The back window of my car bears a bumper strip that proclaims that I am “PROUD TO BE A DEMOCRAT.” Today I am proclaiming, “I am VERY PROUD TO BE A MEMBER OF THE ATASCADERO DEMOCRATIC CLUB!”

Well, I have always been proud to be a Democrat – There is a new pride in being a member of the ADC. This year we worked on local issues and for local candidates. We were able to contribute generous amounts of money to our candidates, which we all should be proud. I noticed the names of many individuals who made additional contributions also. I find most pride in seeing the many members of ADC working for Jim Patterson----phoning, walking precincts, planting signs, waving signs, collecting signs, all little things that add up to a successful campaign. Jim represents most of the principles of the Democratic Party. I am sure that the effort extended by us helped him achieve the vote margin he needed to win. I was pleased to see that some Paso Robles club members were involved. They realized that a Patterson win was important to them, too.

Adam Hill ran a good campaign, and I congratulate him and Susan Devine, his campaign manager, for the good job. We all win with the new majority on the board of supervisors.  I am glad we were able to contribute the financial support we did. However, I am appalled  at the total amount of money spent in these two races. It is obscene! This just makes it even more evident that if we are to continue to be effective in our efforts to promote the principles of the Democratic Party, we should extend our fund raising capabilities. Please be willing to share any ideas you may have about raising money.

Now we need to turn our attention to November, not just to Obama, but once again, to our local candidates. Robert Cuthbert and Dennis Morris will need lots of help. This is a democratic year, and we should take advantage to get advantage.

Everyone needs to look forward to the FAIR. The Democratic booth will be bigger and better, and I hope you will sign up to help!