NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sunday January 27, 2008

Democrats approve platform, bylaws, leadership and DNC members

State committee members of the Arizona Democratic Party on Saturday passed a new platform, elected a new vice chairman and chose three representatives to the Democratic National Committee.

Harold Holmes, chairman of the party’s African-American caucus, was elected vice chairman.
Elected DNC members include:

• Fred DuVal, a member of the Board of Regents and former Clinton White House official;
• Judy Kennedy, the Party’s secretary and former chairwoman of the Maricopa County Democratic Party;
• Carolyn Warner, former Superintendent of Public Instruction and current DNC member.

The committee approved the platform, which lays out the party’s vision for the state and is based on the values of responsibility, justice and community. Copies of the platform will be available on the Party’s Web site . The committee also passed a budget and amendments to the bylaws. The committee members also heard rallying speeches from elected officials.

Gov. Janet Napolitano addressed the committee, telling members that the stakes are high in this year’s budget negotiations as legislators threaten to cut critical investments, especially in children’s health and education.

“We keep pushing and pushing and moving Arizona forward,” Governor Napolitano said of Democrats. “We can do it and we can do it within the context of a balanced budget and we can do it without raising taxes. We’re going to keep fighting for the things that matter.”

House Democratic Leader Phil Lopes told the assembly that Democrats will gain a majority in the Arizona House; a majority that would come in handy now, as Republicans in the state Legislature contemplate halting school construction.

“We don’t have to do anything knee-jerk, anything draconian – anything that will harm the progress we’ve made so far,” Lopes said.

The committee also voted for the following resolutions: creating a Gold Star license plate for families who have lost a family member in the war; and affirming the importance of treating all people, including immigrants, with respect. Information about the resolutions and the previously mentioned bylaws changes will be available on the party’s Web site .