Redistricting is Coming! Why Progressives must Focus on the State Legislature in 2010 and How You can Help
The 2008 election focused on congressional and national races. In the last two cycles, Democrats increased their majorities in Congress and took back the White House, but we must continue our work at the state and local levels to create a “permanent majority.” In most states, Congressional redistricting is done by the state legislature—which, in many cases, includes future members of Congress, governors, even presidents. This panel will discuss the importance of continuing the progressive movement in order to create a bench for the future. We’ll also discuss steps to running for office—from finding the right district to using new media and fundraising tools to build your campaign.
Christopher Massicotte is the Director of Sales at NGP Software, a leading political technology firm serving Democrats and their progressive allies. He has a degree in Accounting from Villanova and a masters in Government Administration from the University of Pennsylvania. While at Penn, Christopher studied the 2002 redistricting process in Pennsylvania and witnessed firsthand the partisan gerrymandering that took place. Chris became more involved in politics in 2002 serving as a campaign treasurer and fundraiser for a state representative, and as a field volunteer on Governor Rendell's campaign. Before NGP, Chris served as Finance Director for Congressman Rush Holt.
Matt Glazer is Editor-in-Chief of Burnt Orange Report. He has worked previously in environmental issues and worked for a variety of candidates in a number of positions ranging from Howard Dean to policy work for a Texas State Represenatitive. He now does freelance work ranging from campaign management to strategic consulting. He is on contract with the Texas League of Conservation Voters and the Travis County Democratic Party. During 2009, Matt is also working as an advisor to Mayor candidate Lee Leffingwell, as well as the acting Director for the TexBlog PAC.
Matt Compton is the communications director of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee. There, he is responsible for planning a national message strategy for supporting thousands of legislative candidates across the country. He is also a contributor for The Democratic Strategist. Before joining the DLCC, Matt worked as a writer and editor for a policy organization in Washington, DC. He previously worked on legislative races in North Carolina -- his home state. Matt is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Sam joined WCF as President/CEO in March 2009. In 2008, Sam ran one of the most exciting challenger campaigns for Congress in Pennsylvania’s 15th district. A first time congressional candidate, she garnered national attention with her fundraising skills and won over 40 national endorsements. Though ultimately losing her race to the incumbent, she obtained more votes than any other Democratic candidate in the district’s history. In addition to her political pursuits, Sam is the founder and former Statewide Director/CEO of Properties of Merit of PA, Inc., a non-profit organization that works to spur citizen involvement in revitalizing communities.
Chelsa is currently serving her second term in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. Her 2006 election marked the first time a female was elected to serve a full term from Pittsburgh. She concentrates much of her policy work and advocacy in urban renewal and community development, ensuring that her communities have a role in the policy making process. She holds a bachelor's degree in public policy from the University of Chicago, and a law degree from the University of Pittsburgh. Prior to joining the legislature, Chelsa was a Plaintiff's Attorney, and a policy analyst.
