Deadline to submit your form to be a PCP is March 6, 2012.  Help us form a GLBT voting bloc in the Democratic Party.

Click here for the form: http://oregonvotes.org/doc/publications/forms/100_candidate_filing/SEL105.pdf

The form can be emailed, faxed or mailed to your local elections office by March 6.  Your local office can be found here: http://oregonvotes.org/pages/voterresources/clerk.html

By Mark Sherman and — Associated Press, Monday, February 6, 6:19 AM
A second term for President Obama would allow him to expand his replacement of Republican-appointed majorities with Democratic ones on the nation’s appeals courts, the final stop for almost all challenged federal court rulings.

Despite his slow start in nominating judges and Republican delays in Senate confirmations, Obama has managed to alter the balance of power on four of the nation’s 13 circuit courts of appeals. Given a second term, Obama could have the chance to install Democratic majorities on several others.

Fourteen of the 25 appeals court judges nominated by Obama replaced Republican appointees.

The next president, whether it’s Obama or a Republican, also has a reasonable shot at transforming the majority on the Supreme Court. Three justices representing the closely divided court’s liberal and conservative wings, as well as its center, will turn 80 before the next presidential term ends.

The three justices are Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the leader of the court’s liberal wing; conservative Antonin Scalia; and Anthony M. Kennedy, who leans conservative but on some issues provides a decisive vote for the liberals.
The high court’s next opening would cause a titanic confirmation fight if it allows a Republican president to cement conservative control of the court by replacing Ginsburg or allows Obama to give Democratic appointees a working majority for the first time in decades by replacing Scalia or Kennedy.

The prospect of such dramatic change on the Supreme Court, along with the justices’ strikingly high-profile election-year docket, could heighten the judiciary’s importance as an election issue, said Curt Levey, who heads the conservative Committee for Justice. The justices will hear arguments on Obama’s health-care overhaul in March and Arizona’s immigration crackdown in April. The court also could soon decide whether to hear a Texas affirmative-action case challenging the use of race as a factor in college admissions.

Even one new justice can produce dramatic change. Samuel A. Alito Jr. replaced the more moderate Sandra Day O’Connor and shifted the outcome in cases on abortion, campaign finance and other key issues, even though both were appointed by Republicans.

Openings on the circuit courts of appeals get much less attention, but those courts have the last say in most legal disputes that are appealed in the federal system. Only about 80 cases make it to the Supreme Court every year.

There are more Republicans than Democrats on the circuit appeals courts and on the entire federal bench. But if Obama merely filled existing vacancies, Democratic appointees would be the majority on the influential court of appeals in Washington, where four current Supreme Court justices once served, and the Atlanta-based U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit. Republicans maintain their edge on the 10th Circuit in Denver only because two judgeships are empty.

Two other appeals courts on which Republicans have comfortable majorities could shift over the next four years. The Chicago-based 7th Circuit has four judges in their 70s who were chosen by presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush. In the New Orleans-based 5th Circuit, Judge Emilio Garza, a Republican appointee, will take senior status in August, a move that will open a seat while Garza takes a lighter caseload. Two Reagan picks in their 70s remain on the court.

Twelve Reagan appointees in their 70s remain on circuit appeals courts or, in the case of Scalia and Kennedy, the Supreme Court.

Republican presidents, in recent decades, have been more aggressive than Democrats in filling those seats with younger, more like-minded lawyers.

Many nominees of Reagan and George W. Bush were in their early 40s, some even in their 30s, and had reputations as bold conservatives. By contrast, Obama has frustrated some liberal interest groups by mainly favoring older nominees over younger ones who might be the Democratic equivalents of some of the Reagan and Bush picks.

The average age of Obama-nominated appeals court judges is older than 55, higher than the average age of any president’s nominees back to Jimmy Carter, according to the liberal interest group Alliance for Justice. The age of these judges matters in an era when presidents regularly look to the circuit appeals courts as the pool for Supreme Court candidates. Younger judges have a chance to develop a record that presidents can examine, yet still be young enough to be considered for the high court. Obama’s two youngest appeals court nominees, Goodwin Liu and Caitlin Halligan, were stymied by Republican filibusters in the Senate.

