Last night Missouri Democratic Party Chair Stephen Webber stopped by a GOTV training session at the Coordinated Campaign field office in Warrensburg to speake to volunteers about the process leading up to the election in three weeks. The Warrensburg office is one of forty across the state. Offices are staffed by a field organizer and volunteers – a lot of volunteers who call from phone banks and go door to door contacting voters.
Stephen Webber, Chair of the Missouri Democratic Party – Warrensburg, Missouri – October 15, 2018.
The three most important things in a campaign are field, field, and field.
Have a plan. Have your ID ready. Study the very long ballot. Vote on November 6th.
The Missouri Democratic Party State Committee upset a fringe anti-choice group this past weekend.
To recap, an anti-choice amendment was inserted into the party platform at the committee’s meeting early in July. From a member of the platform committee:
“…I served on the MO Dem platform cmte for several months. We drafted a pretty good platform…”
“…still disgusted with the MO Dem Party’s platform fail. Missouri needs more prolife Dems like we *need* another earthquake. We don’t. Dems who do not support access to abortion and the conservative voters they will allegedly attract are the shiny object that distracts from building a platform that appeals to the thousands of voters who stay home because Republicans are regressive bigoted fiends and Democrats are obsessed with appealing to moderately regressive bigoted anti-women fiends…”
There was also an uproar from the base (majority) of party members who contacted their state committee representatives. This past weekend the Missouri Democratic Party State Committee met to reconsider the motion (uh, that’s a parliamentary procedure – used to fix mistakes), with more members of the committee attending the meeting. They reconsidered the motion to approve the anti-choice amendment, removed it, apparently without dissent, and proceeded to approve the original party platform presented by the platform committee.
The representatives on the Missouri Democratic Party State Committee realized they got played and they fixed it. Democrats do that, they fix things.
Missouri Democratic Party Chair Stephen Webber – at campaign headquarters in Columbia, Missouri – August 7, 2018
And, of course, this upset a hack at “Democrats for Life”?:
There is an important election coming up that will determine the balance of the U.S. Senate and the future of the U.S. Supreme Court. The election could also determine whether or not there will be impeachment efforts to rid the White House of Donald Trump. Senator Claire McCaskill (D-MO) is in a very close battle, and all Democrats would like to see her continue her tenure in the U.S. Senate.
Missouri Party Chairman Stephen Webber thinks that the best way to support Senator McCaskill and other Democrats in Missouri is to create an unnecessary battle over abortion.
A few weeks ago, there was a meeting to amend the Missouri Democratic Party platform. A vote took place, and the amendment was accepted. The Missouri Democratic Party then said that they welcome Whole Life Democrats in the party. The “conscience language” to include pro-life Democrats did not dilute the abortion-rights plank in the Democratic Party platform.
Unfortunately, it does not appear that the acceptance, along with the compromise language, lasted. Party Chairman Webber held a meeting this morning to strip the inclusive language from the platform because nothing says “We we want your vote” more than overturning a fair process of debate and approval. It is very unusual to remove language unilaterally after a platform has been ratified. It makes you wonder about the kind of pressure supposedly “progressive” groups exerted and why. They know that this removal will cause chaos.
They doth protest too much.
Now, just read that headline for accuracy.
Oh, it’s all just so rich:
“There is an important election coming up that will determine the balance of the U.S. Senate and the future of the U.S. Supreme Court…”
The writer of the press release at “Democrats for Life” actually wrote that. They also wrote this:
Democratic Senators Use Religion to Discredit Pro-Life Judicial Nominee
September 8, 2017
STATEMENT OF KRISTEN DAY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
OF DEMOCRATS FOR LIFE OF AMERICA
Democrats For Life of America (DFLA) expresses its disappointment with Democratic senators and interest groups who are attacking federal court of appeals nominee Amy Barrett for her personal religious views on the dignity of human life at all stages….
Amy Barrett was also one of the right wingnuts who was reportedly on Donald Trump’s (r) short list for the current U.S. Supreme Court vacancy. The press release writer for “Democrats for Life” is definitely not worried about the U.S. Supreme Court the way the vast majority of Democrats are worried about the U.S. Supreme Court.
“…Missouri Party Chairman Stephen Webber thinks that the best way to support Senator McCaskill and other Democrats in Missouri is to create an unnecessary battle over abortion…” It’s called projection. Look it up.
