The campaign to replace Henry Vandermeir as chair of the Democratic Party of Orange County has begun with former Westminster City Council member Diana Carey announcing her candidacy today via email. Vandermeir leaves big shoes to fill as a Party chair as under his watch, Democratic voter registration increased dramatically, the Party was able to raise considerably more funds, and more Democrats were elected to office since he took office four years ago.
Vandermeir was able to accomplish this in spite of nearly constant opposition from some members of the Party who seem to believe only progressive reformist views matter (while being among to first to hit up Business Democrats for a check).
TheLiberalOC promises to publish any announcement from any candidate for Party chair as it to allow the incoming DPOC Central Committee to weigh in. The rumors of who’s running for chair have been fun to hear as Democrats (not revealing names here) have said Joe Dunn, Jose Moreno, Jeff Letourneau, Fran Sdao are names that have popped up. But Carey’s candidacy emerged via a Boxing Day email.
Here is Carey’s email:
I hope you’re having a great holiday season and enjoying well-earned time spent with family and loved ones at this special time of year.
I would like to take a brief moment to announce my candidacy for Chair of the Democratic Party of Orange County.
As a lifelong member of the our party and a former Democratic Councilmember for the city of Westminster, I have always been on the front lines fighting for progressive change, engaging residents on key issues and I’ve been deeply involved in my community, standing up to regressive Republican agendas for years. I’m very proud of the support I’ve already received in this endeavor and will have more announcements on this very soon.
I will use my experience as a former high school principal and small business owner to:
– Forge relationships across the party, especially among our growing minority communities, including more strategic outreach with API, Latino Groups, and Young/College Democrats.
– Ensure smarter engagement among our Democratic and Progressive grassroots so our base is organized and to produce gains in the crucial midterm election year.
– Focus on raising the revenue required so we can grow our party and compete against Trump and the OC Republican agenda.
Although many are still reeling from the results of the Nationwide Election, I hope I can speak to all of you in the coming days and weeks about my plan and vision for the DPOC and how we can move forward even stronger than before.
For now, please have a very wonderful holiday season and feel free to give me a call.
Her experience as a High School principal would be beneficial in trying to tame some of the more “spirited” members of the DPOC who seem reluctant to compromise and or discuss ANY view but their own.
Of the others, I suspect Dunn would be the best choice, but I doubt the bridges he burned during his failed campaign would help him among “mainstream” Democrats.
Here’s a tip. Whoever is endorsed by Diamond, Nelson or LeTourneau probably isn’t the right choice for the entire Party
I like ’em all. Dirtbag.
You’re an idiot Nelson
do they like you back knowing you can’t keep anything in confidence?
We love you too Vern.
Isn’t that a little high end for Vern?
Can somebody really be “endorsed” by Screwball if they don’t ask for his support and the “endorsement” brings with it no hope of positive effort?
Greg is the self-appointed guardian of honest and ethical politicians because he says so. It’s only a coincidence many are his step-daughter’s clients or Republicans.