Democratic Party of Georgia

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DPG Statement on GOP Rep. Tommy Benton’s Comments on the KKK

Release:  Thursday, January 28, 2016

Atlanta, GA – Today, Democratic Party of Georgia First Vice Chair Nikema Williams issued the following statement regarding Republican State Representative Tommy Benton’s comments that the KKK was quote “not so much a racist thing but a vigilante thing to keep law and order” that “made a lot of people straighten up.”

“Tommy Benton’s comments are deplorable. Georgians should seriously ask themselves if this man is fit to serve. Benton certainly does not share the values held by most Georgians.

“Benton is either an ill-informed student of history, or he has no conscience. For over a century, the KKK has operated as a terrorist organization responsible for some of the most unimaginable violence in the country. In an era where communities are working together to bridge divides, Tommy Benton seems content with spewing the kind of half-witted hatred that divides. Benton should be ashamed and his Party should denounce him.”

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Background

AJC 1-28-16 – Ga. lawmaker: KKK made ‘people straighten up’

State Rep. Tommy Benton is an unapologetic supporter of Georgia’s Confederate heritage.

He flatly asserts the Civil War wasn’t fought over slavery, compares Confederate leaders to the Founding Fathers and is profoundly irritated with what he deems a “cultural cleansing” of Southern history. He also said the Ku Klux Klan, while he didn’t agree with all of their methods, “made a lot of people straighten up” in the post-war years.

… Benton said there are two sides to that story as well. Following the Civil War, the Klan “was not so much a racist thing but a vigilante thing to keep law and order,” he said.

“It made a lot of people straighten up,” he said. “I’m not saying what they did was right. It’s just the way things were.”

Latino Caucus Statement on Sen. David Perdue’s Partisan Games with Nomination of Dax Lopez

Latino Caucus

 

Release:  Friday, January 22, 2016                                                                                     

Democratic Party of Georgia Latino Caucus Statement on Sen. David Perdue’s Partisan Games with Nomination of Dax Lopez

 

 

Atlanta, GA – Today, Democratic Party of Georgia Latino Caucus Chair Antonio Molina issued the following statement on Sen. David Perdue’s decision to block the nomination of Dax Lopez to a federal judgeship.

 

“Senator Perdue’s decision to block a hearing for such an accomplished Georgian as Dax Lopez shows us just how out of touch and disconnected the Georgia GOP has become. Perdue even admitted on the record that the reasoning behind his decision was Dax Lopez’s participation with GALEO—an organization committed to increasing civic engagement in the Latino community—made him ‘uncomfortable.’

 

“These kinds of partisan games only reinforce what we already know about the GOP—there is no room at their table for Latinos. They’ve now gone from blocking commonsense immigration reform and opportunity for DREAMers to depriving Georgia of a talented legal mind for no other reason than his association with the Latino community.

 

“Senator Perdue campaigned as a self-described ‘outsider,’ but now it’s clear he’s nothing more than your typical Washington politician willing to capitulate to the extreme, xenophobic wing of his of Party.”

 

 

Background

 

AJC 1-20-2016 – Perdue puts end to nomination of Lopez to Georgia’s federal bench

 

The nomination that would have produced Georgia’s first lifetime-appointed Latino federal judge was scuttled Wednesday after Republican U.S. Sen. David Perdue declined to back his appointment to the bench.

Perdue on Wednesday declined to provide a “blue slip” for Dax Lopez, a severe blow to his nomination. Each home-state senator customarily must send in the slip, signaling approval of a nominee, before he or she goes to the full Judiciary Committee.

… Perdue said in a statement that he became “uncomfortable” with Lopez’s participation with the Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials after a review of his professional and judicial record.

“I am particularly concerned with his continued participation with this organization…”

DPG Statement on Gov. Deal’s State of the State Address

Release:  Wednesday, January 13, 2016                                                                                         

 

Democratic Party of Georgia Statement on Governor Deal’s State of the State Address

 

 

Atlanta, GA – Today, Democratic Party of Georgia Chair DuBose Porter issued the following statement on Governor Nathan Deal’s State of the State address.

