2012 Presidential Campaign Blog

DNC Chairman Tim Kaine To Hold Press Conference With DFL Gubernatorial Candidate Mark Dayton On September 1st

Governor Tim Kaine to Hold Press Conference with DFL Gubernatorial Candidate Mark Dayton

DNC Chairman will join Mayors Rybak and Coleman to discuss Mark Dayton’s commitment to strong partnerships between state and local government

Tomorrow, Wednesday, September 1st, DNC Chairman and former Richmond Mayor and Virginia Governor Tim Kaine will join DFL candidate for governor, Mark Dayton, Mayor RT Rybak and Mayor Chris Coleman at the Hennepin County Government Center Plaza at 9:30a.m. They will highlight Mark Dayton’s commitment to building a strong partnership between state and local government.

DNC Chairman Tim Kaine’s Statement On Efforts To Improve The 2012 Presidential Nominating Process

DNC Chairman Tim Kaine’s Statement On Efforts To Improve the 2012 Presidential Nominating Process

Washington, DC –Over the past two days, the Democratic National Committee’s Rules and Bylaws Committee has worked to make significant progress towards finalizing the Party’s 2012 delegate selection rules.  As part of its efforts, the RBC has voted to recommend to DNC members a plan that would increase by approximately 700 the number of pledged delegates elected from the states, the District of Columbia and territories.  In doing so, the plan would increase the proportional influence of pledged delegates at the 2012 Democratic National Convention from approximately 80 percent in 2008 to approximately 85 percent in 2012.  The rules included in the proposed plan would also provide for unpledged delegates declaring their Presidential preferences no later than a date certain – which will be shortly after the conclusion of the presidential nominating process in their respective states, territories and in the District of Columbia.
 
With regard to the timing of primaries and caucuses, the RBC has proposed a rule that would set the dates of the primaries and caucuses for the four states permitted to hold contests within the pre-window—Iowa on February 6, New Hampshire on February 14, Nevada on February 18, and South Carolina on February 28.  The pre-window starts in February 2012, approximately one month later than in 2008.

Following the meeting, DNC Chairman Tim Kaine released the following statement:

“I applaud the significant improvements to the presidential nominating process recommended this weekend by the Democratic National Committee’s Rules and Bylaws Committee, which builds on the work of our Democratic Change Commission.  These new provisions represent an important step towards increasing grassroots activists’ involvement in our presidential nominating process.  They guarantee that Democratic primary voters and caucus participants will have a larger voice in the nomination of our Party’s presidential candidate, while at the same time respecting the important role that party leaders play in our nominating and political processes.  Perhaps most importantly, the new rules open up the nominating process to even greater participation.   I want to thank the RBC and the Democratic Change Commission for working so diligently on these important issues and focusing on ways to strengthen our Party and the presidential nominating process.”

The RBC’s recommended delegate selection rules will be voted on by the full DNC membership at the DNC’s August meeting in St. Louis.

Minneapolis Announced As Finalist City For 2012 Democratic National Convention

Minneapolis Announced as Finalist City for 2012 Democratic National Convention
Convention to be held week of Sept. 3, 2012

(MINNEAPOLIS)—July 1, 2010—The City of Minneapolis and Meet Minneapolis™, Official Convention + Visitors Association, are pleased to announce that Minneapolis has been named a finalist to host the 2012 Democratic National Convention, which will be held the week of Sept. 3, 2012. Other cities named include Charlotte, N.C., Cleveland, Ohio and St. Louis, Mo.

Many cities were eager for the opportunity to host this convention, and the City of Minneapolis is honored to have been selected to continue in the process.

“Hosting the 2012 Democratic National Convention translates into $200 million in economic impact and thousands of good jobs for Minneapolis and the entire region,” said R.T. Rybak, mayor of the City of Minneapolis. "We welcome the opportunity to once again showcase Minneapolis as the world-class city it is, and to demonstrate that we are a city that works.”