Alito and Justices Stephen G. Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor and Clarence Thomas all became appellate judges in their early 40s. Chief Justice John G. Roberts Jr., a Republican appointee, and Justice Elena Kagan, a Democrat, would have been on the appeals court in Washington before their 40th birthdays had senators not blocked their confirmations. Roberts had to wait another decade before becoming an appeals court judge, and Kagan is the only justice who did not serve as an appellate judge.

Obama’s picks have yet to surprise anyone with their decisions, said Levey, head of the conservative interest group. “So Obama’s liberal critics can rest assured that if he’s reelected, his transformation of the appeals courts will make a big difference in the law.”

Party labels do not always foretell a case’s outcome. During recent challenges to the Obama administration’s health-care overhaul, Republican appeals court judges in Cincinnati and Washington cast deciding votes upholding the law, while a Democratic appointee in Atlanta voted to strike down the requirement that most people buy health insurance or pay a penalty.

Still, there is wide agreement that Obama’s picks have sharply altered the Richmond-based U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit, which had been dominated by conservative, Republican appointees.
— Associated Press

It is critical that Team Bonamici out numbers the opponent in troops on the ground to reach voter contact goals and get ballots to the box.  We know that it is this part of a campaign that will determine who wins!

You can help in the following three ways:
One – If you live in Congressional District 1, get your own ballot in and make sure your friends and neighbors have voted.  A personal email or Facebook post is an easy way to make sure people turn in their ballots.

Two – volunteer for two hours this weekend or on Election Day.  With each phone call or door knock, the greater the likelihood a voter turns in their ballot.  Bonamici campaign offices can be foundhere.

Three – make a donation. It is important that the campaign is able to stay on television and keep the field operation running at full throttle until 8pm on Election Day. If you can give, clickhere.

If you are able to help in any of the ways listed above, let me know so I can report back to the campaign about what we are able to contribute as an organization.

It is incredibly important that we start the 2012 election year off right by electing Suzanne Bonamici to Congress! The nation is watching!

In Solidarity, Joey Kerns, Chair Oregon Stonewall Democrats

We support Suzanne Bonamici for Congress!

Suzzane Bonamici has a proven  record of accomplishments and concensus:

“…voters should choose Bonamici and her six years of high-quality legislating in the state House and Senate… Bonamici compiled a Salem record of solid, detailed work, with a focus on consumer protection and an ability to work with her colleagues.”
-The Oregonian

“Suzanne Bonamici has the right values, integrity, and has earned a record for her commitment of standing up for families, small businesses, and consumers. She is the clear choice for the 1st Congressional District.”
-Governor Barbara Roberts

“Washington desperately needs Suzanne Bonamici’s leadership. During her tenure in the Oregon state Senate, she has shown commitment, compassion, and equal treatment under the law for all of her constituents. She will take that commitment to the halls of the U.S. Congress.”
- Human Rights Campaign President Joe Solmonese

“Oregon Stonewall Democrats stand proud to endorse Suzanne Bonamici for congress. Her record and steadfast commitment to equality for all of Oregon’s Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender citizens in unquestionable“
-Oregon Stonewall Democrats Chair Joey Kerns

January 2012 Newsletter

Next Meeting – Phone Bank!

Join us at our next meeting on January 18, 2011 (7:00 pm,  3127 NE 67th Ave). We’re in full swing as we approach the last days of the Special Election for Oregon’s next Congresswoman. We’re going to have a brief meeting and then have a great time contacting our members in Congressional District 1 to encourage them to get their ballots turned in early.  Bring your cell phone and your best phone voice.

Ways to Get Involved Now

If you’re looking for something to do this weekend, you’re in luck. The Multnomah County Democrats will be putting voter information cards on doorsteps on Saturday January 14 and Sunday January 15. It’s a very easy way to get involved and if you can spend just an hour dropping off cards they’d love to have your help!  To sign up email chair@multdems.org. Details will be sent to you.

