Washington Township Democratic Club

We are thrilled to share that Indiana State Representative Rep. Carey Hamilton for Indy Northside is one of six elected Democratic women across the country nominated for the EMILY's List 2026 Gabrielle Giffords Rising Star Award. To cast your vote for her, click on the link in her post!

Friends,

I'm thrilled to share some exciting news and a request for YOUR VOTE! I'm one of five elected Democratic women across the country nominated for the EMILYs List 2026 Gabrielle Giffords Rising Star Award. This prestigious national honor recognizes Democratic women in office who have demonstrated an outstanding commitment to women, families, and their communities. I am truly honored and humbled to be in such good company.

Please take 30 seconds to cast your vote for me:
https://win.emilyslist.org/a/risingstarvoting2026-Hamilton

Winning this award would give me an unprecedented opportunity to bring national attention - and new financial resources - to Indiana, strengthening our effort to Break the Supermajority and elect more Democrats who will fight for Hoosier families.

With gratitude!

Carey

“EMILYs List is proud to name Carey Hamilton a 2026 Gabrielle Giffords Rising Star Award nominee. A proven bipartisan leader, Rep. Hamilton puts politics aside to deliver real results for Hoosiers. When Indiana Republicans attempted to gerrymander the state’s maps, she spoke out forcefully against the disenfranchisement of both urban and rural communities and fought for fair representation. Rep. Hamilton’s dedication to improving the quality of life for Hoosiers is exactly why she deserves this prestigious recognition, and we are proud to see her continue her bold leadership on behalf of her state,” said EMILYs List President Jessica Mackler.

Democrats Offer a (Partial) No Kings Budget Provisions in the counteroffer to a continuing resolution would prevent illegal withholding of funds and partisan budget cuts.

https://www.mobilize.us/andrecarsonforcongress-1-2/event/831760/?referring_vol=6481822&share_context=dashboard-event-details&sharer_role=2

Canvass with André Carson for Congress! · Andrè Carson For Congress Canvass with Team Carson - Tuesday! Join our team this Tuesday, August 26th, for an afternoon of door-to-door conversations with neighbors in the community. We’ll be knocking on doors and sharing our campaign’s vision, and connecting with our voters and the issues that matter most to them. The w...

Meeting Notes from the June WTDC meeting:

