What: McCutcheon vs. FEC, Money vs. People Rally
When: Tuesday October 8th at 9:30 AM
Where: On the steps of the Supreme Court
Why: Because when a small group of millionaires and special interests can spend an unlimited amount of money in our elections, the voices of average Americans are drowned out, the changes we want to see don’t happen, and that’s not cool.
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We will be departing from GW at 6:30 AM on October 5th and returning to GW at 6PM on October 6th!
Space is limited and fills up quickly, to ensure your spot, sign up ASAP
Please note if you are selected for the trip, you will need to bring a $10 deposit to the CD office in Marvin 422
Sign up here!!!!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1xP8ZVZMV9ad9_wjS-80JcY1H19bjEHZWCfTM6DCG3gc/viewform
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Bryan Doherty
Foggy Bottom
Hey everyone! I’m Bryan Doherty and I’m running as the Foggy Bottom Freshman Representative for the College Democrats. I’m from just outside of Baltimore, Maryland and I’m majoring in Political Communication. I’m running for Freshman rep because I want to help the Class of 2017 become the most active and enthusiastic part of our chapter of College Dems. From phone-banking for Obama to being on student government, I want use my experience to work with you so that we can affect the most change possible and get the Democratic issues we’re all passionate about the attention and support they deserve.
Taylor Mott
Foggy Bottom
Hi my name is Taylor Mott and I’m freshman in the Elliott School planning on majoring in Economics and the Middle East. I’m from Chicago and I became interested in politics during the 2008 presidential campaign when it was hard to ignore the democratic fever that ran through my community. When the 2012 campaign started, I eagerly jumped at a chance to volunteer. I started canvassing in swing states near Chicago like Ohio an Iowa and eventually became a part time intern during the fall. I helped organize phone banks and canvases across the country as well as tracked polling data. I’ve had real experience organizing events for campaigns and helping run activities to get high school kids involved in politics in Chicago. I’d love to continue to help do that here at GW as well. I hope you vote for me!
Spencer William Legred
Foggy Bottom
I, Spencer William Legred, declare my candidacy for Foggy Bottom Representative to The George Washington University College Democrats. I want to help this University and Democrats all over the country. We are far stronger together. Thank you for this opportunity, and I look forward to meeting all in the year to come.
Best, Spencer Legred
“Together for a Brighter GW”
Hassan Haider
Foggy Bottom
I am excited to announce my candidacy for Freshman Representative of Foggy Bottom for the GW College Democrats. Supporting and furthering the Democratic cause has been one of my strongest passions throughout my high school career. I have worked on local, state, and federal campaigns to help Democrats win seats in various levels of government. I have also served on the Executive Board of the High School Democrats of America since the summer of 2011 as Programs Director and National Chairman. During my term as National Chairman over the past year, I coordinated our national strategy with Obama for America. Through events like nationwide phone banks, we were able to have an effect from the grassroots level on local and federal races in various swing states. As Freshman Representative, I will work hard to make sure that GW Dems continue to work towards helping the Democratic cause. For freshmen in particular, I will help coordinate events to create connections and opportunities to get involved while down in DC. Most importantly, I will have an open dialogue with my fellow freshmen to implement their ideas and make GW Dems more accessible for everyone. I look forward to speaking with all of you and discussing the ideas, issues, and opinions you have for the GW College Democrats. I’m excited for the opportunities we will have for the next four years while living in the nation’s capital, and I know that we can all work together in helping the Democratic cause and making a better tomorrow. I hope you will support me for Freshman Representative of Foggy Bottom!
Molly Ingalls
Foggy Bottom
My name is Molly Ingalls and I’m from Boca Raton, Florida, majoring in political communication, and politics is my lifelong passion. I was an Organizing Fellow with Organizing for America, later Organizing for Action, and organized phone banks in Boca Raton for President Obama’s campaign. I also worked as a field organizer for a local ballot initiative in Miami and interned for the Presidential Inaugural Committee and Congresswoman Lois Frankel. Obama won, but our work isn’t done! I’m excited to get back to work organizing the freshman class to make sure Democrats win. I’m fired up and ready to go!
Spencer Perry
Foggy Bottom
Hello, my name is Spencer Perry. I grew up in Albany, California and am now living in Thurston Hall, Room 302 and studying Political Science, Economics and Computer Science. Back home, whether it was serving as the Youth Governor of California, representing students on the Albany Board of Education, orresearching and writing for legislation to end higher education harassment in Senator Gillibrand’s office, I have made it my mission to serve the members of my community and the members of my party. I will continue to do just that as Foggy Bottom’s Freshman Representative.