On Monday January 16, celebrate Martin Luther King’s birthday with the Forward Oregon Campaign for Suzanne Bonamici! We’ll be knocking on doors to remind folks to vote for Suzanne and to turn in their ballots.

Where: Forward Oregon Campaign Headquarters, 13575 SW Millikan Way, Beaverton OR

When: 10 AM, Monday, January 16th, 2012

RSVP online at the DPO!

Stay Current With Caucus Happenings!

Join us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/oregonstonewalldems

or follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/stonewalloregon

Better yet, take action by joining us!

The Multnomah County GLBT Caucus invites you to join us tomorrow for our  final meeting of 2011, a Holiday Dessert Potluck!

Our last meeting of 2011 will be Wednesday, December 21, at 7:00 pm.   Join us as we prepare for a big year in 2012 and for a holiday potluck. Feel free to bring a holiday dessert to share.  Meetings are held at Multnomah County Headquarters 3127 NE 67th, Portland.

Celsi Dinner

Join the Multnomah County Democrats for its signature annual event, the Celsi Dinner, on Friday night, February 17, 2012, at the Melody Ballroom, 615 SE Alder St. in Portland.  Our special guest will be Rep. Tamara Grigsby, State Representative from Wisconsin. For more information and to purchase tickets, go to www.multdems.org.

November Meeting Recap

Our November Meeting was fun and productive. Congratulations to the new executive committee, Heather McDaniel (Chair), Camille Hopkins (Vice-Chair) and Stephen Kay (Treasurer) and Debra Porta (past Chair). We also want to thank members Debra Porta and  Mike Schryver (outgoing Vice-Chair) for their commitment and work to make the Multnomah County GLBT Caucus strong.  In addition to electing new leadership, Secretary of State Kate Brown stopped by and gave us an update on ballot initiatives coming down the pike for 2012.   We were also joined by Jessica Ventura, Portland Field Organizer from Basic Rights Oregon, for an update what the next three years hold.

Finally, the Multnomah County GLBT Caucus voted to amend its by-laws to extend its membership to residents in Clackamas County.

Passionate Plea about Marriage Equality

This video has made the rounds a few times on Facebook and it’s definitely worth a look if you missed it. Zach Wahl, a 19 year old from Iowa was raised by two women and testified before the Iowa House of Representatives-have a look here.

The video was so popular, he actually was a guest on The Ellen Show earlier this year, which you can watch here.

You’re invited and encouraged to consider stepping up to lead our caucus into 2012 and beyond. If you’re interested or want more information click here to contact us.

If you want to let others know you’re running to be elected as our Chair, Vice-Chair, Recording Secretary, Communications Secretary, or Treasurer, please send us a candidate statement to be published to our membership. For more information, click here to contact us.

Elections will be held at the Portland Community College Willow Creek Campus on Saturday, December 3rd, 2011 from 9:00a.m to 10:30a.m in conjunction with the Democratic Party of Oregon State Central Committee Meeting. (click here for more information,  directions, lodging information)

Candidate Statements:

Chair:

Joey Kerns

I believe that a visible, active, and engaged GLBT community within the Democratic Party is necessary to advance the goals of the community and the Party.  I envision an increasingly, mutually beneficial relationship between the Democratic Party and the GLBT community—a Democratic Party that continues to be influenced by the opinions and actions of the Caucus, thereby advancing full equality.  That is why I have been active within the Democratic Party for over six years including being a precinct committeeperson and a founder and Past Chair of the Multnomah Democrats GLBT Caucus.  I have dedicated my life to GLBT causes including working as the Programs Director for Equity Foundation, Oregon’s GLBT community foundation, since 2007.

As Chair of the DPO GLBT Caucus, I will work with the Executive Committee to establish a written strategic plan that addresses clear and measurable goals for 2012, reinvigorates the local chapters, and establishes an annual timeline of caucus activity with deadlines.  In so doing, we will have a clear focus and further advance our issues in 2012 from the local and state levels to the federal level.  We will be the voice of the GLBT community in the Democratic Party.

