IT IS THE MISSION OF THE LONGBOAT KEY DEMOCRATIC CLUB TO SUPPORT THE ELECTION OF NOMINATED DEMOCRATS AT THE LOCAL, STATE AND NATIONAL LEVELS.

The two most important presidential investigations in U.S. history – Watergate and Trumpgate – came together and were discussed extensively at the LBKDC special monthly luncheon on April 1.  Our guests of over 200 were treated to Jill Wine-Banks, former Assistant Watergate Prosecutor and MSNBC legal analyst who presented her thoughts on the recently released Mueller report and its impact on the nation.  Read the South Florida Reporter coverage on the event HERE.

Upcoming events

Democratic Club News

•  At our March 12 luncheon, Mike Himowitz, was introduced by Board Member Lucie Lapovsky. Mike spoke to us on the evolution of newspapers over the past few decades and the current threats to freedom of the press.  Mike spent 34 years at the Baltimore Sun papers as state news editor, Washington correspondent, Baltimore County Bureau Chief, Science, Medical and Technology editor and other positions. Mike spoke to us on the topic of Roosevelt, Trump, Craigslist and the Media in Peril. Read a summary of Mike's presentation HERE.
• Norma Schatz has released her April letter to Plymouth Harbor residents and others who care.  Norma urges that "If you have a phone or a computer, now is the time to let your legislators hear from you if you are troubled by any of the proposals being considered IN THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE."  The issues that are covered in the April letter includes the Republican's effort to sabotage Amendment 4 that would return to ex-felons (with certain exceptions) the right to vote after completing their prison terms, the Family Empowerment Scholarship, which would use general revenue funds to support students attending private and religious schools based on income for a family of four, but no longer based on poverty, bills arming classroom teachers, and much more.  See Norma's complete April letter HERE.

• The Florida Democratic Party’s Organizing Corps 2020 is an effort to build the talent and infrastructure needed to win in 2020. Together we’re investing in the next generation of local and diverse staff for the 2020 general election and beyond.  The DNC, the Florida Democratic Party and 6 other state Democratic parties, in partnership with 270 Strategies and The Collective PAC, have launched Organizing Corps 2020 —a new program, starting in 2019, focused on recruiting, paying, and training young people, especially people of color, to work on the 2020 presidential cycle!  See Details HERE. 

• Gary Massel presented an overview of the rise of populist politics throughout the world, including the U.S. and Europe at the LBKDC February 12 luncheon.   As populism has gained momentum many of these populist leaders have instituted changes that have constrained the rights of the electorate thus establishing “illiberal democracies”. This rise of right-wing populist parties and governments pose an increasingly threat to the values of “liberal democracy” that has been the foundation of the world order that has prevailed since the end of WW II.  See a summary of Massel's presentation HERE.

• Last week was huge for gun violence prevention, with the House passing both the Background Check Bill (HR8) and the Charleston Loophole Bill (HR1112).  Rep. Vern Buchanan did not vote in favor of the latter, but we continue to encourage you to thank him for being one of eight Republicans who crossed the aisle and voted in favor of HR8. His contact numbers are (941) 951-6643 in Sarasota, (941) 747-9081 in Bradenton and (202) 225-5015 in Washington. Rep. Greg Steube voted “no” on both bills, so if you’d like to tell him you disapprove, his numbers are (941) 575-9101 in Punta Gorda and (202) 225-5792 in Washington.  See details on gun violence legislation in the Senate HERE.

• This week the House of Representatives will vote on the For the People Act (H.R. 1).  H.R. 1 represents a bold commitment from House Democrats to strong voting rights, secure elections, campaign finance reform, fairly drawn voting districts, and more. Passing this bill would minimize the influence of corrupt politicians and the corporations and wealthy donors who buy their votes. It would put more electoral and political power in the hands of everyday Americans. This week—TODAY—it is crucial for your Representatives to hear a groundswell of support, constituents demanding that they support H.R. 1, the For the People Act.  Call Representative Vern Buchanan at (202) 225-5015. Urge them to vote YES for H.R. 1 this week.   See the details of this legislation HERE. 

• Despite What Trump Says, Climate Change Threatens Our National Security.  See the New York Times Op-Ed column by John R. Allen and David G. Victor HERE.

• DAVID HOULE PRESENTED A VISION FOR THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY AT OUR JANUARY 8 LUNCHEON.  HOULE'S REMARKS WERE EAGERLY ANTICIPATED BY OUR OVERFLOW AUDIENCE.  INTRODUCED BY BOARD MEMBER ROBERT GARY AS THE CEO'S FUTURIST, HOULE SHARED WITH US HIS PERSPECTIVE ON "A LOOK AT THE FUTURE OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY THROUGH THE 2020 ELECTION AND BEYOND."  OUR SPEAKER IS A HIGHLY REGARDED CONSULTANT TO CEOS AND IS THE AUTHOR OF SEVERAL BOOKS.  READ THE FULL ARTICLE SUMMARIZING HOULE'S PRESENTATION HERE.

