Thursday, February 19, 2004
Barron County Courthouse

The meeting was called to order by Chairman Cecil Kippenhan.

We had 24 people were in attendance.

Marlene Raether read the minutes from the January 15th meeting, which were approved as read. Marlene then read a Thank-You from the Cameron Food Pantry.

Treasurer’s Report was read and approved, with a balance of $211.03. According to Treasurer Vogel’s records, we have 19 paid members.

Chairman Kippenhan discussed the upcoming caucus. The 1st tier caucus is scheduled for Sunday, April 4th at the Courthouse. This is the first step for selecting delegates to go to the Democratic National Convention in Boston on July 26-29th. Wisconsin sends a total of 87 delegates.

The Justice Center’s walk-through open house is scheduled for Saturday, March 27th. The formal dedication will be May 1st.

Cecil reported that the State will honor anyone who signs up five (5) NEW members. You can then become a “Super Democrat.”

A representative from Congressman Obey’s office informed the group that Representative Obey will be at the Rice Lake Senior Citizen Center on February 20th from 9:30 to 10:30 AM. He will be discussing Medicare.

May 1st is the new date for the 7th Congressional District Convention. The State Convention will be June 11th and 12th at the Paper Valley Hotel in Appleton, Wisconsin. The delegate selection for these conventions will take place at the next meeting.

Sheriff Tom Richie reported that things were going well. They are currently working on getting ready for the new justice center.

Representative Mary Hubler reported on events taking place in Madison. A lot of controversial bills are coming up right now. She also reported that she has an opponent for re-election, Chris Serio.

Judy and Willie reported on a Get-Out-The-Vote operation they will be starting in Barron. They are hoping for their first meeting within the next few months.

Clarice Fall gave a report on the Election Results in Barron County. Senator John Kerry won by a 2 to 1 ratio over Senator Edwards.

Chairman Kippenhan reported on a Steering Committee meeting for Senator Feingold’s Re-election. The next meeting will be in April. Also serving on the Committee is Jason Rae.

Jim Vogel discussed the Medicare ads that are appearing on CBS.

Don Garner-Gerhardt talked about Dave Obey’s re-election campaign. Currently they are facing no opponent.

Vice Chairman Rae reported that the website is now one year old and has already received 2,213 visits. This was above and beyond his expectations for our first year in operation.

Jason then gave a report on his time in Washington, D.C. as a United States Senate Page. He passed around pictures and other artifacts collected during his time.

The Barron County Democratic Party’s fair booth was discussed. It was requested that the party help to pay for it. All members are asked to brainstorm ideas for fundraising.

Don highlighted President Bush’s Fiscal Year 2005 budget request. He specifically pulled out key cuts, such as in Veteran’s Affairs.

Chairman Kippenhan again discussed the 1st Tier Caucus taking place on April 4th. He explained the procedure for that day. More information will be discussed at the next meeting.

Meeting was adjourned, by a motion from Tom Richie and second by Mary Hubler at 8:10 PM.

The next meeting will be March 18th, 2004 at 7:00 PM at the Barron County Courthouse.

Respectfully submitted,
Jason Rae
Vice Chairman and Acting Secretary