Meet Minneapolis submitted the bid for this 46th national convention on May 21, 2010, with a theme that shows the city is prepared to host this event: “Resourceful. Reliable. Ready.”

“We’re thrilled to continue in the selection process,” said Melvin Tennant, president and CEO of Meet Minneapolis. “Not only do we have the experience of working with the 2008 Republican National Convention in Saint Paul, but through hosting many other major conventions and sporting events, we are confident that Minneapolis is equipped to host the DNC.

We’re excited about the opportunities for new jobs, economic vitality and exposure the presidential nominating convention brings to the entire area.”

The Democratic National Convention committee will conduct site visits to the finalist cities this summer. A decision is expected by the end of the year.

The Democratic National Convention To Be Held The Week Of September 3, 2012

Tim Kaine blogs about the 2012 Democratic National Convention Dates

The Democratic National Convention to be Held the Week of September 3, 2012

"I am excited to announce that the Democratic Party will gather for our 46th National Convention during the week of September 3, 2012. At the convention, we will re-nominate President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden, and re-affirm our party’s values of equality, inclusion, diversity, and respect.

At the Democratic National Committee and across the country, we are looking forward to showcasing our principles on a world stage, and continuing our proud history of fighting for justice and equal opportunities and representing the interests of working Americans.

Wherever you are during the week of September 3, 2012, I hope you’ll join with us in promoting our Democratic agenda and re-nominating President Obama and Vice President Biden."

DNC Democratic Change Commission Co-Chairs Statements On The Democratic Change Commission's Recommendations

DNC Democratic Change Commission Co-Chairs Senator Claire McCaskill and Congressman James E. Clyburn Issued the Following Statements on the Democratic Change Commission's Recommendations to Improve the Presidential Nominating Process

Washington – The DNC Democratic Change Commission Co-Chairs, Senator Claire McCaskill and Congressman James E. Clyburn, released the following statements after the Change Commission made its recommendations today for changes to the Party's Presidential Nominating Process.  The Commission made its recommendations to the Rules and Bylaws Committee by unanimous agreement.

Democratic Change Commission Co-Chair and U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill released the following statement:

“The Change Commission has taken on the task of following through on the President’s promise to reform the Democratic Party’s rules for nominating a candidate, making recommendations today to provide for a more open and a more accessible process for voters. And, to that end, these recommendations, if approved, will make the process more democratic and offer more power to primary voters.

“We urge the Rules and Bylaws Committee and the full DNC to give full and proper consideration to these recommendations.

“Our paramount concern in this process was addressing the concerns of voters and making the process as democratic, transparent and accessible as possible.  I believe in that regard we have succeeded."

Democratic Change Commission Co-Chair and House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn released the following statement:

“The finalized report agreed upon today by the Democratic Change Commission will, if approved by the full DNC, make great improvements to the Democratic nominating process by making the delegate selection process more democratic and shortening the window for state primaries and caucuses. The approved report seeks to reduce front loading of state primaries and caucuses that have extended the primary season in recent cycles.

“This Commission’s recommendations will also make the process more democratic by converting unpledged delegates to a pledged status that allocates them based on the results of statewide caucuses and primaries while continuing to recognize the important role these leaders play within our Party.

“We believe these recommendations, which have been a year in the making and which were envisioned by the delegates to the 2008 convention who created this commission, should be given serious consideration and eventually adopted by the full DNC."

The Commission was tasked by a resolution passed during the 2008 Democratic Convention with recommending changes to the Democratic Party’s rules for the 2012 Presidential nominating and delegate selection process.

The Democratic Change Commission was tasked by the delegates to the 2008 Democratic Convention with doing three things:

1. Changing the window of time during which primaries and caucuses may be held
2. Reducing the number of super delegates
3. Improving the caucus system.

