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Political Calendar for the Week of April 17, 2016:
Robert McWhirter on the Meaning of the First Amendment
Sunday, April 17, 10:00 a.m.: Author event, Robert McWhirter – Of Dogma and Desire: Saying What You Believe About The First Amendment, at the DuVal Auditorium, 1501 N. Campbell Avenue, Tucson. Robert J. McWhirter is a nationally and internationally known speaker and author on trial advocacy, immigration law, and the history of the Bill of Rights. He is a Certified Specialist in Criminal Law with the State Bar of Arizona and first chair qualified to defend capital cases by the Arizona Supreme Court. The American Bar Association published Mr. McWhirter’s book Bills, Quills and Stills: An Annotated, Illustrated, and Illuminated History of the Bill of Rights (2015). The American Bar Association also published his books THE CRIMINAL LAWYER’S GUIDE TO IMMIGRATION LAW: QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS, 2nd Ed. (2006), and THE CITIZENSHIP FLOWCHART (2007). His dynamically illustrated PowerPoint charts the history of not just our right to speak, but our right to believe. It shows how the First Amendment’s speech and religion clauses connect. From the Persians to the Greeks, Hebrews, Romans, and Puritans (to name a few), not only has our rights of speech and creed grow but the concept of freedom as well. Free and open to the public. For more information see http://www.meetup.com/freethoughtaz/events/227930147/.
Foothills Forum – Brunch With The Candidates
Sunday, April 17, 10:30 a.m.: The Foothills Forum returns for a Brunch With The Candidates, ay Skyline County Club, 5200 E. Saint Andrews Drive, Tucson. Representative from Ann Kirkpatrick for Senate, Matt Heinz for Congress, and Victoria Steele for Congress. Enjoy a wonderful brunch and then have a chance to meet the candidates and learn about their ideas and plans for representing Arizona. The first 20 people to register will receive a $10.00 gift card from Starbucks! Contributions to the candidate’s campaigns are encouraged and will be appreciated. Event Registration
Cochise County Democratic Party Big Tent Forum
Sunday, April 17, Noon: Cochise County Democratic Party Big Tent Forum and Picnic, at the home of Sharon Thomas in St. David, AZ. Please join the Cochise County Democratic Committee for our annual picnic in beautiful St. David, Arizona. This year’s event will be a “Big Tent Forum” with our local, state, and national candidates. We will have our traditional barbecue, side dishes, homemade root beer, and desserts. Music will be provided by local musicians. Click here to RSVP now Blue Cochise members attend for free and should RSVP to: cochisecodems@gmail.com or call (520) 458-9467.
Monday, April 18: Deadline to register to vote in the May Special Election for Prop. 123 and Prop. 124 (Education Funding Inflation Adjustment Settlement).
Monday, April 18: U.S. Supreme Court oral argument in United States v. Texas, involving the validity of President Obama’s broad program (DACA and DAPA) to defer deportation of up to five million undocumented immigrants.
Monday, April 18, Noon: Democrats of Greater Tucson luncheon, Dragon’s View Restaurant (400 N. Bonita, South of St. Mary’s Road between the Freeway and Grande Avenue, turn South at Furr’s Cafeteria). New price: buffet lunch is $10.00 cash, $12 credit; just a drink is $3.50. Featured speaker is Corin Hammond, candidate for the House in LD 11. Next Week: Morgan Abraham, Chair of No on Prop. 123 Committee.
Monday, April 18, 4:30 p.m.: Pima County Democratic Party Education Caucus meeting, at the TEA headquarters, 4625 E 2nd Street, Tucson.
Tuesday, April 19: New York Primary.
Tuesday, April 19, 11:00 a.m.: Democratic Women of Southeastern Arizona meeting, at the Pueblo del Sol Country Club, on St. Andrews Drive in Sierra Vista. The cost of the luncheon is $15.00. For reservations, please contact Kathy Marvin, President of the DWSEA through email at kathleencrafts@gmail.com or by telephone at (520) 803-6697. Visit our web page.Democratic Women of Southeastern Arizona.
Tuesday, April 19, 6:30 p.m.: Legislative District 9 meeting, at Northwest Medical Center, La Paloma Urgent Care Community Classroom, 4001 E. Sunrise Drive. For more information please contact Brian Clymer at brianclymer@yahoo.com or (520) 297-3539.
Tuesday, April 19, 6:30 p.m.: Oracle Democrats meeting, at the Oracle Fire Department, 1475 W. American Avenue (Oracle). For more information please contact Jim Walsh at (520) 896-2079.
Wednesday, April 20: Early voting begins in the May Special Election for Prop. 123 and Prop. 124 (Education Funding Inflation Adjustment Settlement).
