Lest we forget, there is a vast difference in our nation's political parties that is often obscured in the shouts of "politics." Our country is in deep trouble, and must get back on a path toward true prosperity, peace and progress.

1. Competence. As Democrats we promise America a competent government headed by people with expertise and experience. We will never appoint nor confirm cronies whose main qualification for office is personal connection.

2. Restoring the middle class. We will restore the growth of the American middle class and of middle class incomes.  We will halt the rewarding the rich with generous tax breaks, whereby a quarter of all benefits of economic growth now go to the richest one tenth of one per cent of Americans.

3. A minimum health-care wage. The cost of health insurance and prescription drugs for the typical family is rising by double digets while 46 million Americans are without insurance altogether. We will establish a simple minimum health care wage offering basic health insurance to every American wishing to join, giving government bargaining leverage to get low prices from drug companies.

4. We will fight terrorism by strengthening our own shores. Our generals now tell us our presence in Iraq is incubating new terrorists and fomenting anti-Americanism around the world---as well as draining billions of dollars from our homeland security programs and causing neglect of our schools, infrastructure and national health.

5. A progressive tax code. Not a national sales tax as is being considered which would fall heaviest on working people while further easing the taxes on the wealthy. A fairer tax code can ease the burden on the American family and require the rich to bear their fair share.

Staste Representative John Espinoza took the occasion of the Sanilac County Democrats' annual fund raising dinner on June 13 to announce that he will run for the State Senate seat that becomes vacant in 2011, and includes Sanilac County. Espinoza who has been elected three times to the 83rd House district will conclude his House service at the end of 2010, when he will be term-limited by state law.

In announcing his decision, Espinoza stated that he will continue to give full time to every resident's needs until his last day in office and will continue to be active in the proceedings of the State House in committee and in sessions.

"No position of service has given me more satisfaction that being able to serve you, to hear your concerns and to work for legislation that makes Michigan a better place to live," he told the dinner attendees, in response to their standing ovation, "In announcing my intention to run for the State Senate, I will take on this added responsibility while carrying out my full time duties as your state representative and intend to give the same devotion to duty as I have shown during my years in the House" he said. Norton Schramm, Democratic County Chairman, pledged the full force and energy of the county organization in support of Espinoza's upcoming effort.

The 31st State Senate District includes Sanilac, Huron, Tuscola, Aranec and Bay Counties, including Bay City and Saginaw. The seat has been held for the past eight years by James Barcia, who is also term limited at the end of 2010.

Sanilac County Democrats turned out in force for their annual fund raising dinner on June 13 at the Lexington VFW and vowed to build on the election victories of November by achieving much-needed new legislation in the Michigan legislature and in the U.S. Congress. Norton Schramm, Chairman, presided; the invocation was given by Rev. William Moldwin, Party Vice Chairman.

With representatives from Huron, St. Clair and Lapeer Democratic parties present, the attendees heard State Representative John Espinoza announce his candidacy for the State Senate (see above) and remarks by State Representative Terry Brown of Huron County, who praised Espinoza and the Sanilac Dems for playing a key role in making him the first Democrat to be elected in Huron County. Senator Carl Levin was represented by Dusty Houser who reported on the senator's successful fight to curb credit card abuses.

Former county chairman Ray Denison reported the establishment in Sanilac County of a volunteer group to rally support to President Obama's campaign to provide American's with health care reform which includes a genuine public option. Forms were distributed asking for medical health stories for possible use on websites, as was a flyer that debunked myths about Canadian health care and a booklet explaining the proposed single payer health program. The spaghetti dinner was prepared by Joyce Wiley and her son Richard, and brought raves, with seconds available for all as well as "doggie bags."

A silent auction and a 50-50 raffle helped make the evening a financial success.