The Commission is made up of 34 members and two co-chairs (for 36 members total) and represents a diverse mix of DNC members, elected officials, representatives of State Parties, academics, organized labor officials, grassroots activists, and other Party leaders.

DNC Chairman Tim Kaine Statement On The Democratic Change Commission's Recommendations To Improve The Presidential Nominating Process

DNC Chairman Tim Kaine Issued the Following Statement on the Democratic Change Commission's Recommendations to Improve the Presidential Nominating Process

Washington - DNC Chairman Tim Kaine issued the following statement after the Democratic Change Commission this afternoon voted to approve its recommendations to the DNC's Rules and Bylaws Committee designed to improve the Presidential nominating process.  The Commission was created as a result of a resolution passed unanimously by the delegates in attendance at the 2008 Democratic National Convention in Denver. The Commission made its recommendations to the Rules and Bylaws Committee by unanimous agreement.

The recommendations include pushing back the window of time during which primaries and caucuses may be held; converting unpledged delegates (DNC members, Democratic Members of the House and Senate, Democratic Governors and Distinguished Former Party Leaders) to a new category of pledged delegate called the National Pledged Party Leader and Elected Official (NPLEO) delegates, which will be allocated to Presidential candidates based on the state wide primary or caucus results; and establishing a “best practices” program for caucus states to improve and strengthen their caucuses.  Under the Commission's recommendations - the pre-primary window could not begin until February 1st or thereafter, and the primary window could not begin until the second Tuesday in March or thereafter.  

The recommendations come after nearly a year of discussion about how best to improve the system to make it as accessible and open as possible.

“I want to congratulate Congressman Clyburn and Senator McCaskill and entire the Democratic Change Commission for issuing their recommendations today and for taking up this important work,” said Kaine. 

“Openness, fairness, and accessibility are central to our ideals as Democrats, and the Commission’s recommendations to reform the delegate selection process will ensure that voters’ voices and preferences are paramount to our process of nominating a Presidential candidate. 

“The Commission’s recommendations are consistent with the goals of the Democratic Party and President Obama and with the Commission's mandate.  And though this is the first step in a process that will later include a full examination by the DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee and the full membership of the DNC, it is an important statement about the direction our Party is going and our priorities as we look to 2012 and beyond.

“As we work towards improving our Presidential nominating process and making it accessible to as many voters as possible, I am grateful to the Commission for its hard work in moving this process forward.”

The Democratic Change Commission was tasked by a resolution passed during the 2008 Democratic Convention with recommending changes to the Democratic Party’s rules for the 2012 Presidential nominating and delegate selection process.

By appointing the Change Commission this spring, Gov. Kaine has followed through on President Obama’s promise made during the election to reexamine and improve the Democratic primary process.

Gov. Kaine, President Obama, and the Democratic Party believe that improving the primary system is an important priority, and that the process should be as inclusive and accessible as possible.

The Democratic Change Commission was tasked by the delegates to the 2008 Democratic Convention with doing three things:

1. Changing the window of time during which primaries and caucuses may be held
2. Reducing the number of super delegates
3. Improving the caucus system.

The Commission is made up of 34 members and two co-chairs (for 36 members total) and represents a diverse mix of DNC members, elected officials, representatives of State Parties, academics, organized labor officials, grassroots activists, and other Party leaders.

House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn and Senator Claire McCaskill have served as the co-chairs.

Democratic Change Commission To Hold Final Meeting Saturday, December 5th

Democratic Change Commission To Hold Final Meeting Saturday

The DNC’s Democratic Change Commission will hold its final meeting this Saturday, December 5th in Washington, DC. At the meeting, Commission members will discuss options and suggestions for improving the presidential nominating process as it relates to timing, superdelegates, and caucuses.

The Democratic Change Commission was established last year in order to recommend changes to the Party’s presidential nominating process. The Commission is focused on three issues: 1) changing the window of time during which primaries and caucuses may be held 2) reducing the number of superdelegates and 3) improving the caucus system.

