Dear MSU Democrats,
This year has been a terrific experience for me to serve you as the President. I have gained a lot of perspective on not only the executive leadership style and group interactions, but also the breadth and depth of organization that is necessary to maintain the high standards of the group.
I want to thank those of you who took time out of the busy school schedule to come to our general and executive board meetings. Thanks to those, as well, who attended our debates, our social events, and our fundraisers. This group would not function without the support of the student population.
Other outside entities need to be recognized for their contribution to this organization as well. I extend my personal gratitude to Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero, East Lansing City Councilman Nathan Triplett, Candidate for the 8th Congressional District Bob Alexander, Governor Jennifer Granholm, Michigan Democratic Party Chairman Mark Brewer, Michigan Democratic Party Youth Coordinator Derek Dobies, Practical Political Consulting CEO Mark Grebner, Former Governor Jim Blanchard, State Representatives Meadows and Byrum, and State Senator Whitmer.
Thank you as well to those groups who partnered with us to put together meetings and partnerships as we build relationships to extend the political awareness to students on campus. Such groups include the following: Students for Hillary Clinton, Students for Barack Obama, Spartans for Bill Richardson, Spartans for Progressive Divestment, Black Student Alliance, MSUECO, the Biodome Project, and many more.
This year has proven to be a success in many aspects. During our Voter Registration efforts, this group has broken records for the sheer number of democratic voters activated on campus with a total of nearly 3500. This all happened during an off, off year election. We have doubled our operating budget through our fundraising efforts such as the mailing fundraiser this winter, our voter registration efforts, and our Lansing Lugnuts fundraiser. We have had many successful social and informational events that drew large crowds of members and non-members from across campus. We amended the group’s constitution to better reflect the lessons learned from the past year and elected a strong executive board with big intentions for next year.
I am confident that this group will continue to grow under the leadership of next year’s executive board. There will be changes, and many of these changes will be positive. Look forward to a busy and rewarding experience after a candidate is selected for the Presidential race and the MSU Democrats stumps around campus and enhances the existing and new support for the Democratic candidate. There will be many social events and volunteer opportunities for general members to get involved.
Whether or not you have been involved in the group this year, I encourage anyone interested in politics, volunteerism, activism, or simply finding a fun group of people to hang out with to get more involved with the MSU Democrats in the coming year.
Again, thank you to everyone in the group for your support and I look forward to seeing you all in the fall!
Go Green! Go White! Go Democrats!
Scott Hendrickson
Outgoing President
MSU Democrats
Showing posts with label President. Show all posts
Showing posts with label President. Show all posts
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
How-To Guide to Voting Democratic on January 15th
There has been much controversy over the January 15th primary election, especially within the Democratic Party in Michigan. The feuds between the state party, state legislators, the federal Democratic National Committee, and the candidates for president have been publicized often in recent months as different dates and methods of electing a nominee have been discussed and finally implemented.
All of the confusion has caused many to consider not voting in the Democratic Primary, as there are many questions left unanswered. Where do I vote? What time can I vote? How do I get the Democratic ballot? Are there any new election procedures? Why are there so few candidates on the ballot? What if I support a candidate not on the ballot? Should I write in my candidates name or vote uncommitted?
Several of these questions are easy, but have not been well explained by the news media. On January 15th, during the normal election hours, voters should travel to their normal polling location. This is where they have voted for every past election. If you are unsure where to vote, you can look at the state website and input your information. The website is www.michigan.gov/vote
To obtain your ballot you must first present photo identification. If you do not have a piece of photo id, you may simply sign an affadavit attesting that you are who you say you are. To get a Democratic or Republican ballot, you must tell the election workers which ballot you wish to receive. They will give you the relevant ballot.
Once you get the Democratic ballot, you will notice that there are only four candidates on the ballot, with two extra options. Senator Hillary Clinton, Representative Dennis Kucinich, Former Senator Mike Gravel, and Senator Chris Dodd, will be listed as candidates on the ballot, with other options labeled “Uncommitted” and “Write-In.” Those Democrats supporting one of the other candidates who does not appear on the ballot are being encouraged to vote Uncommitted on the primary ballot, as the delegates elected by uncommitted votes will be free to vote for whomever they choose at the national convention. Voters are discouraged from using the “write-in” option, as candidates must declare as write-in candidates several weeks before the election, and none of the other four candidates have.
Please don’t forget to get out to the polls on Tuesday! This primary decides our future as a nation, and decisions are made by those who show up.
