Good Turnout at first 3CDO meeting.

There was a better than expected turnout for the first official meeting ever of any Nebraska Democratic Party Congressional District Organization. The 3rd CDO met at the Grand Island Veterans' Club on Saturday, January 19th with around fifty members in attendance. People came from as far away as panhandle counties - Scotts Bluff, Sioux, and Box Butte.

There was a lot of work to be done and a roomfull of dedicated Democrats were up to the task. Led by Third CD Chair, Jay Stoddard, and 3rd CD Associate Chair, Ramona Kufalk, throughout the morning, the assembled delegates reviewed the financial report, discussed some ongoing State Central Committee items, approved the continuation of the website and newsletter, then took a quick break from business to hear past 3rd CD Congressional Candidate, Scott Kleeb, talk about his future plans. The group then passed, by an overwhelming majority, a motion to recommend that the SCC abide by the NDP Constitution and Bylaws and return to alternating its meetings between the CDs on a regular rotation.

A Bylaws Committee was formed consisting of Brent Hultine, Ramona Kufalk, Jeremiah Quintin, and Carolee Koehn. An Events Committee consisting of Jan Osten and Mary Heusman was formed. Officers for the Organization were elected with Marion Bahensky as Treasurer and Donna Anderson as Assistant Treasurer. Brian Osborn was elected as Secretary. The NDP C&B provides that the NDP CD Chair and Associate Chair preside over the Organization.Marion was also appointed to edit the newsletter and Brian was appointed to continue as the webmaster.

The afternoon was mainly taken up with some comments by NDP Executive Director, Matt Connealy, about ongoing Democratic Party news and 3rd CD Field Organizer, David Wolfe, who spoke about the current status of the caucus organization and explained just how they would evolve on February 9th.

Polk County Chair, Duane Jones, delivered a presentation on his candidate of choice, Sen. Barack Obama; Dr. Steven Bennett, of Kearney, spoke on behalf of Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton; Hall County Chair, Glen Murray, gave comments of support for Sen. John Edwards; and finally, Phelps County Chair, Brian Osborn, in the interests of fairness, said some words on behalf of Dennis Kucinich.