Ben Goodman

Tonight, I introduced a resolution to the University of Maine General Student Senate to honor the contributions of the late Senator Edward M. Kennedy.  The resolution passed (with plenty of debate, of course).  I don't have the resolution number available, but I'm thrilled that my first resolution was to honor Senator Kennedy.

UNIVERSITY OF MAINE STUDENT GOVERNMENT, INC. 

GENERAL STUDENT SENATE RESOLUTION 

Date Submitted: September 1, 2009

AN ACT TO: 

Recognize the Contributions of the late U.S. Senator Edward Moore Kennedy 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF MAINE GENERAL STUDENT 

SENATE AS FOLLOWS: 

WHEREAS, Senator Edward Moore Kennedy represented the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for nearly five 

decades; 

WHEREAS, Senator Kennedy represents the last of a generation that put bipartisanship above all, and principle 

above party; 

WHEREAS, Senator Kennedy was instrumental in lowering the voting age from 21 to 18, crucial for the 

overwhelming number of young University of Maine Students who voted for candidates of all parties and political 

views on November 4, 2008; 

WHEREAS, Senator Kennedy, throughout his storied career, worked to increase the availability of student loans and 

grants; 

WHEREAS, Senator Kennedy was instrumental in the passage of Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 

(The Patsy T. Mink Equal Opportunity in Education Act), ensuring equality for women in education, extracurricular, 

and athletic activities, most significantly at the high school and college level; 

WHEREAS, Senator Kennedy lead the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, ensuring equal 

opportunity for all Americans; 

WHEREAS, Senator Kennedy believed in the "dignity of work," and fought tirelessly for hardworking Americans 

by working to successfully raise the federal minimum wage in 1996 and 2007; 

WHEREAS, Senator Kennedy called the ability for all Americans to have affordable access to medical care the 

"cause of his life," and worked hard for passage and continued support of the State Children's Health Insurance 

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Last week, four memebers of the Maine College Democrats Executive Board had the opportunity to attend the 50th Annual College Democrats of America convention, held at the George Washington University in Washington, DC.  

The convention began on Thursday morning with an address by United States House of Representatives Majority Whip Jim Clyburn (D-SC) addressing a luncheon at the Democratic National Committee Headquarters on Capitol Hill.  After lunch and a welcome from CDA President Katie Naranjo, students volunteered on two community service projects.  

Vice Kat President Cosgrove and I serve on the CDA National Council, which is composed of the two highest ranking men and women from each state federation.  Kat and I went with other members of the National Council to help put a mailer together for a fundraiser for Words, Beats, & Life Inc., a non-profit which seeks to "transform individual lives and communities through Hip-Hop."  Vice President Dave O'Heir and Treasurer Pete Christopher volunteered for another organization, helping to flyer part a part of the city.

After we finished, Kat and I had the opportunity to hear from candidates for the position of CDA National Council Chair, Vice Chair, and Secretary.  We each cast our votes, blocking them together, and helped to elect a team of experienced and knowledgeable individuals who will help build on our success in 2008.

Soon after, the convention began, and we heard from Senator Arlen Specter (D-PA), who spoke about his record in the United States Senate, and about his decision to return to the Democratic Party.  Specter was genuine and answered nearly twenty questions from students.  

Dave, Kat, and Pete attended a CDA fundraiser at Tabaq, with Congressman Tim Ryan (D-OH) and DNC Vice Chair Ray Buckley (NH).  I got to a late start, and instead opted to grab dinner at the World Famous Ben's Chili Bowl with several delegates from Georgia, and Michael Worley of Florida.

Friday was an eventful day, beginning with a tour of the White House.  We were able to see many of the traditional rooms and portraits, including the Blue Room, East Room, and State Dining Room.  We didn't get anywhere near the West Wing (I was fully expecting to see Donna Moss), but it was a thrill to see the First Family's residence.

Next was a breakfast with Christine Pelosi, a Democratic activist and the daughter of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.  Pelosi spoke about the health care debate, and the importance of calling into talk radio.  We heard from several other speakers over the course of the morning, before attending several training sessions, including one on communications, and another on fundraising.  Later, I met a friend from my Congressional Page days as while the other members of our delegation went to dinner with some new friends.

Saturday brought DNC Chairman Governor Tim Kaine and a few panels, including one featuring Brunswick Rep. Alex Cornell du Houx, who could easily be called the father of the Maine College Democrats.  CDA officer elections followed caucuses, and Maine cast its votes for a slate of great candidates, blocking its votes in one contested race, and splitting in another.

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