These seats opened because the members of the Democratic State Committee have served 20 years, and become permanent (unless they step down for some reason) opening the seat to new ballot members, under the Charter. This announcement was actually posted some time ago, but in looking at the new and improved Massachusetts Democratic Party website, but in case you missed it, like I did, I though some might find this information useful and of interest.
Here is the link to the announcement for your convenience, the list is as follows:
Open “Ballot” seats – papers due by 11/4/11
Female – Cape and Islands
Female – First Middlesex & Worcester
Female – Second Middlesex
Female – Worcester and Norfolk
Open – Caucus seats
Male – First Middlesex
Female – First Suffolk and Middlesex
Female – Fourth Middlesex
Male – Hampden
Male – Middlesex and Worcester
Female – Second Worcester
Male – Third Middlesex
By the way, there has been a terrific redo of the Massachusetts Democratic Party website – there is a lot of information available, and it is worth checking out – http://www.massdems.org/
You may qualify for one of several add-on seats based on demographic categories, which will be elected by the new State Committee in April. Plus new Senate districts will be announced next week, possibly tweeking the above list anyway.
Just to clarify. At this time there is not a district called “First Middlesex and Worcester.” I currently represent the Middlesex and Worcester District holding the female ballot seat. I have held this seat for sixteen years. It is anticipated that the new Senate Districts will be announced soon. I am actively gathering signatures and if all goes well I will be running.
did you forget to wish someone a Happy Birthday on FaceBook or what?
Perhaps a good time for a little campaigning! I for one will be supporting Kate.
Kate has been one of the hardest working most productive members of the Massachusetts Democratic State Committee. There are the things everyone sees like her extraordinary work on candidate campaigns and fundraising, the DDemDisptach, co-Chair of Communications, former co-Chair of Field Services, Co-Founder of the MW Democratic Coalition, Chair of the Westborough DTC, Co-founder of the Worcester Dems, and much more.
What I love is that Kate puts the same passion into things like the Rules. She must have spent countless hours going through the messy document to cut out redundant or conflicting paragraphs and simplified language to make the make the rules easier to understand and easy caucus attendees to participate.
Kate is the most welcoming face of the Democratic Party and fights hard for inclusiveness and transparency. Many of us can trace our entrance into Democratic politics directly to Kate and her encouragement.
Thank you Kate!!
PS Unless Elizabeth Warren runs against you and then well….sorry.
Yes, she is.
I am SURE you will have no problem at all with signatures and in 4 years – YOU will be a 20 year member.
I should have made it clearer that I knew that the error was not yours. Thanks for the kind words. Kate
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