Success in Rural Areas — Democrats Working Together!


  • I received a call from Assemblymember Debra Ortiz (former) in October.  She told me about a candidate, Virginia Madueno,, who was running for mayor in a town I never heard of, Riverbank, in Stanislaus County (near Modesto). I spoke with Virginia to get her views,  learn what was going on in her community and understand why she was running for office. After identifing the issues her campaign focus became, bringing the community together — by being solution-oriented.

    She is a bright, articulate Latina woman with Progressive values, and she knew how to put them into practice, without being divisive.

    She built coalitions with sometimes disparate groups, to get things done, and is a mother of three and a local business owner.   Needless to say, after speaking with her, I became VERY excited.  I saw an opportunity to bring several of our California Democratic Party (CDP) caucuses together to work for a common goal — help elect a woman, who represents the interests and issues all reflected by many of our caucuses!  

    I called Mickie Luna of the Chicano/Latino Caucus, Karen Bernal of the Progressive Caucus, Karen Weinstein of the Women's Caucus, and Alyson Abramowitz of the Business and Professional Caucus. All FIVE of us were anxious to help such an outstanding candidate. Mickie Luna brought two more volunteers with her; Ruth Hermosillo, Secretary of the Chicano/Latino Caucus, Monica Rodriguez, of LULAC, who is an advocate for parents and children at the schools.  Susan Rowe, a volunteer for the Rural Caucus and Chair of Madera County DCC, drove more than two hours to join with us.

    We all joined forces on October 31st, and walked for Virginia all day. We all came back with wonderful stories. We had a great time together and agreed we should do this more often. I think we will.   For the first time in CDP history, five Caucus Chairs joined forces for a common cause.

    I hope to see more activities like this in the future. If we want to win in red counties, this is the kind of cooperation it will take.

    Virgina Madueno was elected to office on Tuesday, November 10, 2010.   

    Keep Fighting!!!! Together.

    Jamie Buetler, Chair - CDP Rural Caucus

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