• DEMOCRATIC CLUB SPONSORED TROLLEY TOUR OF THE NEWTOWN COMMUNITY.  THE LONGBOAT KEY DEMOCRATIC CLUB HAS A LONGSTANDING PARTNERSHIP WITH THE NEWTOWN COMMUNITY.  DURING THIS PAST ELECTION, MANY MEMBERS OF THE CLUB CANVASSED IN THE AREA AND BEGAN TO DEVELOP PERSONAL FRIENDSHIPS.  WHEN ASKED HOW WE MIGHT STRENGTHEN OUR PARTNERSHIP, IT WAS SUGGESTED THAT THE CLUB ORGANIZE A GROUP TO TAKE A TROLLEY RIDE AND LEARN ABOUT THE HISTORY OF THE AREA.  LBKDC BOARD MEMBER BECKY VAN DER BOGERT HAS WRITTEN A REPORT OF THE JANUARY 13TH TOUR HERE.

• WE HAD A GREATER THAN EXPECTED ATTENDANCE AT OUR DECEMBER 13 LUNCHEON. Our speaker was Philip Kotler, Ph.D, who Board Member Robert Gary introduced as the Father of Modern Marketing.  Dr. Kotler is the Professor Emeritus of International Marketing at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.  Dr. Kotler shared his views on several problems facing our nation including the question of whether capitalism in our democracy is working.He also shared his insights about the value proposition that the Democratic Party should adopt going into the 2020 elections.  Read the full article summarizing Dr. Kotler's presentation HERE.

• THE LONGBOAT DEMOCRATIC CLUB KICKED OFF iTS 2018-2019 LUNCHEON SERIES ON NOVEMBER 13 WITH 47 IN ATTENDANCE TO HEAR ROB LOREI, HOST OF FLORIDA THIS WEEK, SHARE HIS REACTIONS TO THE MID-TERM ELECTION AND TO SPEAK ABOUT THE INCESSANT ATTACK BY PRESIDENT TRUMP ON THE MEDIA. READ THE FULL ARTICLE SUMMARIZING THE LUNCHEON AND LOREI'S PRESENTATION HERE.

• JILL WINE-BANKS, A PROSECUTOR DURING THE WATERGATE SCANDAL AND A CURRENT LEGAL ANALYST FOR MSNBC, SPOKE AT A FUNDRAISING DINNER HOSTED BY THE DEMOCRATIC CLUB OF SARASOTA AND THE LONGBOAT KEY DEMOCRATIC CLUB.  THE EVENT WAS HELD ON SUNDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 7 AT THE HYATT REGENCY IN SARASOTA.  SEE DETAILS HERE.

A Message from the President – Ken Marsh

For decades the Longboat Key Democratic Club has provided means for local residents to support Democratic candidates, to hear form knowledgeable and stimulating speakers, to link to other Democratic Party efforts, and to impact government decisions based on our values.

We are located on Longboat Key, a barrier island whose 3,000 registered Democrats vote in either Sarasota or Manatee Counties. Our island is situated between Sarasota Bay and the Gulf of Mexico and is 12 miles long and 1/2 mile wide.  Most of our voters are seasonal (November - April) but still very involved in local election issues year-round. Well over 90% of us vote in most elections. Our Sarasota County Precinct 201 typically has the highest percentage of voter turnout in the county.

Our Club meets for lunch and discussion on the second Tuesday of the month, from November - April. Our luncheons are held in the Portofino Restaurant of the Longboat Key Club and Resort, from noon to 1:30 PM.  Our guest speakers give presentations that are stimulating, relevant, and humorous. The presenters include members of congress, local and state officials, political pundits, journalists, newscasters and entertainers. We invite you to join us as a guest, if you are in the area.

Our members work hard during election cycles to keep voters informed, educated and involved. During presidential elections, our club provides charter bus transportation, to and from the polls, for voters who live in the city of Sarasota and Bradenton and cannot get to the polls on their own. These buses also transport college students attending the four colleges in our area. The routes and bus stops are selected and advertised so that most voters will have to only walk a short distance to ride a bus to the polls. This outreach program has been very well received by members of the community.

The Longboat Key Democratic Club is proud to share information about the club and about your opportunities to get involved.  We encourage you to join us in our quest to support Democratic nominees at the local, state and national levels. Together, through excellent voter turnout and our support of Democratic candidates, we can make a significant, positive difference in the future of our country.

Contact any of us to discuss how you can participate in the camaraderie and activism of the Longboat Key Democratic Club.

Ken Marsh
President