(1) Tonight (Mon) Carol Shea-Porter event w/Charlie Rangel, Jim Dean & DFNYC

Join Congressman Charlie Rangel and DFA Chair Jim Dean tonight for an event to benefit the re-election Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter, a terrific grassroots Democrat that has stood strong with the progressive community.  This year, she is a top target of Republicans, so join with us to support her re-election.

When:  Tonight, Monday, June 30, 6:30 – 8:30pm

Where:  Butterfield 8, 5 East 38th Street, between 5th Avenue & Madison Avenue

RSVP:  You can RSVP to me, Tracey at tdenton (at) dfnyc.org or 646-251-0680

Carol Shea-Porter is from New Hampshire and is one of the great success stories of the 2006 elections in which the Democrats took back Congress.  She was elected with a terrific grassroots organization, with many people that came out of the Howard Dean and Wesley Clark presidential campaigns of 2004.  She has been a strong supporter of progressive values in Congress, from ending the Iraq to blocking unfair trade agreements that hurt American workers.

Congressman Charlie Rangel and Democracy for America Chair Jim Dean will be in attendance tonight, hosting this event along with Democracy for NYC.  Carol Shea-Porter is not just any Democrat – she is a solid progressive who is not afraid to take a stand on the issues that matter.  Please join us to ensure she keeps her seat in Congress.


(2)  Ask Governor Paterson to Veto the So-called "Recycling Bill"
            - A message from DFNYC’s Dan Jacoby

On the last day of the session last week, the state legislature passed what looks, at first, like a good plastic bag recycling bill.  But the bill (A11725/S8643) would prohibit cities from going further – meaning New York City's new recycling law would be wiped off the books.

The NYC law requires more recycling, in more places, of more items.  By voiding the NYC law, the state bill could actually result in less recycling, not more. 

The proposed state bill:  http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?bn¡1725&sh=t
The stronger NYC law: http://webdocs.nyccouncil.info/textfiles/Int%200640-2007.htm

Call Governor Paterson's executive office at 518-474-8390 to say you want the governor to veto the plastic bag recycling bill.

- Dan Jacoby, dan (at) danjacoby.com


(3)  Event at Rudy’s for DFNYC-endorsed candidate Luke Henry, Tues. July 1st
            - Progressive Democrat running against Speaker Sheldon Silver
            - More Luke Henry events on July 2nd, 8th, 9th, & 10th

Join Luke Henry’s campaign for an event in Hell’s Kitchen at Rudy’s, the famous bar that is home to Drinking Liberally and many other progressive events: 

When:  Tuesday, July 1st, 7-10pm

Where:  Rudy’s, 627 Ninth Avenue, between 44th & 45th Streets

RSVP:  kate (at) katehenry.org

Luke Henry is running against Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver in a Democratic primary.  DFNYC recently held an endorsement vote in this race, and Luke received 67% of the vote, earning DFNYC’s endorsement.   Luke’s strong progressive platform includes addressing out-of-control housing costs, quality affordable healthcare for all, civil rights, fairer funding for education, environmental protection and better public transportation in New York City.  The three-men-in-a-room problem in Albany has been an obstacle to these progressive measures, so Luke strongly supports rules reform and ethics reform in the state legislature.  Luke is also a strong supporter of Clean Money Clean Elections, and he explains the concept to voters in his district in this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjfbgCAKgCg

Luke’s campaign is also hosting parties on the following dates.  To attend, please RSVP to Kate at kate (at) lukehenry.org:

Wednesday, July 2nd Campaign Party
8:00pm – 11:00pm
Fat Baby, 112 Rivington

Tuesday July 8th Event
6:30 – 8:30pm
Essex, (bar & restaurant) 120 Essex Street
Hosted by Chad Stoller, Amy Way and Katherine Cohen

Wednesday, July 9th Event
7:00pm – 9:00pm
Angel Orensanz, lower level, 172 Norfolk Street
Hosted by Kate Novack and Andrew Rossi

Thursday, July 10th Event
6:00pm – 8:00pm
Mannahatta, 310 Bowery
Hosted by Eric Agovino, Brad Harris and Jeff Grossman

To learn more: http://lukehenry.org - luke (at) lukehenry.org - 212-542-0185


(4) DL21C & DFNYC event w/Dem challenging Senator Mitch McConnell, Tues. July 1

Please join Democracy for NYC and DL21C for a special evening to meet and greet Bruce Lunsford (D-KY), a candidate for US Senate who is challenging Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.  Senator McConnell is known as "the hurdle to the Democratic agenda in the United States Senate."
 
When:  Tuesday, July 1, 7pm

Where:  O'Lunney's Pub (Upper Level), 145 West 45th Street (between 6th and 7th Avenues)

RSVP:  Please RSVP to Lewis Cohen at lewiscohen (at) att.blackberry.net.

The event is free for DL21C members and is $7.00 for non-members.


(5)  June Linkup (a.k.a. "Meetup"):  Find out How to Help Obama, etc. Wed. July 2

On the first Wednesday of every month, Democracy for America groups across the country gather for Linkups, formerly known as Meetups during the Dean campaign.  Join us for the June Linkup this Wednesday, July 4th, at 7pm at the following locations.   We’ll discuss how we can help Senator Obama win the White House, along with important local races and issues.