Griffin Barzune Goetzmann
Foggy Bottom
I, Griffin Barzune Goetzmann, am running for Freshmen Representative from Foggy Bottom of College Democrats at the George Washington University. The work that George Washington University’s chapter of College Democrats has done and continues to do is vital to moving the school, the district, and ultimately the nation forward. In order to continue and build upon the success of past years, the Freshmen Representative must work diligently to foster a new class of dedicated volunteers and passionate activists. This task is not a light one, but one that must be taken and thought of with considerable gravity. I am running because I am up for that challenge and am devoted to seeing the growth of life long liberalism not only here on campus, but throughout the country. During my high school career I served as Student Government President, leading various community service projects with a focus on serving the disadvantaged and providing a relevant education to those who needed it most. I founded my high school’s chapter of Young Democrats and served as President for two years. In that time we raised money for local candidates, volunteered at fundraisers, and funded a bus that drove folks to and from election sites for the 2012 Presidential Election. All of that aside, what it takes in order to be successful in those positions is to have an acute ability to communicate and empathize. If you are a poor communicator, then even the best made plans remain just that –plans. If elected, I will work to ensure that freshmen are heard from and advocated for. Many in the class of 2017 are already in for the long haul and will work tirelessly for the ideals of the Democratic Party, yet many are not. We must reach out and aim to pull more people in to the process, educating them about what we as a chapter stand for and what we as a party are. The Democratic Party is for the future, inclusivity, equality, education, and fairness both legally and economically. Our message is one that is clear and simple, it is only our job to share what we believe and trust that morality, compassion, and common sense will convince liberals and conservatives alike of our just cause. The class of 2017 overwhelmingly supports the Democratic Party, CDs need only to engage us and give the opportunity to work towards the realization of our collective beliefs, and we will. To be effective in this position I will hold both physical and online forums where members and potential members will have the opportunity to voice concerns, sign up for volunteer opportunities, and share their ideas as to how College Democrats can continue to be at the forefront of the political trade winds. I would be equally honored and excited to be elected Freshmen Representative, and would work hard for my peers and CDs. Through team work, effective communication, friendship, drive, and passion I am confident our class can be the the most progressive yet. Now, I ask you to trust in me and fight with me and together, Freshmen and CDs, can better GW and the Democratic Party. As President Lyndon B. Johnson once said, “Yesterday is not ours to recover, but tomorrow is ours to win or lose.” What he said then still rings true today, through hard work and tribulations we have the chance to win tomorrow, and that work starts today.
Zan Mir
Mount Vernon
Fellow freshmen, our beloved country finds itself in challenging times. Indeed, in recent history America has given up quite a few accolades. If you venture out to cities like Detroit, Cleveland, or New Orleans, you wouldn’t think that this is the image of the richest country in the world. We’re lacking in the education and healthcare fields, and we are still far from relative equality- financial and social. I believe the liberal agenda can restore American prosperity. Over the course of the next four years, like many of you, I will work hard to push that agenda. As your freshman rep. on the vern, I will try my best to embody traditional democratic ideals like inclusiveness and fairness. I will be there for you. All the best.
Nikki Frick
Mount Vernon
GW College Democrats, my name is Nicole (Nikki) Frick. I’m a freshman in the Elliott School of International Affairs, originally from beautiful Northern Minnesota (thankfully not in Michelle Bachmann’s district). I would like to be considered for candidacy as a Freshman Representative for the Mount Vernon campus, as I’m currently residing in West Hall. I look forward to the possibility of representing our freshman class while becoming more involved in the Democratic Party – especially in an organization as strong as ours.
Raise High, Nikki
John Weber
Mount Vernon
Hello, my name is John Weber and I’m running to become the Freshman Representative for the Mount Vernon campus. Having grown up in Georgia, I haven’t exactly been surrounded by fellow liberals. However, whether defending John Kerry in my 4th grade social studies class or helping to prevent a Republican supermajority in the Georgia State House last fall, I’ve always been dedicated to promoting progressive values. I’m excited to continue doing so at GW and especially on the Mount Vernon campus. The Vern is full of untapped potential for political action. If elected, I will work to realize this potential and ensure that my fellow Vernies have the chance to be an important part of the College Democrats’ efforts toward a brighter future.
Jen Grooms
Mount Vernon
Hello fellow students, my name is Jen Grooms and I’m running to be your Mt. Vernon, GW Democrats freshman representative. I’m from the very liberal Madison, Wisconsin, a city which helped to foster and confirm my progressive beliefs as well as get exposure to the political scene. I was able to become involved in the 2010 Scott Walker protests, a chance to experience democracy first-hand, and better understand the importance of recognizing every side of a situation. As your student representative I would work hard to bring GW Democrat events to the Vern, and make sure to get all my fellow Vernies included. I’m an outgoing, persistent, home-grown Midwesterner, and I’m excited to be able to represent my peers, and help GW Democrats make a stronger impact on campus, and throughout the capital.