Wednesday, April 20, 6:00 p.m.: Democratic Club of Northern Gila County meeting, at the Payson Public Library, 328 N. McLane Road, Payson. For more information please contact paysondems@gmail.com or call (928) 468-9669.
Wednesday, April 20, 6:30 p.m.: Legislative District 10 meeting at Pima County Democratic Party HQ, 4639 E. 1st Street (one block South of Speedway and West of Swan). For more information lease contact Rob Selby at r_ybles@hotmail.com or (520) 790-3024.
Wednesday, April 20, 6:30 p.m.: Democracy for America – Maricopa County (DFA-MC) monthly meeting is the 3rd Wednesday of every month, and the new location is Macayo’s on Central Avenue, South of Indian School. DFA-MC is on the web, Facebook and Twitter. For more information contact DFAofMC@gmail.com.
Wednesday, April 20, 6:30 p.m.: Pinal County Democratic Party meeting, at the SRP building. 3735 E. Combs Road, San Tan Valley. Monthly meeting will be held in San Tan Valley this month – subject will be use of social media for candidates and campaigns to get their message out. Call (480) 678-1756 for details or questions.
Thursday, April 21, 8:00 a.m.: Democrats of the Red Rocks breakfast, at Old Sedona Family Restaurant Bar & Grill, 1405 W. Hwy. 89A, Sedona. Speakers: candidates Bill Mundell and Tom Chabin for Arizona Corporation Commission; Yavapai County Recorder Leslie Hoffman on elections and voting process for 2016. Admission is $12, includes buffet breakfast and gratuity. Doors open at 8:00 a.m. Please RSVP to (928) 274-6541.
Friday, April 22: Earth Day 2016.
Friday, April 22, Noon: Critical Issues Forum, at the Cochise County Democratic Party HQ, 1234 E. Fry Blvd., Sierra Vista. For more information please contact cochisecodems@gmail.com or (520) 458-9467.
Saturday, April 23, 10:00 a.m.: Northern Cochise County Democratic Club meeting. Meeting locations rotate between Benson and Wilcox. For more information please contact Kathy Suagee at soprano_58@hotmail.com. Visit our web page Northern Cochise County Democrats.
Saturday, April 23, 3:00 p.m.: State Senator Andrea Dalessando (LD 2) hosts a Thank You Pot Luck Party, at the Green Valley Recreation Center, 7 S. Abrego Drive, Green Valley. Water, soft drinks, and coffee provided; BYOB. Please bring your favorite appetizer, finger food, salad, fruit, entre or dessert. Meet and greet Democratic candidates, sing their petitions and contribute to their campaigns. Please RSVP via Facebook invitation or to DalessandroForAZ@gmail.com.
Saturday, April 23, 2:00 p.m.: Legislative District 11 meeting, at the Wheeler, Taft, Abbett Library, 7800 N. Schisler Drive, Tucson. For more information please contact Scott Baker at legdist11dems@gmail.com. Find us at www.AZLD11Dems.org.
Saturday, April 23, 6:00 p.m.: Yuma Democrats Spring Fling 2016, at the GOWAN PATIO. Tickets $25.00 per person. Fun, Food and Friends!
Saturday, April 23: Passover begins (sunset).
Special Announcements:
DCSRA Discussion Group
Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m.: Democratic Club of the Santa Rita Area hosts a Current Events Discussion Group at the DCSRA Headquarters, Continental Shopping Plaza, 240 W. Continental Road (exit 63), Green Valley. Join us at the weekly meeting of the Democratic Headquarters Current Events Discussion Group. We’ll talk about some of the major events of the previous week, including but not limited to political topics, and try and go behind the news for a deeper understanding. For more information, please contact Jean Vickers jean.vickers@cox.net.
Drinking Liberally
Third Wednesday of each month, 6:00 p.m.: Drinking Liberally returns to Tucson, at Casa Vicente (375 S. Stone Avenue, Tucson, casavicente.com) whose gracious and helpful wait staff sets the table(s) for us. Next meeting is Wednesday, April 20th. We need to know by the morning of each meeting approximately how many folks willattend. Please RSVP to tucson@drinkingliberally.org. Informal but thoughtful conversation, good wine and beer, and good food. There is no obligation to order anything–but as a thank you to Casa Vicente for the use of their patio, I hope everyone will order at least one drink (alcoholic or otherwise). And the Tapas are wonderful! The patio is almost completely covered, so weather isn’t much of a problem and there’s plenty of free parking.
