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Press Room

June 26, 2008
Mayor Rybak Elected to Top Communications Post for the
National Conference of Democratic Mayors

June 10, 2008
DNC Officers Endorse Barack Obama for President

June 5, 2008
Dean Welcomes Obama Team to DNC

May 31, 2008
DNC's Rules and Bylaws Committee Reaches Agreement
on Seating Florida and Michigan Delegations

April 9, 2008
New Dem of the Week: Thomas Menino

January, 2008
Mayor Cicilline to Lead the National Conference of Democratic Mayors




June 26, 2008
Contact: Virginia Mayer, 202-251-3837

MAYOR RYBAK ELECTED TO TOP COMMUNICATIONS POST FOR THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF DEMOCRATIC MAYORS

Mayor Rybak to serve as mayors’ key messenger in 2008 election

MINNEAPOLIS, MNC — Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak has been elected Vice President for Communications of the National Conference of Democratic Mayors (NCDM). NCDM provides a forum for Democratic mayors to develop and promote public policies in support of America’s cities. This leadership position makes Mayor Rybak a key spokesperson for Democratic mayors, the Democratic Party, and the Obama presidential campaign during the crucial 2008 elections.

"It’s an honor to serve the nation’s Democratic mayors at such a critical time in our history," Mayor Rybak said. "But this is not just about winning elections, it’s about getting the priorities in Washington to reflect the needs that mayors see on the streets of American cities everyday. It’s about getting national leadership on issues like preventing youth violence and creating green manufacturing jobs, leadership that will hopefully lead to better policies under a new Administration."

"We’re extremely excited to have Mayor Rybak join our leadership team," said Providence, RI Mayor David N. Cicilline, President of the NCDM. "As we prepare to elect Barack Obama the next President of the United States and strengthen our Democratic majorities in Congress, it is important that mayors stand up and speak out about the needs of America’s cities. Mayor Rybak is already one of the nations’ leading mayors working on comprehensive approaches to preventing youth violence and we expect great things to come of his efforts on this and other important issues."

Mayor Rybak was elected to the communications leadership position at the NCDM annual meeting in Miami last week. In his role, Rybak will work closely with Democratic mayors from across the country to promote Senator Obama’s urban agenda at the Democratic National Convention and throughout the campaign season.

NCDM officers and mayors across the country have enthusiastically endorsed Senator Barack Obama for President, citing the Senator’s deep understanding of American cities and commitment to reviving the American Dream by creating jobs, stimulating the economy, cutting middle class taxes, making health care affordable, and putting college within the reach of every American.

"Millions of new voters have flocked to the Democratic Party during this year’s primary election, with record-breaking Democratic turnout in every state. This proves clearly that Americans everywhere are hungry for change and Senator Obama is the candidate who can bring that change," said Mayor Rybak, who is often cited as one of the first mayors to endorse Obama for president.

The key role of the NCDM is to educate lawmakers that the 21st Century economy is powered by cities. The group advocates for investments in cities that spur economic growth and create jobs, as well as prioritize quality education and public safety. The organization acts as a liaison between the U.S. Conference of Mayors, Congressional leadership and leaders at all levels of government.



June 10, 2008
Contact: Stacie Paxton/ Damien LaVera, 202-863-8148

DNC OFFICERS ENDORSE BARACK OBAMA FOR PRESIDENT

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, the elected officers of the Democratic National Committee — DNC Vice Chairs Lottie Shackelford, Linda Chavez Thompson, Rep. Mike Honda, Susan W. Turnbull, DNC Secretary Alice Germond, DNC Treasurer Andrew Tobias and DNC Finance Chair Philip Murphy — issued the following statement endorsing Senator Barack Obama for President: "Now that this historic primary season is over, today we proudly offer our enthusiastic endorsement of Senator Barack Obama for President of the United States. Senator Obama is an extraordinary and gifted leader who understands the compelling issues facing American families. As President he will revive the American Dream by working to create jobs, stimulate our economy, cut middle class taxes, make health care affordable and accessible, and put college within reach for every American. He offers the American people a sharp contrast from the third Bush term John McCain is promising. "We also congratulate Senator Hillary Clinton on her extraordinary run for the Presidency; the incredible amount of work she and her supporters poured into her campaign has left the Democratic Party stronger than ever. We thank and honor her for her continued leadership and commitment to America and the Democratic Party. "This year's historic primary campaign brought millions of new voters into the Democratic Party, with record-breaking Democratic voter turnout in every state, territory and Democrats Abroad. This momentous energy illustrates that Americans everywhere are hungry for change. Senator Obama is the candidate who can bring that change. Together, we look forward to doing everything we can to provide Americas working families the change they deserve by helping elect Barack Obama the next President of the United States."