Scott Hendrickson
President of the MSU Democrats
All of the confusion has caused many to consider not voting in the Democratic Primary, as there are many questions left unanswered. Where do I vote? What time can I vote? How do I get the Democratic ballot? Are there any new election procedures? Why are there so few candidates on the ballot? What if I support a candidate not on the ballot? Should I write in my candidates name or vote uncommitted?
Several of these questions are easy, but have not been well explained by the news media. On January 15th, during the normal election hours, voters should travel to their normal polling location. This is where they have voted for every past election. If you are unsure where to vote, you can look at the state website and input your information. The website is www.michigan.gov/vote
To obtain your ballot you must first present photo identification. If you do not have a piece of photo id, you may simply sign an affadavit attesting that you are who you say you are. To get a Democratic or Republican ballot, you must tell the election workers which ballot you wish to receive. They will give you the relevant ballot.
Once you get the Democratic ballot, you will notice that there are only four candidates on the ballot, with two extra options. Senator Hillary Clinton, Representative Dennis Kucinich, Former Senator Mike Gravel, and Senator Chris Dodd, will be listed as candidates on the ballot, with other options labeled “Uncommitted” and “Write-In.” Those Democrats supporting one of the other candidates who does not appear on the ballot are being encouraged to vote Uncommitted on the primary ballot, as the delegates elected by uncommitted votes will be free to vote for whomever they choose at the national convention. Voters are discouraged from using the “write-in” option, as candidates must declare as write-in candidates several weeks before the election, and none of the other four candidates have.
Please don’t forget to get out to the polls on Tuesday! This primary decides our future as a nation, and decisions are made by those who show up.
Scott Hendrickson
President of the MSU Democrats
Monday, October 22, 2007
CRs shouldn’t be blamed for YAF actions
After reading the letter, “MSU officials violate the anti-discrimination policy” (SN 10/18) I am distressed to find out that the MSU College Republicans were lumped with the MSU YAF in the anti-discrimination allegations by the Office for Inclusion and Intercultural Initiatives.
Knowing the background of what happened at the YAF event, I can’t possibly see how the College Republicans were involved. The College Republicans and YAF are two different and distinct groups, though they may not be seen that way. College Republican Chairman Ben Morlock has taken positive steps to distance himself and his group from the YAF.
The MSU Democrats fully support his efforts. The MSU YAF is a fringe group and does not represent what the majority of Republicans feel. This is by no means an argument that they be banned or silenced, I agree that they have a constitutional right to assemble, believe what they believe, and speak freely. The College Republicans have a right to be distinct from YAF.
As the President of the MSU Democrats, I would like to think that we would not be held responsible for fringe groups from our side of the political spectrum. The same should be true of the College Republicans.
Knowing the background of what happened at the YAF event, I can’t possibly see how the College Republicans were involved. The College Republicans and YAF are two different and distinct groups, though they may not be seen that way. College Republican Chairman Ben Morlock has taken positive steps to distance himself and his group from the YAF.
The MSU Democrats fully support his efforts. The MSU YAF is a fringe group and does not represent what the majority of Republicans feel. This is by no means an argument that they be banned or silenced, I agree that they have a constitutional right to assemble, believe what they believe, and speak freely. The College Republicans have a right to be distinct from YAF.
As the President of the MSU Democrats, I would like to think that we would not be held responsible for fringe groups from our side of the political spectrum. The same should be true of the College Republicans.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Hendrickson: Dems unwise to walk away from Michigan
Candidates who abandon state primary might want to think about Nov. 2008
The announcement by the Obama, Richardson, Edwards, and Biden campaigns that they would not be on the ballot in Michigan came as a surprise to some. To others, it is the continuation of a trend that started months ago.
For many years, Iowa and New Hampshire have had a stranglehold on the first Democratic contests. Politicians cater to the interests of these states almost exclusively - and the pandering reaches an all-time high as campaign promises are given out like they are nothing.
This year, Michigan has tried to have the Democratic candidates spend time talking about issues important to our state. We are in the midst of an economic crisis: a single state recession. Presidential candidates should devote some time to hearing our issues and telling the voters in Michigan what they plan to do to help us.
To accomplish this, the two political parties moved their primary election dates ahead in the order, breaking the Democratic National Committee's rules. In response to this, each candidate began by pledging not to campaign in this "rogue" state that so carelessly broke the rules. More recently, several Democratic candidates have decided to drop their names from the Michigan ballot in protest.
The shortsightedness of these campaigns is astounding. This obvious political stunt is meant only to try to woo the voters in the early states that are being bumped from the top spots. While this may win them Iowa and New Hampshire, what then happens when it is time to run in the fall?