Sunday, April 24, Noon: Paul Penzone for Maricopa County Sheriff Campaign Kickoff, at Steele Indian School Park, located on the northeast corner of Indian School Road and Central Avenue in Encanto Village, Phoenix (near the flag pole). Join us at a rally to support Paul Penzone’s race to become the next Maricopa County Sheriff. Find out how you can assist the campaign. For more information please email us at info@penzone2016.com.
Monday, April 25, 6:00 p.m.: Legislative District 3 meeting, at the Joel Valdez Main Library, 101 N. Stone Avenue (parking under the library). For more information please contact Andrés Cano at andres@canoagroup.com or (520) 304-5778.
Tuesday, April 26: Connecticut Primary, Delaware Primary, Maryland Primary, Pennsylvania Primary, Rhode Island Primary.
Tuesday, April 26, 11:30 a.m.: Blue Tuesday Luncheon Forum, at the Starfire Golf Club, 11500 N. Hayden (Scottsdale). If you want lunch, you must RSVP by the Thursday before so we can order for you! Email jctillotson@msn.com. $22 – cash only – at the door! (If you RSVP, and then find you can’t make it, PLEASE LET US KNOW, or we’ll have to pay for your uneaten lunch!) For more information please contact bluetuesdayluncheon@gmail.com.
Tuesday, April 26, 6:30 p.m.: Northern Pinal County Democrats meeting, at the Mountainbrooke Village Center in the Palo Verde Room (off the south parking lot), 5762 S. Moutainbrooke Drive, Gold Canyon, AZ. Come meet candidates running for office in LD16 and state wide. For more information please contact Kathy Guillen at gataguillen@yahoo.com.
Wednesday, April 27 – Sunday, May 1: Verde Valley Fair, 800 E. Cherry Street, Cottonwood.
Wednesday, April 27, 11:00 a.m.: Democratic Women of the Prescott Area luncheon, at the Centennial Center, 1989 Clubhouse Drive, Prescott (on the Antelope Hills golf course). Speakers: candidates Bill Mundell and Tom Chabin for Arizona Corporation Commission. Luncheon reservations are required. A buffet luncheon will be provided. Cost is $15 for members and $17 for nonmembers. RSVP by email: DWPrescottArea@gmail.com or call (928) 848-2753. Contact us ASAP if you make reservations and are unable to attend. The public is welcome, but reservations are required. To join, email the form and pay at the luncheon, or mail with a check to Sandy Baggenstos, DWPA Treasurer, 530 N. Fitzmaurice Drive, Prescott, AZ 86303.
Thursday, April 28: Workers Memorial Day.
Thursday, April 28, 5:30 p.m.: Maricopa County Democratic Party Executive Committee meeting. Meet and greet (and dinner) begins at 5:30. Meeting begins promptly at 6:00 pm.
Thursday, April 28, 6:00 p.m.: Casa Grande Democrats meeting, at Bedillon’s Restaurant (Adobe Room), 800 N. Park Avenue, Casa Grande. For more information please contact Jack Guthrie at democratsofcasagrande@gmail.com and Like Us on Facebook.
Thursday, April 28, 7:00 p.m.: Heritage Highlands/Dove Mountain Democrats meeting, at the Heritage Highlands Clubhouse, 4949 West Heritage Club Boulevard (Marana). For more information please contact Dick Reddy at (520) 579-9460 Richard.Reddy@fredonia.edu.
Saturday, April 30, 2:00 p.m.: Maricopa County Democratic Party Diamond Event, at 40 Owls Gallery, 815 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix. Details TBA.
Saturday, April 30, 3:00 p.m.: Democratic Club of The Santa Rita Area meeting, at the DCSRA Headquarters, upstairs meeting room, Continental Shopping Plaza, 240 W. Continental Road (exit 63), Green Valley. Candidate Forum for County Attorney. Joel Feinman has confirmed to attend but Pima County attorney Barbara LaWall has not yet confirmed. For more information please contact (520) 838-0590.
Saturday, April 30, 3:00 p.m.: Democratic Women of the Prescott Area Cinco de Mayo celebration at the Meals on Wheels dining room at the Prescott Adult Center, 1280 E. Rosser Street in Prescott, with not one, but TWO Donald Trump piñatas that you could take a whack at for a buck a try. The cost is $15 per person and includes Mexican food catered by an authentic Prescott Valley restaurant, Maya Mercado, and is delicious! Beer, wine and sangria will be available for a donation, as well as tea and lemonade. Help support our scholarship programs and have fun at the same time! RSVP at DWPrescottArea@gmail.com.
Sunday, May 1: International Worker’s Day.
Monday, May 2, 6:30 p.m.: Pima County Democratic Party Executive Committee meeting.
