Progress Pittsburgh

The Allegheny County Democratic Committee is raising the fee for candidates for State Legislature to file for the ACDC endorsement (PG article). Apparently, the fees were too low, allowing for widespread competition (i.e. democracy). Perhaps this is a delayed reaction to the Clean Sweep movement of 2006 or perhaps its just good, old-fashioned old boys’ network scheming.

As citizens consider whether to be offended or indifferent to this development, they might consider the following information in their cost-benefit analysis.

Here are some ideas or what $3,000 could buy you in a State House race instead of filing for the endorsement:

* all the yard signs, buttons, ans t-shirts you would need for the entire campaign
* 3 part-time field staff for the final month
* phones and paid poll workers for election day
* printing and postage for a nice direct mail piece to supervoters
* rent for campaign office for at least 3 months
* production and decent run on a radio ad
* color walk lit for most of campaign
* paid voter identification calls to your district

So, even if you were to WIN the ACDC endorsement, does your $3,000 get you close to the value of any of those things?

Image via Wikipedia

UPDATE — DUE TO WEATHER – THIS HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED FOR WED 2/17

PUMP (Pittsburgh Urban Magnet Project) is organizing a workshop for anyone interested in running for democratic committee.  While PUMP is known as an organization for young professionals they are always welcoming to guests of all ages.  So if you are interested in running for committee here is your chance to learn more.

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6:00 – 8:00 February 10, 2010

Shadow Lounge & AVA, 5972 Baum Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15206

On Wednesday, February 10th, PUMP is pleased to present a Civic Engagement Program aimed at getting young people connected with upcoming opportunities to Run for Public Office. In 2010, all of Allegheny County’s Democratic Committee Members are up for re-election. All Republican Committee Members are up for re-election in 2012. If you ever thought about running for public office, and want to give it a try, running for committee is a great place to start!

Come network with other young people who share your interest in politics and learn about the role of the Committee member, important dates in the election cycle, how to circulate petitions and tips on how to win and what a campaign will entail! Blank petitions will also be available at the event.

Featuring:

• Gloria Forouzan, Founder – Run Baby Run
• Tom Baker, Republican State Committeee Member
• Erin Molchany, PUMP’s Executive Director by Day, Allegheny County Democratic Committee Member by night

This is a FREE event! A cash bar will be available. However, if you would like to JOIN PUMP or Renew your membership, you can do so on site at the event for $20! For more information, please contact Erin at erin@pump.org or 412.338.2133 ext 10.

To register, please visit www.pump.org!

Facebook Event for this workshop

Please share your election day parties with us – we will keep updating this list as we learn of more election day parties

Allegheny County 

• Eat Up Cafe at the Union Project – $1 coffee with proof of voting; $3 wrap specials (see event details here)
• IBEW, 6pm – The Allegheny County Democratic Committee, Auditor General Jack Wagner, State Treasurer Candidate Rob McCord, Congressman Mike Doyle, and the IBEW Local #5 cordially invite you to attend the Election Night Victory Celebration.
• Red Hot & Blue at the Waterfront, 5pm – will have red state and blue state margaritas and appetizer specials. Present your voting stub for 1/2 off your first drink (via PUMP).
• Sports Rock Cafe in the Strip, 8pm – The Urban League Young Professionals with NSBE AE chapter, NABA, Voice Your Vote and the National Coalition on Black Participation will be hosting the 2008 Presidential Election Results Party. ($8 at the door/$5 for members of any participating organization)

Indiana County

• Indiana County Democratic Party will host an election night party at The Coney.

Image via WikipediaP208 - Click here to see other events around the 2008 Elections in Western PA. Know of an election event in town? Please leave the a comment with the event details here. Click here to see the Progress Pittsburgh Calendar.

14th Ward Independent Democratic Club Debate Party!

Please join the 14th Ward Independent Democratic Club in watching the
final Presidential Debate

At Silky’s Sports Bar & Grill, 1731 Murray Ave in Squirrel Hill

On Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Starting at 8pm (Debate at 9pm)
Snacks will be provided

For more information call: 412-421-0966

What is the 14th Ward Independent Democratic Club?  The 14th Ward is the largest Ward in the City of Pittsburgh, and the second largest ward in the state. It includes the neighborhoods of Squirrel Hill, Point Breeze, North Point Breeze, Regent Square, Park Place, and Swisshelm Park. Approximately 17,000 Democrats reside in the 14th Ward.

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