John --

We had a fantastic, invigorating virtual campfire last night -- our first of the year -- and it was a great way for our movement to start 2024! We talked about the state of the presidential race, addressing the immigration crisis, taking on MAGA through our Primary First initiative, and overcoming the discouragement we can all feel sometimes when the task of defending democracy feels overwhelming.

One of the best ways to feel encouraged is to be in community with others who want to be part of the solution. That's why our Campfires and Region Team Gatherings are so critical: They help preserve and grow hope, inspire us through the actions of others, and shine light on opportunities for us to get involved.

Our Region Teams -- Western, Central, Southern, and Northeast -- will be meeting in the first half of February, and you'll have a chance to learn all about the good work and opportunities in your "neck of the woods." Whether you get fired up to pour your time and talent into an initiative, or just feel better coming to learn about what others are doing, there's a spot for everyone on our teams.

>> RSVP to Attend Your Region Team Gathering

And there's always a spot for you in this movement. We couldn't do this without you -- and I wouldn't want to.

Country First,

Adam

PS: Did you know Country First volunteers put together our weekly Movement Memo? Check it out below.

INTRODUCING REGION TEAMS! RSVP FOR YOUR REGION'S GATHERING!

February 5 at 8pm ET: Northeast Region Team Gathering

February 7 at 8pm ET / 7pm CT: Southern Region Team Gathering

February 13 at 8pm ET / 7pm CT: Central Region Team Gathering

February 15 at 8pm MT / 7pm PT: Western Region Team Gathering

Each week, Country First and the Communications Working Group will highlight a key volunteer who has demonstrated placing Country over Party. If you would like to submit someone who has made a positive impact on your experience with Country First, please email [email protected]. 

MEET ALLISON MURRAY

Where are you from? I am from northeastern New Jersey.

What has been your focus at Country First? I've been involved with the Book Club since March of 2022.

What was your motivation for joining and how did you hear about us? I found some of Rep. Adam Kinzinger’s writings after January 6th to be some of the most refreshing things I had read in a long time, and shared the conviction that politics should be about hopes and finding common ground, not fear and division. I joined Country First soon after to help make this vision a reality.

What are your hopes for America in the coming years and generations? I've still got the post-it from a fire pit gathering back in January 2021, where I gathered friends to share what kind of country they want their kids to inherit. One where everyone can belong, where everyone is free to speak their mind, and be respectfully heard.  One where everyone is free to choose their own path, and one where we defend others' right to choose differently. One where we feel pride in these values and in our identity as Americans.

Do you think we can right the ship? I often get discouraged when reading the news, but I never feel that way after having a real conversation with someone. That's what I love most about our Book Club, I feel better about the world after talking with fellow Country First members.

Thank you, Allison, for all of your hard work and dedication to promoting and preserving democracy!

2024 ELECTION

ABC News : Haley captures independents and college grads, but Trump base holds fast in NH: Preliminary exit polls

Donald Trump held fast to his core support groups even as anti-Trump voters coalesced around Nikki Haley in the New Hampshire Republican primary on Tuesday, producing a far different race than Trump's blowout victory in Iowa last week, albeit still a clear win for the former president, exit polling shows.

NBC News: Nikki Haley refuses to quit, insisting she can still beat Trump

The former South Carolina governor has fundraisers planned in California, New York and Florida and is planning a rally in her home state Wednesday. “New Hampshire is first in the nation. It is not the last,” Haley said to cheers last night. “This race is far from over. There are dozens of states left to go, and the next one is my sweet state of South Carolina.”

RANKED CHOICE VOTING

Colorado Newsline: Sweeping overhaul of Colorado elections gets initial nod for ballot from state Title Board

A proposal backed by one of Colorado’s wealthiest political donors to dramatically overhaul how the state conducts its elections cleared its first hurdle before a little-known panel of public officials on Wednesday.

Alaska Public Media : Alaska House committee advances legislation to repeal ranked choice voting

The Alaska House Judiciary Committee voted Wednesday to advance a bill that would repeal ranked choice voting and open primaries. The bill was first proposed last year by Homer Republican Rep. Sarah Vance to undo changes to Alaska’s voting laws, which were instituted through a 2020 ballot measure narrowly approved by Alaska voters. The committee voted to advance the bill in a 5-2 vote, with all five Republicans in favor and the committee’s two Democrats opposed. The measure heads next to the House Finance Committee.

AMERICAN DEMOCRACY

PBS News Hour: Numerous Voting and Election Changes Take Effect In States Across U.S.

Time is running out for Louisiana to redraw the state congressional map. This week, lawmakers gathered for the start of an eight-day special session, its third redistricting session in two years. Republican Gov. Jeff Landry invoked Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and urged lawmakers to take action so the decision is not made “by some heavy-handed member of the federal judiciary.”

Atlanta Journal Constitution: Most voters trust Georgia’s 2024 election will be fair, AJC poll finds

Heading into the 2024 presidential election, a slight majority of Georgia voters prefer sticking with the state’s touchscreen voting machines and say they’re confident the election will be conducted fairly. A new poll by The Atlanta Journal-Constitution shows that 56% of Georgians oppose switching to paper ballots filled out by hand, and 57% are at least somewhat confident the presidential election will be fair and accurate. 

WATCH the Replay of our first 2024 Live Campfire, with Rep. Adam Kinzinger!

DONATE to support the fight for democracy!

VOLUNTEER today! We only have one requirement: Be a reasonable person of goodwill looking to find common ground with others who want to address our challenges in a healthy, productive way.

JOIN your Region Team!

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