved in State Senate campaigns. Even though Democrats control the House and the Governor’s Mansion, the Republican-controlled State Senate can block good Democratic plans. Their obstructionism will be an even bigger problem when Michigan redistricts after the 2010 Census.
The only State Senate election in 2009 will the be the 19th District special election (called because Democratic incumbent Mark Schaur was elected to Congress). Even though Trenton isn’t part of the 19th District, Mr. Johson says there will be opportunites for Trenton Democrats to help out!
After that, John Freeman, Michigan Director of Health Care for America Now, explained the importance of grassroots support for health care reform. (The lack of grassroots support hurt President Clinton’s health care plans in the 1990s.) He encouraged everyone to contact their congressman and senators to let them know that current Democratic plans have real support from real voters.
Afterwards, Mr Freeman discussed his gubernatorial campaign.
Somewhere between all those excelleent presentations, we discussed club buisness, like enlisting volunteers for the club booth at the Trenton Mid-Summer Festival. See you there!
