2015 May Speaker – Francine Busby
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May Guest Speaker – Francine Busby
Brief Biography:
Francine is the chair of the San Diego County Democratic Party. Busby is a former member of the school board in Cardiff, CA, and she has been a democratic candidate for Congress. She is also the executive director of Run Women Run, an organization that trains, mentors, and supports women candidates for elective office. To read more Francine Busby Bio.
Speakers at the Roosevelt Dinner, DMV Voters Registration, the Party Goals & 2016 Presidential Candidates:
Francine Busby congratulated the club for participation in the Roosevelt Dinner, and Roberto Rodriguez for winning the Union of the Year Award for Sweetwater.
Francine discussed the success of the 35th annual Roosevelt Dinner, which drew nearly 800 guests and brought in nearly $100,000. This was the largest yet, with Democrats from all over the county. There were speeches by Speaker of the Assembly Toni Atkins and California Secretary of State Alex Padilla. Kevin de Leon was the keynote speaker. Padilla spoke about the proposed new automatic voter registration at the DMV. Those who are auto-registered should be contacted so that they can be invited to vote as Democrats (they would be auto-enrolled as independents.) Dr. Shirley Weber was the honorary chair, and she spoke about the 50th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act. Busby discussed Dr. Weber’s life and accomplishments. Atkins appointed Weber to be chair of the budget committee. She mentioned the book “Soul of a Nation” by P.E. Chute, and discussed voting rights and everything that led up to the march in Selma.
Francine Busby discussed the success of endorsed candidates; 64% of them won. She talked about the Party’s priorities for the county, including voter registration and education (sometimes people don’t understand how to use a ballot.) The Democratic Party may provide sample ballots, and ask churches and other organizations to host voter education presentations. We may also provide party recommendations for ballot initiatives and candidates.
She talked about Scott Peters’ campaign. She suggested using the DMV as a voter registration site for the club, as there are fewer repeat attendees as compared to the farmer’s market. The Selma movie may have helped encourage more people to vote. San Diego was chosen as one of three cities for about $1 million to change San Diego to a Democratic voter base.
Busby discussed other goals of the Democratic Party including communications, coordination, candidate training, and social media. They are hiring a communications professional to create a plan. The Blue View is the official newsletter. She talked about the presidential race; Jim Webb, Hilary Clinton, and other candidates have been speaking. Bernie Sanders is not a mainstream candidate yet. Clinton may end up looking more moderate; there are pros and cons to that.