 

“Governor Deal’s take on the State of our State is misleading. His administration has turned down a myriad of opportunities to share in our nation’s prosperity—from Medicaid expansion to investments in transportation and infrastructure. The Republican leadership’s stonewalling of smart policy has crushed the backbone of Georgia’s economy—the middle class.

 

“If Deal truly wants what is best for our state, and ensure that the State of our State is strong, he’ll work with Democrats to address the serious problems that plague the wellbeing of Georgia families. Together, we can work to increase stagnant wages and close the pay gap between women and men. We can work together to provide affordable healthcare to hundreds of thousands of the uninsured. We can reach across party lines to build an economy that’s meant to last and leaves no one behind.

 

“Perhaps most importantly, we can fully fund public education, making a smart investment in our children—our future—and provide our educators with the tools and support they deserve.

 

“It is past time for Georgia to live up to its promise. We can do better, and we can shape a better future. But there must be a willingness from the Deal administration to work with Democrats and forge a better tomorrow from the center out.”

 

DPG Statement on President Obama’s Final State of the Union Address

Release:  Tuesday, January 12, 2016                                                                                              

 

Democratic Party of Georgia Statement on President Barack Obama’s Final State of the Union Address

 

 

Atlanta, GA – Today, Democratic Party of Georgia Chair DuBose Porter issued the following statement on President Barack Obama’s final State of the Union address.

 

“Tonight, we heard that the State of our Union is strong, due in large part to the leadership of President Barack Obama. Since the President took office in 2009, our country has seen 70 consecutive months of job growth—an extraordinary accomplishment for an administration that inherited a financial crisis of apocalyptic proportions.

 

“The Obama Administration has given our country record economic growth, the lowest uninsured rate in history, taken commonsense action on immigration that keeps families together—the accomplishments are countless.

 

“As the President said, there’s still much to be done. Our country must commit to building an economy that truly works for everyone, guided by our values of hope and opportunity for the middle class and those aspiring to join it. We need to do more as a community to ensure that every single American has a fair shot—a guiding principle that the President and our Party fight for every single day. A principle that the Georgia Republican Party has neglected and rejected.

 

“Georgia Democrats continue to support the ambitious and forward-thinking agenda President Obama laid out tonight. Looking ahead, our nation cannot afford what the GOP is offering—the same failed policies that got us in a mess in the first place. Georgia Democrats are more committed than ever to sending another Democrat to the White House to build on this administration’s extraordinary progress and continue to pursue the immeasurable promise of our shared future.

 

“This is President Barack Obama’s last State of the Union address and we are grateful for his service and his leadership. He has lit a path forward, and together we will elect a Democratic President later this year who will honor his legacy while building one of her or his own.”

Excerpts from Press Call in Advance of Cruz’s GA Visit with DPG Latino Caucus Chair Antonio Molina

Release:  Friday, December 18, 2015                                                                                              

 

Excerpts from Press Call in Advance of Cruz’s Georgia Visit with Democratic Party of Georgia Latino Caucus Chair Antonio Molina

 

 

Atlanta, GA – Today, as Ted Cruz begins a two day swing through Georgia, Democratic Party of Georgia Latino Caucus Chair Antonio Molina held a press call outlining just how dangerous the policies of Ted Cruz and the Republican Party are for the Hispanic community. Find excerpts of the call below.

 

“It’s been two years since the GOP released their autopsy report, and the only thing that has changed is that the Republican Party’s divisive, xenophobic rhetoric has gone from bad to worse.

 

“2013’s autopsy recommended that the Republican Party change how they ‘engage with Hispanic communities to welcome in new members of our Party.’

 

“Well, look no further than Ted Cruz’s immigration plan—a plan he touted on Tuesday night in Los Vegas—to see how the GOP “welcomes” my community.

