2012 MA Democratic Delegate Guide

Conventon Agenda
Saturday, June 2, 2012

8:00 AM Registration/Exhibit Hall opens at the MassMutual Center
10:00 AM Convention Convenes
Opening Ceremonies
11:00 AM Quorum Role Call
Senate Candidate Speeches
Endorsement Vote
Endorsed Candidate Acceptance Speech
1:00 PM Canvassing and Phonebanking Springfeld!
Table of Contents
Map of Springfeld............................................................................................. 13
Registration and Credentials............................................................................. 14
Security................................................................................................................. 14
Disabled Delegate/Alternate Information..................................................... 15
Your Guide to Grassroots Organizing............................................................ 16
Canvassing and Friend/Phonebanking........................................................... 17
Delegate Welcome Events................................................................................ 18
Staff and Special Thank Yous.......................................................................... 19
Final Call to Convention................................................................................... 20
Directions and Parking...................................................................................... 20
Buttons, Bags, and Lanyards............................................................................. 20
Charter of the Massachusetts Democratic Party........................................... 21
Rules of the 2012 Convention ........................................................................ 24
Platform............................................................................................................... 26
Dear Delegate:
I look forward to welcoming you to the 2012
Democratic Convention in Springfeld on Saturday,
June 2nd. There is no doubt about the importance of
the 2012 election and we have a lot of hard work to
do before November to keep the Commonwealth and
the nation moving forward.
In 2010, we built a grassroots campaign that bucked
the national trends and we did it by working together.
At last years convention, we met to adopt an Action
Agenda which laid the foundation for the necessary steps to ensure the re-
election of President Obama, the defeat of Scott Brown and send an all-
Democrat congressional delegation back to Washington.
Now its time to build on our victories in 2010 and our Action Agenda with a
bigger, stronger and more effective grassroots campaign than Massachusetts
has ever known. Across the Commonwealth, Democrats are already energized
and organized to achieve these goals.
When Democrats talk about the values that are important to us, we win in
Massachusetts. Thats why we need you to start today to explain why your
community needs a Democratic State Representative and State Senator. Thats
why you need to make sure that your friends and neighbors hear about Scott
Browns record of sticking up for Wall Street at the expense of the middle
class and President Obamas vision for an American economy thats built to
last.
At our convention this June, delegates will gather with Democratic leaders
from across Massachusetts to vote on an endorsement for the U.S. Senate. It
will be an opportunity to choose the best nominee to defeat Scott Brown and
to plan for a grassroots, person-to-person campaign in the fall.
Lets work hard to recruit new people to join your local town or ward
committee and ramp up for this important election. Were providing tools like
VoteBuilder to every town and ward committee and I hope youll learn how
to use it to make your committee stronger and build toward great victories in
the fall.
Thank you for your leadership. I look forward to seeing you in Springfeld in
June.
Sincerely,
John E. Walsh
Chair
Massachusetts Democratic Party
A Leter From Chairman John Walsh
2012
massachusetts
DEMOCRATIC
party
all. together. now.
Delegate Guide
7 7 S u m m e r S t r e e t , 1 0 t h F l o o r
B o s t o n , M A 0 2 1 1 0
D e l e g a t e s P l e a s e R e a d
2 0 1 2 D E M O C R A T I C S T A T E C O N V E N T I O N
I M P O R T A N T C O N V E N T I O N I N F O R M A T I O N
N O N - P R O F I T
U S P O S T A G E
P A I D
B O S T O N , M A
P E R M I T N O 5 5 8 9 3
A L E T T E R F R O M C H A I R M A N J O H N W A L S H
D e a r D e l e g a t e ,
I l o o k f o r w a r d t o w e l c o m i n g y o u t o t h e 2 0 1 1 D e m -
o c r a t i c C o n v e n t i o n i n L o w e l l . W i t h o u r s u c c e s s f u l
2 0 1 0 e l e c t i o n c y c l e n o w b e h i n d u s , w e m u s t n o w
s t a r t l o o k i n g t o w a r d s 2 0 1 2 . T h e w o r k w e d o i n 2 0 1 1
w i l l m a k e t h e d i f f e r e n c e i n t h e 2 0 1 2 e l e c t i o n s h e r e i n
o u r C o m m o n w e a l t h a c r o s s o u r c o u n t r y .
L o w e l l a l w a y s d o e s a r e m a r k a b l e j o b o f a c c o m m o d a t -
i n g u s a n d t h e P a u l T s o n g a s A r e n a a n d U n i v e r s i t y o f
M a s s a c h u s e t t s L o w e l l c a m p u s i s a b e a u t i f u l l o c a t i o n
f o r D e m o c r a t s t o g a t h e r . T h e L o w e l l h o s t c o m m i t t e e
a n d U n i v e r s i t y o f M a s s a c h u s e t t s L o w e l l C h a n c e l l o r M a r t y M e e h a n h a v e b e e n
w o r k i n g i n c r e d i b l y h a r d t o e n s u r e t h a t y o u r t r i p i s e n j o y a b l e . L o w e l l i s a
g r e a t D e m o c r a t i c c i t y , h o m e t o C o n g r e s s w o m a n N i k i T s o n g a s , n e w l y e l e c t e d
S t a t e S e n a t o r E i l e e n D o n o g h u e , a n d D e m o c r a t s s e r v i n g i n t h e s t a t e a n d l o c a l
o f f i c e s . L o w e l l i s h o m e t o D e m o c r a t s .
T h e f i r s t s t e p t o w a r d s e l e c t o r a l s u c c e s s i n 2 0 1 2 w i l l b e f o r d e l e g a t e s t o a d o p t
t h e A c t i o n A g e n d a . O v e r t h e p a s t f e w m o n t h s , D e m o c r a t s a c r o s s t h e c o m -
m o n w e a l t h h a v e b e e n r e g i s t e r i n g v o t e r s , h o s t i n g c o m m u n i t y c o n v e r s a t i o n s
a b o u t t h e P r e s i d e n t s a c c o m p l i s h m e n t s a n d S c o t t B r o w n s v o t i n g r e c o r d ,
a n d c a n v a s s i n g d o o r - t o - d o o r f o r l o c a l e l e c t i o n s a n d D e m o c r a t i c i s s u e s t h a t
w e c a r e s o p a s s i o n a t e l y a b o u t . T h e s e a c t i o n s w i l l b e o u t l i n e d i n t h e A c t i o n
A g e n d a , w h i c h w i l l s e r v e a s t h e b l u e p r i n t o f t h e n e c e s s a r y s t e p s n e e d e d t o
e n s u r e w e e l e c t D e m o c r a t i c c a n d i d a t e s f r o m t h e t o p t o t h e b o t t o m o f t h e
b a l l o t i n 2 0 1 2 .
I w o u l d l i k e t o t h a n k S t a t e R e p r e s e n t a t i v e T h o m a s C a l t e r , E d w a r d C o l l i n s , S t a t e
S e n a t o r B e n j a m i n D o w n i n g , D e b r a G u a c h i o n e , R o b e r t I s a d o r e , M a t t h e w P a t t o n , a n d
C o u n c i l o r A y a n n a P r e s s l e y , w h o l e d t h e A c t i o n A g e n d a a s r e g i o n a l c o - c h a i r s . W i t h
t h e i r l e a d e r s h i p , t h e 2 0 1 1 A c t i o n A g e n d a f o c u s e d o n t h r e e t y p e s o f g r a s s r o o t s a c -
t i o n : e l e c t o r a l t e c h n i q u e s , i s s u e - b a s e d o r g a n i z i n g , a n d c i v i c e n g a g e m e n t .
A f t e r a d o p t i n g t h e a g e n d a , y o u w i l l h a v e t h e o p p o r t u n i t y t o a t t e n d b r e a k o u t s e s -
s i o n s f o c u s e d o n i s s u e s a n d g r a s s r o o t s c a m p a i g n s t r a t e g i e s . Y o u c a n f i n d t h e f u l l
l i s t o f w o r k s h o p s a n d p a n e l i s t s o n p a g e 1 4 & 1 5 . S p e c i a l t h a n k s t o m e m b e r s o f t h e
P u b l i c P o l i c y a n d C o m m u n i c a t i o n s c o m m i t t e e s a n d t o R o g e r L a u f o r t h e i r w o r k i n
m a k i n g t h e s e s e s s i o n s v a l u a b l e a n d i n t e r e s t i n g .
T h e 2 0 1 1 C o n v e n t i o n w i l l a l s o b e a n o p p o r t u n i t y f o r d e l e g a t e s t o h e a r f r o m a l l o f
o u r U n i t e d S t a t e s S e n a t e c a n d i d a t e s . A c o m p e t i t i v e p r i m a r y w i l l a l l o w D e m o c r a t s t o
c h o o s e t h e b e s t n o m i n e e t o d e f e a t S c o t t B r o w n . W e b e g i n w i t h a t a l e n t e d a n d q u a l i -
f i e d g r o u p o f c a n d i d a t e s .
I f y o u a r e a b l e t o a r r i v e i n L o w e l l o n F r i d a y n i g h t , w e i n v i t e y o u t o j o i n u s f o r t h e
W e l c o m e P a r t y a t t h e U M a s s L o w e l l I n n a n d C o n f e r e n c e C e n t e r a t 7 : 0 0 p m , F r i d a y
e v e n i n g s p o n s o r e d b y o u r g r a c i o u s h o s t c o m m i t t e e .
I l o o k f o r w a r d t o s e e i n g y o u i n L o w e l l .
S i n c e r e l y ,
J o h n E . W a l s h
C h a i r
M a s s a c h u s e t t s D e m o c r a t i c P a r t y
C o n v e n t i o n A g e n d a
S a t u r d a y , J u n e 4 , 2 0 1 1
8 : 0 0 a m R e g i s t r a t i o n / E x h i b i t H a l l o p e n s a t t h e T s o n g a s
C e n t e r a t U M a s s L o w e l l
1 0 : 0 0 a m C o n v e n t i o n C o n v e n e s
O p e n i n g C e r m o n i e s
1 1 : 0 0 a m Q u o r u m R o l l C a l l
A d o p t i o n o f t h e A c t i o n A g e n d a
S e n a t e C a n d i d a t e S p e e c h e s
C o n s i d e r a t i o n o f C h a r t e r A m e n d m e n t s
A d j o u r n m e n t
1 2 : 0 0 p m B r e a k
1 : 0 0 p m W o r k s h o p s a t U M a s s R e c C e n t e r
T a b l e o f C o n t e n t s
R e g i s t r a t i o n a n d C r e d e n t i a l s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 2
S e c u r i t y . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 2
D i s a b l e d D e l e g a t e / A l t e r n a t e I n f o r m a t i o n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 3
W o r k s h o p s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 4
P r o p o s e d C h a r t e r A m e n d m e n t s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 6
F i n a l C a l l t o C o n v e n t i o n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 7
D i r e c t i o n s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 7
P a r k i n g . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 7
D e l e g a t e W e l c o m e E v e n t s . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 8
C h a r t e r o f t h e M a s s a c h u s e t t s D e m o c r a c t i c P a r t y . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 9
R u l e s o f t h e M a s s a c h u s e t t s C o n v e n t i o n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 2
P l a t f o r m . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 4
NON-PROFIT
US POSTAGE
PAID
BOSTON MA
PERMIT NO 55893
Delegate Guide 2010
77 Summer Street, 10th Floor
Boston, MA 02111
Delegates Please Read
2011 DEMOCRATI C STATE CONVENTI ON
I MPORTANT CONVENTI ON I NFORMATI ON
m a s s a c h u s e t t s
D E M O C R A T I C
p a r t y a l l . t o g e t h e r . n o w .
2
Call to Convention 2012
3
Paid for and Authorized by the Friends of John Kerry
My Fellow DeMocrats
Thank you for serving as a delegate to this years Democratic State Convention in Springfeld.
Your participation is critical as we continue to build upon our successes and prepare for this years
critically important elections, for our state and for the nation.
Together we have accomplished great things. We have made
progress in rebuilding and supporting our economy by
creating new jobs and protecting our existing industries. We
have made strides to improve our public schools and ensure
the next generations opportunity to succeed in life. We
have been vigilant in supporting the rights of the LGBT
community and fought to end outdated and wrong policies
like Dont Ask Dont Tell. And the list goes on...
Our work is not done. We must talk to our neighbors
about voting, volunteer on local Democratic
campaigns and dedicate our energies to
electing Democrats to every level of
government. We can not afford to let our
state, or our country, slip back to the
failed Republican policies that protect
the privileged few at the expense of
everyone else.
I dont have to tell you how much
is at stake in these upcoming
elections. Now more than ever we
need to stay focused. We have
a lot to get done, but weve met
these challenges before and Im
confdent we can do so again.
The passion, participation, and
leadership of activists like you
has always been the cornerstone
of the Democratic Party. More
than ever, we need to be out there
hitting the pavement, knocking on
doors, and reminding your friends,
families and neighbors that we
continue to be the party fghting not
just for their values, but for their
way of life.
Thank you again for your service and
I look forward to working with you
this year.
John Kerry
4
ENJOY THE
CONVENTION!
I'm deeply
grateful to the
army of activists
who will help
make history on
November 6th!
Best wishes,
Steve
Springfield Ad:Layout 1 5/1/12 11:27 AM Page 1
5
6
7
Please join us for the
ALL IN! PARTY
Co-Sponsored by
Lt. Governor Tim Murray
and Congressman Jim McGovern
Friday, June 1st
6 PM
McCaffreys Public House
1171 Main St., Springfield
Citizens Committee to Elect Tim Murray, 23 Institute Rd, Worcester, MA 01609 paid for
this ad and donated space to support Rebuild Together: Springfields important efforts.
Lieutenant Governor
Tim Murray
Calls On Delegates
To The
Massachusetts
Democratic Convention
To Make The
Critical Difference
In 2012...
For Our Candidates
And For
Our Communities
To volunteer or make a donation
please contact
Rebuilding Together Springfield at:
Colonial Block Building
1145 Main Street, Suite 107
Springfield, MA 01103
Tel: 413-788-0014
For more info, visit:
rebuildingtogetherspringfield.org
or
Drop by Lt. Gov. Murrays
Convention Booth
Lt. Governor Tim Murray urges all fellow Democrats to join him in
supporting the good work being done by Rebuilding Together: Springfield.
Last year Western Mass. was hard hit by natural disasters in June, August and October.
A total of 7 tornadoes hit the area including one that was an EF3 with winds in excess of
200mph. Over 220 homes were completely destroyed and approximately 1,600 sustained
damage. In October Rebuilding Together completed 25 Homes in 5 Days with 1,000 Vol-
unteers to rebuild homes in the wake of the June tornadoes. Many homeowners, espe-
cially those that are low-income either did not have insurance or inadequate insurance
and need our help.
The work is far from over. Projects range from a wall-raising of a destroyed garage, re-
moval of fallen trees and stumps, painting exteriors, repairing roofs, weatherization, re-
placing windows and doors with new energy efficient ones, electrical & plumbing up-
grades, to yard cleanups, planting trees, shrubs and flowers and debris removal.
For more info, visit: timmurray.org
8
9
The union is not for yourself but for your children.
It does not arise to avenge the past
but to claim the future...
it is an expression not of the dignity of its leaders
but the dignity of all.
It was not called into being to celebrate
the majesty of one person;
it does not live to serve the self-indulgence of another.
It is not property but mission.
Every decent moment in the history of man
is the assertion of an affronted conscience.
Anyone can belong to a union;
but a union belongs to no one
and least of all to anyone who is ashamed
of where he or she came from
and indifferent to those he or she left behind.
The union leader is not the owner of an institution;
he or she is the caretaker of a tradition.
Murray Kempton
PRESIDENT SECRETARY/TREASURER
Steven A. Tolman Louis A. Mandarini, Jr.
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENTS
&EXBSE",FMMZt$IBSMFT3BTPt7FSPOJDB5VSOFSt&EXBSE8$PMMJOT+St+FOOJGFS4QSJOHFS
MASSACHUSETTS
Please join the Massachusetts AFL-CIO
and
Joseph P. Kennedy III,
candidate for the 4th Congressional District,
at a special breakfast
at the Massachusetts Democratic Partys
2012 Convention
Saturday, June 2nd at 8:30am
2012 Massachusetts Democratic State Convention
MassMutual Center, Ballroom A
1277 Main Street, Springeld, MA
10
11
for your hard-work,
your passion and your
unwavering commitment
to leveling the playing eld
for middle-class families.
I look forward to seeing you
in Springeld!
-Elizabeth Warren
Thank you
To get updated information on
the convention, please visit:
www.elizabethwarren.com/delegates
:@elizabethforma
Facebook.com/elizabethwarren

