An Honorable Profession

Today’s bonus episode continues our limited series of interviews with host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan as we look closely at swing states in the presidential race, as well as states with key state legislative races, ballot initiatives, and more. Today, we head to Georgia to talk with State Senator Elena Parent. Senator Parent talks about the enthusiasm growing in for the Harris-Walz ticket and the record turnout in early voting despite the state's strict voting laws. She also focuses on freedom as a top issue on voters' minds this year, pointing to the tragic deaths of Amber Thurman and Candi Miller as painful reminders of what Republicans have done to reproductive rights and healthcare in the state. Senator Parent gives us an authentic look at the issues motivating voters in her swing state.

In today's episode, NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with Oregon State Treasurer and Democratic nominee for Secretary of State Tobias Read. Read, who joined NewDEAL as a state representative in 2011, has become a national leader on championing solutions to make college, retirement, and everyday life more affordable. He talks about his decision to run for Secretary of State with the office’s focus on running elections and holding the state government accountable. The conversation also delves into what's at stake in this year's elections, touching on his experience running against an election denier, Oregon's ballot initiative on ranked-choice voting, and the pivotal race in the 5th Congressional District, featuring fellow NewDEALer Janelle Bynum. In addition, Read shares his strategies for energizing voters about down-ballot races and highlights Oregon's leadership role as the first state in the country to move to mail-in elections. Tune in to learn what inspires State Treasurer Read to serve his state. IN THIS EPISODE: • [01:04] Oregon State Treasurer Tobias Read: An introduction to his career focus. • [02:35] His experience running for Secretary of State in Oregon and what he hopes to bring to the role. • [05:03] What he is focused on as a candidate running against an election denier. • [09:15] How Oregon is ensuring that everyone who is eligible to vote is registered. • [13:01] The financial and performance auditing power of Oregon State’s legislature. • [14:53] Restoring people’s faith in government by prioritizing transparency and agility. • [18:26] State Treasurer Read’s motivation to succeed at democratic leadership in Oregon. • [19:33] His action plan should he be elected into the role of Secretary and insights into the Albina race. • [22:00] Why it is too early to determine any information from the ongoing election. • [23:29] Treasurer Read’s thoughts on the implementation of rank-choice voting in Oregon. • [26:59] His original motivations to enter public service and how he has built his experience.

Today’s bonus episode continues our limited series of interviews with host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan as we explore what's happening across the country heading into the 2024 Elections. Debbie talks with NewDEALer and Chair of the Chester County, Pennsylvania, Board of Commissioners Josh Maxwell. Josh gives us an on-the-ground update from the country's most pivotal swing state and talks about his role as the county's head elections official, how he's supporting poll workers ahead of Election Day, and some of the challenges voters are facing as they begin to fill out their ballots.

In today’s episode, NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) President, Heather Williams. Heather explains how the DLCC works to elect more Democrats to the House and Senate and win legislative majorities. She walks us through the DLCC’s strategy of targeting key states and legislature chambers, the opportunities she is most excited about this year, and the organization’s important work to raise awareness of legislative candidates and ensure that voters vote down the ballot. Tune in to learn about the many issues being shaped by state legislatures, including reproductive rights, housing, and climate, and why this year’s elections matter more than ever. IN THIS EPISODE:  • [01:03] Introducing Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) President Heather Williams who joins us to discuss state legislative elections. • [02:55] President Williams shares the three buckets that her work falls into this year. • [06:55] An overview of the DLCC’s work and the cycle it follows. • [09:54] How enthusiasm for the Harris-Walz Campaign differs from state-specific voting sentiment. • [12:20] Factors that currently drive voter turnout including access to information. • [15:01] Why it is important to give voters a clear option to vote for issues such as reproductive healthcare. • [17:48] The important moment created by the Dobbs decision and how it widened people’s understanding of Roe. • [19:34] The experience of recruiting candidates in 2024. • [22:35] President Williams’ journey to public service. • [25:55] What sparked a transition in representation in 2010 and how that has unfolded today.

Today’s bonus episode continues our limited series of interviews with host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan as we look closely at swing states in the presidential race, as well as states with key state legislative races, ballot initiatives, and more. Debbie talks with longtime NewDEAL Leader and New Castle County Executive Matt Meyer, who is running for Governor of Delaware. He gives us an update on his exciting campaign, including the rapid turnaround between Delaware's primary elections in September to the general election just eight weeks later. He also  highlights the history-making campaigns of fellow NewDEALer Sarah McBride who is set to become the first transgender person elected to Congress, and Lisa Blunt Rochester who is on track to become the first African American woman to represent Delaware in the Senate. 

