Grand Rapids-area Democrats more organized than ever, ready to win

Dozens of Democratic candidates and activists packed the 3rd Congressional District Democratic Coordinated Campaign office for the office's grand opening Thursday evening.

Located at 345 Fuller Ave. NE (site of the Obama-Biden campaign office in 2012), the office will serve as a hub for Democratic campaign activities in West Michigan during the 2014 election cycle.

Not in recent memory has the Grand Rapids-area Democratic Coordinated Campaign office opened so early in a campaign cycle. In previous election cycles, the Coordinated Campaign office didn't open until July or August; in 2010, it didn't even open until September.

Speakers at the grand opening event included:

• Bob Goodrich, candidate for Congress, spoke of the need for Democrats to get women to vote.
• Rep. Brandon Dillon discussed Democrats' effort to win a majority in the State House, an effort which he is heading up this cycle.
• Rep. Winnie Brinks said she had no interest in politics until just a few years ago, but saw a need to get involved.
• Lance Penny, candidate for State Senate in the 29th District (challenging Dave Hildenbrand), noted that the district is winnable for Democrats. President Obama carried the district in 2008 and 2012.
• County Commissioner Carol Hennessy talked about the influence Democrats have gained on the County Commission.
• Daniel Morse, candidate for County Commission, discussed his race against County Commission Chair Dan Koorndyk in the 18th District. Morse has the support of a number of police, fire, and teachers' unions.

We're just 137 days away from Election Day - and Democrats are doing everything we can to make sure November 4, 2014, is as magical as November 4, 2008.

Live in Michigan? Join the campaign - sign up right now to volunteer.

Free advice

1. If your Facebook/Twitter feed has a high level of negativity or suckitude, folks probably won't follow it.
2. Using BOLD AND ALL-CAPS in the body of your emails? Don't expect that to motivate people to get involved in your cause.
3. If you do feel you need to use BOLD AND ALL-CAPS because people aren’t helping, then maybe you should stop ignoring their offers to help.
4. Respect, Empower, Include - it’s not just a saying, it’s also sound strategy.

But what do I know, I’ve only been involved in communications strategy and community engagement for a number of years now (including working for OFA in Chicago and being Deputy National Communications Director of the College Democrats of America).

Michigan Republican Rebrand Update

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Also, there's this:

Williams, Casteel, Jewell among new UAW leaders

The United Auto Workers has a new person at the helm - and he's not from Michigan.

The UAW convention a little while ago elected Illinois native Dennis Williams to lead the auto union for the next few years. A Marine Corps Veteran, he is a friend of President Obama and has been the Secretary-Treasurer since 2010.

Succeeding Williams as Secretary-Treasurer will be Gary Casteel, who has served as director for Region 8 (which covers many Southeastern states).

In addition to re-electing Vice Presidents Cindy Estrada and Jimmy Settles, members also elected Flint native and Region 1-C Director Norwood Jewell to serve as Vice President.