5 Middlesex Ave.
First Floor
Somerville, MA
617-286-6715
Paid for by Elizabeth for MA
12
13
14
Registraton and Credentals
A PHOTO ID WILL BE REQUIRED TO ENTER
THE MASSMUTUAL CENTER
Delegates who have paid in advance of the June 2nd convention will receive their
credentials in the mail. If you have not paid prior to Friday, May 18th, you will need
to register at the Springfeld MassMutual Center on Saturday, June 2nd from 8:00 AM
to 10:30 AM.
Deadline for payment in advance is Friday, May 18, 2012.
If you have not paid in advance of the Convention, registration at the door will be
$100 for Delegates and Alternates. The fee will be $75 for full-time students, senior
citizens (65 years and older), and persons with disabilities.
All Delegates and Alternates should enter the MassMutual Center through the Front
Entrance Doors on Main Street.
ALL DELEGATES AND ALTERNATES MUST BE SEATED WITH THEIR
SENATE DISTRICTS NO LATER THAN 10:45 AM ON SATURDAY MORNING.
Security
The MassMutual Center has enacted security measures for your protection. Like other
public venues, the Center prohibits entrance to the building with any bag larger than
a tote bag (i.e. no backpacks, duffe bags). All bags will be subject to a security search.
The Massachusetts Democratic Party is working with security personnel to ensure
that security measures do not impede a swift and effcient registration process.
We appreciate your patience and understanding.
15
Disabled Delegate/Alternate Informaton
The MassMutual Center is fully accessible for people with disabilities. The Massachusetts
Democratic Party appreciates the challenges that people with disabilities face in
participating, and will make good faith efforts to provide reasonable accommodations.
Delegates and Alternates with disabilities requiring accommodations must contact the
State Party at (617) 939-0800 to discuss their needs prior to the Convention.
Please note that if your delegate fee is received prior to May 18th you will receive your
credentials via mail. This will eliminate your need to go through registration lines.
Handicapped Parking
& Entrance:
Hearing Devices:
Wheelchairs:
Closed Captioning:
DELEGATES AND ALTERNATES WITH DISABILITIES REQUIRING
ACCOMMODATIONS MUST CONTACT THE STATE PARTY AT
(617) 939-0800 TO DISCUSS THEIR NEEDS PRIOR TO THE CONVENTION.
Handicapped parking will be available on the frst foor
of the MassMutual Center Garage. Only vehicles with
offcial RMV handicap tags or placards will be permitted
to park in this area. The handicapped entrance is located
across the street at the MassMutual Center Box Offce
doors.
A limited number of hearing enhancement devices will be
available for those delegates needing such devices. These
devices will be located at the Disabled Registration area.
A credit card will be needed to sign out the device. The
credit card will only be charged if the device is not returned.
A limited number of wheelchairs will be available free of
charge to delegates wishing to use them. The wheelchairs
will be available at the handicapped entrance. A credit card
will be needed to sign out the wheelchair. The credit card
will only be charged if the wheelchair is not returned.
Closed Captions will be displayed on the jumbotron
during the Convention.
16
Your Guide to Grassroots Organizing
This year at the convention, we are excited to launch a major door-to-door canvass in the Springfeld area.

Sign up on massdems.org to be part of this historic canvass where we will connect with thousands of voters to
talk to them directly about how important this election is and why their voice and vote matter. Research and our
experience has shown time and time again that the most effective way to gain support for a candidate is to speak with
voters directly.

Following the offcial business of The Convention, we will have trainings and materials for delegates on what works
and what doesnt when going door-to-door. Then, hundreds of volunteers will stand on voters doorsteps in the
Springfeld area while hundreds more reach out to voters through phonebanks hosted at the MassMutual Center.
Decades ago, as a community organizer, I learned
that the real work of democracy begins far from the
closed doors and marbled halls of Washington, it begins
on street corners, and front porches, in living rooms,
in meeting halls with ordinary Americans who see the
world as it is and realize that we have within our power
to remake the world as it should be.
Its with that hope that we began this journey. The hope
that if we could go block by block, city by city, state
by state and build a movement that spanned race and
region, party and gender if we could give young people a
reason to vote, and the young at heart a reason to believe
again, if we could inspire a nation to come together, then
we could turn the page on the politics that have shut us
out, let us down and told us to settle, we could write a
new chapter in the American Story.
We were told this wasnt possible, we were told the climb
was too steep, we were told our country was too cynical,
that we were just being nave, that we couldnt really
change the world as it is, but then a few people in Iowa
stood up and said yes we can. And then a few more of
you stood up, from the hills of New Hampshire to the
coast of South Carolina. And then a few million of
you stood up from Savannah to Seattle, from Boise to
Baton Rouge.
...because of you, because of a movement
you built that stretches from Vermonts green
mountains to the streets of San Antonio, we can stand
up with confdence and clarity to say that we are turning
the page and we are ready to write the next great chapter
in Americas story.
President Barack Obama
March 4, 2008
Night of Texas Primary
San Antonio, Texas
Guidelines
1. Remember to sign out your canvass packet and leave your cell phone number with the canvass leader.
2. Talk about personal reasons why you are supporting your candidate.
3. Always be energized and have a positive attitude when talking with voters.
4. It is important to always thank the voter for both their time and support.
5. Remember to turn in your results to the staging location. This data is important to identifying voters
moving forward.
Dan OCrat, the Grassroots Canvasser
Preparing for a day of Grassroots Organizing Activity
17
Canvassing and Friend/Phonebanking
The American Dream is worth fghting for. I say that not just
as a governor or as a Democrat, but as someone who has lived it.
Believe in that. Commit to that. Canvass your neighborhoods,
attend a phone bank, talk to your family, friends, coworkers,
neighbors, talk to somebody who doesnt already agree with us,
for that. Stand tall and fght for that. And if we do, I am so
confdent, that with optimism and effort, and the grace of God,
we will win in November, we will deserve to win, and then we
can fnish the work that we started.