June 5, 2008
Contact: Karen Finney/Stacie Paxton, 202-863-8148

DEAN WELCOMES OBAMA TEAM TO DNC

Thanks Senator Hillary Clinton for Historic Run, Ongoing Leadership

WASHINGTON, DC — Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean today issued the following statement, welcoming the Obama team as we transition to the general election campaign:

"Over the last three years, the DNC staff has worked tirelessly to ensure that the Democratic Party is strong in all 50 states and that we communicate our values to Americans across the country. The DNC and the Obama Campaign are now working together to continue this effort. I'm pleased to welcome Paul Tewes from the Obama Campaign who will help lead our team here at the DNC and ensure a smooth transition to our general election efforts. We know that we have a lot of work ahead of us. On everything from the war in Iraq, to privatizing Social Security, to making the disastrous Bush tax cuts permanent, John McCain has made it clear that he is more interested in continuing the policies of the past rather than facing America's future. Working together, I am confident we will elect Barack Obama the next President of the United States and begin the process of rebuilding our great country.

"With the conclusion of the last primaries and caucuses Tuesday, we've marked the end of an extraordinary primary season and a long and hard fought race between two formidable and historic candidates who have made our Democratic Party proud. Our Party was very fortunate to have so many exceptional candidates in this race from the beginning. While the extended contest presented some challenges, those were significantly outweighed by the overwhelming enthusiasm and energy it generated across the country with more than 35 million people coming out to support our candidates. In every part of the country, Americans — women, men, Hispanics, African Americans, Asian Americans, Native Americans, LGBT Americans, young people, veterans, students and retires, Democrats, Independents and even Republicans came out to support our two outstanding candidates and the values we share. "I congratulate both candidates, and thank them for their commitment not only to our Party but to our country we all love and serve. This has been a transformative election for the Democratic Party in no small part because of these two extraordinary candidates, the historic nature of both campaigns, and the passion, intellect and dedication they brought to the campaign trail every day. "On behalf of the Democratic family, I congratulate Senator Obama on becoming our party's presumptive nominee and look forward to working with him and his team as we work to ensure that he is the next president of the United States. Democrats across America are so grateful to Senator Hillary Clinton for her leadership, her commitment to America and the Democratic Party. You have inspired millions of Americans to participate in our democracy and raised critical issues during the course of this campaign. We look forward to your ongoing leadership.

"This has been a hard fought race and there have been bitter disagreements along the way but the time for disagreements has ended. It's time to come together and unite our Party. Each and every one of us has the responsibility to help ensure that our party is unified and we will all work toward an Obama Administration that will bring change we can all believe in."



May 31, 2008
Contact: Karen Finney/Stacie Paxton, 202-863-8148

DNC'S RULES AND BYLAWS COMMITTEE REACHES AGREEMENT ON SEATING FLORIDA AND MICHIGAN DELEGATIONS

WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean and Rules and Bylaws Committee Co-Chairs Alexis Herman and Jim Roosevelt issued the following joint statement:

"Today, after careful consideration and debate, the Democratic National Committee's Rules and Bylaws Committee reached an agreement on the two challenges before the Committee on seating delegations from Florida and Michigan. The Committee voted to seat the full Florida delegation with a half-vote each. The RBC accepted the Michigan Leadership Plan as presented today by the Michigan Democratic Party with the exception that each delegate receives a half vote. In addition, the Committee agreed that delegates from both states should be slated under Rules 5, 6, 7, and 12, outlining the candidate's right of approval. With this decision, the revised total of delegate votes needed to secure the nomination is 2,118.