The Commission plans to issue its report and recommendations to the DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee before the end of the year

Statement from Democratic Party Chairman Tim Kaine on the Passing of Senator Kennedy

Statement from Democratic Party Chairman Tim Kaine on the Passing of Senator Kennedy

Washington – DNC Chairman Tim Kaine released the following statement on the passing of Senator Ted Kennedy.  The Democratic Party will pay tribute to Senator Kennedy at its fall meeting in Austin, Texas next month.

Today we mourn the loss of one the greatest and most consequential political figures in American history with the passing of Senator Ted Kennedy.

Senator Kennedy was adored by millions of Americans and was respected by colleagues on both sides of the aisle for his energy, his passion, his humor, his compassion, his friendship and above all his commitment to serve his country in pursuit of a more common good for every American.

It is not an exaggeration to say that Senator Kennedy devoted his entire adult life - in the great tradition of the Kennedy family - to public service.  And, in his forty-six years in the Senate, Senator Kennedy's primary focus - and the legacy he will be most remembered for - will be his work to improve the plight of ordinary Americans, to empower the powerless and to end the scourge of discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability and economic background that was all too prevalent in an earlier time.

For his efforts to ensure civil and voting rights for minorities to equal rights for women, Senator Kennedy was a champion.  For providing health care to millions of our nation's children to fighting for the cause and rights of workers and organized labor, Senator Kennedy was a hero.  For working to improve education and educational opportunities for children and college students to fighting for the security and dignity of older Americans, Senator Kennedy was an icon.  And, for his career-long pursuit of quality, affordable health care for every American, a cause he was devoted to until the very end, Senator Kennedy was an inspiration to millions of Americans who are fighting today for that just cause.

In the Senate, he was called the Lion.  To the Democratic Party whose values and ideals were embodied in and shaped by this great man, he was a giant.  To the American people, he will be remembered as one of the greatest and most accomplished legislators in American history.  And to his family he will be remembered as a father, a husband, an uncle, a brother, a grandfather and a friend.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Kennedy family as we mourn the loss  and celebrate the extraordinary life of Senator Edward Moore Kennedy.

DNC Holds First 2012 Democratic Change Commission Meeting

DNC HOLDS FIRST DEMOCRATIC CHANGE COMMISSION MEETING
Commission Is Tasked With Improving the Presidential Nominating and Delegate Selection Process

Washington, DC—Today, the Democratic National Committee’s Democratic Change Commission held its first meeting at the Capital Hilton in Washington, DC.  Headed by Commission co-chairs Congressman James E. Clyburn and Senator Claire McCaskill, the Commission was established by President Obama and the DNC to reexamine and improve the Democratic Party’s presidential nominating and delegate selection process.  DNC Chairman Tim Kaine kicked off the meeting, and Congressman Clyburn and Senator McCaskill also delivered remarks.

Chairman Kaine said, “I want to thank all the members of the Commission and the co-chairs, Congressman Clyburn and Senator McCaskill, for their service to the Party and the country.  We are tasked with improving the presidential nominating and delegate selection process and doing what’s best for the Democratic Party.   At the same time, we are working with the GOP in a bipartisan manner on these issues. The primary system, while administered by the parties, is not a Democratic or Republican process, it’s an American process that leads to the election of the leader of our country.  I’m confident that in the coming months this Commission will succeed in its mission and improve and bring more people to our process."

Congressman Clyburn said, “Without a study such as this, we cannot be certain that we are doing everything possible to ensure that our nominating process is as fair and inclusive as it can possibly be.  I want to thank Governor Kaine, Senator McCaskill, and the Commission members for making this Commission a priority.  The diversity of the Democratic Party is one of our most important assets and it is vital that we have a nominating process that encourages the participation of all Democrats.”