 

“Cruz’s plan would end the 14th amendment’s guarantee to birthright citizenship. It would limit legal immigration, and suspend the popular H1-B visa program for high-skilled foreign workers. Cruz has also vowed to undo President Obama’s executive actions to keep families together. Ted Cruz is more interested in emulating immigration extremists like Donald Trump and Marco Rubio than in actually improving the lives of Georgia’s immigrant families.

 

 

“The complete and utter disdain Ted Cruz and his Party have for the Hispanic community is evident, and we are listening and we are watching. And we will remember when we head to the polls next November.

 

“Democrats believe that immigrants make our country stronger. And while Ted Cruz and the GOP degrade and dismiss immigrants and the Hispanic community, Democrats will continue to work to keep families together. And we will continue to hope that the Republican Party will stop playing politics and join us in our efforts.”

Chairman DuBose Porter: The Right to Be Represented

Last week, the United States Supreme Court heard oral argument in Evenwel v. Abbott. Democratic Party of Georgia Chair DuBose Porter gave his take on the case that threatens the democratic principle of “one person, one vote.”

 

DuBose Porter: The right to be represented

Savannah Morning News // DuBose Porter

 

Fifty years ago, Georgia’s own John Lewis stood on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Ala., with young activists demanding a voice at the ballot box. Congress passed and President Johnson signed into law the Voting Rights Act of 1965 —a landmark piece of legislation that extended the franchise to countless Americans whose participation in our democracy was denied. While we have made much progress since 1965, recently we’ve witnessed a coordinated attack from the right to limit who has access to our democracy.

Republicans around the nation are gunning for more restrictions on voters — because when large groups of targeted populations are disenfranchised, they have a better chance of winning. This ‘change the rules of the game to ensure a win’ effort is demonstrated through restrictive voter ID laws, curtailing early voting, and other egregious attempts to limit access to the necessary documents needed to register to vote.

But now we face another fundamental challenge to our democracy. On Dec. 8, the United States Supreme Court will hear oral argument in Evenwel v. Abbott. On its face, it’s just a redistricting case. But a closer look reveals just how insidious this right-wing attack on democracy truly is.

The plaintiff, Sue Evenwel, is an executive member of the Texas Republican Party. If she wins in court and has her way, states would be forced to leave out entire swaths of their populations when drawing legislative districts simply because they are not voters. Children, legal permanent residents, and others currently unable to vote would not be counted and would be invisible for purposes of representation. In other words, districts would be drawn on the number of eligible voters — not on the actual population of an area.

Instead of representing all of the people, our elected officials would effectively ignore millions of people living under their jurisdiction simply because they can’t vote. These are children who go to our schools. They’re hardworking women and men who pay the taxes that pave our roads and build our infrastructure. They’re the DREAMers who will one day become homeowners, business owners, and employers.

To ignore them when creating legislative districts is to disenfranchise the very people we’ve fought so hard to include in our democracy over the past five decades. Young people, African Americans, Hispanics, and Asian Americans all disproportionately suffer if Sue Evenwel gets her way.

In Georgia, an estimated 2,490,299 young people under 18 could be disenfranchised if Sue Evenwel has her way — including 49 percent who are young women; 833,690 of African Americans; and 314,438 of Hispanics.

Republican lawmakers in Georgia have already mounted a concerted effort to restrict access to the ballots. This offensive move began few a years ago with new Georgia voter ID laws — some of the strictest in the nation. And it continues with Republicans pushing to hack away at early voting days and a Secretary of State who regularly purges our voter rolls.

And just last year, after several counties decided to expand early voting opportunities to a few Sundays in October, Republicans vowed to “eliminate this election law loophole.”

Ballot access is not a loophole, it’s a guaranteed right. As Americans, we are directed to protect this sacred right and no effort to restrict or intimidate its exercise should be tolerated.

This is a cause that all fair-minded Americans can rally behind. After all, the defendant in the case is Texas’ own Republican Governor, Greg Abbot who is advocating for districting by population.