Sophie Salmore
Mount Vernon
Hi, I’m Sophie Salmore, and I want to serve at the pleasure of the Mt. Vernon Democrats. As your Freshman Representative, I’ll engage in an on-going conversation with you about our collective, political involvement at the Vern, and accordingly institute bold, but achievable changes. I’ll devote my term to creating a healthy balance between our two campuses, capitalizing on the progressive enthusiasm already present on the Vern. Specifically, I seek to institutionalize the political culture of Mt. Vernon to provide passionate College Democrats with a place to socialize and contemplate. In all, I plan to shed light on each student’s unique relationship to the principles, ideas and candidates of the Democratic Party in order to transform the Vern into the political hub it has the potential to become. Vote Salmore: It’s our future, and our time is now!
Jesse Lederman
Mount Vernon
My name is Jesse Lederman and I am excited to stand as a candidate for the Freshman Representative to the GW College Democrats from the Mount Vernon Campus. I believe that the Democratic Party and our representatives at all levels of government are protectors of the rights our society has fought valiantly for, and are the driving force behind progress in our nation. In my organizing I strive to help young people make the connection between their own core beliefs and that of the Democratic Party. This, I have found, is what inspires people to become involved in our party, and when they make that connection, it is one that creates dedicated, life-long Democrats. I want to bring that organizing to our campus and to our organization. In my home state of Massachusetts I am proud to serve on the Executive Board of the Springfield Democratic Committee, and have also spent the last four years organizing in Democratic politics at the local and statewide level. I have served in such capacities as a Campaign Aide, Press Secretary, Field Director, and Campaign Manager for City Council, District Attorney, and State Senate campaigns. I have served as a volunteer on such statewide campaigns as Governor Deval Patrick’s and Senator Elizabeth Warren’s. In June of this year I was hired by the Ed Markey for US Senate Campaign as a staff member, working as a Deputy Field Organizer in Western Massachusetts. I look forward to meeting many of you in the coming week, and hope you will consider voting for me as your Freshman Representative.
Emma Grundhauser
Mount Vernon
My name is Emma Grundhauser and I’m from St. Paul, Minnesota, majoring in Political Science and minoring in French. I’m excited to declare my candidacy for Freshman Representative for the Mount Vernon Campus! I’ve already been very inspired by the energy and passion present in every member of the GW College Democrats, and it would be an honor for me to use my skills alongside the talented Executive Board in all that they do to advance the Democratic agenda at GW and across the country. I’ve spent the past two summers coordinating and participating in phone banks and canvasses for OFA and the Minnesota DFL, where I’ve learned the importance of good communication, organization, and teamwork. I would certainly use these lessons to my advantage as both a member of the Executive Board and a liaison to the other freshmen on the Vern. I can usually be found inside West Hall watching The West Wing or retweeting Ezra Klein, but I can’t wait to get out and started on the vision that has been laid out for us this year! I hope I can count on your vote on Tuesday for Freshman Representative.
]]>We’re hosting a Welcome Back BBQ on Sunday, September 1st in Kogan Plaza!
There will be plenty of free food and good conversation! Plus, it is a great opportunity to pay your lifetime dues if you have not already!
On Tuesday, September 3rd, we will be having our first general board meeting in Marvin Grand Ballroom!
You can get to know your new board, catch up on the upcoming events and pay your dues if you missed the BBQ!
Hope to see you guys!
Fired up & Ready to go!
]]>SATURDAY, AUGUST 24
See the flyer here:
]]>Hello, my name is Connor Schmidt and I would like to be your freshman Foggy Bottom representative for the College Democrats. I’m from Hamilton, Massachusetts and plan on majoring in Political Science. From holding signs for John Kerry in fifth grade to interning for our senate candidate Elizabeth Warren this summer, there is nothing I love more than getting involved in politics. As your representative, I want to help make this organization stand up to its reputation as the best College Democrats chapter in the country as we help reelect President Obama and continue to push the United States forward.
Jason Albrecht: Foggy Bottom
My name is Jason Albrecht and I am looking for your support to be elected as the Freshman Representative for the Foggy Bottom campus. I am passionate about progress in both our University and nation and I believe that my experience in my previous leadership positions, President of FBLA and Vice President of my Student Government, will help me to contribute to the GW Democrats as your Freshman Representative. I am very excited to have this opportunity to represent my classmen and I whole-heartedly believe that I am the best suited candidate for this position; so before your vote for Barack Obama this November, vote for Jason Albrecht.
McKinley Kant: Foggy Bottom
Hi everyone! I’m McKinley Kant. Being from Madison, WI – which is a liberal’s paradise by the way – I chose GW in part because I knew it had the most active College Democrats chapter in the country. As an intern for Wisconsin’s Organizing for America state headquarters this past summer I got to experience the inner workings of Obama’s campaign during the recall election, which ultimately served as a dry run for the election this November. I also served as VP for my school’s NHS chapter last year. I’d be very excited to bring my leadership skills to CDs as well!
