Look how far we have come, but we had tons of planning

Two years ago, Al Yates and I plotted this (read below) and now look what we have built now, a successful progressive machine, mmmuuuaaahhh. Great notes below, a closer look at us.

Board Meeting Minutes
October 3, 2006
Boulder
Noon to 3:00 PM

Update of activity

1. Alicia Haywood introduced as the person to step in for Courtney during maternity leave.
2. Discussion of SOS’s decision not to seek a writ of certiorari on Monday, October 2nd
3. Discussion of funding recommendations:
• The goal for the senate is to have 21:14 seats.
• There are four seats that can probably be picked up.
• At this time the house is more vulnerable than the senate. The rumor was the new focus on the house campaigns in terms of funding.
• There are 17 targeted campaigns, 11 protects and six pick-ups.
• In terms of funding levels, the house budget may be off, but the senate is on track.
• The current attacks on Ritter’s record as D.A. has caused a shift in the momentum of Ritter’s campaign and led to shifts in funding priorities.
• The new ads are aggressive Both Ways Bob themed ads.
• The strategy group met Tuesday, October 3 in the morning and New West proposed two strategies to wine. The first strategy left New West with a $92,000 shortfall and the second strategy would cause a $340,000 shortfall.
• New West and the House have the biggest holes right now in terms of funding. 527 money is needed for these groups.

Status of 2006 goals

1. It is generally considered safe to keep the majority in the senate. There is more tension about the house, but the chances are good to retain the majority.
2. The newspaper endorsements for Ritter are good news, but we must pull back and realize this is still a race; we cannot take this position for granted.
3. Race updates:
• CD3 is good. It is not necessary at this time to play.
• CD4 Paccione is working hard. She has a liberal label in a conservative district. Musgrave’s negatives are high (about 50%) and the independent runner is getting the crossover Republications. There will be broadcast TV up and running on Monday.
• CD5 Fawcett has a good profile. The registration in the district is 2:1 R. vs. Dem. A group called Republicans for Fawcett has been formed. Maybe an unholy alliance could be formed with the Rs.
• CD7 Pearlmutter looks good. He is the 2nd race in the country for DCCC; they went broadcast this week.
4. Where is the Colorado Conservation Fund in terms of funding (See e-mail sent 10.5.2006 from Alicia Haywood for this update)?
5. We need answers to where each group is in terms of funding (Look for this information via e-mail very soon).

Infrastructure update

1. Introduction:
• Right now the focus is narrow due to the election, but there needs to be a continuing effort to develop the infrastructure.
• Colorado needs 10-12 long terms organizations like Progress now and the Bell Policy Center to fund research, reach voters, media and the people of Colorado with the progressive message.
• What groups are there long term and how can they be helped?
2. The infrastructure committee wants to hire a consultant for two mapping jobs between the C4 (funded with non-charitable dollars) and C3 (funded with charitable dollars) groups. Ideally, the consultant can legally give coordinated results, but some legal review is necessary.
3. Discussion of the consultant:
• Maeghan Collins is beginning the process of a search for a consultant. There was a discussion of names; any suggestions or input would be helpful.
• The person should have extensive political knowledge of C3, C4, and 527 roles.
• The consultant would come with a bias. It would be impossible to avoid this. The in-state candidate would have helpful prior knowledge of the landscape, but may come with additional bias.
4. What are the next steps?
i. First RFPs are needed for C3 and C4.
ii. They will be sent to 5-6 carefully selected candidates.
iii. It was again discussed that legal review is necessary as the coordination is sensitive.
5. It is important to give the advisory committee the option to get involved by asking for suggestions.
6. Does this group have the right structure of the board to make this venture?
• Should it be everyone or three committee members?
• Tom Congdon and Al Yates will be part of the group.
• Significant attention will be paid to this matter after the election.
7. The next steps are determined to be as follows:
i. Start with Mark Gureskin
ii. Create process to provide oversight
iii. Create timetable


Membership development

1. Discussion of next meeting date and recruiting event:
• We want to create an opportunity to bring members and potential members together (after the election) for fellowship and recruitment.
• It was decided to have a celebration and move forward party to provide the opportunity to envision the Colorado movement. The organization needs to cement its foundation in order to move ahead.
• The next board meeting will be December 5 and it will include the fellowship event.
• The next meeting will devote attention to the future of the organization with an emphasis on recruitment. More details soon…..
2. We also want an election night celebration. We will find out where the Dems are celebrating on election night and coordinate with them.

Recognition of CoDA’s efforts
• A lot of attention is being paid to what Colorado has been doing. It is commendable.