"There are still forces in America that want to divide us along racial lines, religious lines, sex, class. But we've come too far; we've made too much progress to stop or to pull back. We must go forward. And I believe we will get there."

Save The Date: January 14th Precinct Organization Training

2020 will be a critical year for Democrats, and it all begins with precinct organization. Because this is a presidential election year, the precinct organization schedule is more inflexible than usual. Please mark your calendar now to attend the January 14th Precinct Organization Training.

NCGA Clings to Congressional Gerrymander; Congressional Primary May Be Affected

(From NCDEMS) There's a chance that Congressional primaries will be pushed back because Republicans replaced one partisan gerrymander with another. The filing period for candidates is scheduled to open on December 2, but a panel of state judges is scheduled to meet that day to decide how to get out of the "gerrymandering mess" the GOP has created. That could force a delay in Congressional primaries scheduled for March. Republicans in North Carolina drew district lines which dilute the voting power of Democrats and entrench Republicans. Superior Court judges sent the latest Congressional maps back to Republicans last month for their “extreme partisan gerrymandering."

Republican State Senator Jerry Tillman said on the floor of the Senate recently: "It's set up to be partisan. Do you think we're going to draw Democratic maps? We're doing exactly what you all did for 140 years." Analysis of the maps show that they arel extreme partisan outliers compared to randomly drawn maps.

Governor Cooper Wields Veto Pen to Beat Back GOP Attacks

Governor Cooper's weapon has been his ability to veto Republican's most outrageous moves thanks to the 2018 general election vote that broke the Republican's super majority.

WRAL's editorial board said Cooper's "veto pen thwarts [the] legislative wrecking crew":

Cooper blocked efforts to slash business taxes, reducing the franchise tax that would have cut state revenues $1 billion over five years.

Cooper was able to block the state Senate’s plan for local school construction needs that wouldn’t guarantee the money needed to help local schools get the most bang for their bucks.

Cooper’s veto authority has blocked legislation that would weaken health and environmental regulations and expand a private school voucher program which lacks accountability and is ripe for abuse.

In The Race To Challenge Tillis, What's More Important -- Polls or Fundraising?

(Politics NC, November 18,2019) Thomas Tillis will be one of the most vulnerable Republican Senators in 2020. He's never been very popular and barely beat Kay Hagan in 2014.

Because Tillis is so vulnerable, there is a lot of interest in the competition to become his Democratic challenger. A poll from Fox News last week showed Cal Cunningham trailing Erica Smith in the Democratic primary for US Senate. However, Cunningham has raised $1.7 million and Smith has raised less than $70,000.

So, is it better to be popular or well-funded?

"The race in November will depend on who challenges Tillis. The Fox poll really showed that nobody knows much about either Smith or Cunningham. About half the voters are undecided and I suspect the support that each has is soft. It’s a wide open race that should be determined by the candidate who puts together the best campaign."

"Smith’s path to victory runs through the black community. She’ll need to consolidate her support among the African-American voters who will make up about 40% of the primary electorate." In addition, the presence of Erica Smith on the ballot may increase African-American turnout across the state, which may help all Democrats on the ballot.

However, "Early money in campaigns is a sign of broad support. Cunningham seems to have it and he’s putting together an organization that looks like a professional campaign."

It appears that Democrats will have to make a tough choice between two good candidates.

EVENTS

New Hanover County Young Democrats Meeting -- November 26

When: Tuesday, November 26, 6:00 p.m.

Where: NHCDP HQ, 5041 New Center Drive, Wilmington

Newly elected Wilmington City Council member Kevin Spears will be guest speaker at the November Young Democrats meeting. This group is for Democrats between 18 and 35 dedicated to making New Hanover County the best home possible for its residents. See the Facebook page for Young Democrats here.

Wilmington Precinct 29 Awards Banquet With Mike Morgan -- November 29

When: Friday, November 29, 6:45 p.m.

Where: I.L.A. Longshoreman's Hall, 5th Avenue and Kidder Street

Mike Morgan, Associate Justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court, will speak at a W29 Banquet. Mike is an inspirational and impressive speaker, so you won't want to miss this event. Tickets are $50. Checks should be sent to NHCDP, W29, and mailed to P.O. Box 1102, Wilmington NC 28401. To pay by credit card, click here.

For information call Yvette McLaurin Robinson at 910-431-6355.

