Mitchell contemplates entering NC Senate race

Greenville, NC, 2/12/08 — Dennis Mitchell, 28, is a small business owner. He currently serves as chair of the city of Greenville's Redevelopment Commission. He is the president of Pitt County Young Democrats and the 3^rd Vice Chair of the Pitt County Democratic Party. Dennis Mitchell ran for Greenville's City Council At Large seat and took 32% of the vote in a strong 3 man race.

"I have been asked by several key individuals in Martin, Pitt, and Edgecombe counties to run for the district 3, NC Senate seat currently held by Clark Jenkins. They believe and as do I, that it is time for a new direction for the district. High School Drop out rates and Joblessness are at an all time high through out the district and there is no clear plan from the Senator on how he will help relieve the situation."

"These among many reason is why I must give the thought of running serious consideration. Over the next few weeks, I will begin to test the waters by forming an exploratory committee to raise funds and generate interest in the possibility of a run for the senate."

Gov. Easley Announces Green Business Grant Program For Small Businesses

$1 Million Fund Will Help Companies Develop Cutting-Edge Green Technologies

Gov. Mike Easley announced that small business owners and entrepreneurs can apply today for the new North Carolina Green Business Fund grants. These competitive grants will help small businesses develop promising green and alternative energy technologies to bring cutting-edge, environmentally-friendly products and services to the marketplace.

“The Green Business Fund helps encourage the growth of North Carolina’s clean energy economy,” Easley said. “These grants will tap our state’s entrepreneurial talent and help North Carolina’s small businesses develop innovative technologies that are critical to our future growth.”

The General Assembly approved creation of the Green Business Fund last year and directed $1 million for the first round of grants. North Carolina-based small businesses with 100 or fewer employees can apply for grants to pursue original, pioneering ideas that are both good for the environment and good for the economy. A company can receive a maximum of $100,000 per grant. Deadline for grant applications is April 30, 2008.

The N.C. Board of Science and Technology, a division of the state Department of Commerce, administers the Green Business Fund. Detailed information on applying for grants, requests for grant proposals, eligibility criteria and other guidelines are available at the Board of Science and Technology’s website: http://www.ncscienceandtechnology.com.

Davis Resigns as First District Chair

February 11, 2008

Jerry Meek, Chairman

North Carolina Democratic Party

220 Hillsborough Street

Raleigh, NC 27603

Dear Chairman Meek:

It is with both regret and anticipation that I resign my position as chairman of the First Congressional District Democratic Party of North Carolina, effective immediately. I will be pursuing a new direction in my work within the North Carolina Democratic Party and the residents of North Carolina. My plan is to file for the North Carolina Senate District 5 at noon today.

It has been a genuine pleasure working with you, your staff, North Carolina Democratic Party officers at all levels, United States Representative G.K. Butterfield, his staff, a host of North Carolina elected officials, and many great Democrats from across our state, especially those in the 23 counties in the First Congressional District of North Carolina. It was also wonderful working with Mira Jones, eastern political director. She is truly dedicated to the residents of our great District. Our work has been challenging and rewarding. I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to serve as the chairman of the First Congressional District Democratic Party of North Carolina.

If I may help with any transition, please know that I will gladly make myself available. Thank you so much for your friendship and support over the years.

Sincerely,

Donald G. Davis

Conservation PAC Endorses Besse for Lieutenant Governor

February 6, 2007

Conservation PAC Endorses Besse for Lieutenant Governor

Besse receives the first environmental endorsement of the 2008 election cycle in NC

The Conservation PAC today issued its first endorsement of the 2008 election cycle, endorsing Winston-Salem City Council Member Dan Besse for Lieutenant Governor. The group said its endorsement is based on "Dan Besse's life-long commitment and leadership to conserve North Carolina's natural resources and environmental health."

The Conservation PAC cited Besse's long history of effective statewide leadership for the protection of North Carolina's environment and public health, including his work to protect coastal resources, promote clean water and air statewide, and address climate change.

"I'm deeply honored to receive Conservation PAC's first endorsement of 2008," responded Besse. "Our water, air, and land are under increasing stress from both new development and climate change. Smart planning and environmental conservation are absolutely necessary to protect our people's health and our economic future."

In releasing the endorsement, Brownie Newman, Political Director of the Conservation PAC, said "Dan Besse brings an unmatched depth of understanding and demonstrated commitment to protection of North Carolina's communities and environment."

Nina Szlosberg, Chair of the Conservation PAC, added "Dan Besse has provided great leadership on issues that mean so much to North Carolinians. He has been a champion for environmental protection and public health for many years. We need his kind of leadership in the state to remain competitive in the 21st century."

Earlier this week, Besse released his "Water Resources Plan for North Carolina in the 21st Century" in response to the state's growing crisis in drought management and competing water demands.

Besse earlier received the endorsement of the statewide Progressive Democrats of North Carolina.

The Conservation PAC is a key non-partisan political arm of North Carolina's conservation community. Its members are active environmental leaders from across the state. The Conservation PAC has endorsed legislative and statewide candidates in North Carolina since 2000, and provided over $100,000 in assistance to endorsed candidates during the past two years alone.

NC Democrats Seek National Convention Delegates

NC Democrats Seek National Convention Delegates

• Elections & Democracy
• Press Release

The North Carolina Democratic Party has adopted its plan for selecting delegates and alternates to the 2008 Democratic National Convention to be held August 25-28, 2008 in Denver, Colorado.

North Carolina has been allocated 134 delegates and 19 alternates to the convention.

Individuals seeking election to any of these slots must file a Notice of Candidacy and Statement of Presidential Preference with the North Carolina Democratic Party by the established deadlines.

The North Carolina Democratic Party is pledged to send an equal number of men and women to the national convention and to work for representation from traditionally underrepresented groups within the Party.

For a copy of the 2008 Delegate Selection Plan and online submission of Notice of Candidacy, please click here, or call the state party in Raleigh at (919) 821-2777 x301 or (800) 229-3367.