In 2015, we must remain as vigilant as ever in the face of such egregious attacks on our democracy. We’ve come too far to silently sit back and let those with an extreme agenda erase our progress. Anything less would dishonor the legacy of heroes like John Lewis and the countless others that gave their all — in some cases their lives — to ensure that every American has a voice.

DuBose Porter of Dublin is chairman of the Democratic Party of Georgia.

DPG Chair Statement on Evenwel v. Abbott

Release:  Tuesday, December 8, 2015                                                                                             

 

DPG Chair Statement on Upcoming Oral Argument in Evenwel v. Abbott

 

Atlanta, GA – Today, the United States Supreme Court will hear oral argument in Evenwel v. Abbot, a Texas redistricting case that would deny representation to anyone who is not a voter, including every child and minor under 18, by changing how state legislative districts are drawn. Evenwel would also leave minority communities underrepresented, in large part because they tend to be younger. If Evenwel wins, legal permanent residents who have spent years in their communities—and are able to contribute to political candidates—would be left uncounted and denied representation.

 

In Georgia, an estimated 2,490,299 young people under 18 could be disenfranchised if Sue Evenwel has her way—including 49% who are young women; 833,690 of African Americans; and 314,438 of Hispanics.

 

Democratic Party of Georgia Chair DuBose Porter issued the following statement today on how this case could lead to a loss of political representation for millions of young people and minority communities across the country.

 

“Every single person living in America deserves equal representation and deserves to be counted in our democracy, and that’s why the Constitution requires it in congressional districts.  Sue Evenwel’s egregious attempt to deny millions of people representation in state legislative districts is an attack on our democracy and threatens the ability of elected officials to adequately represent and serve their communities.  Our children and everyone living in our communities deserve a voice even if they are not able to cast a ballot.

 

“Republicans around the nation are gunning for more restrictions on voters—because when large groups of targeted populations are disenfranchised, they have a better chance of winning. This ‘change the rules of the game to ensure a win’ effort is demonstrated through restrictive voter ID laws, curtailing early voting, and other egregious attempts to limit access to the necessary documents needed to register to vote.

 

“If we are serious about the integrity of our democracy, we cannot allow anyone to be disenfranchised. This case threatens to exclude far too many including every person under the age of 18, and far too many hardworking taxpayers across Georgia and the rest of the country.

 

“We must remain as vigilant as ever in the face of such egregious attacks on our democracy. We’ve come too far to silently sit back and let those with an extreme agenda erase our progress. Anything less would dishonor the legacy of our civil rights activists and heroes who gave their all—in some cases their lives—to ensure that every American has a voice.”

 

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Marco Rubio Fundraises in Atlanta Days After Politicizing and Fearmongering the Nation on Terrorism

Release:  Wednesday, December 2, 2015                                                                                        

 

Marco Rubio Fundraises in Atlanta Days After Politicizing and Fearmongering the Nation on Terrorism

 

 

Atlanta, GA – Proving that it’s not just the GOP’s frontrunners that pander with appeals of a darker nature, Marco Rubio—in Atlanta today for a fundraiser—has spent the last several days sowing fear and division on the campaign trail.

 

A little over a week ago, Rubio claimed the tragic acts of terror in Paris were a “positive development” for the presidential campaign.  Rubio even paired the Paris tragedy with a fundraising pitch. Keep in mind this is the same guy who skipped several critical national security hearings to raise money for his campaign.

 

While his response to the horrific tragedy in Paris was swift (albeit distasteful), his silence after the Planned Parenthood shooting in Colorado was deafening. Marco Rubio, like most of his Republican colleagues running for President, failed to respond for days. Rubio’s response to the act of domestic terrorism paled to the actual tragedy that took place, saying “the vast majority of shootings happen when a criminal is shooting another criminal.” Three Americans were murdered that day—including a police officer and Iraq war veteran—and nine were wounded. These brave women and men were not criminals.

