Helms to be part of DNC primary commission

Former New Hampshire Democratic Chairman Ned Helms is slated to be a member of a DNC commission that will look at possible changes to the 2012 presidential primary process.

Here is the release:

Today, Governor Tim Kaine, Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, announced the 37 member Democratic Change Commission, which will recommend changes to the Democratic Party’s rules for the 2012 presidential nominating and delegate selection process. Governor Kaine also announced that he has named Congressman James Clyburn of South Carolina and Senator Claire McCaskill of Missouri as Co-Chairs of the Change Commission.

“This Commission will focus on reform that improves the presidential nominating process to put voters first and ensure that as many people as possible can participate,” said Kaine. “I want to thank all the members of the Commission who have agreed to serve, including Congressman Clyburn and Senator McCaskill who have graciously agreed to serve as co-chairs.”

Governor Kaine went on to say that he hopes to work with the Republican National Committee on a common approach that puts voters first.

President Obama first announced his intention to form the Democratic Change Commission in August 2008, during his presidential campaign. Delegates to the Democratic National Convention adopted President Obama’s proposal on Monday, August 25, 2008.

The Democratic Change Commission will address three issues: 1) changing the window of time during which primaries and caucuses may be held 2) reducing the number of superdelegates and 3) improving the caucus system. A copy of the convention resolution establishing the Commission is below. The Commission must issue its report and recommendations to the DNC Rules and Bylaws Committee no later than January 1, 2010.

The Commission is made up of 35 members and two co-chairs and represents a diverse mix of DNC members, elected officials, representatives of State Parties, academics, labor, business, grassroots activists and other Party leaders. A complete list of the Commission’s members is below.

Commission Members:

Former State Chair Ned Helms
Concord, New Hampshire

Pols to kick off NH Political Library series

If you consider yourself a political animal, or a wannabe politico, then check out a panel discussion the New Hampshire Political Library is hosting next weekend.

The New Hampshire Political Library will be kicking off their 2009 lecture series with a discussion called, “2008 New Hampshire Primary Debrief: A Discussion with Key Campaign Advisors.” It will be held on Sunday, February 8th at 2:00 p.m at President Franklin Pierce’s historic Concord home.

Ambassador Terry Shumaker, Chair of the New Hampshire Political Library Board of Directors, will moderate a panel discussion among Steve Duprey, advisor to John McCain; Ned Helms, advisor to Barack Obama; New Hampshire Senate President Sylvia Larsen, advisor to Hillary Clinton; and Tom Rath, advisor to Mitt Romney.

This event is free and open to the public. Please RSVP to Caroline Amport at camport@politicallibrary.org or (603) 225-4617 x10.