Governor Deval Patrick
April 21, 2012
Wayne Morse Dinner
Portland, Oregon
Jane Voter
77 Summer Street
Boston, MA 02110
jvoter@gmail.com
Phone: 617-939-0800
Identfying Supporters
Democratic Grassroots campaigns use a simple scale to gauge support. Taking notes on each voter as you knock on doors and
make calls can help to identify their their support level and anticipate their questions in the future.
1. Strong Supporter. Tese voters have pledged their support for your candidate. Tey are a frm, strong, and unquestionable
supporter. Tese are our potential volunteer recruits. While youre talking to them, ask them if they would like to volunteer at your
next phonebank or canvass.
2. Leaning Supporter. Tese voters have indicated they are leaning towards supporting your candidate. Give them reasons why
you are supporting the candidate, and ofer to have someone from the campaign contact them personally if they have any questions
about the candidate. Direct them to the website where they can research more information on the candidate.
3. Undecided. Tese voters have not made up their mind about which candidate they will support in the upcoming election.
Again, give them reasons why you personally are supporting the candidate, direct them to the candidates website, and ofer to have
someone from the campaign contact them personally.
4. Leaning Against. Tese voters have indicated that they are leaning against your candidate. Once again, give them reasons why
you personally support the candidate, but do not engage in a debate with them. Tell them you hope they keep an open mind in the
upcoming election.
5. Against. Tese voters will not vote for your candidate. Tank them for their time, and hope that they keep an open mind in
the election.
Helpful Hints for Canvassing
1. Work in pairs when possible for safety, support, and fun.
2. Make sure you have your script, and be familiar with what you
are saying. Practice it a few times before canvassing.
3. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing.
4. If you arent comfortable walking up to a particular house, skip
it. Remember, safety frst.
Helpful Tips for Friend/Phonebanking
1. Familiarize yourself with the candidates issues, so that you are
comfortable discussing them.
2. Have all of your materials readily at-hand before you make the
call.
3. Make sure to record the results of all of the people you have
called - even the ones where you left a message, and even the ones
who have said no. Record all results.
Age
Gender
Party
NH: Not Home
RF: Refused
CB: Call Back
LM: Left Message
WN: Wrong Number
XC: Disconnected
Code Key (this is just an example, codes
may vary).
Sample Canvass Packet
Choose Your Conventon
Delegate Commitment
Canvassing the City of Springfeld
Walk packets will be available to you in Meeting Rooms 1-5 afer the
convention. Rides to your turf will be coordinated from that area.
Phonebanking at the MassMutual Center
Call lists will be available to you in Ballroom A, located upstairs from
the registration tables.
Data Training
In Ballroom C, upstairs from the registration tables, learn how to
prepare for your own grassroots organizing, and how to track the
results aferwards.
18
Delegate Welcome Events
Friday, June 1st
Saturday, June 2nd
5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Join Congressman Richard Neal and Elizabeth Warren at
Theodores at 201 Worthington Street for a reception the night
before the Convention.

6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Join the SEIU at Adore Nightclub for a night of food, drinks
and dancing at 208 Worthington Street.
6:00 PM
Lt. Governor Tim Murray and Congressman Jim McGovern
invite you to join them for their All In Party at McCaffreys
Public House at 1171 Main Street.

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Treasurer Steve Grossman invites you to a reception at the
Student Prince at 8 Fort Street.
8:00 PM - 2:00 AM
Join the Young Democrats of Massachusetts for their 4th annual
pre-convention party at Smiths Billiards at 201 Worthington
Street. A $10 donation is suggested.

9:00 PM - 11:30 PM
Join the Host Committee for an evening of food and music at
the MassMutual Center. Enter through the Main Street Entrance.
8:30 AM
Join the AFL-CIO and Joseph Kennedy III for a special
breakfast in Ballroom A at the MassMutual Center Saturday
morning.
8:30 AM
Massachusetts Teacher Association members are invited to a
breakfast the morning of the Convention in Ballroom C in the
MassMutual Center.
8:30 AM
Join the Affrmative Action Committee for their Unity Breakfast
in Meeting Room 5 at the MassMutual Center.
19
Massachusets Democratc Party Staf
Chair: John E. Walsh
Executive Director: Clare Kelly
Field and Operations Director: Chris Joyce
Data Director: Marcus Starr
Communications Director: Kevin Franck
Finance Director: Julia Leja
Worcester County Field Organizer: Nora Keefe
Training and Outreach Organizer: Daisa Guilarte
Research Associate: Martin Geldhof
DNC Convention Coordinator: Laura Dhooge
Compliance Director: Paul Brountas Jr.
Compliance Offcer: Jean Moulton
State Committee Offcers
Vice Chairs: Debra Kozikowski, Raymond A. Jordan
Secretary: Carol Aloisi
Treasurer: Eric Turner
Deputy Treasurers: Phyllis Tyler, Tom Holloway,
Mike Lake, Senator Katherine Clark
Chief Legal Counsel
James Roosevelt, Jr.
Deputy Legal Counsels
Pamela Berman, Senator Katherine Clark, Rep. Michael Costello, Miniard Culpepper, Cheryl Cronin,
Bob LeBlanc, August Niewenhous, Max Stern, Rep. James Vallee, Anthony Vigliotti
Catherine Kellogg
Jack Lalond
Jenn Liu
Brian Muldoon
Alana Murphy
Dennis Newman
Carl Nilsson
Dennis OMara
Peter Panos
Will Pfeffer
Molly Runkle
Joe Shannon
Ashley Valdivia
Sam Watson
MarDee Xifaras
Carol Aloisi
John Andreo
Taylor J. Barnard
Christie Barone
Marissa Barrera
Gus Bickford
Natalie Boyle
Leon Brathwaite
John Brissette
Megan Costello
Kate Donaghue
James Doherty
Dan Feliu
Alex Goldstein
Kristyn Jones
The Chair and staff of the Massachusetts Democratic Party extend our deep appreciation to the volunteers
who have been working over the past several months to make the 2012 Convention a success.
They are dedicated volunteers and great Democrats. Their efforts are deeply appreciated.
20
Final Call to Conventon
The Massachusets Democratic State Committee, in fulfllment of the Charter of the Democratic Party
of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (Article Six) hereby calls a Democratic State Convention
for the purpose of endorsing a statewide candidate. The Convention will be held at the MassMutual
Center in Springfeld, beginning 10:00 AM, Saturday, June 2, 2012.
Directons to the MassMutual Center in Springfeld
Traveling North on I-91, take Exit 6 (Springfeld Center), onto East Columbus Avenue. Continue up
East Columbus Avenue (about mile) to Court Street. Take a right onto Court Street and proceed
past Symphony Hall, City Hall and Sovereign Bank. The MassMutual Center is located at the corner
of Court and Main Street across from Court Square.
Traveling South on I-91, take Exit 7 (Springfeld Center Columbus Avenue). Turn left at the light at
the end of the ramp. Circle under the highway and go straight through one light. Take a right at the
second light onto Main Street. The MassMutual Center is located at 1277 Main Street across from
Court Square.
Traveling West on Rt. 90, take Exit 6 off the Mass. Turnpike to Rt. 291. From Rt. 291 take Dwight
Street Exit. Turn left at the end of the ramp and follow Dwight Street to the MassMutual Center.
Traveling East on Rt. 90, take Exit 4 onto I-91 South.
Parking
The MassMutual Center does not own or
operate any local parking facilities. However,
there are several parking lots and garages in
the area.
Civic Center Parking Garage:
This garage is located directly across from
the MassMutual Center on Falcons Way.
Per request of the MassMutual Center,
parking for all events is only $7. For more
information, call the Springfeld Parking
Authority at (413) 787-6118.
Columbus Avenue South Garage:
This garage is located on Columbus Avenue
just two blocks from the MassMutual Center.
For more information, call the Springfeld
Parking Authority at (413) 787-6118.
Butons, Bags, and Lanyards
Lanyards will not be sent out with credentials
this year. They can be picked up at the Mariott
Hotel on Friday, June 1, between 3 PM and 8
PM, and then on Saturday at the MassMutual
Center.
Credentials will be mailed out by May 18th.

Delegates can pick up their fashing buttons
in the Marriott Hotel lobby on Friday, June 1
between 3 PM and 8 PM. You must show
your credentials to receive a button. This
button will allow you to board the Peter Pan
double decker bus on Friday evening from
5 PM to midnight and also allow you to
receive restaurant discounts at participating
establishments.
The traditional tote bags will be available for
pick up at the MassMutual Center Saturday
morning.
21
Charter of the Massachusetts Democratic Party of the
Commonweath of Massachusetts
PREAMBLE
We, the Democrats of the Commonwealth of
Massachusetts, in common purpose with the National
Democratic Charter, are united in seeking for our State,
our Nation and all peoples individual and political
freedoms and social and economic justice. We affrm
that we can best attain these goals through a strong,
cohesive party-honest, open and accessible to all,
and steadfast in the idea that our people have the
ability to govern themselves. Following the National
Democratic Charter, we acknowledge that a political
party which wishes to lead must listen to those it
would lead, a party which asks for the peoples trust
must prove that it trusts the people and a party which
hopes to call forth the best that the Commonwealth can
achieve must embody the best of the Commonwealths
heritage and traditions. The Democratic Party demands
responsibility and accountability from candidates and
offcials using its name. It shall be a party within which
all social, economic, ethnic and geographic groups
can gather to clarify issues, affect public policies and
implement systems of equal opportunity regardless of
race, national origin, creed, sex, age, disability, religion,
sexual orientation or gender identity or expression.
It shall be receptive to new solutions to social and
political problems. It shall promote the election and
appointment of Democrats to public offce. In offce,
the Democratic Party shall act as a coordinator and
mediator among the various governing agencies of
towns, cities, counties and the Commonwealth; out
of offce, it shall act as a responsible opposition,
a channel for legitimate dissent. To these ends, we
pledge ourselves to leadership in a democratic society
through this Charter of the Democratic Party of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
ARTICLE ONE
Defnitions
The following defnitions apply to terms used
throughout the Charter:
-Convention is a state-wide gathering of
Democrats called by the State Committee.
-Conference is a regional gathering of Democrats
called by the State Committee.
-Caucus is a gathering of enrolled Democrats
called by a town, ward, city or the State Committee.
-Meeting is a gathering of full and associate
members of a Party committee, or sub-unit thereof,
at any level.
-Agenda is defned as an outline of topics to be
considered and actions to be taken by the Party,
such as meetings, programs, rules, etc.
-Accessible is defned as referring to those
conditions which assure openness and provide
an equal opportunity for participation, including
locations, convenience and public identifcation
among others.
-Minorities - Blacks, Hispanics, Asian-Americans,
Native Americans and Cape Verdeans as defned by
the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.
-Disability/Handicapped, with respect to an
individual, means a physical or mental impairment
that substantially limits one or more of the major
life activities of such individual, a record of such
an impairment, or being regarded as having such
an impairment.
-Youth individuals 18 through 35 years of age.
-Low and Moderate Income as defned by the
Democratic National Committee.
-Senior those persons 65 years of age or Citizens
over.
-Wards shall include the term municipal districts.
ARTICLE TWO
Town, Ward and City Committees

