In addition to organizing new chapters, our leaders were heavily involved with the presidential campaigns. Our members worked in New Hampshire, Iowa, Nevada, South Carolina, and of course, Alabama. Alabama College Democrats not only provided volunteers, but also leadership. We were instrumental in organizing the state’s Students for Barack Obama and Young America for Edwards. In addition to our presidential campaign work, Alabama College Democrats were active in many campaigns including the recent election of Mississippi Congressman Travis Childers.

Now that the primary season has come to a close and we’re ready to work, the Alabama College Democrats have been invited to the 2008 College Democrats of America National Convention in Denver, CO, August 22-24. During the convention, College Democrats will be trained, organized, and inspired to bring energy, knowledge, and activism home to Alabama elections in 2008 and beyond. Last year, Alabama fielded one of the largest student delegations and we look forward to continuing our strong presence.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all the folks who helped make our trip possible. We received donations from several progressive activists and support from the Alabama Democratic Party, Public Service Commissioner Susan Parker, Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks, Congressman Bud Cramer, Judge Deborah Paseur, Representative Patricia Todd, and State Senator Parker Griffith. I appreciate these donors for making an investment in the next generation of Alabama’s Democratic leaders.

Art Richey
President, ACD

Montgomery – Yesterday, the Democratic House of Representatives passed the College Cost Reduction Act of 2007, and, despite the veto threat from President Bush, are working to make a college education more affordable. Alabama Democratic Representatives Bud Cramer and Artur Davis again stood up for college students and helped pass the greatest expansion of college aid since World War II. Alabama’s Congressional Democrats have a history of fighting to make higher education more accessible, dating back to the days of Representative Carl Elliot.

This legislation will bring $258 million in student aid to Alabama over a five year period and will help over 116,000 Alabamians afford college. The Reduction Act would also cut loan rates from 6.8 percent to 3.4 percent.

Instead of voting to help our students attend college, Alabama’s Republican House members sided with the corporate interests that fund their campaigns. “Once again, Alabama’s five Republican Congressmen have proven their interests do not lie with the hard working families of our state. Instead of making it easier for college students to get a quality education, they have again voted for the special interests and the big money” said Jesse McDaniel, Alabama Democratic Party spokesman.

“It’s really no surprise that Alabama’s Republican House members cast yet another vote against college students. It’s traditionally been the Democratic Party that has helped students afford college and we’ll be looking to hold the GOP accountable next fall” said Art Richey, president of the Alabama College Democrats. “I applaud Congressmen Cramer and Davis for supporting legislation that will help more young Alabamians make their dreams a reality through an affordable college education.”

Aderholt, Bachus, Bonner, Everett, and Rogers Voted Against $18 Billion in College Student Aid. [House Vote #613, 7/11/07]

The convention also elected new officers to lead the organization during the upcoming year:

President: Art Richey, Birmingham-Southern College

Membership Director: Jeffrey Ioimo, Auburn University

Political Director: Danielle Touart, Auburn University

Communications Director: Trent Thompson, University of Alabama

Financial Director: Alex Flachsbart, University of Alabama 

Details are still tentative, but we plan on starting in the morning with guest speakers, followed by training sessions led by state party officials, lunch, and then statewide officer elections.

For Alabama College Democrats officer elections, please review the following information:

If you are interested in running please email Art Richey (asrichey@bsc.edu) a 150 word letter of intent by April 14th.  You will have a few minutes to speak at convention regarding your candidacy.  Other forms of campaigning are allowed but must not be disruptive to the event.  Please email us with questions. Descriptions of offices are as follows:

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us at any time. Have a great spring, and we look forward to seeing y'all in Montgomery!

Corey Shepherd (coreyshepherd@gmail.com)
Alabama College Democrats President

I am extremely pleased to announce that this year's CDA Convention will be held in the great state of South Carolina, from July 26th to 29th.

The 2007 CDA Convention promises to be the best convention in our organization's history. Not even a year ago, College Democrats powered our party's takeover of Congress. And soon enough, we'll be leading the way as Democrats reclaim the White House.

During Convention, you'll hear from presidential candidates, meet other College Democrats from around the country and elect the CDA leadership which will take us into a great year.  We have a lot of work to do, but that doesn't mean we won't have fun. During this convention, we'll be heading to a local amusement park. 

Join us in South Carolina, as we build the Democratic Generation.

Early registration has already begun. To register now, visit: convention.collegedems.com

See you at the 2007 CDA Convention!

Very Truly Yours,

Lauren Wolfe
President, College Democrats of America

The state officers will be working with Democratic and Progressive organizations to get mass travel plans together!

Start squirreling away a few dollars each week to cover travel, housing, and spending dough and get pumped about spending 4 quality days surrounded by committed Democrats! Exclamation point!

Corey Shepherd
President, Alabama College Democrats

UPDATE: The 2007 College Democrats of America National Convention will be held on July 26-29 at the University of South Carolina. Discover more at convention.collegedems.com!