The platform committee did not approve the language. A single anti-choice member of the Missouri Democratic Party State committee pushed an amendment to the party platform prepared by a platform committee using language appropriated from a lunatic fringe anti-choice group. We don’t know if the individual who pushed the amendment disclosed where that language came from when it was presented to the Missouri Democratic Party State Committee. We’re asking now. Was that disclosed at the time of the early July vote?
The Missouri Democratic Party State Committee did vote for the amendment in July (it wasn’t unanimous, that’s for sure) and it was very controversial. Everyone heard from everyone else the instant the word got out about the circumstances.
“…It makes you wonder about the kind of pressure supposedly ‘progressive’ groups exerted and why…”
Oh, that’s rich. It’s called holding those who are supposed to represent you accountable. The why is easy. Because their authored amendment, like their press release, is just so much bullshit.
Nothing says “we want your vote” more to the vast majority of Democrats in Missouri than when the Missouri Democratic Party State Committee realized they were played and had the awareness and gumption to quickly fix it. The Missouri Democratic Party State Committee voted on August 11th to restore the original language of the platform committee (overturning the anti-choice amendment) in approving the platform – with 61 of 68 members voting yes, two abstentions. That’s who “closed the door” on anti-choice fanatics.
And, just in case it slips anyone’s mind:
“…And, by the way, there already is an inclusive stance on abortion. It’s called ‘pro choice.'”
Last night the Cass County Democratic Committee held it’s “Red, White and Blue Collar Celebration” Back to Blue dinner in Raymore. Approximately 200 individuals attended – meeting candidates and listening to remarks from featured speakers State Audior Nicole Galloway (D), Representative Crystal Quade (D), and Misouri Democratic Party Chair Stephen Webber.
Working people attended in force – opposition to Proposition A – “Right to get paid less” – was a major theme for the evening.
The republican party led dysfunction in Jefferson City was also a major topic of discussion.
Jessica Podhola (D).
“…Words of wisdom…so, uh, don’t work out with the governor. [laughter] Is that not wise advice? [laughter] Sorry. Um, is it too soon, is it too soon to, to say that…?” – Jessica Podhola
Vote “No” on “Right to get paid less” yard sign.
Renee Hoagenson (D), a candidate in the 4th Congressional District.
Hallie Thompson (D), a candidate in the 4th Congressional District.
State Auditor Nicole Galloway (D).
Representative Crystal Quade (D).
“…[the] dark cloud that currently surrounds Jefferson City is something that none of us could of prepared for. Often people down from where I’m from in Greene County will say to me, you know, it must be really hard to be a Democrat in a super minority. And, um, I like to say back to them, you know, there’s no better time to be a Democrat than right now. [….] Democrats didn’t expect such a mess from the Republicans and from their governor. I can tell you they did not expect us. They didn’t expect a group of legislators who were ready to fight back when they brought terrible bills to the floor…” – Crystal Quade
Missouri Democratic Party Chair Stephen Webber.
“…It’s dangerous to believe that progress is the law of life. Gravity is a law. Gravity is a law of life. Gravity is gonna happen. You drop something, it’s gonna fall. That, that’s gonna happen. Progress isn’t. Progress is not inevitable. Progress is not preordained. Progress is not something that just happens with the passage of time. Progress can be reversed. Progress only happens if somebody makes it happen. And in Missouri that somebody is us… ” – Stephen Webber
This evening, via Twitter, from Missouri Democratic Party Chair Stephen Webber:
Stephen Webber @s_webber
If you’re reporting/commenting on @EricGreitens and find yourself about to write “non-consensual sex,” think of the hell the victim endured and instead write what “non-consensual sex” actually is: rape. 7:13 PM – 11 Apr 2018
The Johnson County Democratic Central Committee hosted their annual James Kirkpatrick Dinner in Warrensburg this evening. The honoree for the evening was former Lieutenant Governor Joe Maxwell.
Former Lieutenant Governor Joe Maxwell.
Other speakers included Missouri Democratic Party Chair Stephen Webber, former State Senator Wes Shoemyer, and Cydney Mayfield.
Missouri State Democratic Party Chair Stephen Webber.
“…I believe that unquestionably Donald Trump is a threat to the fabric of our country and our values…”
“…resisting what Donald Trump is trying to do is an act of patriotism…”
Missouri Democratic Party Chair Stephen Webber [2017 file photo].
