The Louisiana Democratic Party hosted an event Wednesday night at Chelsea’s Cafe to meet and greet with the state’s progressive youth.
The event was organized by LDP interns for young people to network with each other and important figures in the state.
Among the guests was Judge John Michael Guidry, who is running for the Louisiana Supreme Court.
Guidry has served in both the Louisiana House of Representatives and the State Senate. He is currently a judge of the First Circuit Court of Appeal with 15 years of experience in that position.
Guidry is currently the only Democrat in the race for Supreme Court and was in attendance, campaigning and networking.
Also in attendance was Kameron Kilchrist, biological engineering senior and LDP intern. Kilchrist, along with the other LDP interns, organized the event.
Stephen Handwerk, interim executive director of the LDP, said he believes the Democratic party is on an upward swing in the state and has confidence that any Democrat who chooses to run can be elected in any part of Louisiana.
“We’re really looking forward to everyone getting together around a common interest,” Handwerk said. ”I think it’s a new day for the Democratic party. We’re going to surprise a lot of people.”
LDP interns have different jobs based on their individual skills and aspirations, including fundraising, databasing and technology, communications, managing social media and further educating elected officials, according to Handwerk.
Handwerks said several Democrats have been elected from rural, blue-collar areas of the state, despite the tendency for those areas to elect primarily Republican officials.
Handwerk acknowledged the challenge President Obama faces in winning over Louisiana voters this November.
“President Obama has an uphill road to hoe in Louisiana,” Handwerk said.
Also in attendance was Daniel Colvin, LDP intern and member of College Democrats at LSU, who said budget cuts to higher education are one of the main focuses of the College Democrats.
James Bullman, director of the Young Leaders Program at the Dem. State Central Committee, has been campaigning since he was nine years old.
“I’ve always been a Democrat,” said Bullman, a Dallas native and LSU alumnus.
Bullman emphasized the importance of not only organizing the youth but engaging their interest in the political sphere.
____ Contact Parker Cramer at [email protected]
Dem. party appeals to young progressives
June 27, 2012