Dear Young Democrats,
2006 was a good year to be young, optimistic, and a Democrat. We watched the Democrats take over Congress ("boo yeah" being the term), Rumsfeld resign ("la-who za-her," in the words of Ace Ventura), and learned that sometimes, even the "morally upright" like to Foley little boys….All these national successes justify a Howard Dean, "EEYAAH!"
Things at home have been a little bit rougher, leaving the Young Democrats perplexed and in a state of confusion. In 2006, we stood dumbfounded as Senator Buttars openly expressed his racist beliefs while speaking against Brown v. Board of Education; we wondered why Gayle Ruzicka, a woman who continuously preaches that a woman's place is at home, is not at home; and contemplated why the Republican party denied emergency dental care to Utah's most needy when one of their most powerful leaders, Condoleezza Rice, could use a touch up sooo bad.
But 2006 in Utah was not all bad. The Young Democrats of Utah laid the foundation for one of their most active years in recent history. The YDU Executive Board rolled out its new logo and raised more money than most previous administrations. The board members also managed eight campaigns. Six of these were successful, including Phil Riesen, the only Utah State Legislative seat the Democrats picked up in 2006.
The Young Democrats of Utah also visited Las Vegas where Dan from Murray made us "Utah Long Islands" during the YDA Convention. We also broke legs at our Classic Campaign Kickoff and fed over 150 famished Young Dems at our July Fourth BBQ.
2007 will build on these successes! The 2007 Executive Board is a strong group of energetic, organized, committed, and qualified individuals…not to mention gorgeous. I am extremely honored to have all of them working for our organization.
YDU has also outlined an extremely ambitious plan for the New Year. There will be lobbying, movies, camping, and a variety of fun activities. All of which are kick a…Donkey. Please come and bring your friends to all of these exciting events. For more information on YDU's 2007 plans, visit www.youngdemsofutah.org.
Together, the Young Democrats can change the face of Utah politics. Please join us in our revolution!
Sincerely,
Matt Lyon
President