Filing Period for November 2020 Election -- December 2 to December 20, 2019

When: Weekdays from December 2 to December 20, 2020

Where: County Board of Elections for state and local offices, North Carolina Board of Elections for federal offices

Persons wishing to run for office in the 2020 general election must file during the stated filing period. Instructions for filing may be found at https://elections.nhcgov.com/candidates/filing-office/ A list of incumbents may be found at https://elections.nhcgov.com/candidates/elected-officials/

Wine Tasting Event with Marcia Morgan -- December 4

When: Wednesday, December 4, 5:30 to 7:00 p.m

Where: 305 Lumina Avenue, Wrightsville Beach

Anne York, Jeffrey Schrager, Blair Kutrow and Vic Roberts will be hosting an Italian wine tasting to support Marcia Morgan, candidate for District 19 NC House of Representatives. Tickets are $100 and limited tickets are available. Purchase tickets here: https://secure.ngpvan.com/o6iPlFzeQ0ui-rxHuLkB-w2

You Can Vote Training -- December 5

When: Thursday, December 5, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.

Where: Universalist Church, 4313 Lake Ave., Wilmington

Event hosted by Caroline Morin-Gage. ALL are welcome to attend this 90 minute workshop to learn the latest on photo ID, rules for voting, and our proven messaging to educate voters and increase turnout. We use evidence-based messaging, easy to read and understand election hand-outs and best practices for voter engagement. It is essential that our volunteers are prepared to communicate the new ID requirements in a manner that will not unintentionally disenfranchise voters. You will learn: - Up-to-date voting laws - 2020 Election Schedule and what is on the ballot - How to successfully educate and motivate voters to cast their ballot - Voter Registration best practices - How YOU can help citizens vote. Sign up for the event here.

Elizabeth Warren Canvasses -- December 7th and 8th

When: Saturday December 7th at 10 a.m - 12 p.m. and Sunday, December 8th at 2 - 4 p.m.

Where: Drift Coffeehouse, 110 Dungannon Blvd. Wilmington

The Warren campaign has come to town and has begun canvassing. Here is a link to sign up for canvasses. If you want to know more about the Warren campaign in our county, contact Field Organizer Lily Garcia at (860) 614-4732.

We aim to help all the Democratic presidential campaigns to be effective in New Hanover, so if you find out about events or canvasses planned by other candidates, please send them to the editor of these emails.

Resolution Development Committee Meetings -- December 9 and January 6

When: Monday, December 9, and Monday, January 6, 7:00 p.m.

Where: NHCDP Headquarters, 5041 New Centre Drive, Wilmington

The Resolutions Development Committee will meet for open discussions of "Making the Economy Work for All Americans." Interested parties are invited to participate as the committee studies study this complex resolution and considers revisions to clarify its provisions.

DOING Meeting for Precinct Chairs on Voter Mobilization -- December 11

When: Wednesday, December 11, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Where: NHCDP Headquarters, 5041 New Centre Drive, Wilmington

We know that if we can increase NHC Democratic turnout in the 2020 elections, we can win local, state and federal offices. We are initiating our DOING (Democrats Organizing in Neighborhood Groups) Voter Mobilization project, canvasses targeting irregular Democratic voters. Precinct Chairs are asked to attend this overview and then to present the project at your Feb. 15 precinct meeting. We need participation from as many precincts as possible. RSVP to [email protected].

Holiday Party, Meet the Candidates Event -- December 21

When: Saturday, December 21, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Where: Foxes Boxes, 622 N. 4th Street, Wilmington

The day after the filing deadline for 2020 candidates, and the scheduled impeachment vote, Democrats will gather to celebrate and meet candidates. Enjoy the fellowship of New Hanover Dems, h'ors d'oeurves by Foxes Boxes and a cash bar

Important 2020 Precinct Training-- January 14

When: Tuesday, January 14, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m..

Where: NHCDP Headquarters, 5041 New Centre Drive, Wilmington

All precinct officers and others interested in precinct work are invited to attend this training. You will learn everything you need to know to organize your precinct. You need to attend to pick up your precinct packet. Please RSVP to [email protected].

2020 Precinct Organization Day -- February 15th

When: Saturday, February 15th, Time TBD by Precinct Chair

Where:TBD by Precinct Chair

Because this is a presidential election year, the rules are a bit different. Instead of a ten day period for precinct organization, there is a single day, February 15th. There is a make-up day, March 14th for precincts that fail to organize in February.

2020 New Hanover County Convention -- March 28th

When: Checkin begins at 9 am, closes at 10 am

Where: Board of Education Center, 1805 South 13th Street, Wilmington

2020 7th Congressional District Convention -- April 25th

When: Saturday April 25th, Time TBD

Where: TBD

2020 State Convention -- June 6th

When: Saturday June 6th, Checkin at 10 am.

Where: TBD

Best,

Richard Poole, Chair

News Content by James Cummings

If you have any announcements, comments, questions or concerns regarding this email series, please contact the Editor here.

Paid for by the New Hanover County Democratic Party

Mailing Address:

NHCDP

PO Box 3036

Wilmington, NC 28406

Office Address:

5041 New Centre Drive

Wilmington, NC 28403

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