EDC’s 2010 officers got a festive start to the new year as County Party Chair Jess Durfee administered the oath of office at the Club’s annual holiday party.

The event, held at the home of City Council candidate Richard Barron and Janathan Allen, gathered more than 50 Democrats and friends for good food, drink and company to celebrate a sucessful 2009.

Volunteer appreciation awards were presented to Judy and Steve Slane for their work preparing refreshments at the Club’s monthly meetings, and to Robin Buse for her contributions to that effort. Allison Marks, who was not able to attend, was thanked for her tireless work to register voters in the Escondido area. Outgoing executive board members Chris Nava, Dollie McQuiston and Rick Bova were also recognized for their service to the Club.

County Party Chair Jess Durfee (far left) administers the oath of office to EDC 2010 officers (from left) Ed Bradley, Rick Moore, Bob Fuhrmann, Paul McNamara and Margaret Liles. Jason Everitt could not attend.

Steve and Judy Slane were thanked for preparing refreshments at monthly meetings.

Robin Buse was thanked for food donated by Panera Bread, which she manages.

Outgoing president Margaret Liles thanked members for their support and for their participation in the Club during 2009. Incoming president Paul McNamara previewed the January 16 meeting, where he will introduce the Club’s 2010 annual plan. McNamara said the focus would be on increasing membership, “the engine of any Club,” political action,  the “product” of the Club, and making a connection with other like-minded progressive groups in the area.

County Party Chair Jess Durfee praises and encourages EDC members

Here is a transcript of Durfee’s remarks to the group following the installation ceremony:

Next year is an absolutely critical year. Last year was an overwhelming success for Democrats all across the country and especially right here in San Diego County. You guys contributed to that. You helped lead us and provide for the success and support we have felt that througout the County.

One of the things we’re fearing as we move into 2010 is that level of enthusasm, that energy that we had over the opportunity to take back the White House doesn’t always translate into these mid-term elections.

We’re going to need each and every one of you to be out there to help us succeed in each and every one of these elections, whether it’s the 50th Congressional Distict, where I predict a Democratic woman will win that race (applause), or getting Richard Barron elected to the Escondido City Council (more applause).

The other thing we must to is get a Democrat back into the Governor’s office here in California. We can watch bill after bill that comes out of the Democratically controlled legislature and it is so frustrating to see the push-back coming from a Republican Governor. We need to have the combination of a Democratic Governor with our Democratic legislature so we can move things ahead in California. That’s going to take some real hard work getting out in the trenches to turn out and deliver those votes.

The other thing that’s absolutely critical — the other person who’s really been the standard-bearer for liberal Californians is (Senator) Barbara Boxer. She is up for re-election next year. We know her opponent has literally millions upon millions of dollars that she got in her golden parachute when she was a failed corporate executive, yet she will turn those resources around and use those to attack and degrade Barbara Boxer, a person we know and respect.

We need each and every person out there supporting Barbara Boxer, turning out those Democratic votes, those decline-to-state votes and making sure she wins reelection to the United States Senate. She has made us proud speaking out when too many others on the Democratic side in the United State Senate have been silent, and we need to return her the Senate for another six years.

I know we can count on you. You guys have been incredible here. I’ve seen this Club grow from really not being a very large Club, I know Jake (Edmonson) helped revitalize it a few years ago and Rick (Moore’s) leadership and others… you guys have come a long way here in Escondido and faced some difficult demographics here, but you’ve held your heads up, you’re proud to be Democrats and you’re doing the work that has earned you a lot of respect and I urge you to contine that work so that we can have another victorious year in 2010. Thank you!