 
Calitician Randy Bayne, who is Chair of the Amador DCC, acted as host for the evening.
The evening's extra special guest speaker was none other than both large and small-d Democratic heroine Debra Bowen. She spoke at length about the challenges she faces in ensuring that every vote is counted.
 Bowen particularly stressed how her approach to the Secretary of State job was influenced by the events in Florida in 2000 and Ohio in 2004. As she watched the Secretaries of State in those two states, who both served in highly political roles as state co-chairs for the Bush campaign, she vowed that as SoS in California she would do her utmost to insulate herself from partisan political activity so that the integrity of the voting process would be above reproach.
Of course, that doesn't mean that Bowen doesn't support the election of Democrats throughout the state. But she clearly feels that she can be of most service by leaving the campaigning to others and focusing on her role with as much impartiality as possible. Nevertheless, Bowen encouraged us to get busy working on behalf of candidates throughout our districts, exhorting the audience (and I'm paraphrasing), "Your job is to get the votes for Democrats; my job is to make sure those votes are counted accurately."
 Bowen also told the audience about her shock and delight at receiving the phone call from Caroline Kennedy ("I nearly fell off my chair!") informing her that she had been selected to receive a Profile in Courage award. Personally, I can't think of a better choice.
One other thing that stood out about the evening was how incredibly gracious Debra Bowen is. Before dinner was served, she circled the room and greeted the guests at each and every table. After her speech, she again visited every table, handing out what seems to have become her trademark - Hershey kisses.
Penny
Online Organizing Director
California Democratic Party |
