Know your DSCC. Learn about the groups in the Democratic Party.

[madfloridian]

There are several groups with the Democratic Party itself. This is the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee. Here is what they do.

http://www.dscc.org/about/

Our mission is to elect more Democrats to the United States Senate. We are the largest organization committed to electing a Democratic Senate in the country. From grass-roots organizing to candidate recruitment to providing campaign funds for tight races, the DSCC is working hard all year, every year to increase the number of Democratic Senators.

Already we are in full campaign mode for the 2006 elections. With George W. Bush in the White House and GOP majorities in both the House and the Senate, it is essential that we gain seats if we are to promote fundamental Democratic ideals of fairness, equality, and freedom as well as hold the line against the Republican hard right agenda.

Over the coming year, your support will help fund organizing efforts and candidate recruitment. As the races begin to heat up, you will be supporting polling, media strategy, and research. And as the races reach their climax in November of 2006, you will help provide campaign funds to overcome the onslaught of negative Republican campaign ads that have become all too common in the last few elections.

The 2006 Senate elections will be immensely important. If you agree that it is crucial that Democrats gain seats, generously supporting the DSCC is the best way to do it.

Here are the leaders of the DSCC. They are the group which handles the Senate campaigns. Traditionally they are supposed to pretty much decide who runs for Senate and where, but I notice they sometimes dabble in House races as well. They have a great set of leaders, though I do disagree with some of their picks in some races.

I believe our primaries are vital, I think in fact, that primaries are the heart of our Democracy. So I do differ with some of their choices.

http://www.dscc.org/about/leadership/

Harry Reid
Nevada Senator/ Senate Democratic Leader
Senator Reid's skilled leadership in the Senate has delivered real results, including funding for the highways, schools, and health care system, tax relief, protections for our retirees, and preservation of our natural treasures.

Charles Schumer
New York Senator, DSCC Chair
United States Senator Charles E. Schumer is in his second term representing New York State. Before his election to the Senate, Chuck represented the Ninth Congressional District in Brooklyn and Queens for eighteen years. Before that, he represented the Forty-Fifth Assembly District in Brooklyn for six years.

Barbara Boxer
California Senator/ California Vice Chair
A forceful advocate for families, children, consumers, the environment, and her State of California, Barbara Boxer became a United States Senator in January 1993 after 10 years of service in the House of Representatives. She was elected to a third six-year term in 2004. In the House, she made her mark as a champion of human rights, environmental protection, military procurement reform and a woman's right to choose.

Barack Obama
Illinois Senator/ Midwest Vice Chair
Barack Obama has dedicated his life to public service as a community organizer, civil rights attorney, and leader in the Illinois state Senate. Obama now continues his fight for working families following his recent election to the United States Senate.

Mark Pryor
Arkansas Senator/ Southern Vice Chair
On January 7, 2003, Mark Lunsford Pryor was sworn in as Arkansas' 33rd senator. As a candidate, he pledged to be a strong voice for the people of Arkansas; one who would always put their interests first. As a Senator, he works every day to fulfill that promise.

Jack Reed
Rhode Island Senator/ Northeast Vice Chair
Jack Reed is the 47th United States Senator from Rhode Island. Elected to the Senate in 1996, Reed, who succeeded Senator Claiborne Pell (D-RI), previously served three terms as a Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Rhode Island's 2nd Congressional District. Reed has been a leader in the House and the Senate on education, health care and campaign finance reform, promoting and strengthening Rhode Island's economy and on defense, international affairs, child care and gun control issues.

Ron Wyden
Oregon Senator/ Western Vice Chair
In serving Oregon in the United States Senate, Ron Wyden pursues creative, bipartisan solutions to tough issues, offers unprecedented accessibility to his constituents, and stands up for Oregonians no matter the odds.

There is also a map of the 2006 races at the website.
http://www.dscc.org/2006races/

Other groups which make up the Democratic Party are the DNC with Chairman Howard Dean, the DCCC with Rahm Emanuel as chairman, the DGA with Governor Bill Richardson as chair, and the DLCC for legislative candidates. Plus the state parties.

More later.

[Crazy Guggenheim]

1. Thank you! We need this!!

[FredStembottom]

2. As if by magic!

I was just recently wanting to get DSCC and DCCC fixed in my mind a little better.
Thanks, Mad!

[madfloridian]

3. Unfortunately it is not what many here want to read at all.

It is way too much trouble to figure out which group is responsible for something and call or write that group.

It is far more fun to just bash all Democrats...to announce they are leaving the party or not donating.