Washington Township Democrat Club meeting (WTDC) - 18-Jun-2025: Notes

The meeting was called to order by Bryan Lilienkamp, President, at about 7 pm.
Despite the foul weather about 30 people attended.
Bryan led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Bryan and many other members attended the inspiring No Kings rally on Saturday.
Michelle Higgs, former candidate for HD-60 and one of the leaders of the Indiana Rural Summit, was the guest speaker. Among many topics, Michelle talked about:
Her life story and journey to Indiana via TX, Canada, UK and LA.
She was introduced into politics in 2016 with the pollution in the famous Martinsville Springs. She led organizing of Hoosier Action to address the situation but found the state legislature unresponsive due the GOP super-majority and the fact that this issue did not generate contributions (money) nor lots of votes.
Michelle was "volunteered" to run in the highly gerrymandered HD-60. Due to limited resources the Indiana State Party triages first-time candidates based on the likelihood of immediate success and her campaign did not receive any assistance.
Michelle determined that getting a band together to address rural issues across the southern portion of Indiana would help with resources and getting the message out. The Vigo, carbon-dioxide sequestration, and Johnson county, environmental engineer, candidates agreed, and the Indiana Rural Summit band was formed. Eventually twelve (12) southern Indiana candidates would join. Although there was no immediate electoral success there is evidence of increased Democratic participation and synergy for future campaigns. https://indianaruralsummit.org/about
Indivisible and 50501 have been catalysts for getting the message out, as well.
Between campaigns Michelle is working on https://organizingindiana.org/. This site is envisioned to be a storehouse of democratic information. It is the home of the Summer of Solidarity effort, as well. They have adopted the sunflower as their symbol of solidarity, acceptance and assistance. They plan actions at the annual Jasper parade and the Fall Festival event someplace.
Note: In conversation with open minded people remember to "Name the Harm". (See the attached flyers from https://posterproject.us/)
Michelle recommends that people watch "Electoral Disfunction" on Youtube. (https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLG8IrydigQffkV94y_hhSFgZC-lgZ5rod)
Hoosier Action is tracking the impact of Medicaid cuts to Indiana healthcare. (https://www.hoosieraction.org/)
RE: Gerrymandering. Many districts are drawn to be as dispersed as possible, to discourage organizing. However, HD-60 is a high leverage district due to the intersection of many state senate and congressional districts. (https://iga.in.gov/information/house-district-map)
In many rural districts, sports and band are everything. (Ed. note: Run on eliminating class basketball.)
Given the direction of federal and state (non)support for communities, townships are about to become critical for dispensing mutual aid. Adam Dickey, CD-09 Democratic Chair, is fielding candidates for Township Trustee and County Councils wherever possible. (Ed. note: All counties and townships should be doing same.)
The state party can help by supporting Precinct Chair training and canvassing efforts. The more the Democrats reach out and build relationships the more likely that we will have electoral success. (Ed. note: Too often Democrats feel that the "good" will win all on its own.)
In addition, the state party could help by training campaign treasurers at all levels since they are limited to a single campaign and are in short supply.
Michelle recommends focusing on small dollar fund-raising from many people rather than high dollar contributions that get wasted on fifty flyers that no one reads and 30-second ads that no one sees. Instead focus on community events and PC canvassing, etc.
Note: Goshen has a Democratic mayor proving Democrats can win in rural communities. https://goshenindiana.org/government/mayors-office/history-of-goshen-mayors-a-legacy-of-leadership/
Michelle hopes that aligned organizations (e.g., Indivisible and 50501) pivot to electioneering in 2026. (Ed. Note: We must build Permanent Political Power lest all of our good ideas and values evaporate into the ether.)
Learn more at: https://voteformichellehiggs.com/.

Lori Ecker and Megan Alderman spoke about a Call to Action regarding the situation with Mayor Hogsett, Thomas Cook and the City-County Council. Contact them for further information.

The next meeting will be on 16-July-2025 at the usual time and location. See you there!

Washington Township Democrat Club meeting (WTDC) 21-May-2025 - Notes

The meeting was called to order by Bryan Lilienkamp at about 7 pm.
Bryan recognized Councilor John Barth (D-07) and Marion County Prosecutor Ryan Mears, who were in attendance.
Washington Township Judge Steven Poore led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Judge Poore then announced that he would be running for another four-year term as Washington Township Judge. Kevin Strunk is the Treasurer of the campaign effort. The primary for this office is on 5-May-2026. Judge Poore is a life-time resident of Washington Township. He has received many awards during his term in office, including the Silver Gavel. His primary duties include over-seeing the Eviction Court (sessions held on Monday's, Tuesday's and sometimes Wednesday morning) with compassion and justice for all. He asked everyone for their vote in May. Judge Poore also circulated a Best Wishes card for Nancy Holley, who is in poor health. She is a long-time member of the WTDC.

Wes Brown, Marion County Democratic Party Vice Chair, provided Precinct Chair (PC) training. All appointed PCs must receive this training before their appointment. The objective of PC training is to encourage in-person, door-to-door canvassing that builds trust with Democrats and other persuadable voters. Trust is built by getting to know our voters, demonstrating support for Democratic causes, flying the colors and being available to answer questions and assist voters. PCs should be engaged in community activities and invite voters in their precinct, as well. All PC offices will be up for election in May 2026. Interested candidates must complete a 2026 version of form CAN-37, found on the Indiana SOS website here: https://www.in.gov/sos/elections/. Note: The 2026 Election Calendar and updated CAN-37 have NOT been released. If you wish to run for Democratic State Party Delegate, you must file a separate CAN-37.

The meeting was closed at about 8 pm.

Go Pacers!