Vice-Chair:

Debra Porta

I am running for the position of Vice Chair of the DPO GLBT caucus.

Activities:

• Chair, Multnomah County GLBT Caucus: November 2009-November 2011
• Vice-chair, Multnomah County GLBT Caucus: November 2007-November 2009
• Precinct Committee Person, HD 44
• President, Pride Northwest, Inc: 2007-current
• Member, United Way of the Columbia-Willamette Diversity Advisory Board

Why I am running:

In just a few years, the caucus has grown to a position of prominence and respect within the DPO as well as Oregon’s GLBT community, for which the GLBT Caucus provides a critical point of access, information, and leadership across Oregon.  I believe that the caucus has the potential to not only support equality and representative efforts across the state, but to lead on them as well. We can, and should be, the “go to” organization for not only what the priorities of the GLBT community are, but as a resource for that community and our members, for the information, facts, and political engagement which direct and inform public decision-making.  In addition, the caucus can and should be a major conduit through which GLBT community leaders are identified and developed to become elected leaders at all levels of government throughout Oregon.

Oregon is diversifying at an incredible rate and our efforts, collaborations, and coalition efforts should reflect that.  The GLBT Caucus has the opportunity to lead efforts in forming relationships and strengthening ties, and to finding the common goals with which to build them.  Efforts must also be continued and strengthened, to support and build the relationships between urban and rural caucus members, in order to establish collaborative efforts around the issues important to all of us, as GLBT Oregonians.

I believe that I bring skills and experience which will serve the caucus well, in these areas as well as others.

I appreciate your vote.

Vice-Chair:

Michael Miles

• 2010-Present       Chair                       DPO Second Congressional District Committee
• 2010-Present       Chair                       Klamath County Democratic Central Committee
• 2009-2011            Vice Chair              Democratic Party of Oregon GLBT Caucus
• 2008-2011            Chair & Founder  Willamette Valley Stonewall Democrats
• 2009-2010            Vice Chair              Marion County Democratic Central Committee

I am running for the position of Vice Chair of the Democratic Party of Oregon GLBT Caucus

Why I am running

I am running for Vice Chair of the GLBT Caucus because it’s a position I have already held and with that experience I can help any newly elected executive member’s transition quickly. I bring geographic diversity to the table since I am now based in Southern Oregon and have had the unique opportunity to have resided in all populaces Oregon has to offer, from the metropolitan diversity of Portland to the rural simple living of Southern Oregon. I know the people and know the politics.   I am running because I believe the DPO GLBT caucus should be the leading political action committee in Oregon and the leading source of GLBT resources. I believe we should recruit, endorse and elect LGBT and pro LGBT rights candidates. I’m running because I believe with our stature in the political world we have great responsibilities, through our communities and our members. We need to give back to the communities that work so hard to help see we have the same right as every Oregon citizen. Rather that entails sponsoring an annual statewide food drive or adopting a highway, we as the DPO GLBT caucus need to explore humanitarian efforts to help make our state the greatest in the nation!

In 2008 I founded the Willamette Valley Stonewall Democrats (WVSD) because I saw the need to have a visible LGBT political action committee in Willamette Valley. Shortly thereafter I was elected vice chair of the Marion County Democrats. Based in Salem then, I had the ability to quickly reach out to elected officials on an in person basis, the unique opportunity to monitor legislation in real time and the overall benefits of everyday visibility to the men and women who make up our state legislature and state government as a whole. I was able to form personal bonds with many elected officials.

Through my work in the community I quickly learned the counties in the WVSD (Marion, Polk, Linn and Benton) lacked any information source for LGBT people. There were many LGBT resources available but no single source who could direct you in the right direction. Over time and with much hard work the WVSD soon became that information source. Members of the WVSD knew that if they needed a resource all they had to do was call an executive member and that member could tell them who and how to contact the desired resource, from pro LGBT lawyers to county health services the WVSD strived to make a sense of community among LGBT people in our counties.