SECTION I.
Functions of Local Committees
Town, ward and city committees are the foundation
of Party organization and have the closest contact
with the people. The local committees shall conduct,
according to duly established and recorded local
by-laws, such activities as are suitable for a political
organization; among which (without limitation) are:
the endorsement of enrolled Democratic candidates in
partisan and nonpartisan primaries, preliminaries and
elections; fnancial support of the State Committee
and Democratic nominees; the adoption of resolutions
and platforms; the raising and disbursing of funds for
political purposes; voter registration campaigns; and
the calling of caucuses for the purpose of endorsing
candidates, adopting resolutions, or conducting other
Party business as provided for in the Call.
All Local committees are intended to be working
committees, dedicated to the cause of winning
elections. All members should pledge a minimum of
40 hours in each 2 year election cycle to organizing
or soliciting fnancial or grassroots voter support for
Democratic candidates, at least half of which shall be in
the general election time period. Notwithstanding any
other provision of this charter, failure to work actively
in any election cycle could result in removal from all
Democratic Party offces, if voted by said committee
after a hearing. State Committee members shall be
responsible for ensuring that all members within their
State Senate District are given opportunities to comply
with this pledge. Town and Ward committee chairs shall
be responsible for ensuring compliance with the work
pledge provision.

SECTION II.
Number of Members; Election of Ward, Town and
City Committees
Town and ward committees shall have no fewer than
3 nor more than 35 members, who shall be elected
at presidential primaries with fling for the offce by
individual candidates in conformity with State Election
Laws. Ward and Town Committees may increase the
number of members of the Committee up to the
maximum of 35 at any time by a vote of a majority
of the members of the committee, effective upon
notifcation of the Secretary of the Commonwealth
and the Democratic State Committee within 30 days
of said vote. City committees shall be composed of all
ward committee members within a municipality. Town
and ward committees may elect associate members who
shall not be limited to a maximum fgure. With respect
to current numbers of the town committee who served
as such for 20 or more years or current members of
any ward committee who have served within such city
for 20 or more years, said members elected position
on the town or ward committee shall be vacated after
the member has served over twenty years and he
or she becomes a voting member of the town/ward
committee by action of this section. Vacancies in local
committees shall be flled by vote of that committee.
Associate members, if any, shall be the candidate(s)
for flling any committee vacancies. Town and ward
committees are authorized to constitute their elected
offcers plus such members as the committee designates
as an executive board. All members of the town, ward
and city committees shall be enrolled Democrats. State
Committee members shall be ex-offcio members of
ward, town and city committees.

SECTION III.
Offcers of Local Committees
Town, ward and city committees shall elect: a chairperson
or, if deemed advisable, two co-chairpersons and a
vice-chairperson (not both or all of the same sex), a
treasurer, secretary, Affrmative Action and Outreach
Advisor and other appropriate offcers from among
their members. Offcers shall be elected every two years;
except that a committee in its by-laws may provide for
a four year term, running with presidential terms; at the
local committees organizational meeting, which shall
be held no later than April 15 th in non presidential
years and as defned in state law in presidential election
years. The local chairperson shall be the principal
executive offcer of the town, ward or city committee,
with primary responsibility for enforcement of the
provisions of this Charter and by-laws at the local level
and for communications between local committees and
the State Committee. The chairperson shall preside at
all meetings of the local committee and at caucuses
called by it. Other offcers shall have such duties
and responsibilities as assigned by the local by-laws,
chairperson or committee.

SECTION IV.
Meetings of Local Committees
Town, ward and city committees shall meet at least four
times each year, at least once each quarter, at the call of
the chairperson. Special meetings may be called by the
secretary on receipt of signed petition from no fewer
than 20% of the membership of the committee.

SECTION V.
Removal of Local Members
Members and offcers pledge themselves by accepting
offce to perform diligently and honorably their duties
or resign. Members of town and ward committees may
be removed by procedures guaranteeing adequate notice
and due process and by a 2/3 vote of those present and
voting, a quorum being present, for:
a. failure to attend at least half of the regularly
scheduled committee meetings during any calendar
year.
b. publicly endorsed or supported any candidate
whose announced intention is to oppose the
nominee of the Democratic Party which nominee
publicly supports the majority of the platform
of the Democratic Party as adopted at the most
recent state and national Democratic conventions.
A member for whom a long and deeply held belief
would be violated by support of the nominee shall
not be removed under this section.
c. unauthorized use of the Party name or resources.
d. conviction after appeals are exhausted of a
criminal offense other than a misdemeanor. A
member must be given an opportunity to resign
before notice of the hearing on the question
of removal is given to the membership of the
committee. If a ward, town or city committee
refuses to act upon or remove a member duly
charged, the charge may be appealed to the Judicial
Council. A member removed under this section
shall have 30 days to appeal to the Judicial Council,
and the vacancy may not be flled in such case until
the fnal decision of the Judicial Council is made.
ARTICLE THREE
State Committee
SECTION I.
Role of the State Committee
The Democratic State Committee shall have general
responsibility for the affairs of the Democratic Party
between State Conventions in the furtherance of this
Charter. This responsibility shall include:
a. conducting the Partys state campaigns
b. flling vacancies in the nominations for state-
wide and congressional offces
c. formulating and disseminating statements of
Party policy
d. raising and disbursing monies needed for the
successful operation of the State Committee.
The State Committee shall publicly support the
Partys nominees, except no party resources shall
be used to support a Democratic nominee , who
publicly endorsed or supported a Republican or
other major party candidate in any one of the
last two most recent biennial elections,. The State
Committee shall take all other actions necessary
or appropriate to carry out the provisions of
this Charter, including the adoption of by-laws
to implement the Charter; maintenance of a fle
of by-laws of town, ward and city committees
that is available for public inspection; and the
maintenance of regular communication with and
the provision for training, information and other
services to town, ward and city committees when
fnances permit.
The State Committee is intended to be working
committees, dedicated to the cause of winning
elections. All members should pledge a minimum of
40 hours in each 2 year election cycle to organizing
or soliciting fnancial or grassroots voter support for
Democratic candidates, at least half of which shall be in
the general election time period. Notwithstanding any
other provision of this charter, failure to work actively
in any election cycle could result in removal from all
Democratic Party offces, if voted by said committee
after a hearing. State Committee members shall be
responsible for ensuring that all State, Ward and Town
Committee members within their State Senate District
are given opportunities to comply with this pledge.
SECTION II.
Number of State Committee Members
Members of the Democratic State Committee shall be
enrolled Democrats consisting of:
a. the two men and the two women elected from
each state senatorial district, who each shall serve
for a four year term
b. members of the Democratic National Committee
from Massachusetts
c. the State Committee in consultation with the
Affrmative Action and Outreach Committee shall
elect members for the purposes of affrmative
action; the number of which will not exceed 10%
of the total State Committee; in determining the
affrmative action candidates for election, the
Democratic State Committee shall consider the
underrepresented target groups and shall endeavor
to maintain proper geographic distribution of the
State Committee as far as possible
d. additional members elected by the State
Committee in accordance with its by-laws, and
e. four men and four women who are youth,
having not reached the age of 36, and two men
and two women who are members of the College
Democrats of Massachusetts (when possible);
these members shall be elected by the Democratic
State Committee. Student members shall serve two-
year terms. Additionally, One man and one woman
who are youth having not reached the age of 36
selected by the Massachusetts Young Democrats
[Massachusetts Democratic Future] and one man
and one woman who are youth not having reached
the age of 36 selected by the College Democrats
of Massachusetts. These members so appointed
shall have made every practical effort to become
22
members or associate members of their local Ward
or Town Committee. Student members shall serve
for a term of two years.
f. two veterans, one male and one female.
g. one man and who are gay and lesbian Democrats.
h. one male and one female who are bisexual
Democrats.
i. one male-identifed and one female-identifed
who are transgender Democrats.
The chairperson of the Party shall publicize the
availability of these positions (Sections C, D, F, G,
H, I). Only those candidates whose letters of intent
have been received by the Chair of the State Party
or his designee no later then 14 days prior to the
scheduled reorganization meeting shall be eligible
for any one of these positions. Candidates shall
submit letters of intent for only one position. The
determination as to whether, when and how long a
candidate may speak will be made by the Chair and
published prior to the meeting to effect an orderly
election. The appropriate number of members
shall then be chosen by a plurality of the members
present and voting. In cases of a tie vote, there shall
be a runoff between those candidates that tied on
the preceding ballot. Members chosen under this
paragraph, except student seats, shall serve for
terms of four years and only during the term of
the State Committee which chose them.
SECTION III.
Election of State Committee Members
There shall be one hundred and sixty (160) members
of the Democratic State Committee apportioned to
the state senatorial districts. Eighty (80) members of
the State Committee, one man and one woman from
each state senatorial district, shall be elected at the
Presidential primary election. Their terms shall begin
on the thirtieth (30 th ) day following their election and
end four years later on the (30 th ) day following the
presidential primary to be held that year. Eighty (80)
members shall be elected by the Democratic ward and
town committees within the state senatorial district, in a
manner prescribed by the Democratic State Committee.
The terms of members so selected shall begin the day
following their election and end four years later on
the day of the conference to select their successors.
Within the time period specifed by state law for
initial organization of the Committee, the incumbent
Democratic State Committee chairperson, or someone
designated by the Chairperson, shall certify the
members elected by state senatorial district conference.
Thereafter, the popularly elected, conference-elected,
twenty-year and ex offcio members of the State
Committee shall organize the Committee in accordance
with then-applicable state law; however, at its frst
organized meeting following a Presidential Primary, the
Committee shall elect additional members as provided
by the Committees by-laws. All members of the State
Committee shall have full and equal voting privileges.
In non-presidential years, the incumbent Democratic
State Committee Chairperson or someone designated
by the Chairperson shall certify the members elected
by state senatorial district conferences. Following
the certifcation of these members, the next order
of business shall be the election of such additional
members as provided by the state committees by-
laws. Members shall serve only so long as they remain
enrolled as voters in the Massachusetts Democratic
Party and in the case of members who serve by virtue
of holding public or party offce, only so long as they
hold such offce. Members appointed for affrmative
action purposes shall serve until their successors are
selected at the initial organizational meeting of the full
committee. Any vacancy in the elected membership
shall be flled by state senatorial district conferences
as described above. Any vacancy occurring within six
(6) months before the next regularly scheduled election
shall not be flled.
SECTION IV.
Sub-committees of the State Committee
The Chair of the State Committee shall appoint
such sub-committees as it determines necessary or
appropriate to enable the State Committee to fulfll
the duties and obligations with which it is charged by
the Charter. There shall be an Affrmative Action and
Outreach Sub-Committee responsible for encouraging
and assisting target group individuals at all levels and
for overseeing and assisting Party committees at all
levels in meeting affrmative action guidelines.
SECTION V.
Meetings of the State Committee
The State Committee shall meet at least four times each
year, at least once each quarter, at the call of the State
Chairperson. Special meetings shall be called by the
Secretary on receipt of signed petition from no fewer
than 25 members of the State Committee. Meetings of
the full State Committee shall be held regularly on a
regional basis. Members of the State Committee elected
at the state senatorial district level shall meet at least
twice each year with members of town, ward and city
committees in their districts.
SECTION VI.
Report to the Convention
The Chair of the State Committee shall provide to
the delegates at each State Convention, a report on
the activities and fnances of the State Party since the
preceding State Convention.
SECTION VII.
Removal of State Committee Members
Members and offcers pledge themselves by accepting
offce to perform diligently and honorably their duties
or resign. Members of the State Committee may be
removed by procedures guaranteeing adequate notice
and due process and by a two-thirds vote of those
present and voting at a State Committee meeting for:
a. failure to attend at least half of the regularly
scheduled committee meetings during any calendar
year.
b. publicly endorsed or supported any candidate
whose announced intention is to oppose the
nominee of the Democratic Party which nominee
publicly supports the majority of the platform
of the Democratic Party as adopted at the most
recent state and national Democratic conventions.
A member for whom a long and deeply held belief
would be violated by support of the nominee shall
not be removed under this section.
c. unauthorized use of the Party name or resources
d. conviction after appeals are exhausted of a
criminal offense other than a misdemeanor.
A member must be given an opportunity to resign before
notice of the hearing on the question of removal is
given to the membership of the committee. If the State
Committee refuses to act upon or remove a member
duly charged, the charge may be appealed to the Judicial
Council. A member removed under this section shall
have 30 days to appeal to the Judicial Council, and the
vacancy may not be flled in such case until the fnal
decision of the Judicial Council is made.
ARTICLE FOUR
State Committee Offcers
SECTION I.
Offcers of the State Committee
The State Committee shall elect from among its
members a chairperson, a vice-chairpersons of the
opposite sex, treasurer, secretary and other appropriate
offcers. All offcers must be members of the State
Committee, except that before choosing a treasurer or
deputy treasurers, a majority of the members of the
State Committee present and voting may suspend this
requirement as to the treasurer or deputy treasurers
only.