Upper West Side, Cosi Restaurant, 2186 Broadway btwn 77 & 78, with hosts Tracey Denton & Bruce Markens, 7pm

West Village, Kettle of Fish, 59 Christopher St. (near 7th Ave.) with hosts Christoph V. Friedeburg and Josh Silverstein, 7pm

Astoria, Queens, at Sanford Diner, 30-13 Broadway, with hosts Costa Constantinides and Jeremiah Frei-Pearson.  Note: this Linkup will begin at 7:30.

Sunnyside, Queens, at The Grind, 39-24 Queens Blvd. in the back room, with host Dan Jacoby. Note: this Linkup will begin at 7:30.

Bayside, Queens, The First Edition, 41-08 Bell Blvd, right near the LIRR stop, with host Steve Behar of Democrats for New Politics, 7pm

Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, Wycoff Bennett Homestead, 1669 East 22nd Street, 7pm with host Annette Mont


(6)  Petition for Jimmy Dahroug in Long Island, Cars leaving from NYC, Sat. July 5

DFNYC member and Bayside Linkup host Steve Behar is coordinating a big petitioning day for DFNYC-endorsed State Senate candidate Jimmy Dahroug, running against 36-year Republican Senator Caesar Trunzo in Long Island's 3rd District. Getting enough petition signatures to qualify for a ballot spot is a critical campaign step and participating in a petitioning effort is one of the most important contributions you can make to a campaign. Jimmy is a true progressive and would be the best representative for the 3rd district in what may be the first Democratically-controlled State Senate since 1965.  To learn more about him, visit http://jimmyforsenate.com.

Getting there:  DFNYC members will be driving from Astoria, Queens, and Bayside, Queens. So you can take the subway to Astoria or the LIRR to Bayside to meet up with the two groups. 

For more info and to rsvp, contact Steve Behar at (917) 669-0111 or steve (at) stevebehar.com.


(7)  An Evening With ... Mark Crispin Miller hosted by DFNYC & Act NOW, July 9

On July 9th, Democracy for NYC and Act NOW NY will host a book signing party with noted progressive author and NYC professor Mark Crispin Miller - as part of our political author series.

When:  Wednesday, July 9, 6:30 to 8:30pm

Where:  The Belmont Lounge, 15th Street btwn Park Avenue South & Waverly Place

RSVP:  http://dfnyc.org/content/view/2269/1/

Mark Crispin Miller’s new book "Loser Take All" follows his 2004 release "Fooled Again", about Republican election shenanigans during the 2004 election cycle.


(8)  Comedian Dave Chappelle Event for DFNYC-endorsed candidate Kevin Powell, July 9
 
Dave Chappelle (Comedian and two-time Emmy Award winner) is hosting an event on behalf of Kevin Powell for Congress:

When:  Wednesday, July 9th, 7-10pm

Where:  Eugene, 27 West 24th Street, between 6th Avenue & Broadway

Contribution amounts:  Ticket prices are $100 to $2300, but the Powell campaign is extending a special rate of $75 to DFNYC members.

RSVP:  http://www.kevinpowellforcongress.org/contribute/. For questions, contact  arthurl (at) kevinpowellforcongress.org or 212-228-6320 ext. 7.

Kevin Powell is a Brooklyn political activist, community organizer, and writer running for Congress in the 10th Congressional District or the northern part of Brooklyn.  DFNYC recently held an endorsement vote in this race, and Kevin received 72% of the vote, earning DFNYC’s endorsement.   Kevin is running on a strong platform which includes ending the war in Iraq, fairer funding for education, including after-school programs and arts education, reforming the criminal justice system, single-payer healthcare, a sensible progressive policy towards HIV/AIDS, and civil rights for all.

To learn more: http://www.kevinpowellforcongress.org/ - 718-303-9620 contact (at) kevinpowellforcongress.org


(9)  Save the Date – Democracy for NYC’s Annual Benefit on July 23rd

Democracy for NYC’s annual fundraising benefit will take place on Wednesday, July 23rd.  Mark your calendars.  Details will be forthcoming in this newsletter and on this page at our website:
http://dfnyc.org/content/view/2226/1/


(10) Human Rights Victory:  Settlement Reached at Flor De Mayo Restaurant
          - A message from DFNYC's Bernadette Evangelist, bevangelist (at) dfnyc.org

On Friday, May 2nd, the workers at Flor De Mayo restaurant reached a settlement with the owners. The boycott of Flor De Mayo is now officially ended.

As discussed in our previous newsletters, Democracy for NYC has endorsed and participated in this important struggle.  Meanwhile, boycotts continue at Ollie's Noodle Shop Chain and Saigon Grill Restaurants on the Upper West Side and University Place.  Nail salon workers are also coming forward to join this movement.  We will keep you posted on new developments and upcoming actions from the Justice Will Be Served! campaign endorsed by DFNYC. They have extended their thanks to us for our help.

~ Update on Saigon Grill Picketing and Trial

The legal action by Justice Will Be Served! against Saigon Grill went to trial last week at the courthouse on 500 Pearl Street downtown.

Meanwhile, picketing of targeted restaurants continues:

   * Saturday 6/14/08 - Saigon Grill (12th St. and University Pl.) - 12:30pm
   * Sunday 6/15/08 - Giant Taping (Queens) - 1pm
   * Monday 6/16/08 - Saigon Grill (90th and Amsterdam) - 12:30pm
   * Thursday 6/19/08 - Majestic (New Jersey) - 11am
   * Friday 6/20/08 - East Buffet (Long Island) - 11am