October 21, 2005: Headlines: Figures: COS - Brazil: Politics: State Government: Cortez Journal: Colorado Democratic Party Chairwoman Pat Waak touted grassroots organization as her main theme to left-minded voters

Peace Corps Online: State: Colorado: February 8, 2005: Index: PCOL Exclusive: Colorado: October 21, 2005: Headlines: Figures: COS - Brazil: Politics: State Government: Cortez Journal: Colorado Democratic Party Chairwoman Pat Waak touted grassroots organization as her main theme to left-minded voters

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Colorado Democratic Party Chairwoman Pat Waak touted grassroots organization as her main theme to left-minded voters

 Colorado Democratic Party Chairwoman Pat Waak touted grassroots organization as her main theme to left-minded voters

State Democrats are refining their message of pushing for better jobs and a stronger economy, education opportunities and health care reform in preparation for the 2006 election cycle, said Waak, who added that in the end voters are going to know what national and state issues are key themes. Pat Waak, Chairman of the Democratic Party in Colorado, served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Brazil in the 1960's.

Colorado Democratic Party Chairwoman Pat Waak touted grassroots organization as her main theme to left-minded voters

Democrats tout grass roots
Party chair: Gubernatorial hopeful is one of 'most authentic politicians'

Friday, October 21st 2005
By Steve Grazier | Journal Staff Writer

PAT WAAK, Colorado Democratic Party chairwoman, discusses grassroots organization during a Monday night meeting with Democratic Central Committee members of Montezuma County.

Waak, of Erie, is winding down her 64-county tour of the state and was in Durango on Sunday afternoon. She said her successful bid for party chair last March was due to a commitment of becoming visible in every part of the state to get a sense of issues important to electors.

“People voted on whether we would get out to the county committees,” Waak said. “They said, ‘We need to build the infrastructure of our party,’ and my job is to build that infrastructure from the ground up.”

During the March 5 Democratic State Central Committee meeting, Waak netted a slim victory in her run against incumbent Chris Gates for the party chairmanship by three votes, 187-184.

“I love grass roots,” Waak said. “This is the fun part, getting out into small groups. Raising money is the hard part.”

Despite successes in the 2004 election under Gates’ leadership, Waak said Democ rats must further explain “what we are and what we stand for” while trying to attract new voters.

“Until we define our (core) message, people have no reason to come to us,” she said.

State Democrats are refining their message of pushing for better jobs and a stronger economy, education opportunities and health care reform in preparation for the 2006 election cycle, said Waak, who added that in the end voters are going to know what national and state issues are key themes.

“What are the gaps we need to fill? Those questions are what we’re asking counties on how to get stronger,” she said.

Under Gates’ watch, U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar and 3rd District Rep. John Salazar earned 2004 victories in seats that were held by Republicans prior to the election. Democrats also took control of the state House and Senate for the first time in 42 years.

Waak asked the 10 Democrats at Monday’s meeting when the last time a party chairperson spent time in Montezuma County. None could ever recall such a visit. And she said motivated, younger and older voters helped the party take the day last November.

“The state party is not responsible for 2004,” Waak said. “We the people made 2004 happen together.”

Waak, 62, was asked about message development and how Democrats can combat the notion they are not in touch with moral values, an issue that many national electors said was the deciding factor in their vote for mostly Republican candidates.

Democrats at the meeting acknowledged not wanting to “out-Jesus” or “me too” Republicans on faith and moral issues. Instead, Democrats should focus on showing people they have similar values, Waak said.

“We need to redefine ourselves of having values,” she said. “Faith should not be a separate thing. It’s how you live your life.”

Waak also weighed in on the 2006 gubernatorial election, stating that Democratic hopeful Bill Ritter, the only Democrat in the race, is one of the “most authentic politicians” around.

“A lot of people are supportive of Bill Ritter,” Waak said. “But some differ from him on fundamental issues.”

Ritter’s position on abortion is likely to turn off some voters from the left. It is public knowledge that he does not favor abortion rights.

Evan Dreyer, a Ritter spokesman, said this week in a Denver Post article that Ritter (as governor) “would consider signing a bill that provided for exceptions” for rape, incest and if a woman’s life is at risk.

“We are waiting to see if another candidate arises,” Waak said. “I know a number of people are thinking about the potential of running for governor.”

Reach Steve Grazier here.





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Story Source: Cortez Journal

This story has been posted in the following forums: : Headlines; Figures; COS - Brazil; Politics; State Government

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