Accomplishments and Goals


  • (as of mid-year 2008)


    2006 (our first year)
    • Raised funds for 14 candidates: five Congressional, two California State Senate, four California Assembly, and three County Supervisors.

    2007
    • Co-hosted a sold-out off-site dinner during the State Democratic Convention focused on increasing support for Democrat activists in red areas.
    • Organized a packed 2-day campaign training, utilizing trainers from Wellstone Action and Emily’s List, tailored to address the challenges of red county campaigns and activists; attended by representatives from 22 counties.
    • Hosted a county fair–style fundraiser called A Taste of the Red Counties. Democrats from 8 rural counties brought wine and produce to a gathering in San Rafael, emceed and hosted by Josh Kornbluth. It was well attended, and we raised several thousand dollars.
    • Selected as a recipient by the New Progressive Coalition Mutual Funds.

    Immediate Goals:
    • Candidate Support: As in 2006 we anticipate providing many volunteers and the maximum in financial support to Jerry McNerney (CD 11), Charlie Brown (CD 4 – vacated by John Doolittle) and Dr. Bill Durston (CD 3 – Dan Lungren incumbent). We are also looking forward to supporting local down-ticket races in Northern California.
    • Blue County Training: Prepare blue county volunteers to be comfortable and effective working in red communities.
    • Red County Campaign Support: We will continue to offer general campaign support, selective financial assistance, volunteers, and resources.
    • Polling: Polling is a luxury Democratic candidates in red districts cannot often afford. TBRC will work with reputable pollsters to train blue county volunteers to conduct polls.
    • Pilot Mailer: Candidates would be chosen for a careful pilot mailing as a
    demonstration to the California Democratic Party of the value of mailers for such candidates as we work toward a supermajority in the California legislature.
    • Talent Bank: We would like to set up a program whereby we underwrite the cost of a “talent bank” of basic campaign services (writing, editing, design, data base work, website design/maintenance), which could then be offered to red counties at a substantial discount. We would also like to put together an additional registry to help campaigns find proficient service providers.

    Our Commitment to Local Elections:
    TBRC continues our focus on down-ticket (typically non-partisan) elections (school and water boards, city council and county supervisor) in order to foster “farm teams” of experienced and effective Democrats. It is at the local level that most of us can effectively participate in the political machine, and can both hold elected officials to high standards and actively participate in policy solutions. Our challenge is to convey the vital nature of these campaigns to Bay Area volunteers who generally feel more enthusiasm for higher profile races.

    A Commitment to the Long Term:
    Simply winning the seat is not enough! TBRC believes it is essential that Democrats develop a long-term commitment to infrastructure and farm club development while we pursue wins. We have an equal obligation to challenge the dialogue, encourage and train the next generation of public office holders, create a strong infrastructure that can be productive through off-election years, and foster stable working relationships among Democrats.