SECTION II.
Chairperson
The chairperson shall be the chief executive offcer of
the State Committee, presiding at its meetings, speaking
for it and directing its organization and activities.
The chairperson shall, with the approval of the State
Committee, appoint an Executive Director for the State
Party and such additional staff as deemed appropriate.
The chairperson shall name persons to sub-committees
provided for in this Charter or the by-laws of the
State Committee, and may name other special sub-
committees with the approval of the State Committee.
The chairperson shall be an ex-offcio, voting member
of all sub-committees. The chairperson may authorize
the use of the name Democrat or Democratic by
any regional, local or special committees or groups with
the approval of the State Committee.

SECTION III.
Vice-Chairperson
The vice-chairperson shall assume the powers and
duties of the chairperson in the temporary absence or
incapacity of the chairperson, and shall have such other
responsibilities as are conferred by the State Committee
or the chairperson.

SECTION IV.
Treasurer
The treasurer shall be bonded and be responsible for the
custody of all monies belonging to the State Committee;
shall report annually to the State Committee on receipts,
expenditures and the fnancial status of the Party; and
shall comply with fnancial and reporting requirements
of state and federal election laws.

SECTION V.
Secretary
The secretary shall keep minutes and other records of
State Committee meetings and actions, and shall have
such other responsibilities as are conferred by the State
Committee or the chairperson.
SECTION VI.
Removal of Offcers
Offcers of the State Committee may be removed with
adequate notice and due process for failing to perform
the duties of the offce by a two-thirds vote of the
State Committee. Vacancies in any offce, for whatever
reason, shall be flled by vote of the State Committee
at a meeting not less than one (1) month following
the formal announcement of the vacancy at a State
Committee meeting.
ARTICLE FIVE
State Judicial Council
SECTION I.
Number and Term of Membership
There shall be a State Judicial Council composed of
fve members elected by the State Committee for fve-
year terms, one of whom shall be elected each year.
Members shall be enrolled Democrats, but shall not be
members of the Democratic State Committee or any
of its subcommittees. Affrmative action procedures
shall be followed in electing members of the Judicial
Council.
SECTION II.
Chairperson of the Council
The State Judicial Council shall elect each year at its
organizational meeting following the annual election of
its members by the State Committee one of its members
as chairperson. The Council chairperson shall call and
preside at all meetings of the Council and shall have
general administrative responsibilities for the Council.
SECTION III.
Judicial Council Rules
The Judicial Council shall adopt procedural rules which
shall be reviewed by legal counsel. The Judicial Council
shall meet at least once each year. Any member may call
a meeting if the chair fails to do so.
SECTION IV.
Responsibilities of the Judicial Council
The State Judicial Council shall be responsible for
compliance of State and local committees with this
Charter and by-laws for the adjudication of disputes
arising therefrom. The Judicial Council may order any
body or offcer of the Party to take whatever action
necessary to comply with the Charter or by-laws,
including affrmative action goals. It shall also have
general jurisdiction on appeal over disputes arising
between local committees or between Party committees
at different levels, in which case its judgment shall be
fnal and binding on the parties.
SECTION V.
Removal of Council Members
The chairperson of the State Judicial Council may be
removed at any time for any reason by majority vote of
the Council, but shall in such case continue as a member
of the Council. Members of the State Judicial Council
may be removed at any time for any reason by two-
thirds vote of the members of the State Committee.
ARTICLE SIX
State Convention

SECTION I.
Empowerment of the Convention
The State Convention shall be the highest authority
of the Massachusetts Democratic Party, subject to
provisions of this Charter. It shall be empowered to
adopt Party Platforms, endorse candidates for state-
wide offces, and act upon such other matters of Party
business as provided in the Call to the Convention.
The Rules of the Convention, providing for all votes
by simple majority except for a two-thirds majority
required to suspend the rules, shall be recommended to
the State Committee by the Rules Committee thereof
and shall be adopted by a majority vote of the State
Committee. The rules so adopted shall be distributed
to the delegates not less than two weeks before the
convention and may be amended from the foor of the
convention by a two-thirds vote of the delegates.

SECTION II.
Issues Convention
There shall be a State Issues Convention in odd
numbered years for the purpose of adopting a Party
Agenda and/or Platform by a majority vote of
Convention delegates present and voting based upon
the recommendation, subject to amendments, of the
Party Agenda or Platform Committee. Resolutions
may be developed through a process beginning with
caucuses of local Democrats.
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SECTION III.
Endorsing Convention
There shall be a State Convention in even numbered
years for the purpose of endorsing candidates for
state-wide offces in those years in which such offce
is to be flled. Endorsements for state-wide offce of
enrolled Democrats nominated at the Convention shall
be by majority vote of the delegates present and voting,
with the provision that any nominee who receives at
least 15 percent of the Convention vote on any ballot
for a particular offce, in accordance with the Rules
of that convention, may challenge the Convention
endorsement in a State primary election.

SECTION IV.
Call of the Convention
The State Committee shall issue the Call of a State Con
vention at least four months prior to the date of
the convention. In even numbered years, the State
Convention shall be not later than the Saturday after
the date set by the Commonwealth for the fling
of nomination papers with the Secretary of States
offce, further it shall be the responsibility of the
State Committee by vote to schedule the date of the
convention in all years.
1. provide for no fewer than 2,500 delegates; and to
ensure adequate representation at the Democratic
State Convention, the Democratic State Committee
shall survey the delegates elected at the caucuses
to determine whether the minority and disabled
representation refects the participation of
minorities and disabled in the Party as defned in
Article I of the Charter of the Democratic Party
of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. If it
does not so refect the minority population of the
Commonwealth, the Democratic State Committee
shall elect, based upon the recommendation of
the Caucus of Minority Democrats at least thirty
days prior to said convention, a number of at-
large minority delegates. If it does not so refect
the disabled population of the Commonwealth, the
Democratic State Committee shall elect , based upon
the recommendation of the Affrmative Action and
Outreach Subcommittee at least thirty days prior
to said convention, a number of at-large disabled
delegates. Those seats that are apportioned to cities
and towns under part 4 of this section but are left
vacant due to the failure of a city or town to hold
a caucus by the deadline set forth in the Rules of
the Convention shall be made available to young
registered Democrats as defned by Article One
of this Charter. The Democratic State Committee
shall elect, based upon the recommendation of the
Youth Services Sub-Committee at least 30 days
prior to the convention, a number of young
delegates on an at large basis equal to the number
of delegate seats left vacant due to the failure of
a town or ward to hold a caucus. These seats shall
be equally divided between men and women, and
preference shall be given to young Democrats
residing in towns or wards which failed to hold a
caucus
2. assure all enrolled Democrats, full, timely, and
equal opportunity to participate through caucuses
in towns and cities and include publicity and
affrmative action guidelines toward that end
3. restrict participation to enrolled Democrats as
of the last day in December preceding the local
caucuses
4. allocate one delegate to each city and town
and the remainder on the basis of a formula
giving equal weight to most recent Democratic
Party registration as recorded by the Secretary of
the Commonwealth and to the average vote for
Democratic candidates in the last general elections
for the offces of Governor and President;
a. the members of the Democratic State
Committee and the State Judicial Council shall
serve as ex-offcio delegates to the Convention
with full voting privileges
b. the Chairperson of each city, ward and town
committee (as duly recorded with the offces of
the Secretary of the Commonwealth and the
Democratic State Committee) shall serve as an
ex-offcio Delegate to the Convention with full
voting privileges. If he/she cannot serve or is
a delegate in another capacity, the next highest
ranking offcer (vice chairperson, secretary and
then treasurer) shall. If the next highest ranking
offcer cannot, a meeting of the full committee
shall be called to elect one (1) to serve in this
capacity, provided the Chair held a caucus for the
most recent convention.
c. the Democratic elected members of the
General Court, the Democratic members of
the Massachusetts Congressional delegation
and the Democratic elected state constitutional
offcers shall serve as ex-offcio delegates to the
Convention with full voting privileges.
5. the delegate selection process shall begin within
four (4) months prior to the convention.

SECTION V.
Adherence to Platform by Democratic Offcials
The most recent Democratic platform and/or agenda
is the offcial position of the Democratic Party. Every
Democratic committee member, every Democratic
nominee, and every offcial elected as the Democratic
nominee shall adhere to the national, state, and any
local platform, in that order of priority, in all offcial
statements and actions. Failure to do so shall not result
in any removal or loss of rights within the Party, but
may be publicized by resolutions or other appropriate
action of any Party convention, conference, committee,
or caucus.
ARTICLE SEVEN
Affrmative Action and Outreach

SECTION I.
Support of Affrmative Action Programs
The Democratic Party of Massachusetts, to encourage
full participation by all segments of the population,
shall conduct affrmative action and outreach programs
in behalf of target groups: Blacks, Hispanics, Asian-
Americans, Native Americans and Cape Verdeans;
and outreach programs on behalf of persons with
disabilities, lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, transgender,
workers, youth, low and moderate income people and
senior citizens. Affrmative action procedures shall
be shall be followed in constituting all bodies of the
Democratic party.