 

“I’m fed-up listening to the fabricated tales spun by Republicans like Marco Rubio about reproductive healthcare. That kind of propaganda not only leads to destructive legislation barring access to affordable and quality healthcare, it incites violence against our friends and neighbors,” said Rebecca DeHart, the Executive Director of the Democratic Party of Georgia.

 

“We have real problems in this nation. Mass shootings are becoming a rule, not an exception. And pulling a Rubio, that is burying your head in the sand while spewing talking points, is not the kind of leader our nation needs. We need someone willing to stand up for victims of terrorism and violence—and address the culture and environment that allows the perpetrators of these heinous acts to carry them out.”

 

“Women, men, and children are dying in the streets, in the classroom, in places of worship, and in health clinics. We cannot become numb to this crisis. President Obama and our 2016 democratic candidates have laid out clear plans to make our communities safer. I’ve yet to see anyone on the Republican side have the guts to try and see these plans through.”

Thank you

Friends,

 

As our families and friends gather together, I wanted to send you a quick note to share what I am thankful for—you.

 

Over the years, you—our Democratic supporters—have given the Democratic Party of Georgia your time, resources, and heart to help us build a better Party and a better future for our state.

 

The DPG is proud of what we have accomplished together. And while there is still much work to do, we have made huge strides largely in part to your phone calls, door knocks, email chains, and your generous contributions.

 

When we gather around our respective tables to count our blessings, the officers and staff of the DPG and I will be sure to count you as one of them.

 

Happy Thanksgiving,

 

Dubose Porter Signature

GA Dems Select Democratic Presidential Candidates to Appear on 2016 Primary Ballot

Release:  Thursday, October 29, 2015                                                                     

Atlanta, GA – Today, the Executive Committee of the Democratic Party of Georgia convened to select which presidential candidates will appear on the 2016 Democratic Presidential Preference Primary ballot. Georgia is the first state in the nation to select its Democratic candidates to appear on the ballot.

In a process laid out by Georgia law and guidelines by the Democratic National Committee, the Executive Committee selected the following candidates to appear on the ballot—Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, law professor Larry Lessig, Former Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley, U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, and attorney Michael Steinberg.

Democratic Party of Georgia Chair DuBose Porter issued the following statement after the Executive Committee meeting—“Georgia Democrats look forward to a robust primary that has already brought out the best of our Party. We’ve seen our candidates address the issues that matter most to Georgians—pay equity, raising the minimum wage, access to affordable healthcare, expanded access to the ballot box, and an economy that works for everyone.”

The Executive Committee has until December 1, 2015 to send the Secretary of State the names of candidates to appear on the ballot. Georgia’s Presidential Primary will be held March 1, 2015.

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Marco – At the very least, you could “Check-in” to the Senate Chamber

Release:  Friday, October 23, 2015                                                                                      

 

Marco- At the very least, you could “Check-in” to the Senate Chamber

 

As CBS 46 reports, Marco Rubio has missed 87 percent of votes cast in the Senate just this month. Yet, Rubio seems to have a double standard when it comes to anyone but himself.

 

From WaPo:

 

Speaking from the Senate floor on Tuesday, Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) attacked government employees who didn’t do their jobs.

 

“All we’re saying in this bill is,” Rubio said, “if you work at the V.A., and you aren’t doing your job, they get to fire you. I think people are shocked that that [doesn’t] actually exist in the entire government, since there is really no other job in the country where if you don’t do your job, you don’t get fired.”

 

He continued: “In this instance, we’re just limiting it to one agency. This should actually be the rule in the entire government.”

 

“Let’s set aside Rubio’s duplicitous remarks on public servants for a second: By his own standards, No Show Rubio is essentially admitting that he is unfit for office. If he can’t be trusted to show up to his current job, why on Earth would we trust him to sit in the Oval Office?” – Michael Smith, Communications Director, Democratic Party of Georgia

 

 

Rubio SH

 

 

DPG Statement on First Democratic Presidential Debate

Release:  Tuesday, October 13, 2015                                                                                              

 

Democratic Party of Georgia Statement on First Democratic Presidential Debate

 

 

Atlanta, GA – Today, Democratic Party of Georgia Chair DuBose Porter issued the following statement after the first Democratic presidential debate.