In America today, elections are closer than ever. And Michigan remains a swing state. In either 2000 or 2004, if Michigan had swung to the Republicans, there would have been no need for any talk of Ohio or Florida.
President Bush would have won in what is considered a landslide by today's standards.
Considering this, what happens if one of the candidates, who is now taking their name off of the Michigan ballot ends up winning the nomination? These candidates have thumbed their nose at Michigan voters in favor of Iowa and New Hampshire.
Fast-forward to the general election in November 2008.
Michigan voters will be less inclined to show up to the polls to vote for this candidate because that candidate insulted them less than a year ago. Voters are not stupid, nor do they forget.
Depressed Democratic turnout, coupled with Republicans having campaigned here months longer than Democrats could - and probably will - have a drastic effect on the decision of Michigan electors. This would prove to be a devastating loss to the Democrats.
I implore the Democratic candidates to look down the road to the general election and to reconsider writing off Michigan.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Message from the President
The Michigan State University Democrats is an organization of students dedicated to forwarding the ideals of the Democratic Party. Our mission is to assure wider participation and effective organization in furthering the continuing growth, development, and implementation of the campus, local, county, state, and national programs and policies of the Democratic Party.
We hope to raise awareness on campus for progressive ideals through fun, fresh, and exciting new ways. We use many different techniques to achieve these goals. Through registration drives, bi-monthly meetings, fundraising events, speakers and forums, and the occasional protest, we demonstrate that we are a committed group of politically aware and politically active members of the Michigan State community.
While there are often various interests within the Democratic Party, the MSU Democrats recognize that these groups within the Democratic Party, be they environmentalists, civil rights activists, labor activists, or any other, must come together and unite behind a progressive vision of the political future.
This year promises to be a banner year for the Democrats on campus and nationally. From an East Lansing City Council race, to the Presidential caucuses, to the campaign for the presidency, the MSU Democrats will be fighting all year long to forward the ideals which define us. The Democratic issues will be addressed, discussed, and debated, both on the local and national stage. The Michigan State University Democrats will be in the heart of all of these discussions.
This year’s MSU Democrats are stronger than ever. We have a committed Executive Board, detailed organizational planning, and a clear vision of our goals. We will bring high profile speakers, as well as representatives from other progressive on-campus groups, to meetings. Throughout the year, the MSU Democrats will be hosting forums, events, and fundraisers to raise awareness on a broad scope of progressive issues.
I’d like to personally welcome each and every one of you to the organization. Whether you are new to campus, new to the Democratic Party, or a familiar face, I look forward to having you as a part of the MSU Democrats. We have high organizational aspirations and plan to make a difference in the community, but in order to do that we need an active membership. I hope to see each and every one of you at our meetings, fundraisers, and events. Let’s show the country that Michigan State University is not only green and white, but blue as well.
Democratically yours,
Scott Hendrickson
President
MSU Democrats
We hope to raise awareness on campus for progressive ideals through fun, fresh, and exciting new ways. We use many different techniques to achieve these goals. Through registration drives, bi-monthly meetings, fundraising events, speakers and forums, and the occasional protest, we demonstrate that we are a committed group of politically aware and politically active members of the Michigan State community.
While there are often various interests within the Democratic Party, the MSU Democrats recognize that these groups within the Democratic Party, be they environmentalists, civil rights activists, labor activists, or any other, must come together and unite behind a progressive vision of the political future.
This year promises to be a banner year for the Democrats on campus and nationally. From an East Lansing City Council race, to the Presidential caucuses, to the campaign for the presidency, the MSU Democrats will be fighting all year long to forward the ideals which define us. The Democratic issues will be addressed, discussed, and debated, both on the local and national stage. The Michigan State University Democrats will be in the heart of all of these discussions.
This year’s MSU Democrats are stronger than ever. We have a committed Executive Board, detailed organizational planning, and a clear vision of our goals. We will bring high profile speakers, as well as representatives from other progressive on-campus groups, to meetings. Throughout the year, the MSU Democrats will be hosting forums, events, and fundraisers to raise awareness on a broad scope of progressive issues.
I’d like to personally welcome each and every one of you to the organization. Whether you are new to campus, new to the Democratic Party, or a familiar face, I look forward to having you as a part of the MSU Democrats. We have high organizational aspirations and plan to make a difference in the community, but in order to do that we need an active membership. I hope to see each and every one of you at our meetings, fundraisers, and events. Let’s show the country that Michigan State University is not only green and white, but blue as well.
Democratically yours,
Scott Hendrickson
President
MSU Democrats
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