Mousepads, Shoe Leather, and Hope: Lessons from the Howard Dean Campaign for the Future of Internet Politics

Written by: Pam Paul on Sep 19, 2007 4:34 PM EDT

Hello,

I hope you are all well!

I have not been around so much these days but I have been working locally at the precinct and county levels. I am always and forever grateful for all the work you are all doing!

There are two new books out written by several folks, myself included, from the Dean Campaign..

The first is a thought provoking analysis of Iran, and the second is a compilation of stories from folks who worked/volunteered during the Dean Campaign. Honestly, I don't think you will find another book with such great reflection and such diverse experiences from the campaign.

 Both are getting great feedback!

I just thought I'd share- mostly because folks are emailing me about the book and asking me why I didn't tell them about it.

Thanks to you all!

:) Pam

"never underestimate the power of the grassroots!"

~~~~~~~~~~~~ books named below~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Engaging Iran: The Rise of a Middle East Powerhouse and America's Strategic Choice
by Nathan Gonzalez, of Latinos or America

http://www.paradigmpublishers.com/books/BookDetail.aspx?productID=168015

and

Mousepads, Shoe Leather, and Hope: Lessons from the Howard Dean Campaign for the Future of Internet Politics, by Zephyr Teachout, Thomas Streeter, and Contributions by Jerome Armstrong, Larry Biddle, Manuel Castells, Bobby Clark, Howard Dean, Zack Exley, Matthew Gross, Aldon Hynes, Joshua Koenig, Nicco Mele, Amanda Michel, Kelly Nuxoll, Pam Paul, Araba Sey, Michael Silberman

http://www.paradigmpublishers.com/books/BookDetail.aspx?productID=168015

Here is a site dedicated to the book: http://www.deaninternetbook.com/

Thanks so much!!

 

Telephone Voting Catching On

Written by: Pam Paul on Aug 25, 2006 9:52 AM EDT

Linked to groups: DFA Election Rescue Strategy Team

Telephone Voting Catching On
Low-cost accessible systems are popular in New England


By Dan Seligson
electionline.org


States and localities seeking to avoid the high cost - and controversy - that often comes with purchasing touch-screen voting machines to meet accessible voting requirements are increasingly reaching for one of the most ubiquitous devices in America - the telephone.


Earlier this month, Connecticut announced it would purchase the vote-by-phone system for $1 million to fulfill the Help America Vote Act requirement for accessible voting systems. Elsewhere in New England, the system - considered technically to be a ballot marking device - is becoming an increasingly popular alternative to polling-place e-voting. Officials in New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine selected touch tones rather than touch-screens to allow for independent and secret voting by people with disabilities. Oregon and Oklahoma adopted the system as well.


The system, produced by Kentucky-based IVS, uses a voice prompt and telephone keypad responses. It also produces a voter-verified paper audit trail, which can be read back to the voter.


Since the system relies on remote access, it requires minimal set up other than a land line (cell phones will not work with the system). Using a phone number, identification number and PIN number, assigned by the local election division, voters can use the system which is then printed with a bar code for scanning or faxing. Rather than using the full complement of digits, the IVS system employs the '5' key, which on virtually all recently-produced phones has a raised bump, making it identifiable to people with visual disabilities. (To cast a sample ballot on the system, call (888) 661-6366, use poll worker ID "1234," and use "101" for the ballot access ID).


In an election, the system only accepts phone calls from a limited number of phone lines - those at polling places - and denies access to any unknown phone numbers.


Responses to the system have been mostly favorable, with advocates including VerifiedVoting.org praising it for being a ballot-marking device, rather than the direct-recording electronic systems which they contend are more prone to fraud, error, and manipulation. The Hartford Courant, in an editorial, praised the vote-by-phone system as "well-established, user-friendly, affordable and pretty secure." The National Federation for the Blind similarly endorsed Connecticut's purchase, sharing space in Secretary of State Susan Bysiewicz's press release announcing the purchase.


Some voters with disabilities surveyed in Oregon after using the system said instructions "were difficult to understand," while one said it was "incomprehensible with my disability."


