Thursday, September 21, 2006
Barron County Democratic Headquarters

Chairman Cecil Kippenhan called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Twenty-six people attended.

Jeff Buhrandt of Dave Obey’s office stopped by to talk about Obey’s campaign, a series of three upcoming debates that include Nick Reid and Green Mike Miles, and also the new bill for emergency funding of the armed forces cosponsored by Obey and Rep. Jack Murtha.

St. Rep. Mary Hubler spoke briefly about her opponent’s questionable financing and the need for volunteers to coordinate literature drops in the major municipalities of Barron County.

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

Beth Ager gave the Treasurer’s report showing a beginning balance from August of $4.312.34 and an ending balance of $2,736.48. Receipts of memberships and donations totaled $419.50. Expenses totaled $1,995.36. We paid $165.95 to Beth Ager for newsletter expenses; $895.00 to Jerry Schlei for HQ rent, and $934.31 to Jerry Schlei for miscellaneous communications expenses. The report was approved as read.

A brief discussion about spending on the headquarters ensued. Dave Obey’s campaign contributed $750, and other candidates may also help. Jerry Schlei reported that traffic results are mixed.

Tom Richie suggested a mailing seeking HQ funds and volunteered to draft a letter. Dee Taylor made a motion to mail a donation request to membership and friends. Seconded by Marge Lindemann.

Old business:
Approximately 70 people gathered with Lt. Gov. Barbara Lawton at the fundraiser potluck. Beth Ager read a note of thanks from Lawton.

Sheriff primary victor Tom Richie gave a recap of the close race and the recount, recognized the support given to opponent John Postle, and asked for the party’s support. He had thrown his backing for Attorney General to the victor in that race, Kathleen Falk.

New business:
Fred Bannister, who leads the Coalition for a Health-Secure America, detailed a meeting with leaders of other universal health care coalitions. They have plans to join forces with corporations hard-hit by health care costs and formulate health care legislation for the greater good.

Chairman Kippenhan read a letter to President Bush from Dave Obey and Congressman Murtha calling for 18 billion in emergency funds to cover the safety needs of our armed forces. Jerry Schlei spoke of a letter-writing campaign on behalf of Obey and his effort.

Nate Franklin of the DNC had plans to bring more computers into the HQ for phone banking.

Jerry Schlei reported that Registrar of Deeds Joyce Kaseno was at a computer conference related to her job. Things have been going well and signs were available.

Chairman Kippenhan announced party officer elections in December. He will not run for chairman again but intends to run for vice chair.

Communications committee report: Chair Jerry Schlei reports that Dar Ishmael has canvassed Bear Lake.

Sunshine report: Edith Olson sent a sympathy card to the family of Lance Mireau.

Food pantry: September’s donation went to Cumberland. Cameron mailed a note of thanks for August’s donation.

Toby Paone offered for NUE to host a Democratic phone bank, as usual. The NUE office has 10 phone lines and was built with phone banking in mind. The DPW will pay rent on the phone lines. The consensus was to use NUE this fall, too.

Jerry Schlei showed an ad that he proposed running to encourage greater use of the headquarters. Tom Richie suggested press releases to local papers. Dee Taylor suggested an event, such as a potluck.

Toby Paone made a motion to buy a one-time ad in the major Barron County papers, not to exceed a cost of $200. Seconded by Gary Thompson. Jerry Schlei proposed an amendment to try press releases first, then run the ad by the second week of October if the press releases did not work well. Motion passed.

Beth Ager suggested tying the ad to an event. Fred Bannister suggested a pig roast, and Tom Richie offered to coordinate it with a visit by Kathleen Falk to Barron County. Jim Heerey advised to coordinate the pig roast with the Sioux Creek forum and another local event in order to make it more convenient for candidates. Possible dates were set for October 14, 21 and 28.

Marge Lindemann motioned to move the meeting to October 12th for planning purposes. John Banks added that yet another meeting may be needed. Toby Paone seconded. Motion passed.
Tom Richie offered to spearhead the fundraiser task force to organize and advertise. The Communications Committee will assist as needed.

The Barron Democrats’ next meeting will be Thursday, October 12th, at 7:00 p.m. at the Democratic headquarters, 113 N. Main, Rice Lake.

The meeting adjourned at 9:09 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Lizbeth Ager
Secretary