"This decision was not made easily or lightly but after listening to oral arguments made by the complainants, State Parties, and both presidential campaigns, we believe this to be the most fair and equitable solution allowed within the rules. The Committee arrived at its decision with three basic principles in mind: One, that we must be fair to the voters in both states. Two, that we must be fair to both campaigns who abided by the rules in good faith and three, that we must be fair to the 48 states that followed the rules.

"We believe today's decision is a step forward in unifying our Party as we work together to put a Democrat back in the White House so we can bring the Iraq War to a responsible end and get our economy back on track. We want to thank all of today's presenters, members of the public — both those here today and the many others who have made their voices heard throughout the process, and supporters of both campaigns.

RBC MEETING FACT SHEET

Florida
Adopted a modified version of the Ausman challenge which:

  • Seats all delegates from Florida pledged and unpledged.
  • Each delegate casts ∏ vote. That goes for pledged delegates and unpledged delegates (superdelegates.)
  • Delegates:
  • Pledged total: 185 delegates casting 92.5 votes.
  • Senator Clinton: 105 delegates casting 52.5 votes.
  • Senator Obama: 67 delegates casting 33.5 votes.
  • Senator Edwards: 13 delegates casting 6.5 votes.
  • 26 unpledged delegates casting 13 votes.
  • Candidates will have the opportunity to approve new people to fill delegate slots if desired. (i.e. re-slate delegates)

Michigan
Adopted a modified version of the Michigan Leadership Plan which:

  • Seats all delegates from Michigan pledged and unpledged.
  • Each delegate casts ∏ vote. That goes for pledged delegates and unpledged delegates (superdelegates.)
  • Compromise allocation of delegates:
  • Pledged total: 128 delegates casting 64 votes.
  • Senator Clinton: 69 delegates casting 34.5 votes.
  • Senator Obama: 59 delegates casting 29.5 votes.
  • 29 unpledged delegates casting 14.5 votes.
  • Candidates will have the opportunity to approve new people to fill delegate slots if desired. (i.e. re-slate delegates)

Total Number of Delegates:
As of May 31, the revised total of delegate votes needed to secure the nomination is 2,118.



January, 2008

MAYOR CICILLINE TO LEAD THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE OF DEMOCRATIC MAYORS

NCDM plays a pivotal role advocating for policies and investments that strengthen America’s families

PROVIDENCE – Mayor David N. Cicilline has been elected president of the National Conference of Democratic Mayors (NCDM). NCDM provides a forum for Democratic mayors to develop, recommend and promote public policies in support of America’s cities.

“It is truly an honor to be elected to lead the nation’s Democratic mayors at such a critical time in our history,” said Mayor Cicilline. “As we prepare to elect the next President of the United States, it’s important that candidates focus on the issues impacting America’s families such healthcare, education, energy and jobs. I pledge to work harder than ever in partnership with other mayors and Congressional leaders to advance the priorities of America’s cities.”

Mayor Cicilline was recommended for the leadership position by the members of the NCDM nominating committee: Stamford, Connecticut Mayor Dannel P. Malloy; Oakland, California Mayor Ron Dellums; and Tulsa, Oklahoma Mayor Kathy Taylor. He was elected to the post by mayors from throughout the country. Mayor Cicilline, who has held the position of vice president of the organization for the past year, succeeds former NCDM President Shirley Franklin, the Mayor of Atlanta.

Mayor Martin Chavez of Albuquerque, New Mexico was re-elected to another term as Vice President of Finance and Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick was re-elected Vice President and Democratic National Committee Representative.

The key role of NCDM is to educate lawmakers that the 21st Century American economy is powered by cities. The organization advocates for long-term investments in cities that spur economic development and create job opportunities, as well as prioritize quality healthcare coverage, quality education and a safe environment for working families. The organization acts as a liaison between the United States Conference of Mayors, Congressional leadership and leaders at all levels of government.