From Salem I moved to Klamath Falls, a rural community where LGBT people were afraid to be visible. Through my experiences in Marion County I helped a new up and coming LGBT outreach group in Klamath Falls prosper and become more organized. I taught them how to reach out to local community and find the resources they needed. They are well on their way to becoming the LGBT information source of the Klamath Basin and I’m happy to say we walked in the 2011 Fourth of July parade in Klamath Falls carrying a huge rainbow flag which mark the first time an LGBT contingent has ever been accepted in a Klamath County parade.

Thank you for considering me for Vice Chair of the DPO GLBT Caucus

Recording Secretary:

James Freed

I have been active in the Democratic Party here in Oregon since moving here in July 2008. I am a PCP and attend the monthly Mult Dems meetings and Mult Dems GLBT Caucus when available. I have canvassed for my state Rep District 35 last election and distributed slate cards for Prop 66-67. I also attend town hall meetings with Sen. Merkley, Se.n Wyden and my Rep Kurt Schrader. I participated in the platform convention and try to make myself available for events and most know my positions.

I am currently on the Board and Treasure for Veterans For Human Rights.

I retired from Federal Civil Service in Jun 2007 as a Program Manager for the Air Force. I had a distinguished career with different assignments including lead for F-4 Drones Avionics, financial manager for Special Ops aircraft Hulbert Field FL, F-35 support Equipment, A-10 workload re-assignment and McClellan base closure. I have edited government contracts and helped write a transition plan for multi-million dollar programs.

As recording Secretary I bring my experience and common sense ideas to the position.

Treasurer:

Cris Land

I have served as Treasurer for the LGBT Caucus for the last couple of years, and would be honored to be elected as Treasurer again for this coming term. My experience includes over 25 years of organizing work in LGBT and other social justice organizations and issues. I am a past Board Chair/ Co-Chair of Basic Rights Oregon, and currently serve as the Chair of the Columbia County Democratic Central Committee, Co-Vice Chair of the Oregon Democratic Committee Platform Committee, Delegate to the First Congressional Committee for Oregon, and as Delegate to the State Central Committee. I am also a proud PCP for Columbia County.

I look forward to working with the LGBT Caucus members to make our voices heard within the Democratic Party.  Standing together, we can, and do, make a difference

In addition to officer elections, we will be joined by Oregon Secretary of State, Kate Brown.  Bring your questions, concerns, comments.

See you Wednesday!

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Good morning,

Welcome to the inaugural edition of the White House LGBT Update, where you’ll hear from the White House Office of Public Engagement on President Obama’s continued commitment to progress for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community.

We need your help to get the word out! Please encourage your friends and family to sign up for updates and don’t hesitate to drop us a line with your comments, suggestions, and ideas.

All the best,

Gautam Raghavan
Office of Public Engagement
The White House

President Obama to Honor Janice Langbehn with the Citizens Medal

 This Thursday, October 20th, Janice Langbehn will be presented the Citizens Medal for her efforts to ensure all Americans are treated equally.

While on vacation with her family in February 2007, Janice Langbehn’s partner, Lisa Pond, suddenly fell ill and was rushed to the hospital. Janice was refused access to her partner, who had experienced a brain aneurysm and later died alone. She filed a federal lawsuit and worked to get her story out to the nation, and her story received attention from President Obama, who personally apologized to her for the way she and her family were treated. He went on to require hospital visitation protections for gay and lesbian couples, through a rule that went into effect this past January for any hospitals receiving federal Medicare or Medicaid funds.

Watch the ceremony live this Thursday afternoon at 1:45 p.m.

Obama Administration Appears at Inaugural OutServe Armed Forces Leadership Summit

Last Saturday, Doug Wilson, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs, delivered the keynote address at the inaugural OutServe Armed Forces Leadership Summit – including a very special message from the First Lady. In her message, Mrs. Obama graciously thanked gay and lesbian service members and their families for their service:

Until very recently, gay and lesbian Americans had to serve in silence, but in spite of this tremendous obstacle, service members like you persevered. With courage and determination, you chose to serve and continue to exemplify what is best about the American spirit.