 

“Tonight, all of our candidates laid out a clear, forward-thinking vision for America. And regardless of who emerges as our nominee, our party is united around our basic values.

 

“Democratic candidates not only addressed the concerns of the middle class, but proved that they will fight for the middle class. We saw candidates who will fight for pay equity, access to affordable healthcare, meaningful immigration reform that brings families together instead of tearing them apart, the strengthening of voting rights, and an even playing field for all Americans where everyone has the opportunity to get ahead.

 

“Contrast that with what we’ve seen from the GOP. For months, the Republican field has been playing a tasteless game of follow the leader—with Donald Trump delivering their marching orders. Given the opportunity to explain their plan to help hardworking Americans, the GOP has instead attacked women, bragged about taking away healthcare from the sick, waxed poetic about starting new wars, and took their offensive rhetoric on immigration to a disturbing new level.

 

“What is unequivocal more than ever is that Georgians will have a clear choice in next year’s general election. We can regress back to the failed policies of previous Republican administrations. Or we can elect a Democrat, and continue to build on the progress of the past seven years.”

 

 

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Georgia Democrats Celebrate 50 Years of Medicare

Release:  Thursday, July 30, 2015  

                                                                           

Democratic Party of Georgia Celebrates 50 Years of Medicare 

 

Atlanta, GA – Today, Democratic Party of Georgia Chair DuBose Porter issued the following statement on the 50th anniversary of Medicare.

 

“Fifty years ago today, President Lyndon Johnson signed Medicare into law, giving peace of mind to millions of retired Americans. As a result, people could finally enjoy their golden years without fear of losing their savings and pensions because of medical costs.

 

“If Republican leaders had their way, Medicare as we know it would be obliterated. A safe and secure retirement would be a distant memory. Every year—like clockwork—Republicans push to turn Medicare in to a voucher program, placing insurance companies on the honor system and leaving seniors with nothing more than a coupon.

 

“And here in Georgia, Nathan Deal and his party’s leaders refuse federal funds—our own tax dollars—to expand Medicaid and give hundreds of thousands of Georgians access to the preventative services and health care they deserve. Republicans are turning a blind eye to our struggling rural hospitals. The solution of Medicaid expansion is right there for the taking, but rural health systems remain in critical condition because of political games.

 

“As a community, we have a moral obligation to protect those who are most vulnerable and fulfill a promise made to American workers who contributed to our nation’s economy for decades. Medicare has been a success for 50 years and we must do everything possible to preserve and protect this essential safety net.”

 

 

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Background

 

DNC – Checking in with GOP 2016ers on the 50th Anniversary to Medicare and Medicaid

 

For the past 50 years, Medicare and Medicaid have lifted countless Americans out of poverty and given millions of seniors and families the peace of mind that comes with affordable health coverage. The Affordable Care Act built on this legacy by strengthening the Medicare trust fund, keeping it solvent until 2030.

If we want Medicare and Medicaid to be around for another 50 years, we need to protect these programs from GOP presidential candidates who want to destroy them. Here’s where they stand:

  • Jeb Bush said he wanted to “phase out” the Medicare program.
  • Chris Christie supported the Ryan Budget which would turn Medicare into a voucher system, a move that would have cost seniors an average of $6,000 in extra out-of-pocket costs every year.
  • Marco Rubio endorsed a voucher system, called for raising the retirement age, and said that earned benefit programs that provide Americans with financial security have “weakened us as a people.”
  • Ted Cruz supports the Ryan plan that would turn Medicare into a voucher system.
  • Scott Walker refused to expand Medicaid, a decision that could cost his state $400 million and result in84,700 fewer Wisconsinites being covered.
  • Rand Paul proposed raising the retirement age for Medicare coverage and means-testing the program.
  • Rick Perry said that the Ryan plan for Medicare was “a good idea.”