Tuesday, May 3: National Teacher Appreciation Day.
Tuesday, May 3: Indiana Primary.
Wednesday, May 4: Holocaust Remembrance Day (begins at sunset).
DCSRA Cinco de Mayo Celebration
Wednesday, May 4, 5:00 p.m.: Democratic Club of the Santa Rita Area Cinco de Mayo Celebration, at American Legion Post 66 Hall, 1560 W. DuVal Mine Road, Green Valley. 5:00 p.m. cash bar; 6:00 p.m. Mexican buffet; 7:15 p.m. performance by Pueblo Magnet High School Mariachi Band. Tickets are $25 per person. Pay at ACT Blue.
Thursday, May 5: Cinco de Mayo.
Saturday, May 7: 11th Annual West End Fair on Fry Blvd. from Garden Avenue to North Avenue, Sierra Vista, AZ.
Saturday, May 7, 10:00 a.m.: Greater Huachuca Area Democrats meeting, at the Golden Corral Restaurant, 798 S. Highway 92, Sierra Vista. For more information please contact ghadc1@yahoo.com.
Saturday,May 7, 10:00 a.m.: [Need to verify location] Legislative District 2 meeting,at the DCSRA Headquarters, Continental Shopping Plaza, 240 W. Continental Road (exit 63), Green Valley. For more information please contact Tom Prezelski at fusilero@aol.com.
Saturday, May 7, 3:00 p.m.: Democratic Club of The Santa Rita Area meeting, at the DCSRA Headquarters, upstairs meeting room, Continental Shopping Plaza, 240 W. Continental Road (exit 63), Green Valley. State Senator Andrea Dalessandro is our featured speaker discussing the 2016 legislative term, “Legislative Wrap-up Challenges and Successes: Implications for Arizona’s Future” with Q&A followed by a reception. For more information please contact (520) 838-0590.
LD 11 and Five Clubs Picnic
Saturday, May 7, 4:00 p.m.: LD 11 and 5 Clubs Picnic, at the Sun City Activity Center, 1495 W. Rancho Vistoso Blvd., Oro Valley, AZ. Menu: grilled hamburgers, brats and veggie burgers with all the fixin’s, delicious salads, side dishes, plus scrumptious desserts, drinks and popcorn. Tickets are $20 per person in advance, or $25 at the door. (Buy from a club seller to provide the required donation information). All proceeds go to LD11 Democratic Committee. For more information please contact legdist11dems@gmail.com.
Sunday, May 8: Mother’s Day.
Monday, May 9, 7:00 p.m.: Democrats of Oro Valley meeting, at the Oro Valley Public Library, 1305 W. Naranja Drive (SE corner at La Cañada). For more information please contact Mike Dayton at teachers12@msn.com or (520) 742-3774, or visit our web site http://www.demsov.org/.
Tuesday, May 10: Nebraska (GOP Primary), West Virginia Primary.
Tuesday, May 10, 3:30 p.m.: Saddlebrooke Democrats meeting, at SaddleBrooke Activities Center, 64518 E. Galveston Lane (Saddlebrooke). For more information please contact Hollace Lyon at Email Us or visit our web site. SaddleBrookeDemocrats.org.
Tuesday, May 10, 4:00 p.m.: Democrats for Picture Rocks meeting, at Horseshoe BBQ Restaurant, 6575 N. Sandario Road, Tucson. For more information please contact Catalina Hall at dems4prandav@gmail.com.
Tuesday, May 10, Noon: Democratic Women of Rim Country meeting, at Tiny’s Family Restaurant, 600 Arizona Hwy. 260, Payson, AZ. For more information please contact paysondems@gmail.com or call (928) 468-9669.
Wednesday, May 11, 6:30 p.m.: Copa City Democrats meeting, location varies. For more information please contact Constance Jackson at jcksconniejean@aol.com.
Thursday, May 12, 5:30 p.m.: Pima County Democratic Party Nucleus Club meeting, at the Viscount Suite Hotel, 4855 E. Broadway Blvd. For more information please contact Ash Silverburg at (520) 326-3716.
Thursday, May 12, 5:30 p.m.: Yavapai County Democratic Party meeting, at the Prescott Adult Center, 1280 E. Rosser Street, Prescott, AZ. $10.00 donation, $5.00 if you bring a dish to share. Please RSVP to (928) 541-0413.
