Mo Young Dems gather at Webster U, become “parent” of College Dems
Missouri’s Young Democrats gathered at Webster University this past weekend for a state convention amid what the group called an “historic moment for youth politics in Missouri.”
Among other things, the convention approved a new constitution that in effect merges the College Democrats and the Young Democrats across the state.
“Unanimously, members from both College Democrats and Young Democrats chapters across the state voted to reorganize the College Democrats of Missouri under the umbrella of the Young Democrats of Missouri as the Young Democrats of Missouri College Federation,” the Young Democrats said in a statement. “This merger will allow Young Democrats organizations to economize their efforts and reduce unnecessary redundancies created as a result of parallel operation.
“ Moreover, the merger allows individual chapters to simultaneously have access to the resources available at the national level through the Young Democrats of America and the College Democrats of America.”
New Young Democrats president Rick Puig said in a statement that the convention also helped the young activists of his party “reorganize and reenergize before the 2008 election. We have sown the seeds of change and are excited about the challenges and opportunities that lie before us.”
Several Democratic officials or candidates addressed the convention, including two attorney general candidates — state Reps. Jeff Harris of Columbia and Margaret Donnelly of Richmond Heights — state Sen. Jeff Smith, D-St. Louis (who isn’t on the ballot this fall but credits the youth vote for his victory in 2006 and his almost-victory to Congress in 2004) and state Rep. Sam Page, D-Creve Coeur, who’s running for lieutenant governor.
The convention also elected a new executive board for the Missouri Young Democrats. They are:
Puig - President
Chris Miller – Vice President
Nate Kennedy – Chairperson of the Young Democrats of Missouri College Federation
Aimee Koon - Secretary-Treasurer
Sarah Rappaport – National Committee Person
Tyler Thompson – National Committee Person
Brian Roach – Communications Director
Martin Casas - Finance Director
Mike Carter should have been there.
After all, Mike Carter is 36 (youngish) — and the leading democratic candidate for the Missouri Lieutenant Governor spot.
Real, Candid Discussion
Chad Carter
Chad@vote4carter.com