 

Save the Date – DPG State Dinner – Sept. 26

Saturday, September 26, 2015 at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta

Guest speaker – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar

(Ticketing information to come)

The Democratic Party of Georgia is pleased to invite you to the Democratic Party of Georgia State Dinner, to be held on Saturday, September 26, at the Hyatt Regency.

And we are thrilled to announce that U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar will deliver our keynote address.

Senator Klobuchar was the first woman elected to represent Minnesota in the U.S. Senate. She’s a champion of our Democratic values, from creating good jobs to protecting civil rights to improving public education. A gifted public servant and staunch advocate of progressive values, Sen. Klobuchar appeared on a recent list of women most likely to become President and is often mentioned as a potential Supreme Court nominee.

Plus, I hear she gives a helluva barnburner of a speech.

Georgia could learn a lot from Minnesota—they’ve expanded Medicaid, invested in infrastructure, made education and job training priorities, and asked those at the top to pay their fair share.

Senator Klobuchar’s address will cap off an evening filled with fellowship, inspirational words from Georgia Democratic leaders…and a few surprises we have up our sleeves.

This dinner is more than just a fundraiser—it’s an opportunity for us to gather together, break bread, and reaffirm our commitment to build a better future for our state.

Georgia has left too many people behind, and it’s up to us—the Democratic community—to right the GOP’s wrongs. Next year, we must elect Democrats up and down the ballot. Democrats who will stand for our values. Unwavering and unapologetic.

So join Sen. Klobuchar, our Party leaders, and me in forging a new Georgia Democratic majority. Mark September 26 on your calendars and witness what’s sure to be a memorable evening.

I look forward to seeing you there,

DuBose Porter

Chair, Democratic Party of Georgia

The Democratic Party of Georgia State Dinner is the dinner formerly known as the Jefferson-Jackson Dinner.

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Georgia Democrats Adopt Delegate Selection Plan for 2016 National Convention

Release:  Monday, June 1, 2015                                                                                           

 

Georgia Democrats Adopt Delegate Selection Plan for 2016 National Convention

 

 

Atlanta, GA – This past Thursday, the Executive Committee of the Democratic Party of Georgia adopted a delegate selection plan for the 2016 Democratic National Convention. The plan specifies policies and procedures for electing Georgia’s 120 delegates and alternates, who will attend the 2016 convention in Philadelphia.

 

The DNC has until September 15 to notify the DPG of any changes, but the general components of the plan are as follows:

 

Georgia is allocated 120 delegates, eight of whom will be alternates. 64 district level delegates will be elected within the delegates’ congressional district on April 16, 2016. There are no district level alternates. Thirteen Party Leaders and Elected Officials (or PLEOs) will be elected by the 64 district level delegates on May 14, 2016 at a central location in the state. On June 11, 2016, 21 at-large delegates and eight alternates will be elected by a quorum of the State Committee of the Democratic Party of Georgia. While these dates are set in the plan, until Georgia’s Secretary of State announces the date of the 2016 presidential primary, the dates are subject to change.

 

TYPE Delegates Alternates Date of Election
District Level 64 0 4-16-2016
Unpledged 14 0 N/A
PLEOs 13 0 5-14-2016
At-large / Alternates 21 8 6-11-2016
TOTAL 112 8  

 

 

The Affirmative Action Committee of the DPG will continue to implement a robust effort to ensure that all communities are represented in the Georgia delegation. It is the intent of the Democratic Party of Georgia to send a delegation to Philadelphia that reflects the diversity of our party and our state.

 

While the DPG’s delegate selection plan is under DNC review, the plan will remain online to ensure access and transparency throughout the process. Interested parties may view the plan at georgiademocrat.org/dnc2016.

 

“I could not be more proud of our Executive Committee and Affirmative Action Committee for all the work they have put in to this plan,” said Democratic Party of Georgia Chair DuBose Porter in a statement. “There is no doubt that Georgia is in play, and we will elect a Democratic president.”