Arizona Democratic Party Heritage Dinner
Friday, May 13, 5:30 p.m.: Arizona Democratic Party Heritage Dinner, at the Talking Stick Resort, 9800 Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale. Keynote speaker is Connecticut Governor Dan Malloy. PCs and Dem AZ members can purchase tickets for $125. CSLC members are entitled to a complimentary seat as part of their membership. PC’s, DEM AZ and CSLC members should reserve their tickets by contacting Herschel Fink at 602-234-6808 or hfink@azdem.org. Individual tickets are $250, and VIP tickets are $1,000.To RSVP and to purchase tickets, RSVP here.
Saturday, May 14, 10:00 a.m.: Mule Mountain Democrats meeting, at the Community Y, 26 Howell Avenue, Old Bisbee. For more information please contact John Viverto at vivertos@aol.com or visit our web page
Mule Mountain Democrats.
Monday, May 16, 2:00 p.m.: The White Mountain Democrats’ major fund-raiser for the Love Kitchen and Meals on Wheels at the Pinetop-Lakeside Town Hall. Features music, refreshments and a silent auction. The benefit provides thousands of dollars in funding, as well as food items, to support these two important institutions in our community.
Tuesday, May 17: Special Election for school funding inflation adjustment settlement and changes to Arizona Constitution.
Tuesday, May 17: Kentucky (Democratic Primary), Oregon Primary.
Saturday, May 21, 10:00 a.m.: Pima County Democratic Party African-American Caucus meeting, at Grace Temple Baptist Church, 1020 E. 31st Street, Tucson. The caucus is not exclusively for African-Americans, all are welcome to join. For more information please contact Connie DeLarge at cdelarge@dmyl.com or (520) 241-8408.
5th Annual Morris and Stewart Udall Dinner
Friday, May 27, Time TBA: Pima County Democratic Party’s 5th Annual Morris and Stewart Udall Dinner, details TBA. Keynote speaker is former Texas state senator Wendy Davis. Sponsorship packages are available, please inquire with Executive Director Heath Butrum at 520-326-3716 or heath@pimadems.org.
Wednesday, June 1: Last day to file candidate nomination petitions.
3rd Annual PALF Community Partnership Awards
Thursday, June 2, 6:00 p.m.: 3rd Annual PALF Community Partnership Awards, at the Randolph Golf Course Club House 600 S. Alvernon Way, Tucson. PALF is a coalition of labor unions affiliated with the AFL-CIO. The purpose of the awards celebration is to honor individuals and organizations (both union and non-union) for their ability to raise awareness about local issues and union activities through acts of civic engagement. Doors open at 6:00 PM with Dinner/No Host Cocktails and Silent Auction. Program: 7-8 PM. Individual tickets and great raffle prizes tickets are available at the PALF Office. Individual Tickets $50.00/ Raffle Tickets prices $10 each or 3/$25. A portion of the proceeds to benefit Dancing In The Streets scholarship fund.
Please contact awards.palf@gmail.com for Sponsorship packages and more information.
Sunday, June 5: Puerto Rico (Democratic Primary).
Tuesday, June 7: California Primary, Montana Primary, New Jersey Primary, New Mexico Primary, North Dakota (Democratic), South Dakota Primary.
Tuesday, June 14: Flag Day.
Tuesday, June 14: Washington, D.C. Primary.
46th Annual Tucson Juneteenth Festival
Saturday, June 18 – Sunday, June, 19: 46th Annual Tucson Juneteenth Festival, at the Donna Liggins Center at Mansfield Park, 2160 N. 6th Avenue, Tucson. Fun, food, education, fellowship and entertainment. Everyone is invited to this free, fun, family-friendly, alcohol-free event. For more information please call (520) 429-1724 or visit us on Facebook Tucson Juneteenth Celebration – Facebook.
Sunday, June 19: Father’s Day.
Monday, July 4: Independence Day.
Thursday, July 7: Last day to file constitution and initiative petitions.
Wednesday, July 13: Last day to file arguments for or against ballot measures (General Election).
Monday, July 18 – Thursday, July 21: Republican National Convention in Cleveland aka “the mistake by the lake” — seems almost prescient.
Thursday July 21: Last day to file as a write-in candidate for the Primary Election.
Monday, July 25 – Thursday, July 28: Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia.
Monday, August 1: Deadline to register to vote in the Primary Election. Note: Those of you not registered with a political party will need to request a primary ballot for the party of your choice.
Wednesday, August 3: Early voting begins in the Primary Election.
Tuesday, August 30: Primary Election.
Sunday, September 18, 11:30 a.m.: Democrats of Greater Tucson Awards Luncheon. Details TBA.
Thursday, September 29: Last day to file as a write-in candidate for the General Election.
Monday, October 10: Voter registration deadline for General Election.
Wednesday, October 12: Early voting begins in the General Election.
Tuesday, November 8: ELECTION DAY.