Senator McCaskill said, “This is a diverse Commission with varied experience and a common goal of strengthening our nation and our Democracy. As a Commission, we are tasked with helping to ensure that the Presidential nominating process continues to be a fair process that will energize and activate as many voters as possible.  Thank you to all the Commission members for serving, to Governor Kaine for this opportunity, and to Congressman Clyburn for his dedication during this process.”

Commission members heard presentations on the following topics at today’s meeting: The History of Modern Day Democratic Presidential Nominations (1976-2008) by Rhodes Cook: Rhodes Cook Letter; Presentation on Unpledged Delegates by Dr. Elaine Kamarck: Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University; Interests and Goals of the Party, Presidential Candidates & Voters by Dr. Melanie Springer:
Washington University in St. Louis; Overview of Change Commission Issues by DNC Office of Party Affairs and Delegate Selection Staff; and a Presentation on Caucus Systems by Mitch Stewart: Director, Organizing for America.

At the meeting, the Commission also announced the dates of its next three meetings: August 28-29, October 23-24, and December 4-5.  The locations of the meetings will be announced at a later time.

The Democratic Change Commission is tasked with examining the following things: 1. shifting the window of time during which primaries and caucuses may be held 2. reducing the number of unpledged delegates 3. improving the caucus system.  The DNC is also looking forward to working closely with the Republican National Committee on a common approach that puts voters first.

For more information on the Change Commission visit the website at:
http://www.democrats.org/page/content/changecommission

DNC Chairman Tim Kaine Calls On Coleman To Concede Race

DNC Chairman Tim Kaine Released the Following Statement After a Three Judge Panel in Minnesota Declared Al Franken the Winner of the Disputed U.S. Senate Race
Kaine Calls on Coleman, Whose Vote Deficit Increased as a Result of His Election Challenge, to Concede Race and Stop Obstructing the Will of the Voters
 
Washington, DC - Tim Kaine, Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, issued the following statement after a three judge panel in Minnesota declared Democrat Al Franken the winner of the contested Senate race in Minnesota.  Former Senator Norm Coleman challenged the result of the election after losing to Franken by a 225 vote margin.  As a result of Coleman's challenge, Franken's lead grew to 312 votes and a three judge panel said tonight that Franken leads the contest and is entitled to an election certificate. 
 
Despite losing ground in the vote count, and credibility after increasingly questionable and inconsistent legal challenges,  Coleman and his attorneys have vowed to appeal the decision to the Minnesota State Supreme Court and if unsuccessful there possibly the U.S. Supreme Court.  Leading Republicans in Washington, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Republican Campaign Chairman John Cornyn, are supporting Coleman’s appeals as a way to obstruct Franken from being seated to a Senate seat he has rightfully won to prevent Democrats from claiming their 59th seat in the 100 member body.
 
“Enough is enough,” said Kaine.  “It is time for Norm Coleman to concede and for Al Franken to be sworn in as the next U.S. Senator from Minnesota.  The voters of Minnesota months ago elected Al Franken to the Senate – and during every step in the legal process that judgment has been confirmed.  Norm Coleman’s own legal challenge resulted in more votes for Al Franken and now a three judge panel has ruled Al Franken the winner.  Former Senator Coleman’s insistence on continuing his quixotic quest for this seat at best shows that he is putting his own political ambition ahead of the people and worst that he is complicit in an effort by national Republicans to deny Al Franken this seat for as long as possible so there is one less Democratic vote for President Obama’s agenda for change. 
 
“The people of Minnesota deserve two Senators and the people of America deserve 100 in the U.S. Senate.  More importantly, the voters who cast ballots on Election Day deserve to have their verdict stand.  Senator Coleman may have a right to continue his legal challenges no matter how hopeless they are, but the right thing to do here is to concede defeat and allow this saga to end once and for all.”
 
Kaine went on to say that regardless of whether or not Coleman concedes, the state should issue an election certificate based on tonight’s ruling so Franken can be sworn in immediately.