Last Thursday Missouri Democratic Party Chair Stephen Webber spoke at the monthly Johnson County Democratic Club meeting in Warrensburg.
Stephen Webber (D): …You know, like a lot of us I was in a fog. I, I could not believe, I still cannot believe that Donald Trump’s president of the United States. [laughter] Just, I will never…
Voice: A nightmare every fucking morning. [laughter]
Stephen Webber (D): …I will never come to terms with that…
[…]
…So I realized pretty quickly that if you’re in it for the right reasons you can’t quit. You have to keep working on these issues. These issues don’t go away. You know, it’s not like, it’s not like children said, well, an election happened and I don’t need education anymore…
[….]
I’ve had two messages from people around the state. Uh, the first is that I believe we have a moral obligation to oppose Donald Trump. [Voices: “Yes.”][applause]…
[….]
…Donald Trump is something different. Donald Trump goes beyond a simple policy disagreement. Right? My disagreement with Jeb Bush is on policy. I think his policies are wrong. Uh, I don’t think that Jeb Bush as a human being is a threat to the nation. I believe [crosstalk], maybe, it’s debatable.[laughter] But I believe that unquestionably Donald Trump [Voice: “Horrible human being.”] is a threat to the fabric of our country and our values. [applause]…
[….]
…And I think that he needs to be resisted and opposed by all people, by all Americans at all times. And I think that resisting what Donald Trump is trying to do is an act of patriotism…
[…]
[….] Stephen Webber (D): …People say, well, Republicans believe in low taxes. No they don’t. They don’t care about low taxes. They care about low taxes for billionaires. [Voice: “Yeah.”] They do not care about the tax rate for anybody else. And it is be, it is beyond easy to prove that…
[….]
…They don’t care about low taxes for citizens. They care about keeping their billionaire donors happy. And that’s it…
[….]
…Trumpcare is a disaster for rural Missouri. It is a disaster for rural Missouri. It is a disaster…it’s a disaster for rural Missouri. Here’s why. [crosstalk] Yeah. Here’s why. It hurts hospitals. It’s gonna cutoff, uh, access to care, but it specifically targets rural areas. Because what it does is, one, keeping with our theme, the Republicans said, okay, the only policy outcome we actually care about is that billionaires get a tax break. Right. So if you start designing your health care plan with the idea that billionaires have to get a tax break you’re not gonna, you’re not gonna benefit normal ordinary working Americans. So, they repeal some taxes, tax cuts to the wealthy. And then they said, okay, how are we gonna try to offset that cost? And what they decided to do was, they’re taking subsidies that are going right now to help, uh, help Americans purchase health insurance and they’re capping those subsidies…
[….]
On Thursday evening approximately fifty Democrats from Johnson County gathered in downtown Warrensburg for their monthly meeting. Missouri Democratic Party Chair Stephen Webber spoke at length about the state and national political scene and the state party’s plans for 2018 and beyond.
Missouri Democratic Party Chair Stephen Webber.
No one’s planning on rolling over.
Johnson County Democratic Club President Ray James (left) and Gary Grigsby.
Johnson County Democratic Central Committee Chair Randy Huggins.
Renee Hoagenson, a recently announced Democratic Party candidate for the 4th Congressional District in 2018, also spoke, introducing herself and speaking at length on public policy issues in the district.
Renee Hoagenson (D) , an announced candidate for the 4th Congressional District in 2018.
It appears, unlike Representative Vicky Hartzler (r), that Renee Hoagenson won’t be afraid of holding open public town halls in the district.
The organizing, planning, and work for 2018 and beyond starts now.
Stephen Webber @s_webber
Honored to be elected Chair of @MoDemParty Change will take ALL of us working together. Only 703 days till election 2018. Let’s get to work! 3:45 PM – 3 Dec 2016
The Chair and Vice-chair of the state party are also members of the Democratic National Committee by virtue of their elected office in the state party. As such they will also be unpledged PLEO (party leader, elected official) delegates at the next national convention.
![Stephen Webber (D) [2016 file photo].](https://i1.wp.com/showmeprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/img_4352.jpg?ssl=1)
![Caleb Rowden (r) [2016 file photo].](https://i1.wp.com/showmeprogress.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/img_4767.jpg?ssl=1)