DFL 48A House candidate Laurie Pryor, DFL Senate candidate Deb Calvert and former Texas state Sen. Wendy Davis.

Suburban women are an important voting bloc in any election, but they could be extra critical for Democrats this year. National polls repeatedly show a dearth of support among women for Republican nominee Donald Trump, who — among other comments — has said there should be some kind of “punishment” for women who want to have abortions.

That’s not lost on Davis and other Clinton surrogates, traveling to places like Minnetonka to drum up excitement among affluent Democratic women and independent voters. “We are all here in the final 15 minutes and we are giving everything we have,” Davis said. “Because we know what’s at stake.”

Support from women voters isn’t just crucial to Clinton, though. It will also be critically important for suburban DFL legislative candidates who appear down the ballot.

“I’m become convinced,” Davis said. “The outcome of this election hinges on women.”

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2016 election · HD 48A · HD48 · HD48A · Laurie Pryor

The Eden Prairie Senate district has changed demographically and SD48-endorsed candidate Steve Cwodzinski is ready to take on Republican David Hann’s failed policies and beat him in the fall.

“I think I can beat him. I know I can.” says Cwodzinski. “The district’s changed. The district’s blue.” Barack Obama won the district in 2012 by a slim 402 vote margin.

“I’ll need money to beat (Hann), says Cwodzinski. “He’ll have the support of the Koch brothers and organizations like that.

Full story from The Uptake here.

2016 election · Elected Officials & Candidates · Steve Cwodzinski

This week, state Democratic parties responded to Jeb Bush’s presidential announcement. Here’s what they had to say:

“Iowa Democrats fight every day to ensure our country is an inclusive place, accepting of all backgrounds and families, where everyone can have access to the ladder of economic opportunity. But Bush’s policies as Governor of Florida and his campaign rhetoric leading up to this announcement give us a clear preview of who Bush would fight for: people like himself, not working Iowans.” – Andy Mcguire, Iowa Democratic Party

“From the middle class to seniors, from women to the LGBT community, Bush’s record of exclusion is nothing but a page from the failed Republican policies of the past. While Bush lays out his backwards and failed policies today, just remember all those he’s left behind.” – Lizzy Price, New Hampshire Democratic Party

“We know what to expect from Jeb Bush because we’ve seen it before – policies that wreck the economy, giving massive breaks to the wealthy and corporations while leaving the rest of the country behind, A third Bush presidency would marginalize so many hard-working Virginians, from single mothers to public school children and LGBT people. Jeb has consistently put himself and people like him over everyday Americans, which Virginia just can’t afford.” – Morgan Finkelstein, Democratic Party of Virginia

“Texas and the rest of the country are still suffering from George W. Bush’s failed economic policies. Jeb Bush is no different than his brother. He opposes policies that help level the playing field for our middle class families. Texas needs a president that will help all Texans and all Americans receive a living wage and have access to affordable health care. Texans deserve a candidate that will champion a strong middle class, quality health care, and smart investments in our children’s future. Jeb Bush is not that candidate.” – Gilberto Hinojosa, Texas Democrats

“His views are vastly out-of-touch with mainstream America and Mainers who believe in equality and empowering all women and families. His policy beliefs aren’t much better. He’s actually endorsed budgets and policies that would slash early childhood education programs, college affordability and Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. Bush’s agenda would be disastrous for hard working Maine families, students and seniors.” – Phil Barlett, Maine Democratic Party

2016 election · 2016 elections · 2016 Republican presidential candidate · Jeb Bush

Last week, I had the privilege of announcing that Philadelphia will host the 2016 Democratic National Convention. The convention is our opportunity to present the clear contrast between the Democratic and Republican Parties. And there is no better place for Democrats to make our case in 2016 than Philadelphia. 

The yearlong selection process was a rigorous one, and I thank each city for its strong bid. Philadelphia stood out with respect to our essential security, logistics, and resource search criteria, and I’m thrilled that the next president will be nominated in the cradle of American democracy. 

The role of Philadelphia in shaping our nation is unmatched. There, our Founding Fathers had the courage to declare independence by observing adherence to self-evident truths that we still challenge ourselves to live up to today. After the Revolution, they demonstrated the wisdom to scrap the Articles of Confederation, assembling a Constitution that strengthened the ties that bind us and still guides us. Nearly 240 years later, Philadelphia’s people, spirit, and culture uniquely embody these United States.  (more…)

2016 election · Debbie Wasserman Schultz