In Connecticut, Bill Bunnell, a retired engineer who founded True VoteCT, an organization pushing for verified voting in the state, said there are some reservations with the system, stemming from the way the state approved it and in its somewhat limited accessibility.


"All of the states using the system except Connecticut had done a lot of public demonstrations of competitive devices, ran full-fledged RFPs and in New York's case, had testing procedures," Bunnell said. "In Connecticut, there was no testing, no focus groups made up of the disabled, no real exposure that we could find prior to the contract being awarded. Our argument is with the process...the magic that happens with this system is behind the curtain which no one in Connecticut has yet seen. That's all in the server."


The computer which accepts the votes prints them on to paper, which in most states is then faxed to the polls for counting.


The problem for some, including Bunnell, is that many people with other types of disabilities use the machine.


"When compared with five other types of systems in New York, the vote-by-phone system offered capabilities for the fewest number of disabilities," he said. "But there is no question this is going to serve the sight impaired very well."


Those with disabilities requiring the use of sip/puff tubes or other means to cast ballots are encouraged to bring equipment with them to polling places, said Kathy DeWolfe, Vermont's election director.


She added while no system can be 100 percent accessible to every voter, the vote-by-phone system is "the best of what we think is available right now in 2006."


"What we think makes it far superior is the fact that you can practice and preview at home," she said. "Anybody can get a sample ballot, and see how straightforward the instructions are."


She also pointed to a significant cost savings over electronic touch-screen voting systems. A four-year contract for the IVS system, phones, headsets, and ballot set-up and support cost Vermont $910,000. DeWolfe said a similar DRE system would cost the state between $3 million and $4 million for the same time frame.


While the Sept. 12 primary marks the first major test for the IVS system in Vermont - a federal election - Oklahoma held its primary in July using vote-by-phone and a run-off vote on Tuesday.


According to Michael Clingman, the secretary of Oklahoma's Election Board, the system worked "absolutely perfectly." It was hardly tested, however. In the 2,200 polling places statewide with available phones for voting, only 21 votes were cast. That number dropped to 13 during the run-off.


While Clingman said the state is satisfied with the system, Oklahoma could seek an eventual integration of accessible optical scan machines.


"It would be preferable to have one unit," he said. "I think in the future we are going to see manufacturers accommodate that need and have accessibility and optical scan in the same unit."


For Connecticut, the IVS system appears to be temporary as well. With a one year contract covering only 2006, Bunnell referred to the vote-by-phone system as "a large demo program."

DC, Democratic Gain: First 2006 Cycle Career Fair

Written by: Pam Paul on Apr 11, 2006 6:15 PM EDT

Linked to groups: DFA Job Board

SAVE THE DATE!!

May 18, 2006 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM
First 2006 Cycle Career Fair
George Washington University Marvin Center
You need talent and this is where you will find it!

Employers - you can meet hundreds of qualified, well trained staffers for your next campaign, legislative office or advocacy initiative.

GAIN will produce 400 people for one-on-one interviews all day on May 18th. In addition, your company, campaign or office will qualify to join as an annual member of the Democratic and Progressive Organization's premier headhunting, training and networking professional association.

This is our 23rd Career Fair.
We produce results:


Registered 17,582 individuals
Trained 7,825 individuals in 15 cities
Produced 22 separate Career Fairs
Activated 1,782 Employers who use our site to find talent
Currently posted 323 active job requests for positions
Created 7 training manuals (currently used by EMILY's list, DNC, HRC and NDI among others)



A Sampling of Employers
Democratic Party Committees:

Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee
Democratic Governors Association
Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee
Democratic National Committee
Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee
Arkansas Coordinated Campaign
Iowa Democratic Party
Maryland Democratic Party
Rhode Island Democratic Party
Labor Unions:
AFSCME
AFL-CIO
SEIU
UFCW
Elected Officials' Offices:
Rep. David Obey
Rep. Steve Israel
Rep. Brad Miller
Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson
Campaigns:
Allyson Schwartz for Congress
