POTUS Speech, John Kroger, Cesli Info and more

From Sue H...Communications person extraordinaire

The President's speech to the joint session of Congress starts tomorrow (Tuesday) at 6:00 PM
(Doesn't it feel good to say "The President" these days?)

Join with other Democrats 5 PM to 9 PM to watch the speech at Krakow Cafe, 3990 N. Interstate Ave, 503-954-2200 www.myspace.krakowkoffee.com

Party-goers can fortify themselves from the televised Republican response, by playing State of the Union "Bingo." After Obama's speech, revelers will get bingo cards to mark any time the GOP speaker refers to "health care," "education," "environment," "HIV-AIDS," or Haliburton."

First ones to scream "Bingo" win prizes.

Oregon Democrats step up to help consumers, and need your support:

Debt collectors in Oregon have enjoyed a significant legal loophole that has allowed them to abuse consumers with no consequence. Oregon Attorney General John Kroger and Senator Suzanne Bonameci are leading the effort to change that.

Heading to the Senate Floor this week, SB 328 puts debt collectors in the same position as nearly all other Oregon businesses by making abuses subject to the Unlawful Trade Practices Act. No enforcement provision currently exists to hold collectors accountable for unscrupulous practices, and such abuse ranks among the top consumer complaints in Oregon, allowing debt collectors to freely harass and intimidate Oregonians.

Companion SB 386 would make it illegal for debt collectors to attempt to collect money that they know, or ought to know, is not owed.

Both the Oregonian and the Register Guard have recognized the value of these bills and to read them go here

find your legislator:

Please contact your Senator and let her/him know that you support Oregon consumers. It's important to make your voice heard even if you think your Senator will be an advocate. Our legislators need to not only know they have our support when they are considering good legislation, but it gives them an additional reference to use in debate.

Celsi Dinner: A great time and a big success!

Big thanks to the many volunteers who helped put on the Celsi, all the beautiful and charming Democrats who made it the place to be last Friday night, and special thanks to those who donated or bid to help support the Party in the coming year. Thanks to all those elected representatives in Congress, the Legislature, the City Council and County Board of Commissioners and School Boards who took time out to party with the grassroots.Thanks also to Democrats who traveled from neighboring counties to give their support.
Special thanks to Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley whose spirited remarks kicked off the festivities, and Congressman Earl Blumenauer, who set a generous tone with a pledge to pay the first month's rent when we get our new headquarters.

Thanks to speakers Karol Collymore, John Kroger and Carl Wolfson, and the multi-talented Steve Novick, who can always become an auctioneer if he gets tired of politics and policy.

Here's one comment I received:
"The dinner was GREAT! My first such event but surely will not be my last.
Speeches are supposed to be boring! What were those guys thinking of??? I laughed and thought and thoroughly enjoyed the entire evening."

Congratulations to Celsi Award winner John Vandermosten and McCoy Award winner Jackie Dingfelder. Both awards are richly deserved.

Mark your calendar for next year: Celsi Dinner, February 5, 2010.

(PS: Unfortunately we ran out of time for some of the live auction items. Or fortunately, if you'd like to bid but missed the dinner. Stay tuned for news of how we will conduct an extended auction for those.)