Daniel Warwick: Foggy Bottom
I’m running for freshman representative because I want to make sure we win 2012. I promise to do the necessary grunt work with pleasure, help form interesting and engaging events, and make sure direct voter contact is fun so we can help Obama win in Virginia and marriage win in Maryland. Back in the “other Washington” I was Communications Director and then Chair of my legislative district Democrats and worked with the County organization for endorsements and with candidates for GOTV. I bring experience in the partisan structure and hope to listen and work for you as your representative.
Clay Miller: Foggy Bottom
Growing up in a working class family I and going to public school in an underprivaleged location in the heart of an urban center has given me a relatable story and sense of the struggle of everyday life. My story would allow me to emphasize pathos and personal struggle in the hunt for policy, not just sole politico speak. Getting the heart and emotion out of the middle class, gay rights, women’s rights, etc. would allow me to influence many others and create a growing base for GW democrats. Thus, I am running for Foggy Bottom rep, representing Thurston Hall.
Akash Katakam: Mount Vernon
For the past few years, I have seen how liberal and progressive principles have changed people’s lives for the better. I have worked hard towards promoting these same values while campaigning for U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) Congressman Bill Pascrell (D-NJ), and State Legislator Jerry G. Green. To continue my efforts here at GW, I announce my candidacy for Freshman Representative of the Mt. Vernon Campus. I will energize Mt. Vernon Democrats to become more involved in federal and local campaigns, present students with more internship opportunities, and organize events where students can come together to move America forward.
Emily Thompson: Mount Vernon
My name is Emily Thompson, and I want to be the Freshman Representative to the GW College Democrats for Mt. Vernon! I come from a place where being a democrat is totally discouraged. This has hardened my resolve to fight for the ideals that democrats everywhere embrace. This fall is an exciting time to be a young democrat, and I will do my best to help capitalize on all the amazing opportunities available for the students of GW during the coming year. If elected, I will be sure to make the voice of freshman democrats living on the Vern heard
Dylan Marker: Mount Vernon
I, Dylan Marker, would like to declare my candidacy for Freshman Representative of the Mount Vernon Campus. I believe wholly in the Democratic agenda, and I promise to work tirelessly to represent all Mount Vernon College Democrats in the pursuit of a more promising tomorrow.
Kevin Palmero: Mount Vernon
My name is Kevin Palermo, and I’m running to become the Freshman Representative for the Mount Vernon Campus. I hope to bring a political life to the Vern, where a social life seems to be lacking. The fact of the matter is that there is an abundance of undisposed energy hidden within the dorms of West, Somers, Clark, Cole, Hensley, and hell, even Merriweather. The Vern is a powder keg of activism, and I’m prepared to tap that keg. In all sincerity, I would be honored to serve as the Vern’s Freshman Representative, and would dedicate myself to the task.
Anna O’Neil: Mount Vernon
My name is Anna O’Neil and I am running to represent the Vern and all those who can’t party next to the white house every night. I learned what it means to be politically involved while canvassing for Obama in 2008. Since then, I have been president of my school’s government club, won awards in the Youth and Government program, and interned for President Obama’s campaign as a Summer Fellow. I understand the significant difference this group can make by supporting the party that works for our future. I will help us make that difference.
Maggie Wedeman: Mount Vernon
My name is Maggie Wedeman and I am running for Mount Vernon Freshman Representative for the GW College Democrats. In Nebraska I was a loud, proud, hard working Democrat and I am ready to continue at GW. As president of my high school democrats, I increased membership and established ties to our state party. As an Obama for America fellow and staffer on a senate campaign, I have experience involving others on campaigns and increasing excitement about being a Democrat. This skill is essential in an election year. Because of my activism, I was elected a delegate to the DNC in Charlotte. As freshmen representative, I will work to increase membership, bring experience and a unique perspective to the GW Democrats.
]]>Note: No candidate may start campaigning (i.e. Facebook pages, posters, flyers, palm cards, door-to-door, etc) until all candidacy statements have been received at 9 PM on Sunday. In addition, only dues paying members from the respective campuses can vote in the election for their Freshmen Representative. Potential members can pay dues during Office Hours (found on the website) until the election. Voting will occur once every candidate has been given a chance to speak, so get there on time so you don’t miss the speeches and voting afterwards! A runoff between the top two candidates will occur if no candidate receives 40% of the vote.
When: Wedsnesday, Sept 5th, 9 PM and Thursday, September 6th, 7 PM
Where: Wednesday-Continental Ballroom, Thursday-Marvin 309
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When: Thursday, September 6th, 10 AM-4PM
Where: Marvin 307
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