FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, July 22, 2010

Contact: Carolyn Fiddler
202.556.1693
fiddler@dlcc.org

LAS VEGAS, NV- Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee Executive Director Michael Sargeant today challenged progressive bloggers and activists gathered at Netroots Nation 2010 to focus the public's attention on redistricting and this fall’s state legislative elections. Sargeant noted that district lines defined by state legislatures across the county will define the next decade of American politics.

“The DLCC is excited to be sponsoring Netroots Nation for the third year in a row. This conference is a crucial event for the progressive movement every year,” said Sargeant. “As Democrats across the country gird for redistricting, the Netroots community’s role in shaping political thought is central to Democrats’ victories not only this fall, but also in the decade to come.“

Netroots attendees will visit the the Wired for Change/DLCC booth in the Exhibit Hall for information on redisricting, as well as to pick up keychain USB drives pre-loaded with a strategic presentation.

“Redistricting and the Fate of Progressive Politics explains what the stakes are in this year’s state legislative elections,” Sargeant explained. “Right now, Republicans will control the drawing of 106 congressional seats. If Republicans were to pick up just 10 key state legislative seats this fall, they will gerrymander 134 congressional districts for themselves. If the GOP pick up 55 key state legislative seats, they will draw 178 of the 435 congressional districts—178 districts designed to elect Republicans.

“On the other hand, if Democrats were to win 10 key state legislative seats in this fall’s elections, we will prevent the GOP from gerrymandering its way into an artificial majority that will affect congressional elections and politics for the next decade.“

In addition to the strategic presentation on the USB drive keychains, Sargeant and key DLCC staff will be meeting with bloggers and media figures to discuss the urgency of redistricting and the DLCC’s crucial role in the fight.

On Thursday evening, the DLCC is proud to present Nevada state Senate Majority Leader and DLCC Board member Steven Horsford as part of the opening keynote program. Senator Horsford will also participate in the redistricting panel (2010: Reapportionment, Redistricting, and the Republican “Plan” to Return to Power) on Friday morning at 10:30 a.m. with the DLCC’s Executive Director.

“We are eager to engage the conference in preserving progressive policies for the decade to come,” said Sargeant.