SECTION II.
Goals
The goals of affrmative action and outreach shall be:
1. to institute those at all levels and in all units
of the Party which will provide: a. target group
members with an understanding of the methods
and procedures for participating in all elections
and programs of the Democratic Party, and b.
an opportunity to participate in all elections and
programs of the Democratic Party
2. to elect target group members to all levels and
units of the Democratic Party according to parity
of enrolled Democrats in a voting area, through a
formula compatible with United States Census data
3. this goal shall not be accomplished either
directly or indirectly by the state Democratic Partys
imposition of mandatory quota at any level of the
delegate selection process or in any other Party
affairs, as defned in the By-Laws of the Democratic
National Committee and the Democratic State
Committee.

SECTION III.
Affrmative Action and Outreach Sub-Committee
The majority of the Affrmative Action and Outreach
Sub-Committee of the State Committee shall oversee
the formulation and implementation of uniform
affrmative action plans for each state senatorial district,
to include plans for ward and town committees therein,
for the election of members to all Party committees
and for the selection of delegates to conferences and
conventions. All Affrmative Action and Outreach
plans shall be submitted for approval to the State
Committee, which shall remain responsible for all
affrmative action efforts. Challenges to the formulation
or implementation of these plans shall be referred to
the Judicial Council.

SECTION IV.
Implementation of Affrmative Action and Outreach
With continual outreach and affrmative action as
a major priority of the National and Massachusetts
Democratic Parties, the goals of affrmative action and
outreach shall be achieved by, but not limited to, the
following steps:
1. the equal division insofar as possible between
men and women at every level of party structure
2. a written affrmative action plan by all levels and
units of the Democratic Party, including submittal
of population fgures relative to the target groups.
The Affrmative Action and Outreach Sub-
Committee shall help devise, implement and hold
accountable individual Affrmative Action and
Outreach plans.
3. the establishment of uniform implementation
guidelines, data sources and procedures for setting
goals
4. the allocation of fnancial resources by the State
Committee to affrmative action and outreach as a
priority program
5. the communication of all Party programs
and Party elections shall be frequent, public and
explicit. All meetings, caucuses, conferences and
conventions shall be held in centrally located,
accessible and well publicized sites
6. the formulation of all Party rules, regulations
and processes written in clear, explicit language
7. the establishment by each ward and town
committee of an affrmative action and outreach
advisor, who shall serve as an offcer of the local
committee
8. the State Committee shall hire a full-time
staff person to assist the Affrmative Action and
Outreach Sub-Committee in the discharge of their
duties, if funds are available.

SECTION V.
Non-Compliance with Affrmative Action and
Outreach
Delegate and member elections at every level will be
monitored by the Affrmative Action Committee. The
failure to achieve affrmative action goals will result in
an automatic compliance review by the Affrmative
Action and Outreach Committee. If a compliance
review determines that affrmative action plans were
not adequately implemented, then the matter shall be
submitted to the Judicial Council which may order that
a committee not be recognized or a delegation not be
seated unless and until a new and adequate election is
held. If a compliance review determines that, although
a good faith effort was made to formulate and
implement affrmative action goals, the effort failed,
in that case, the Judicial Council is empowered to
recommend that the unit in question be designated a
priority area for special affrmative action efforts by the
State Committee.

SECTION VI.
Challenges
Challenges to the formulation, implementation or
achievement of affrmative action goals may be
brought before the Affrmative Action and Outreach
Committee by an enrolled Democrat from the area in
question with right of appeal to the Judicial Council.
ARTICLE EIGHT
General Provisions
SECTION I.
Ethical Practices
The State Committee shall adopt and publish a code
of ethical conduct of Party offcials and a code of fair
campaign practices for all candidates of the Democratic
Party.
SECTION II.
Openness
All meetings of all Party committees, except workshop
or drafting committees , at all levels shall be open to
the public, unless an executive session is authorized by
a two-thirds vote, and no vote shall be taken by secret
ballot. However, secret ballot is permitted in local
caucuses.
SECTION III.
Proxy Voting
Voting by proxy shall not be permitted at a State
Convention, a committee or sub-unit thereof at any
level of the Party, or the State Judicial Council.
ARTICLE NINE
Amendments, By-Laws and Rules

SECTION I.
Majority Rule
This Charter may be amended by a vote of a majority
of all delegates to any State Convention.

SECTION II.
State Committee
By-laws to implement this Charter shall be adopted
by majority vote of the State Committee, with the
provision that they be consistent with actions of State
Conventions. By-laws may be amended by majority
vote of the State Committee provided that written
notice is given all Committee members at least 30 days
in advance of the vote thereon.

SECTION III.
Local By-Laws
Party committees at the local level and/or political
organizations permitted to use the word Democratic,
shall adopt by-laws consistent with this Charter and
subject to the approval of the Chair of the State
Committee. The State Committee shall maintain current
copies of all such by-laws.