Bill Nelson for US Senate
Chet Culver for Governor
Granholm for Governor
Herseth for Congress
Non-Profit/Advocacy:
Arizona Together Coalition
2020 Democrats
21st Century Democrats
ACORN
Grassroots Democrats
Human Rights Campaign
People for the American Way
The New Progressive Coalition
Progressive Majority
Consultants:
MSHC Partners
Burnside & Associates
Cunningham Harris & Associates
MacWilliams Robinson
NGP Software
Voter Activation Network






--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Trained talent is as important as money, without it -- you can't win." Rep. Rham Emanuel Chairman, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee

Sincerely,


Charles Halloran
Democratic GAIN

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Email: halloran-at-democraticgain.org
Phone: 202.863.4246
Fax: 202.863.9150
Web: www.DemocraticGAIN.org...

CA, NM, CO, TX: Resource Center Directors/Coordinators

Written by: Pam Paul on Mar 28, 2006 5:22 PM EST

Linked to groups: DFA Job Board

Communities United to Strengthen America

www.communities-united.org/jobs....

ONLINE COMMUNICATIONS ASSOCIATE

RESOURCE CENTER DIRECTORS

RESOURCE CENTER OUTREACH COORDINATORS

RESOURCE COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTORS

REGIONAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATES

About US
Communities United to Strengthen America is a 501(c)4 non-profit, non-partisan issue advocacy organization whose mission is to strengthen middle-class families by focusing on the issues that affect them every day.

Communities United addresses Washington¹s failure to deliver sound policies that support and strengthen the middle-class. Three issues key to the success of middle-class families are economic prosperity, quality health care, and retirement security.

Community Resource Centers ­ now open in neighborhoods across the country ­are hosting free educational seminars, providing neighbor-to-neighbor communication training, and giving communities the tools they need to hold their leaders accountable. Communities United's neighborhood activities
will strengthen neighborhood ties so that middle-class families can make a difference in their communities, give back to the community by sharing information, and ensure that middle-class voices are being heard.

At Communities United, we are moving communities to action by conducting compelling research, generating earned media, training in media and advocacy, and educating communities about issues ­ all to help middle-class Americans advocate for their economic self-interest. As a result of our trainings, middle-class families will learn how to help shape the legislative decisions that impact their lives every day. They will keep elected officials informed about what choices are best for their community, and hold them accountable for keeping middle-class interests front and center. Communities United to Strengthen America will dramatically shift the debate in these communities and across the nation.

Communities United to Strengthen America will operate a National Resource Center, three Regional Resource Centers, and up to twenty-three Resource Centers in communities across the country. In addition, we will implement a
program that tracks, measures and reports the progress of established objectives. The centers to be opened in the first phase of operation are:

Western Region
California 11
Colorado 7
New Mexico 1
Texas 22

Joelle L. Martinez

Western Regional Director

Communities United to Strengthen America

7586 West Jewell Avenue Suite 202

Lakewood, Colorado 80232

TEL: (303) 980-9700

FAX: (303) 980-7909

Cell: (303) 949-9364

Email: joelle-at-communities-united.org

21st Century Dems: Job Postings

Written by: Pam Paul on Mar 28, 2006 5:16 PM EST

Linked to groups: DFA Job Board

www.21stcenturydems.org/index.ph...

Democratic Gain: Job Seekers

Written by: Pam Paul on Mar 28, 2006 5:14 PM EST

Linked to groups: DFA Job Board

www.democraticgain.org/index.php...

Resource: MSN Post Election Support Group/List

Written by: Pam Paul on Mar 28, 2006 1:42 PM EST

Linked to groups: DFA Job Board

This is a National/Abroad List serve. Kelleen McIntyre, a DFAer currently in Scotland, brought it to my attention. Updated digests with jobs and opportunities are sent out.

groups.msn.com/postelectionssupp...

You have to belong to MSN groups, however, I think it is worth it to get onto this list (if you are interested in different job postings.)

http://groups.msn.com/

If/when you request to join just mention DFA or progressive or something like that to expedite your approval.

Thanks!

Pam

California: Field Representative (2 positions) Congresswoman Jane Harman- District Office

Written by: Pam Paul on Mar 28, 2006 12:36 PM EST

Linked to groups: DFA Job Board

from a list:
~~~~~~~~~~

