Candidate, San Diego Democratic Central Committee

By Miriam G. (Genser) Raftery

Creating a strategy for Democrats to win -- and take back control of our community from right-wing Republicans

I support development of a public education program to inform voters how Republicans are ignoring the interests of ordinary citizens. This could include a speaker's bureau and a media campaign. As a 20-year media professional, I have the experience needed to develop a media strategy and community outreach to get our message out to the people.

Soaring costs of healthcare, gasoline and more are making it tough for working people and families to make ends meet. Democrats have a clear plan to help -- if only we can let voters know where we stand. Support for a single-payer healthcare system will assure affordable healthcare for all and save money for small businesses. Increasing the minimum wage will help the many families falling below the poverty line. Strengthening public education and investing in renewable energy sources will also help the people in our community. We just have to let the public know where Democrats stand!

We also need to persuade our party leaders to invest financial and manpower resources to support candidates in our area, which for far too long has been dismissed as unwinnable. I have experience in political organizing and leadership needed to make a difference.

As co-founder of East County United PAC and an officer in the 77th Assembly Democratic Committee, I've helped recruit and support candidates with strong qualifications who are also ethically honorable, socially progressive and fiscally responsible. I also authored a resolution calling for impeachment of President Bush and Vice President Cheney. My resolution was passed by our County Central Committee - a full year before an impeachment resolution was introduced into the California Legislature.

As a steering committee member of Democracy for America, I believe in Howard Dean's philosophy of restoring control of our democracy to the people. I've been involved in organizing numerous Democratic and progressive events aimed at building support for democratic values, including candidate forums, peace rallies, and the national Democracy Festival this summer at SDSU.

If you believe in restoring our democracy, winning support for Democratic candidates, and educating the public about Democratic principles, then please support my candidacy!