Editor’s note: The Richmond Observer strives to provide fair and objective coverage of any and all political issues, situations, and/or developments, regardless of party affiliation. As part of this commitment, the Observer is offering for your review the following news article related to the North Carolina Democratic Party:
ROCKINGHAM – On Saturday, March 31, the Democrats of Richmond County held their annual meeting at Washington Street School.
In addition to local politicians and party members present, special guests included Cynthia Wallace, 9th District Democratic Party Chair, John Carry Easterling III, President of the College Democrats of North Carolina and the Keynote Speaker, Wayne Goodwin, North Carolina Democratic Party Chair.
The meeting was opened by Lester Chambers, Jr, Interim Chair, Richmond County Democratic Party. An invocation was given by Rev. James Smith, Jr., by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Americal Leak of the RSHS ROTC.
Kicking off the convention was 9th District Democratic Party Chair, Cynthia Wallace. Wallace began her comments by thanking those in attendance for their support of the party. Wallace said, “This convention marks the beginning of our strong efforts to win elections in 2018 and help break the Republican super majority.” Wallace continued, “As we’ve seen over 2017 and through this early part of 2018, Trump and the Republicans have been rolling back the progress made during President Obama’s Administration.”
Wallace outlined the 9th district’s strategic plan, which said includes increasing GOTV (Get out the vote) efforts, strong fund raising, effective communication, effective use of social media and improved training for candidates in counties.
John Carry Easterling III, President, College Democrats of North Carolina and a 21 year old Junior at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro spoke on the focus of the young Democrats. Easterling began his comments with thanks to Richmond County Sheriff James Clemmons. “Y’all have a great sheriff in Richmond County…I come from Laurinburg and we recently had a deputy that tragically passed away and he (Clemmons) stuck by our sheriff and county throughout the whole process; I want to say thanks to Sheriff Clemmons.”
Easterling discussed recent efforts to get the young democrats at the community colleges involved politically. He noted that several community colleges were chartered just this year.
“One of the things we are definitely trying to do this year is break the super majority, that is our number one priority,” said Easterling. He went on to say, “College democrats are going to do our part, we are going to support our candidates.”
Following Easterling’s comments, Wayne Goodwin, NC Democratic Party Chair, addressed the group. His comments, as well as comments from each of the candidates who spoke, will be shared with Richmond Observer readers in the coming days.