SECTION IV
Rules of Party
In the absence of other provisions, Roberts Rules
of Order, as most recently revised, shall govern the
conduct of all Democratic Party meetings.
24
RULES OF THE 2012 MASSACHUSETTS
DEMOCRATIC ENDORSING CONVENTION
CHAIRPERSON
The Chairperson of the Democratic State
Committee shall call the Convention to order
and preside until he/she appoints a Convention
Chair. The Chairperson of the Democratic
State Committee shall appoint a Chairperson
of the Convention, a Vice-Chairperson of the
opposite sex, a Parliamentarian, three (3) Assistant
Parliamentarians, a Credentials Committee, a
Sergeant-at-Arms, Assistant Sergeants-at-Arms,
a Head Teller, Tellers, Assistant Tellers, Pages,
and a Convention Secretary who shall oversee
that an offcial record of the Convention be kept,
and additional assistants, as the Chair of the
Democratic State Committee may deem necessary,
none of whom need be Delegates.
I. ORDER OF BUSINESS
A. The order of business will include:
1. Call to order/Declaration of a Quorum
by the Chair
2. Invocation
3. National Anthem
4. Party Endorsement
5. Consideration of any Charter
Amendments
6. Other Business determined essential by
the Chairperson of the Democratic State
Committee.
B. The order of business for the Massachusetts
Democratic Convention shall be as provided in
these Rules. The Chairperson of the Convention
may interrupt the order of business provided
for in these Rules for remarks appropriate to
the business of the Convention.
C. The Chairperson of the Democratic
State Committee shall appoint a Charter
Amendments Committee. Only those proposed
amendments reported favorable by the Charter
Amendments Committee shall be presented
to the convention, except that proposed
amendments, which had been previously
submitted to the Charter Amendments
Committee and not recommended by the
Charter Amendments Committee, but which are
accompanied by the signatures of fve hundred
(500) certifed Delegates, identifed by name
and Senate District, and who are in attendance
at the times of consideration of same, and
which have previously been submitted to the
Sergeant-at-Arms for certifcation not later
than 10:00 AM of the day of the convention.
No less than one hour prior to any vote on the
Charter a determination shall be made by the
Rules Committee as to whether the proposal
has qualifed under the rules of the Convention
and make a report to the Chair. All proposed
amendments must be divided into numbered
paragraphs and must specify on each signature
page the section to be amended. The Charter
Amendments Committee shall consider all
amendments submitted by 5:00 PM, March
12th, 2012 to the offce of the Democratic
State Committee, 77 Summer Street, 10th
Floor, Boston, MA, 02110 (617) 939-0800
(submission date is 90 days prior to the date of
the convention). A copy of each amendment to
be proposed to the Convention by the Charter
Amendments Committee shall be mailed to the
pre-registered Delegates not later than ten (10)
days prior to the Convention. The proposer
of an amendment by signatures must furnish
to the Sergeant-at-Arms, together with the
required signatures, a copy of the amendment
for each certifed delegate at the same time as
the submittal of the amendment. Amendments
presented to the Convention may be debated
for ten (10) minutes each, equally divided
between the proponents and opponents; or
in case of a proposal submitted by petition,
between a proponent and a member of the
Charter Amendments Committee.
II. ENDORSEMENT PROCEDURE
A. For a candidate to be eligible for
endorsement he/she must:
1. Be qualifed by law to accept the
Democratic nomination for the offce in
question;
2. Be otherwise qualifed by law for the
offce in question;
3. Have fled notice of his/her intention
to seek that offce in question with the
Democratic State Committee by 5:00 PM
February 3rd, 2012 or have presented to the
Democratic State Committee, 77 Summer
Street, 10th Floor, Boston, MA, 02110, a
petition for endorsement containing the
signatures of fve hundred (500) delegates
not later than 5:00 PM, April 18th, 2012.
(Deadlines are respectively 120 and 45 days
prior to the convention.) In the event of
the withdrawal or death of a candidate for
one of the constitutional offces who has
fled before the aforesaid intention deadline
or an otherwise unanticipated event, the
Chairperson of the State Committee,
may extend the deadline. Every candidate
shall fle with the State Committee prior
to the convention proof of compliance
with the fling requirements of state law
and, a statement whether he/she supports
each provision of the most recent national
and state party platforms and charters,
the reasons for any disagreement, and
the alternative policy he/she will support
instead. The Democratic State Committee
will distribute to all pre-registered
Delegates before the Convention a list of
all candidates. Candidates may distribute at
their cost, their statement to Delegates, and
the State Committee will use reasonable
efforts to make the statements available to
Delegates if the candidate makes fnancial
compensation to the committee for same.
The name of any candidate who fails to fle
such a statement and proof of compliance
with fling requirements on time shall
not be placed in nomination before the
Convention.
B. In the event of a contested offce,
the nominating speaker(s) chosen by each
candidate may address the Convention for
three (3) minutes. There will be no seconding
speeches but the Chairperson will announce to
the Convention the names of the 3 certifed
Delegates whose signatures have been
furnished by the candidate and who have
agreed to second the nomination. The entire
presentation (including the candidates speech
if any) by a candidate for contest (including the
candidates speech if any) by a contested offce
may not exceed ffteen (15) minutes, with three
(3) minutes reserved for the candidates speech,
if needed.
C. The order of nomination and the
conducting of rolling multiple ballots for more
than one offce shall be determined by the
Chair of the Democratic State Committee, as
provided in the recommendation of the
Convention Reform Commission identifed as
#1 and #4.
III. VOTING
A. Secret Ballot and Unit Rule. No secret ballot
or unit rule shall be permitted at any stage of
the Convention. Unit Rule is prohibited. i.e.
every vote shall be cast individually and no
delegation may bind its members to vote with
the majority.
B. Proxy Voting. Delegate votes may not be
cast by proxy.
C. Roll Call Votes.
1. Consistent with the requirement to
establish a quorum in Section I, A.3,
a district- by-district roll call may be
conducted to determine a quorum.
2. Voting shall be by voice vote or, when
prescribed by these Rules, by roll call vote
or signed, written or printed ballot. A roll
call vote may be had if the Chairperson is
in doubt or upon the vote of a majority
of the Delegates present and voting.
Each delegate shall cast only one vote on
each roll call. The endorsement by the
Convention of a candidate for offce shall
be by roll call except when there is only one
candidate, when such endorsement may be
by voice vote, and shall require a majority
of the delegates present and voting. Any
candidate who does not receive at least
ffteen (15) percent on the frst ballot shall
not be eligible for placement on the primary
ballot. A fnal ballot for endorsement shall
include only the two candidates receiving
the highest number of votes on the frst
ballot who are still in contention for the
endorsement. Successive ballots shall be
taken until a candidate received a majority.
Any candidate may withdraw their request
for endorsement at any time. Any vote cast
other than a vote for a candidate eligible
for endorsement under these rules shall be
ruled invalid. The number necessary for
endorsement by the Convention shall be
based upon the number of valid votes.
3. The person receiving the majority
of votes is the ENDORSED candidate
of the Democratic Party and shall have
the frst position on the primary ballot
and be identifed on the same as the
ENDORSED CANDIDATE OF THE
MASSACHUSETTS DEMOCRATIC
PARTY. (Subject to legislative change)
4. When a roll call vote is ordered,
the roll call shall be announced by
Senatorial District. The Chairperson of
each delegation shall be the most senior
Democratic State Committee member
from the district at the opening of the
Convention or such other member
designated by the Chair. The Chairperson
of the Democratic State Committee shall
appoint a TELLER of votes for each
delegation. The TELLER shall report the
vote of his or her delegation by sending
the tally to the Sergeant-at-Arms at the
rostrum showing the vote of each member
of his or her delegation. The Chairperson
will announce the vote as reported.
D. Interruption of Vote.
25
When the question has been put, the vote
thereon may not be interrupted for any
purpose other than a demand for a roll call
vote or a point of order directed to the
conduct of the vote.
E. Challenge of Roll Call Vote.
Any challenge to a vote must be made
to the Delegation Chairperson and the
Sergeant-at-Arms, by a member of the
delegation being challenged, and within
three minutes after the announcement of
the last delegations vote on the roll call.
The Sergeant-at-Arms shall present all
such challenges to the Rules Committee.
If there is a challenged of a roll call vote,
the vote shall be verifed within thirty (30)
minutes by the Rules Committee. The Rules
Committee shall meet for this purpose off
the foor of the Convention.
F. Determination of Question.
Except as otherwise provided in these
Rules and the Charter, all questions shall be
determined by a majority of the Delegates
present and voting.
G. Reconsideration.
No vote upon the endorsement for
nomination of any candidate shall be
subject to reconsideration. No other vote
shall be reconsidered unless moved by
a member of the majority and voted by
two thirds (2/3) of the Delegates present
and voting. Debate shall be limited to six
minutes, three minutes to each side. A vote
shall not be subject to reconsideration for
a second time after a motion to reconsider
has failed on adoption.
IV. ALTERNATES REPLACING DELEGATES
FOR VOTING PURPOSES
At the opening of the Convention, the Senate
District Teller will read through the Delegate
listing to determine attendance and take a call of
the Roll. (All Delegates can check in with their
Senate District Teller between 10:00 am and 11:00
am). At the end of the reading or after 15 minutes,
which ever comes last, the Senate District Teller
will strike the name (s) to which there was no
response. After a second reading, any Delegate
who is not marked present shall be replaced by
an Alternate of the same gender, when possible,
from the same town or ward in the order that the
Alternates were elected. The Senate District Teller
will note on a line under each Delegates name the
name of the Alternate replacing that Delegate,
and initial his or her approval. The Credentials
Committee must certify the switch. No alternate
switching will take place after the start of the frst
ballot on Saturday. (The frst ballot process begins
after the completion of the attendance Roll Call. It
is the responsibility of the Delegate to be seated in
their delegation at that time.)
V. APPEALS
The Chair shall decide all points of order
subject to an appeal to the Convention by any 50
delegates, presented in writing to the Sergeant-at-
Arms, which may be debated for not more than
fve (5) minutes, the time to be equally divided
between the Delegates appealing the ruling and the
Delegates in favor of sustaining the ruling of the
Chairperson, provided that an appeal shall not be
in order while another appeal is pending; or from
decisions on recognition, or during a roll call vote
or on a question on which an appeal has just been
decided, or upon the determination of the order
of balloting and the number of consecutive or
multiple ballots. Before the question is put on any
appeal, the Chairperson shall be entitled to briefy
state the reasons for the ruling being appealed.
VI. MOTION TO SUSPEND THE RULES
The Chairperson may entertain a motion to suspend
the Rules, in order to allow a matter submitted in
writing by at least 50 Delegates by noon on the
day of the convention to the Sergeant-at-Arms, to
refer an item to the Democratic State Committee
or to adopt a resolution relative to a sense of the
Convention. A motion to suspend the Rules shall
be decided without debate and shall require a
vote of two-thirds (2/3) of all Delegates voting, a
quorum being present.
VII. QUORUM
Seven hundred and ffty (750) certifed Delegates
to the convention shall constitute a quorum of
the Convention for the purpose of transacting
business. Upon a point of order of no quorum
being made, the Chairperson shall ascertain
the presence or absence of a quorum by visual
estimation and shall not proceed until he or she
determines that a quorum is present. A standing
count shall be ordered upon the request of any
50 Delegates. A certifed Delegate is one whose
credentials are validated at the Convention Hall.
VIII. RULES OF PROCEDURE
The Chairperson of the Democratic State
Committee shall appoint a Credentials Committee.
The Credentials Committee will rule regarding
any questions of certifcation of Delegates. No
person otherwise not eligible for status as an Ex-
Offcio Delegate may be provided a credential. The
Credential Committee shall provide a permanent
form for Delegate and Alternate transfer of
credentials. No person assigned to or working
the Credential process may wear candidate or
issues paraphernalia of any kind, or be part of
any candidates offcial convention teams. No
credentials will be issued after 11:00 AM on the
day of the convention.
Challenges to the credentials of any Delegate
or Alternate shall have been submitted to the
Credentials Committee no later than one week prior
to the start of the Convention by written challenge
submitted to the headquarters of the Democratic
State Committee. All those whose credentials
are challenged shall be notifed and afforded due
process. The decision of the Credentials Committee
shall be fnal and not subject to appeal or further
challenge. If the identity of a Delegate, or of
the recorded vote of that Delegate is challenged
or the tallied vote of the delegate is challenged
such challenge shall be presented in writing to the
Sergeant-at-Arms within three (3) minutes from
the vote and referred to the Credentials Committee
for resolution within ffteen minutes. Members of
both the Credentials and Rules Committees shall
make themselves available upon notice of the
Chair; a majority of those responding within fve
(5) minutes shall decide the issue and report to the
Chair, through their respective Chairperson.
A. Except as these Rules otherwise provide,
the Convention shall be governed by the most
recent edition of Roberts Rules of Order, as
most recently revised.
B. All proceedings of the Convention shall
be open to members of the Democratic public
and the media.
C. As used in these Rules, Chairperson
means the Current Chairperson of the
Massachusetts Democratic Convention, unless
otherwise provided.
D. If a Delegate wishes to be recognized by
the Chairperson on any matter other than
a challenge to a roll call vote, he/she must
present his or her request to the Chairperson
by registering with the Sergeant-at-Arms at the
rostrum. Requests will be honored in order of
receipt. When a Delegate wishes to speak on a
specifc amendment, the Delegate should sign
up with the Sergeant-at- Arms, indicating his/
her position on the amendment, so he/she will
be called on at the appropriate time.
E. No radios, telephones, other
communications devices, types of signs,
banners, stickers or similar paraphernalia may
be displayed, installed or used in the Convention
Hall, unless authorized by the Chairperson of
Democratic State Committees or his or her
designee. Notwithstanding the above, a standard
of commercially available cell phone, paging
device or other technological devices shall be
allowed, unless the Chairperson or his or her
designee determines that it interferes with the
operation of the Convention Hall. Delegates
shall be allowed to bring to the Hall small
quantities of food and water unless prohibited
by the site management. Political paraphernalia
or literature may only be distributed directly to
convention attendees and may not be left on
seats.
F. Only delegates, members of the Convention
committees, offcials of the Convention, and
accredited members of the media shall be
admitted to the section of the Hall reserved
for Delegates, except by order of the Presiding
offcer of the Convention, or the Chairperson
of the State Committee.
G. All security personnel shall be under the
jurisdiction of the Sergeant-at-Arms.
H. In making decisions relative to granting
or withholding credentials. The credentials
committee shall be guided by the requirements
set forth in method of selecting delegates as
most recently published in the Preliminary Call
to Convention.
I. Matters allowed to be submitted as provided,
by signature of delegates, will not be printed
by the Democratic State Committee. However,
the proposer of same shall be responsible for
printing at his/her expense suffcient copies
for each delegate. The printed petitions shall
be presented to the Sergeant-at- Arms by
10:00 AM on the day of the Convention.
26
The Platform of the Massachusetts Democratic Party
STATEMENT OF VALUES
Massachusetts Democrats believe in the common good. We know that the
strength of our democracy is dependent on the engagement of thoughtful
citizens. That is why our party is organized around the basic notion that
individuals working together can make a positive impact on their community.
Massachusetts Democrats believe that government plays a vital role in the
lives of individuals and communities.
PREAMBLE
Massachusetts Democrats have ambitious goals.
We want health care to be a basic human right;
We want everyone to be able to work for a living wage and have
the right to organize;
We want a high-quality education to be accessible to every person;
We want to play an active role in addressing climate change;
We want everyone to have a safe and healthy environment, including
open spaces;
We want to promote clean energy technologies, conservation and
effciency;
We want safe and crime free communities;
We want all persons to be treated as equals;
We want a transparent and ethical government;
We want taxes to be reasonable and expenditures to be fairly
distributed;
We want roads, bridges, and public transportation to be safe and
reliable;
We want strong national defense, security at home and abroad, and
pledge to support veterans and all who have put themselves in
harms way on our behalf;
We want strong diplomacy and support nonviolent confict resolution
as a frst resort in our domestic and foreign relations and call for
a reduced military budget that allows for investment in human
needs;
We want voter equality and access to government for all; and
We respect and embrace the values of people across the spectrum of
beliefs.
EDUCATION
Massachusetts Democrats believe that everyone should have access to high-
quality educational opportunities from birth through adulthood. We believe
that our education system should successfully prepare our children for life
and work. Massachusetts Democrats are committed to investing in public
education because we know that it is the cornerstone of our society, our
democracy, and our economic future. Massachusetts Democrats Support:
1. High-quality, universal preschool and full-day kindergarten;
2. Closing the achievement gap for poor and minority students;
3. High school dropout prevention programs;
4. Smaller class sizes;
5. Professional development for public educators;
6. High-quality after school and summer enrichment programs;
7. Expanded learning time;
8. The preservation and enhancement of our school and public libraries;
9. Civics education as an integral part of public school curriculum;
10. Accessibility for special needs students and adequate funding;
11. Closer relationship between parents, guardians, teachers and
administrators;
12. Innovative programs to encourage recruitment and retention of high
quality teachers;
13. Public higher education;
14. College affordability and needs-based fnancial aid;
15. In-state tuition for all resident students who are admitted to
Massachusetts public colleges and universities;
16. Adult Basic Education and English for Speakers of Other Language
programs and
17. A safe, supportive and inclusive learning environment for all
students and anti-bullying policies in schools that specifcally enumerate
protection for students who are targeted for harassment on the basis of
sexual orientation and/or gender variance or identity.
HEALTHCARE AND HUMAN SERVICES
Massachusetts Democrats believe that every person should enjoy good
quality of life and good health and well being. We believe that high-quality
and affordable health care should be available to all through a single payer
government sponsored program like Medicare. We believe that every person
and family should have access to what is needed to help them to grow and
thrive while living successfully in economic independence. Massachusetts
Democrats Support:
1. High-quality, accessible health care services including support services
to children and families;
2. Full implementation of health care reform;
3. Eliminating racial and ethnic health disparities;
4. Providing services that support and promote individual choice and civil
rights for all people with disabilities
5. Community based mental health and addiction recovery services;
6. Public health initiatives that help economically disadvantaged individuals
and families to sustain health, housing, employment, and good
nutrition;
7. Adequate funding for medical research to further advance preventative
medicine and to fnd cures for chronic and debilitating diseases;
8. Womens reproductive rights and womans right to choose;
9. Reducing unintended pregnancies; and
10. Veterans health services including those who suffer from physical and
mental health issues.
ECONOMIC GROWTH
Massachusetts Democrats know that growing our economy is the most
pressing issue facing our state. We believe in the importance of job creation
and economic opportunities for all to strengthen our states middle class.
Massachusetts Democrats believe that more jobs alone will not be enough.
Therefore, we believe that investments in high-quality health care, education,
housing, and infrastructure are essential components of our economic
recovery and sustainability. Massachusetts Democrats Support:
1. Promoting innovation through science and technology;
2. A living wage for all workers;
3. Infrastructure and technology investments in all communities;
4. Affordable housing and rental assistance;
5. Foreclosure prevention;
6. Workforce development and job training with heightened attenttion to
green economy; and
7. Full enforcement of consumer protection laws.
LABOR
Massachusetts Democrats believe that all working people regardless
of gender, ethnicity, age, race, religion, income, national origin, disability,
sexual orientation, immigration or refugee status should have the right to
quality, family-sustaining jobs, and access to education and training to make
them employable and therefore a contributor to a healthy economy and
growing middle class. We believe that the best way to grow the middle class
and promote economic equality is to encourage collective bargaining and
increased unionization. Massachusetts Democrats Support:
1. The strengthening, enforcement and creation of law guaranteeing all
workers the right to organize, bargain collectively and strike;
2. The enactment of the Employee Free Choice Act;
3. A decent living wage for all workers, the states Prevailing Wage
Law and Responsible Employer Ordinance, the use of Project Labor
Agreements, and a minimum wage that is indexed to infation;
4. The strengthening, enforcement and creation of O.S.H.A. protections
and other current and proposed laws and regulations to promote a safe,
healthy and secure workplace for all workers;
5. The strengthening, enforcement and creation of laws to discourage
and prohibit the outsourcing of Massachusetts jobs to states and
countries with lower labor standards, and the use of public funds to pay
for the services of union avoidance consultants;
6. Increased assistance for job training, workforce development and job
creation programs and
7. The creation of laws and regulations making high-quality health
care accessible to all Americans, and the right of workers to take time
off work to seek medical care for themselves or their family members
without risk of losing their jobs.
ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT
Massachusetts Democrats believe in safeguarding the health of our citizens,
protecting natural ecosystems, and catalyzing green economic growth. We
believe that people have the right to clean air, clean water, and a safe and
healthy environment. We believe that promoting clean-energy technologies,
energy conservation, and energy effciency is critically important to lowering
energy costs, enhancing energy security and reliability, growing green jobs,
and reaping environmental benefts. Massachusetts Democrats Support:
27
1. Preserving our natural resources and protecting and expanding our
open spaces;
2. Protecting our air and water;
3. Environmental justice for low income and minority communities;
4. Reducing toxic chemicals in the environment;
5. Providing clean, reliable, and renewable energy;
6. Energy conservation and energy effciency;
7. Protecting our wildlife and natural habitats and prioritizing the
preservation of open spaces and urban wilds by all means necessary,
including state and municipal acquisition;
8. Reducing waste and increasing recycling in all of our communities;
9. Smart Growth development;
10. Increasing investments and promotion of public transportation
throughout the Commonwealth;
11. Water and waste water infrastructure improvements; and
12. Promoting those strategies which will quickly stabilize atmospheric
carbon dioxide at a maximum of 350 parts per million and protect
against further climate change, in accord with the United Nations
Framework Convention on Climate Change.
TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Massachusetts Democrats believe that the Commonwealths transportation
system should be safe, effcient, reliable, and cost-effective. We believe that
our system of roads, bridges, ports, airports and transit, should be well-
maintained and built to promote economic development, connect workers
with jobs, and knit together our communities. We believe that transportation
investments should be made that promote the creation of housing
development and employment opportunities, while preserving our natural
and cultural landscapes. Massachusetts Democrats Support:
1. A multi-modal, system that equitably distributes the costs of building,
operating, and maintaining the system;
2. Increasing public transportation alternatives;
3. Multi-modal solutions to improve mobility and relieve congestion;
4. Acknowledging the intersection between transportation and public
health;
5. Investments in roads and bridges to address decades of neglect; and
6. A transportation system that is environmentally conscious and lowers
our dependence on foreign and environmentally destructive sources of
energy.
PUBLIC SAFETY AND CRIME PREVENTION
Massachusetts Democrats are committed to being tough and smart on
crime. We believe that every person should live in a community that is safe
and crime free. Therefore, we support investments in strategies to reduce
recidivism and prevent crime. Massachusetts Democrats Support:
1. Strong enforcement of state and federal gun laws;
2. Addiction prevention and addiction recovery programs;
3. Strong victims rights;
4. Providing services and supervision for every person returning to the
community from prison;
5. Leveraging technology to drive intelligence-led law enforcement
efforts;
6. Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) reform;
7. Strong state laws and enforcement against hate crimes, child abuse,
domestic violence, elder abuse, sexual abuse and abuse that is directed
against people with disabilities; and
8. Strong intervention and child abuse prevention programs and services
for youth and at-risk individuals.
REVENUE AND EXPENDITURES
Massachusetts Democrats believe in fscal responsibility. We also believe
that responsible investments today will provide positive outcomes in our
communities for years to come. We believe that taxes and fees should
be fairly distributed and reasonably assessed. Massachusetts Democrats
Support:
1. Fair and equitable taxes and fees;
2. Sustainable and predictable state revenue streams;
3. Property tax reform to help cities and towns;
4. Revenues being committed towards strategic investments in our
future;
5. Balanced budgets; and
6. Eliminating waste and fnding savings and effciencies within
government.
ETHICS AND TRANSPARENCY IN GOVERNMENT
Massachusetts Democrats believe that public offcials should be held
to the highest standards of integrity and accountability. We believe that
government should be open and inclusive. We know that restoring the
publics trust in government is critically important to the future of our
democracy. Massachusetts Democrats Support:
1. Public hearings and other opportunities for citizens to weigh into the
legislative process;
2. Utilizing technology which is accessible to allow citizens to more
directly interface with government and public services; and
3. Comprehensive ethics and campaign reform.
JUSTICE AND CIVIL RIGHTS
Massachusetts Democrats believe in equal justice under the law for all. We
believe that discrimination based on race, gender, sexuality, religion, age, and
disability has no place in our communities. Massachusetts Democrats are
committed to protecting individuals rights to freedom of speech, religion,
press, and due process under the law. Massachusetts Democrats Support:
1. Equal opportunities for employment, education, health care, and
housing for all;
2. Governments role in protecting individual civil rights;
3. Ending racial and religious profling;
4. Marriage equality; and
5. Remaining a death penalty free state.
VOTING AND DEMOCRACY
Massachusetts Democrats believe that voting is a right not a privilege,
and that every step should be taken to ensure that all eligible citizens vote
in every election. This means that registration should be made as easy as
possible, polls should be safe and accessible, and no citizen should be denied
access to the polls. We believe every vote should be counted and that all
ballots cast should produce an independent auditable record. Massachusetts
Democrats Support:
1. Efforts to register, educate, mobilize, and turnout voters;
2. Eliminating voter participation barriers;
3. Same day registration, early voting and no excuse absentee ballots;
4. Increasing voter participation among underrepresented communities;
5. Eliminating barriers for women, minority, and disabled individuals to
run for public offce;
6. Easing barriers for limited English-speaking voters;
7. Well trained and voter-friendly poll workers who enhance the voter
experience even for those who do not speak English; and
8. Voting systems that guarantee that every ballot is counted and secure
and that provide an auditable paper trail.
28
MassEquaIity
Working to ensure equal rights and
opportunities for LGBT people from
cradle to grave
Wishing you
a happy convention!
PIease join us
at Boston Pride
on June 9th!
massequality
@massequality
Warmest wishes and thanks
to all who participate in this
Democratic Convention!
Marian Walsh, ESQ
Consulting Services
A Public Affairs Consultant and Leadership Coach,
Marian leverages her get-it-done experience, navigational
expertise and unwavering passion to benet you.
Marian Walsh thinks
differently. For you, that
makes all the difference.
MARI AN@MARI ANWALSH. COM
|
WWW. MARI ANWALSH. COM
MWE-016_5_5x8_5_Ad M02.indd 1 4/23/12 2:28 PM
29

