Thursday, October 20, 2005
Barron County Courthouse

Chairman Kippenhan called the meeting to order at 7:05. Thirty-two people attended.

Beth Ager gave the Secretary’s report. The minutes were approved as read.

Clarice Fall gave the Treasurer’s report. September’s balance was $1,301.81. September box donations totaled $45.00, and John Hardin and Hugo Harbers submitted membership dues totaling $35.00. The fundraiser dinner brought in a total of $3,485.00, and of that sum, $175.00 went to the Feingold Senate Committee, and $1,781.00 went to Lehman’s Supper Club for the cost of the dinner. $50.00 went for postage. The ending balance for October was $2,860.81.

Chairman Kippenhan stated that elections of county party officers should be held in November or December, and that members should be paid up for 2005 in order to vote. As of November, members will be able to pay for their 2006 membership.

Rick Scutiak of the Teamsters spoke about the Johnson Truck Body strikers, who have been picketing for 27 weeks and have no hope of settling soon. Over 200 local families are affected by the strike and appreciate our support. Democrats are encouraged to stand with the strikers and keep on lending support. Wisconsin could become a right-to-work state if the political climate were to deteriorate.

Jason Rae reported that the DNC suspended its regular activities because of Katrina and will meet next on December 4th in Phoenix. Susan Huizenga challenged Linda Honold’s election as 1st Vice Chair for the DPW on a ballot technicality, but it was upheld.

The 7th CD Executive Committee meets in Phillips on October 22nd. Jason Rae will attend vice Chairman Kippenhan, and either Jerry Schlei or Beth Ager will go to keep up-to-date on the 7th CD web site and database project.

Chairman Kippenhan stated that he phoned Paula Zellner to express regrets for the gaffe at September’s fundraiser dinner, which she passed along to the Senator. Kippenhan also put the question to the group of having a minister give invocations at Democratic events, and the prevailing opinion was not to do so.

Nate Franklin, a field staffer of the DNC from Eau Claire, introduced himself and explained that his position had been created to help local parties and candidates develop their messages and communicate them effectively in the media and on personal level. He will be working with the DPW and helping it mesh with the grassroots more effectively than it has in the past.

John Banks stated that former WEAU-TV news anchor Pat Kreitlow has formally declared his candidacy for the seat in the 23rd Senate District, currently occupied by Dave Zien. Kreitlow is scheduled to speak at the next meeting of the Barron Democrats, on November 17th at Rice Lake.

Communications committee chairman Jerry Schlei reported on October’s mass mailing project, using names gathered from the 2004 rally goers and 2005 fairgoers.

Chairman Kippenhan stated that Action Wisconsin has asked to address a party meeting about the current effort to amend the state constitution to ban gay marriage, and it was decided that they would be invited to speak briefly at a future meeting.

Jeff Buhrandt of Dave Obey’s office gave an update of the congressman’s activities. The 7th CD is gaining energy heading into 2006, and meeting attendance is up—most notably in Barron County. Use of our database will be important. The GOP is floundering, but up to the “same old tricks” in the legislative branch. As an example, he cited the protracted voting period for the House energy bill. The GOP is also seeking to eliminate deduction of state and local taxes on federal returns, which would help southern and western states but badly hurt Wisconsin and other high-tax, northern-tier states.

Obey is excited about Pat Kreitlow’s candidacy, but also cautions us that Bob Jauch may be targeted this season, and needs our support.

Obey himself will face a challenge from the Republicans. The strongest of his three challengers is Nick Reed, a former press secretary for a Kansas congressman, and member of the Heritage Foundation, who has come to Rice Lake to establish residency.

Bill Healy, chairman of the Chippewa County Democratic Party, promoted a candidate mixer at the Frog Hop in Cadott on October 29th.

The food pantry items were donated to the Johnson Truck Body strikers for the fourth consecutive month.

Lisa Dennis, candidate for Registrar of Deeds, and John Postle, candidate for Sheriff, summarized their backgrounds and their goals for the offices that they seek.

The next meeting will be held on November 17th at 7:00, in the Friendship Room of the Rice Lake Public Library.

8:50: Toby Paone made a motion to adjourn.

Respectfully submitted,

Lizbeth Ager
Secretary