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Democrats Pack Chase Center for Annual Jefferson Jackson Dinner

Contact:  Joe Sheeran  

Democrats Pack Chase Center for Annual

 Jefferson-Jackson Dinner

Sen. Vaughn Honored, Sen. Biden Blasts Bush as Democrats Rally for ‘08 Election Cycle.

WILMINGTON — More than 1,000 people packed Wilmington Hall at the Chase Center on the Riverfront Monday night for the annual Jefferson-Jackson Dinner, the Delaware Democratic Party’s yearly fundraiser and pep rally. 

“This overwhelming turnout proves the Democratic Party is strong in Delaware and that people in the party are excited about our chances in the 2008 elections,” said State Party Chairman John Daniello. “We have a strong slate of candidates up and down the ballot, and we’re ready to advance our majority in the state Senate and capture the majority in the House.” 

Featured guest, Democratic Presidential Candidate Sen. Joe Biden, didn’t disappoint the crowd, tearing into President Bush’s failed strategy in Iraq, naming the war the “biggest foreign policy mistake in our country’s history” and Bush’s mishandling of the war as the largest reason many Americans say they are ashamed of how other countries view us. 

“As people become more disgusted with most Republicans in power, their failed war policy and their hypocrisy, Delawareans and those across the nation are finding a sense of hope for the future, a way out of Iraq and a party that cares about issues like health care, public education and job growth in the Democrats,” said Executive Director Molly Jurusik. “We hope to carry this enthusiasm into next year’s elections and would like to thank everyone who worked to make this party and this event a success.”  

Many people who’ve dedicated their time and energy to the party were rewarded at the event, including the late Sen. James Vaughn, who posthumously received the 2007 Alexis I. duPont Bayard Award for Outstanding Service. “Sen. Vaughn had the highest knowledge of how government worked and had no problem standing up to fellow legislators or the administration for what he thought was the right thing to do,” said State Representative Bethany-Hall Long (D-Middletown). “He fought for our veterans, youth, education, health care, public safety, transportation and other critical policies.” Senator Vaughn died earlier this month. He served 27 years in the state Senate. 

Other award winners: 

o    The John Patrick Healy Extraordinary Volunteer Award – Abby Betts, Chair, Kent County Executive Committee

Abby Betts has been politically active since the 7^th grade, when she wrote papers on a young Joe Biden and young Tom Carper. She later went to work for Carper during his terms as Governor. As county chair, she works tirelessly to promote Democratic ideals and makes sure candidates work together, overseeing the election of Rep. Bob Walls and bringing Levy Court back to the Democrats. She has nurtured young people in their political interests and has been instrumental in the over all success of the Democratic Party in Delaware. 

o    Wilmington Award — Hon. Loretta Walsh, Wilmington City Council

Councilwoman Walsh has served the people of Wilmington and New Castle     County in a number of ways. As chair of the 8^th City Council District, she runs one of the most effective get-out-the-vote operations in the city and has helped countless city, county, legislative and statewide Democrats get elected.

o    New Castle Award — The Bryon Short Campaign

The Short campaign marched into Brandywine Hundred, Republican territory, and in only eight weeks beat the out-going House Majority Leader’s handpicked candidate. The hard work of Bryon Short and his campaign showed how to win tough elections, and showed the state everything that is right with the Democratic Party. 

o    Kent Award —  Bobbie Fournier,  30^th Representative District Committee

Barbara Fournier, known to all as Bobbie, came to Delaware in 1964 and joined the 30th District Democratic Committee. She’s a founding member of the Kent Democratic Women’s Club. She’s served in both the Lieutenant Governor’s Office and Governor’s Office for Ruth Ann Minner. Her campaign work includes those of Sen. Nancy Cook, Gov. Ruth Ann Minner and Kim Robbins. Bobbie is a very active vice chair of the Kent County Executive Committee. 

o    Sussex Award — Jerry Lamb, 14^th Representative District Committee    

Jerry Lamb’s interest in politics started in 1956, watching the Democratic     Convention on television. Since then, Mr. Lamb has served on numerous campaigns throughout the country, including several in Delaware. He spearheaded the 2007 Jamboree Committee, co-authored the 2006 Campaign for Change plan for Sussex County and has worked to coordinated volunteers, as well as campaign and party events in eastern Sussex County.