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

Field Representative (2 positions)
Congresswoman Jane Harman- District Office

The Office of Congresswoman Jane Harman is seeking two
strategic, proactive, and community-oriented
individuals for the position of Field Representative.
One position will be based in the El Segundo district
office, and the other in the Wilmington district
office. Each will serve as liaisons to government
agencies, businesses, and local community groups.

Essential Duties:

o Attend meetings of local government and community
groups, speak on behalf of the Congresswoman, and
report back with recommendations for action on issues
of importance to the district.
o Responsible for tracking district priorities as
identified by the Congresswoman, recommending
strategies for achieving those priorities, and
executing a district plan.
o Identify, plan, and coordinate events for the
Congresswoman´s district trips, including advancing
the event site and writing event memorandums, talking
points, and preparing background information.
o Maintain an awareness and involvement in district
affairs and issues, reporting to the Congresswoman as
appropriate.
o Contribute to a strategic weekly report, with
updates on the progress of priority district issues.
o Other related work as assigned.

Knowledge of/ Ability to:

o Familiarity with communities within the 36th
Congressional District, including the South Bay and
Beach Cities, Los Angeles Harbor Area, and Venice, Mar
Vista, and West L.A. preferred.
o Establish and maintain cooperative relationships/
verbally communicate effectively with constituent
groups, elected officials, government agencies, and
business leaders.
o Fluency in Spanish strongly preferred for the
Wilmington position.
o Strong written communication skills; ability to
research and draft memorandums, reports, and talking
points.
o Access, input, and retrieve information from a
computer. Experience with Microsoft Word and standard
Internet browsers strongly preferred.
o Some event planning experience desirable.
o Work night and/or weekend hours as necessary to
attend meetings, staff the Congresswoman, or perform
other essential duties.
o Work independently in the absence of supervision.
o Understand and carry out directions, and take the
initiative.

Send, fax, or e-mail cover letter, resume, and writing
sample by April 7, 2006 to:

Chad Molnar
Deputy District Director
2321 Rosecrans Ave., Suite 3270
El Segundo, CA 90245
email: chad.molnar-at-mail.house.gov
310-643-6445 Fax

Pennsylvania: Deputy Field Director 6th District

Written by: Pam Paul on Mar 28, 2006 12:33 PM EST

Linked to groups: DFA Job Board

from a list:
~~~~~~~~~~

I'm looking for a Deputy Field Director to help me out in the PA 6th. If you know anyone who might be a good fit please let me know or have them apply. The info is below. I hope you're all well and are enjoying
yourselves post VA. take care - Jackie




> Deputy Field Director

> Lois Murphy for Congress is seeking a Deputy Field Director/Volunteer Coordinator. The Pennsylvania 6 th is one of the most competitive districts in the nation. The District stretches from the inner Philadelphia suburbs west to Reading and south to Coatesville. Lois Murphy is a pro-choice
Democrat running in a rematch of 2004 when she came within 2 points of the Republican incumbent.

> Responsibilities:
>
> * Managing field events
> * Developing and managing area House Parties
> * Recruiting, training and maintaining volunteers in the Headquarters
> * Recruiting and managing out of state and out of district volunteers
> * Representing the campaign at local political meetings and events
> * Managing volunteer canvasses and phone banks
> * Meeting weekly/monthly volunteer recruitment goals
> * Assisting Field Director with intern recruitment and management
> * Assisting Field Director as necessary
>
> Qualifications:
>
> * At least one year field organizing experience
> * Strong verbal and written communications skills
> * Ability to work well in a team environment
> * A desire to see Democrats win
>
> To Apply:
>
> Email resume, cover letter and references to Jackie Bray at
> jackie-at-loismurphy.org

OH MY OHIO & MD House Votes 137 to 0 to Ban Diebold Touch-Screen Voting in 2006!

Written by: Pam Paul on Mar 10, 2006 6:00 PM EST

Linked to groups: DFA Election Rescue Strategy Team

from Brad Blog:
~~~~~~~~~~

OH MY OHIO: Third Election Official Indicted on Charges of Gaming 2004 Presidential Recount!
All Three Still Allowed to Work at Cuyahoga County Board Even While Under Indictment...

In case you don't know, the ballots from the 2004 Presidential Election in Ohio have never actually been counted. Or even recounted. Last August, two Cuyahoga County Election officials were indicted for gaming the phony recount that was carried out in violation of state law, and today, AP informs us, a third one has just been nabbed as well...

URL: www.bradblog.com/archives/000025...


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


MD House Votes 137 to 0 to Ban Diebold Touch-Screen Voting in 2006!
Washington Post Covers Story on Front Page, Describes Unanimous Vote to 'Ditch Diebold' as a 'Stunning Turnaround' in the State, Signals a 'National Shift' to Paper...
Diebold's "showcase state" has turned into yet another unmitigated public relations fiasco...
URL: www.bradblog.com/archives/000025...


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...Also...
VIDEO - Halliburton May Takeover Ports for Dubai
URL: www.bradblog.com/archives/000025...





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---
Brad Friedman
THE BRAD BLOG - The uprising continues...
http://www.BradBlog.com
VELVET REVOLUTION - The revolution begins...
www.VelvetRevolution.us...