In this week’s episode, NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan speaks with Colorado Representative Meghan Lukens, a former high school government teacher who went from encouraging her students to be civically engaged to running for office herself. She shares her story of entering politics, what it has meant to represent her hometown, and how she has found success addressing some of the state's biggest issues with her “Western Slope Way” approach to governing. Her many accomplishments this past legislative session focused on addressing affordability, from landmark action on property taxes to her bills making it easier to operate childcare centers and increasing healthcare access in rural communities. Lukens also previews this year’s election in Colorado, which includes twelve ballot initiatives on topics from reproductive rights to ranked choice voting to wildlife management. Tune in to learn which issues Coloradans care the most about this November. • [01:05] Introducing today’s guest, Colorado Representative Meghan Lukens. • [02:13] Meghan tells us about the beautiful district she represents. • [03:41] What her experience has been representing a more rural area in Colorado. • [06:33] The inspiration behind running for office as a government teacher. • [09:19] Some of the factors that Meghan thinks led to her success. • [12:02] How things have changed for voters since her first election. • [14:52] Meghan tells us about the property tax issue she tackled and how that went. • [20:56] How she addresses affordability and how she manages to get legislature passed. • [31:47] What Meghan thinks will drive voters to the polls in November.

Today’s bonus episode continues our limited series of interviews with host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan as we explore what's happening across the country heading into the 2024 Elections. Debbie catches up with NewDEALer and Lincoln, NE, City Councilmember Tom Beckius to learn why Nebraska is making headlines this year despite not being a typically eye-catching state when it comes to elections. Beckius details recent attempts by Republicans to push a winner-takes-all method of allocating electoral college votes in the state and explains the difference between the dueling ballot measures – Initiative 439 and Initiative 434 – which seek to protect and limit abortion access, respectively. Tune in as he shares his perspective on the state’s surprising senate race between incumbent Deb Fischer and challenger Dan Osborn and why housing is top-of-mind for Nebraska voters. 

In this week’s episode, host Ryan Coonerty speaks with Pittsburgh, PA, City Controller Rachael Heisler. Heisler explains the role of the controller, which consists of three core functions: accounting, accounts payable, and auditing. She also discussed her role in making sure that tax dollars are used responsibly and effectively and that they are spent in accordance with legislation that was passed and contracts that were signed. They talk about the challenges of urban budgets as office buildings and downtowns remain empty in the aftermath of the pandemic, as well as how to build trust within your community, fight for what is right, and campaign in swing states. Tune in to learn about Controller Heisler’s approach to her role in government and as a community leader, how she has stood against antisemitism, and why she has so much hope for Pittsburgh’s future. IN THIS EPISODE: • [01:04] Pittsburgh Controller Rachael Heisler, her role, and why the City Controller is especially important in Pittsburgh. • [03:08] Navigating the interplay of holding office members accountable while serving in office. • [05:40] Delivering tricky news in a swing state. • [08:55] What Controller Heisler would like to see change in Pittsburgh’s working environment. • [12:14] Her career path up to this point which started in education before she fell in love with public service. • [16:13] Why running for office is truly the most humbling thing you could do. • [18:41] Pittsburgh community members attunement with maintaining the city’s fiscal health. • [19:41] How Controller Heisler experienced moving from a Deputy role to occupying the position of Controller. • [22:38] Her approach to speaking out against antisemitism in Pittsburgh and why she believes this is important. • [30:47] Sentiment in Pittsburgh leading up to the elections and the incredible energy on the ground.

Today’s bonus episode kicks off a limited series including interviews with host and NewDEAL CEO Debbie Cox Bultan to explore what's happening across the country heading into the 2024 Elections. Debbie will be checking in with NewDEALers in swing states about the state of the presidential election, as well traveling to other states to ask about key state legislative races, ballot initiatives, and more. In this episode, Debbie speaks with Senator Rebecca Perkins Kwoka in New Hampshire – a key presidential swing state, a site for Democratic state legislature gains, and the home to the most competitive gubernatorial race in the country. Tune in to get the inside scoop on how races from the top of the ticket all the way down the ballot will pan out in New Hampshire.

In this week’s episode, host Ryan Coonerty speaks with Michigan Senate Assistant Majority Leader Darrin Camilleri, who shares how his upbringing as the son of an immigrant and his early experiences as a teacher shaped his view on policy and public service. He discusses what it takes to make a successful career change into elected office, how he was the only Democrat to flip a seat in 2016, and the lessons Democrats should keep in mind to ensure victory in this year’s election. The Senator also discusses how he is trying to improve school funding policies and his leadership on Michigan’s recently passed voting rights act to expand ballot access and increase protections for voters with disabilities. Tune in to learn more about how Senator Camilleri approaches policy and politics in his swing state. IN THIS EPISODE [01:03] Michigan State Senator Darrin Camilleri details his path to Michigan and public service as the child of an immigrant. [03:41] How his background influenced his view on policies and public service.  [06:35] What it took to successfully transition from school teacher to state legislature. [07:21] What Senator Camilleri’s 2016 campaign can teach us about split tickets in 2024. [10:57] Lessons learned from previous elections to aid VP Kamala Harris’ campaign. [13:48] Understanding voter concerns ahead of November’s election compared to the worries of previous campaigns.  [15:11] What Senator Camilleri and the Senate Democrats are doing to improve voting rights in Michigan. [17:03] How the polls are looking in Michigan, and what Americans can do to help the Harris-Walz campaign in the Great Lakes State.  [18:23] The differences in roles and policymaking between the House and the Senate. [20:04] School funding politics from the senator’s perspective.  [22:30] Senator Camilleri’s current policy plans and future goals in his hopes for a better Michigan. [24:37] The evolution of the Michigan legislature, and where it could be in the next five years.