Doug Wilson, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs, at the OutServe Armed Forces Leadership Summit in Las Vegas, NV, Saturday, Oct. 15, 2011. (Photo from OutServe)

OutServe sent out a great tweet on Monday afternoon, highlighting our blog post about their organization

President Obama Delivers Remarks at the Human Rights Campaign Dinner

Earlier this month, President Obama addressed the 15th Annual Human Rights Campaign National Dinner at the Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC. This was his second time speaking at the dinner. In his remarks, the President stressed his commitment to the cause of equality and the steps his Administration has taken over the past two and a half years, and vowed to keep on fighting for LGBT Americans.

President Barack Obama delivers remarks at the Human Rights Campaign Gala at the Washington Convention Center in Washington, D.C. October 1, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Samantha Appleton).

The President also expressed his hope for a more tolerant, just, equal America:

I am still hopeful, because of a deeper shift that we’re seeing; a transformation not only written into our laws, but woven into the fabric of our society… It happens when a father realizes he doesn’t just love his daughter, but also her wife. It happens when a soldier tells his unit that he’s gay, and they tell him they knew it all along and they didn’t care, because he was the toughest guy in the unit. It happens when a video sparks a movement to let every single young person know they’re not alone, and things will get better. It happens when people look past their ultimately minor differences to see themselves in the hopes and struggles of their fellow human beings. That’s where change is happening. And that’s not just the story of the gay rights movement. That’s the story of America — the slow, inexorable march towards a more perfect union. You are contributing to that story, and I’m confident we can continue to write another chapter together.

Read the President’s remarks and watch the video.

What You May Have Missed

First Lady Michelle Obama leads a group of 400 local children on the South Lawn of the White House to help break the Guinness World Records title for the most people doing jumping jacks in a 24-hour period, Oct. 11, 2011. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy)

• Oct 17: SAMHSA awards $1.3 million to help communities offer expanded HIV testing, counseling, and referral for care
• Oct 17: HHS Secretary Sebelius delivers remarks at the National Coalition for LGBT Health
• Oct 13: Alison Nathan, former Associate White House Counsel, was confirmed by the Senate for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York
• Oct 13: HUD Addresses LGBT Housing Discrimination
• Oct 13: South Korea State Dinner: What’s on the Menu?
• Oct 12: OPM Director John Berry’s statement on the passing of Dr. Frank Kameny
• Oct 12: The First Lady breaks the Guinness World Records title for the most people doing jumping jacks in a 24-hour period

Get Updates

Did someone forward you this email? You can sign up for email updates here, and don’t hesitate to drop us a line with your comments, suggestions, and ideas.

Stay Connected
Contact the White House

The White House • 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW • Washington, DC 20500 • 202-456-1111

October and November are great months for getting involved with the Multnomah County Democratic GLBT Caucus!  Over the next two months, we will be visited by Portland Mayoral candidates Jefferson Smith and Eileen Brady, city commissioner candidate Mary Nolan, as well as Secretary of State Kate Brown.  This is the also the time during which we make decisions about our priorities, directions we wish to go, and future leadership.  YOU determine these things-by attending meetings, sharing your views and priorities, and participating in these important decisions.  So join us!

Caucus meetings are held the third Wednesday of each month.  October’s meeting will be on the 20th 19th at 7:00 pm, and is a packed one!  We will be joined by Mayoral candidate Jefferson Smith and Portland City Commissioner candidate Mary Nolan, as well as representatives from CAUSA, who will discuss their LGBTQ alliance building efforts.

For more information or if you have any questions, please contact Debra at portad@stonewalloregon.org.

Meetings are held at the Multnomah County Democratic headquarters (3127 NE 67th Ave • Portland, OR 97213).

Hope to see you there!

Debra Porta
Chair
Multnomah County Democratic GLBT Caucus