Platte County Democratic Online Newsletter

So far this has been a good summer for the Platte County Democrats. Earlier this year they had a historic caucus. This caucus produced a recorded number of potential delegates to the county convention. In June they held our convention at the courthouse. Despite horrific weather, there was a record turnout when outgoing Chairman Tom Havelka called the convention to order.

State Party chair Steve Achelpohl addressed the convention. He remarked about turnout, nearly double from his last visit, and the future of the Democratic Party. Steve will be stepping down from his post as Party Chair and this was his last chance to address the convention as Chairman.

Third District Congressional Candidate Jay Stoddard also addressed the group. Stoddard, who his seeking the held by Congressmen Adrian Smith, talked about the Democratic Party and his race for Smith’s seat.

When the visitors departed to avoid the impending storms the delegates divided to achieve the main purpose of the convention. In prior years the Platte County Democrats had difficulty finding delegates to attend the State Convention. Not so this year. Twenty delegates contended for the coveted eight spots. Even the alternate spots drew healthy competition. Ryan Sidwell, David Mullin, and Joe DiConstanza won the male positions for Obama delegates. Rudina “Rudy” Thayer and Michelle Uzendowski garnered the ladies’ spots. In the Clinton camp Jan Osten and Donna Anderson were selected from the women and Frank Ramaekers captured the sole male position. Rana Favors, Brian Broadrick, Tom Havelka, and Joyce Guenther were selected as alternates

The convention reassembled and elected new officers for the coming two years. Ryan Sidwell was selected to be Party Chair. Joyce Guenther won the close balloting for Vice-Chair. Jan Osten retained her position as secretary and Michelle Uzendowski was elected treasurer. With the changing of the guard complete Ryan Sidwell adjourned the convention.

Two weeks later the Platte County delegation headed east to the State Convention in Fremont. The three-day event would see the election of a new State Chair in addition to a new executive committee. In addition thirty one delegates were selected to attend the National Convention in Denver. Platte County’s Michelle Uzendowski was selected as an alternate to the gala event.

Former Kennedy aide Ted Sorensen spoke at the evening meal of the second day. The person who wrote the critical letters to Premiere Khrushchev during the Cuban Missile Crisis spoke of his years serving John Kennedy and the future of the Democratic Party. Several Platte County Democrats attended the event.

The Platte County Democrats will host a booth at the Platte County Fair from July 7^th until July 13^th. Volunteers and visitors are always welcome . There will be several parades and similar events throughout the summer for Democrats to enjoy.

Expect the next newsletter on August 1st.