Choosing Our Democracy on Fantastic Friday
Dear Friends,
With the November 6 election approaching, it’s crucial to understand what’s at stake. The futures of our children, families, state, and nation hang in the balance. Our top priority must be getting out the vote and voting down the entire ballot. As Democrats, we must win to protect what matters most.
Two significant documents warrant our attention: Trump’s “Agenda 47” – a scattershot set of policy proposals dubbed – and the Heritage Foundation’s “Project 2025” – a sweeping overhaul of government and governance should Donal Trump win the election.
These blueprints outline potential policies of a conservative presidency, presumably led by Donald Trump. While Trump hasn’t detailed comprehensive plans for a potential second term, these documents provide insight into possible directions. For more information on Project 2025, I encourage you to read this New York Times article.
Racism surged under the Trump administration, tearing apart families, friends, and communities, affecting not just older generations but also our youth and school systems. Now, more than ever, it is vital to examine Washington State’s policies, regulations, and fiscal investments to protect what we cherish for future generations.
In our 40th Legislative District and across Washington, we could face aggressive immigration policies affecting both new arrivals and long-established families, rollbacks of environmental protections crucial to our water, air, and natural habitats, and increased racial tensions affecting our communities and schools. It’s vital to examine and protect Washington’s policies, regulations, and investments that safeguard our future.
As a Native American, I’m reminded that we are the first people of this land. The divisiveness spreading across America doesn’t represent our true values. We’ve always cared for our people, instilling deep-rooted values within our communities. Despite historical hardships, we persist, advocating for equality and justice as part of our shared future.
At the end of the day, I am reminded of the fear we face if Trump wins and the extreme Republican agenda is implemented in our state and nation. Let us focus on the real threat: the impact on lives, homes, education, and youth. What I’m reading at my kitchen table underscores why we as Democrats must understand and comprehend what will impact our homes, families, and communities. As a state, we must be prepared to make hard decisions to protect our way of life. Our Democratic platforms and political leadership, which strive to take care of all Americans, are at risk.
Now, more than ever, we must engage, vote, and safeguard our values. Our future depends on it
Keep reading for more on this Fantastic Friday.
Rep. Debra Lekanoff
Heading to the 2024 Democratic National Convention!
I’m honored to share that I’ve been elected by Washington State delegates to represent our At Large Communities at the 2024 Democratic National Convention. This crucial event will be held from August 19 to 22, 2024, at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois.
The convention, themed “our future is created here,” will bring together Democratic delegates nationwide to select our party’s nominees for president and vice president in the 2024 United States presidential election. It’s a vital platform where we’ll build on past achievements, define the stakes of the upcoming election, and reaffirm our commitment to democracy and freedom for all Americans.
As I prepare for this significant responsibility, I want to emphasize the importance of the conversations happening at kitchen tables across our state. Your voices, opinions, and concerns will be with me as I cast my vote for the next Democratic presidential candidate.
I encourage you to stay informed about the issues and candidates by visiting the official convention website. For those interested in becoming more involved, you can find information on running as delegates for future conventions at: https://www.wademsdelegates.org/get-involved/run-for-delegate/.
Your engagement in this process is crucial. Together, let’s work towards creating a brighter future for all Americans. Your voice matters in shaping the direction of our party and our country.
Preparing to Make an Informed Decision
As I prepare for my role as a decision-maker in this pivotal race, I’m immersing myself in information and deliberation. The upcoming National Democratic Convention is crucial as America considers President Biden’s candidacy.
My preparation involves absorbing insights from the Convention Committee and participating in weekly virtual meetings. These sessions are equipping me with the knowledge needed to be a confident and informed decision-maker during the convention.
President Biden’s decision to remain in the race has intensified discussions around the nomination process. With limited time for potential challengers, the party is planning a virtual vote to select a nominee before the convention. Currently, no other candidate is eligible for nomination if President Biden stays in the race.
It’s essential to understand the unfolding events and considerations. I’m committed to bringing this critical information to the forefront for all to ponder at their own kitchen tables.
The New York Times has outlined two potential scenarios for the Democratic nomination process if President Biden withdraws from the race:
Scenario 1: If Biden steps down before the Convention
- Biden’s pledged delegates are released to vote for other candidates.
- Candidates vie for delegate support, needing 300 signatures to appear on the convention ballot.
- At the convention (August 19-22), a candidate needs a majority of about 4,000 delegates to secure the nomination.
- The nominee formally accepts the party’s endorsement.
- States finalize ballots from late August through September, with voting beginning September 6.
Courtesy of the New York Times
Scenario 2: If Biden steps aside after the Convention
- The Democratic National Committee convenes to select a new nominee.
- States finalize ballots, with potential legal challenges due to candidate changes.
- Voting proceeds as scheduled, with the new nominee on the ballot.
Courtesy of the New York Times
As we navigate this critical period, let’s engage in thoughtful discussions to shape the future of our nation. The decisions made in the coming weeks will have profound implications for the 2024 presidential election and beyond.
