DNC Winter Meeting ...5 of 6 >
Feb. 25, 2011--The DNC Seniors Council met in Marriott Ballroom Salon I.  Many of these people are retired union members, and among those to address the group was Ed Coyle, executive director of the Alliance for Retired Americans, a union based organization.  A major topic of discussion was the Affordable Care Act.  
After making his remarks, Chairman Kaine took several questions including one from a retired machinist unhappy about the choice of Charlotte to host the Convention and one from this Philadelphia area gentleman who urged attention be given to making sure that people in nursing homes are registered and vote.  Defending the selection of Charlotte, Kaine stated that, "Charlotte sent the best message that we're playing offense, not defense."  North Carolina is the state that Obama won by the narrowest margin in 2008.  Kaine said that "demographic changes are moving the state in our direction" and that the choice of Charlotte means "going into traditionally tougher turf, and that creates opportunities."  "I realize we've got some missionary work to do with labor because of the choice," Kaine said.  "Bottom line, I'm always going to play offense."  On the question of registration, Kaine said that Organizing for America volunteers will be working to register voters in 2011, which is a fairly light election year.
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