The Young Democrats of Massachusetts
Invite Delegates and Guests to:

The 4
th
Annual
Pre-Convention Party

Hosted by
The Pioneer Valley Young Democrats

8:00pm
Smith's Billiards
Upstairs from Theodores
201 Worthington Street, Springfield

$10 Suggested Donation

Complimentary Appetizers Cash Bar

www.ydma.org @MaYoungDems @PVYoungDems
30
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We are building a better future!
My fellow Democrats,
This years Democratic State Convention will be an exciting
time to unite and plan for victory in November. Thank you for
the time and effort you give to help make our communities
better and our state the greatest in the nation.
From education, to healthcare for all, to supporting the
innovation economy, what we have accomplished as
Massachsuetts Democrats has made lives better for many of
our neighbors and shaped the debate across the country.
I am proud to serve as an elected Democrat in Massachsuetts.
I look forward to working along side you as we continute to
build a better and brighter future.
Therese Murray
31
32
www.massteacher.org
The Massachusetts
Teachers Association
welcomes delegates
to the 2012 Democratic
State Convention.
MTA members include
teachers, education support
professionals, higher
education faculty and
staff, retired educators
and students preparing
for careers in education.
The MTA is proud to
represent the 110,000
educators who have helped
make Massachusetts
students #1 in the nation!
BEST WISHES FOR A SUCCESSFUL CONVENTION!
Paul Toner
President
Timothy Sullivan
Vice President
Ann Clarke
Executive Director-Treasurer

2012 MA Democratic Delegate Guide

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Conventon Agenda

Saturday, June 2, 2012

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