 

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GA Dems Raise Awareness for International Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia

Release:  Saturday, May 16, 2015                            

 

Georgia Democrats Raise Awareness for International Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia

 

Atlanta, GA – Today, Democratic Party of Georgia LGBT Caucus Chair Jim Taflinger and Young Democrats of Georgia Stonewall Caucus Chair Colton Griffin released the following statements to commemorate the 11th annual International Day Against Homophobia & Transphobia. The Georgia Democrats are holding their own event in Atlanta’s Piedmont Park tomorrow to join worldwide IDAHOT celebrations and stand in solidarity with activists around the globe.

 

“Tomorrow’s event serves as an opportunity to recommit ourselves to a shared fundamental belief that all people deserve to be treated fairly and justly, no matter who they are or whom they love,” said DPG LGBT Caucus Chair Jim Taflinger. “Regardless of party affiliation, people across the globe should stand up and speak out against the immoral discrimination and senseless violence that too many members of the LGBT community face on a daily basis. While we’ve certainly made progress, there is still much work to do to defend and uphold the simple moral values of justice and dignity for people everywhere.”

 

“Currently, there are no legal workplace protections for gay and transgender Georgians to safeguard against discriminatory hiring and firing” said YDG Stonewall Caucus Chair Colton Griffin. “Given our state’s lack of those basic protections—and the outright denial of marriage equality to thousands of Georgia families—Georgia Democrats and our leadership will continue to fight until everyone is treated equally under the law.”

 

IDAHOT is held on May 17 of each year, a significant date in LGBT history that commemorates the World Health Organization’s declassification of homosexuality as a mental disorder in 1999.

 

Members and allies of the DPG LGBT Caucus and YDG Stonewall Caucus will gather tomorrow, Sunday, May 17, at 1:00 PM in Piedmont Park for an afternoon of activism and a potluck cookout to raise awareness for IDAHOT.

 

For more information, join their Facebook event here.

 

DPG Issues Statement on Marriage Equality

Release:  Tuesday, April 28, 2015                           

 

Democratic Party of GA Issues Statement on Marriage Equality

 

 

Atlanta, GA – Today, Democratic Party of Georgia LGBT Caucus Vice Chair Colton Griffin issued the following statement in the wake of news that the US Supreme Court heard arguments in Obergefell v. Hodges. The decision could decide the fate of marriage equality across the nation.

 

“For too long, tens of thousands of Georgians have been denied essential civil rights based solely on whom they love. Our state has gazed just across state lines for years as our neighbors in Florida, Alabama, and elsewhere have been afforded liberties that should be enjoyed by the LGBT community right here at home. Georgia Democrats have been outspoken in their support of equality for all families, yet Republicans have, at best, been silent on the issue—and at worst, propagated an environment of discrimination, hate, and fear.

 

“I, and many others, hold hope that the Supreme Court will decide in favor of equality, opportunity and progress. We are witnessing the shaping of a better nation. And I’m proud that the leadership of the Democratic Party of Georgia is on the right side of history.”

 

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DPG Chair Issues Statement on Passage of SB 129

Release:  Thursday, March 5, 2015                                                                                     

 

Democratic Party of Georgia Chair Issues Statement on Passage of SB 129

 

 

Dublin, GA – Today, Democratic Party of Georgia Chair DuBose Porter issued the following statement in response to the passage of SB 129—a license to discriminate against certain Georgians disguised as religious liberty legislation.

 

“Today’s actions by Senate Republicans are truly disappointing. We are living in the year 2015 and so much progress has been made across the nation, yet a few politicians in Georgia want to turn back the clock on civil rights in the name of religious freedom. Religious beliefs and equal rights for all Georgians can exist in symmetry without government intrusion. This bill is unnecessary and I urge members of the State House to reject such a dangerous piece of legislation that will set Georgia back for decades.”

 

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