NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday November 12, 2007

New Hall of Fame Inductees honored at annual dinner

Last week, the Arizona Democratic Party inducted a new set of dedicated activists in to the state party Hall of Fame. This annual dinner gives the state party an opportunity to honor those selected Democrats.

The Hall of Fame Nomination committee had more than 40 names of hardworking Democrats around the state to choose from, and their final decision whittled the list down to five inductees:

Carmen and Bernardo “Nayo” Cajero

Two of the state’s most revered leaders in Southern Arizona, Carmen and Bernardo served a combined total of 28 years in the state legislature. One of their greatest achievements was the 1985 victory – in a Republican-controlled Legislature – of a 15-year battle to make all textbooks free for all high school students. Carmen was appointed to Bernardo’s seat after his death in 1973. She was reelected time and time again by her constituents, making her one of the longest serving legislators in the Arizona.

Gene Karp

Former chairman of the Pima County Democratic Party from 1970 to 1976, Gene was instrumental in the some of the highest Democratic registration totals and biggest wins in Pima history. From 1970 to 1978, he served as vice chair of the State Party and subsequently worked on the successful elections of Gov. Raul Castro and Sen. Dennis DeConcini. After serving as DeConcini’s chief of staff and legal counsel, Gene was appointed to Deputy Assistant Secretary of Employment Standards during the Clinton administration.

Claudia Maestas

Considered the perpetual flame keeping the Democratic fires ablaze in Northern Arizona, Claudia Maestas has served as precinct committeewoman, state party officer and as former mayor of Holbrook. Her commitment to creating and sustaining an organized Democratic presence in Navajo County has helped place Northern Arizona as one of the important regions in the state for a democratic victory in 2008.

Carter Olson

Carter Olson, current Superior Court judge, served as the treasurer of the State Party for two terms effectively balancing the budgets. Considered a fiscal visionary, Carter developed the County Mobilization Fund, a financial system designed to “prime the pump” for counties to build their own Democratic presence. Today, the fund has helped establish 10 rural offices in addition to offices in Pima and Maricopa counties.

Jim Pederson

A true patron of the Arizona Democratic Party, Jim Pederson has supported Democratic ideals by serving behind the scenes, as well as in the public eye as Chairman of the State Party. His generous contributions have allowed the State Party to grow in every region, creating a nationally known party that is the envy of other state democratic parties around the country.

David Waid

Recipient of the first-ever “Chair’s Award,” David Waid was honored for years of work with the party. He first served as the Arizona Democratic Party’s finance director, setting the bar in statewide fundraising for years to come. In 2006, he became the Party’s Executive Director, Chairman and architect of the biggest single-cycle Democratic gains in Arizona history.