Remembering Sharon Gates-Hull

I've received word this evening that a member of our DFL family unexpectedly passed away last night.

Sharon Gates-Hull was infectiously joyful. Her passion and zeal for life was second to none. She could light up a room with her smile and was one of the most generous and kind spirits I've ever known.

She will be greatly missed.

Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends and all who were touched by our friend Sharon.

Here are details on the celebration to be held of Sharon's life: http://www.northfieldfuneral.com/2013/05/10/sharon-gates-hull/

Please feel free to share your thoughts and stories of Sharon by commenting below.

- Shawn Groth, Chair - Rice County DFL

Here are some photos which Terry Rogers has shared - 

Sharon loved this photo. She was so impressed that Senator Klobuchar wore the floral hair piece. 

Sharon poses with Herb F. at the 2012 Rice County DFL Convention.

Sharon with friends at a David Bly function.

"My mother wanted to see Hilary Clinton who was going to be at the U of M stumping for Al Frankin, I called Sharon to see if she wanted to join us and of course she did. A good time was had by all."

-  Terry Rogers

If you have any stories, photos or comments to share about Sharon feel free to e-mail them to Shawn G. at ricecountydfl@yahoo.com  We'll post them here.

A Must Read: The five best things about Dayton’s budget

Governor Mark Dayton went big and bold this week. He took on the most powerful special interests in order to fix Minnesota’s chronic structural budget deficit problem. Recent Minnesota Governors haven’t had the guts to do that. This governor did. The nitpickers are busily picking nits in Dayton’s proposal, and it’s not a perfect proposal. But when you focus on the big picture, there is much to admire:

Read More 

Informational interview with newly elected Rep. David Bly (DFL-Northfield)

Rice County DFL Central Committee Meeting

Rice County DFL Central Committee Meeting

When:   Thursday, January 31st, 2013
              6:00 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.

Where:  Buckham Memorial Library
              Meeting Room Second Level - Street Access on East Side of Library
             11 Division Street East, Faribault, MN 55021

We will be holding elections to fill the following seats:

1 Female State Central Committee Alternate
3 At-Large Directors

It is very important that we fill these seats. The Female Alternate will have an important meeting to attend on February 2nd - where we'll elect state party officers.

Here are the job descriptions for the above positions:

Directors
The Directors are members of both the Rice County Executive and Central Committees. Directors are to attend the Executive and Central Committee meetings. The directors are generally responsible to help with the Rice County caucuses, Rice County Convention, Rice County Fair, fundraising, and social activities. The directors may also be assigned other specific projects to participate in or supervise during their term by either the Executive Committee or Central Committee.


State Central Committee Alternate
State Central Committee Alternates shall attend State Central Committee and Congressional District Central Committee meetings. They shall report on the activities of both bodies at the Rice County DFL meetings. Other responsibilities include: help with the Rice County caucuses, Rice County Convention, Rice County Fair, fundraising, and social activities. They may also be assigned other specific projects to participate in or supervise during their term by either the Executive Committee or Central Committee.

If you are interested in running for one of these positions, have questions, or know someone you feel might be interested in one of these positions - please feel free to contact Shawn Groth at ricecountydfl@yahoo.com

(site is handicap accessible - if you need special accommodations - please contact Shawn Groth at:  ricecountydfl@yahoo.com)

2012 Voter's Center

You have heard that this year is the most important year in regards to the election. But you hear this every election cycle. The truth is that every year is important, not because of who's on the ballot - but because of the act of being a voter. Voting demonstrates democracy in action. This is important.

Voting is a right. Period.

You do not need to present an I.D. to vote this year. Anyone who requires you to do so is infrindging your right. Please call the number below if this occurs.

Below is useful information to help you to exercise your right to vote.


First and foremost - if you feel that your right is being infrindged upon by folks at your polling place it is extremely important that you let us know.

Shawn Groth, Chair - Rice County DFL
Cell:  (651) 324-9676

If you witness problems at polls/outside polls call our DFL hotline with any issues 1-877-257-0643.

Information about voting: (866) OUR-VOTE


What districts do I live in? Where do I vote?

Visit the Secretary of State's Poll Finder website for information on what districts you live in, where your polling location is, a list of candidates, a sample ballot and other useful information.

http://pollfinder.sos.state.mn.us/


Judicial Races:

As a local party we do not endorse candidates in non-partisan races, however - we encourage you to research the candidates, especially those running for the Supreme Court.

Here's a good website to look at for some information:
http://judgepedia.org/index.php/Minnesota

There are three Supreme Court seats up for election this year. Personally, I'd strongly recommend voting for the incumbents for two of the seats:

Chief Justice - Supreme Court

LORIE SKJERVEN GILDEA

 

Associate Justice - Supreme Court 4

DAVID R. STRAS

The third race pits incumbent and Tim Pawlenty appointee Barry Anderson versus former U.S. Senator appointee Dean Barkley. I have not personally decided on this race quite yet, though I'm leaning towards Barry Anderson. I've heard from some DFL activists and friends that they are supporting Barkley.

Associate Justice - Supreme Court 1	DEAN BARKLEY
Associate Justice - Supreme Court 1	BARRY ANDERSON

 WATCH FOR UPDATES!

Senate District 20 DFL Election Night Party

Let's celebrate our hard work and watch election results as they come in together.

Confirmed special guests (our GREAT candidates):
Kevin Dahle, State Senate
David Bly, State Rep. (20A)

When:  Tuesday, November 6th
               8:00 pm start time

Where:  Carbone's Pizza and Bar
               620 South Water Street
               Northfield, MN 55057

Rice County DFL Monthly Meeting

When: Monday, June 27th
6:30 p.m.

Where: Lonsdale Public Library
(large meeting room)
1006 Birch Street NE
Lonsdale, MN 55046

We will hold our regular monthly meeting of the Rice County DFL on June 27th. We will elect a new chair, associate chair, community engagement officer, historian, at-large directors, 2 - female state central committee alternates, and 1 - male state central committee alternate.

Everyone is welcome to attend and run for any position which you are interested in. Please contact us for more information on the above listed positions or about the meeting by e-mailing: ricecountydfl@yahoo.com