John Kluck, Venango County Democratic chair loads yard signs into the back of Braxton White's truck during a meeting at the Venango County Fairgrounds last week.
For Venango County Democrat chairperson John Kluck, having the Democrat fundraiser and gathering in Venango County is a big deal. Kluck has watched the local Democrats go from a very few members only a few years ago to anoticeably growing into a more active political community.
So it seems fitting that Demstock 2022 will be held at the Venango County Fairgrounds August 26 to 28. Demstock is a county fair style get together that is centered around everything Democrat party related. This idea started when Democratic leaders from Clarion, Elk and McKean counties got together to talk strategy in 2018 and have a pig roast.
“Our planning committee now has Democrats from six western rural counties, so it's really growing,” said Braxton White, the Demstock committee chair. “We held the first official Demstock in 2019 in Clarion County headlined by Lt Gov John Fetterman. We skipped 2020 for obvious reasons but had another successful event in 2021 in Elk County with Senator Bob Casey, John Fetterman, Conor Lamb, and our entire judicial slate on the program.”
“I think it’s awesome the Venango Democrats are getting attention on the state level,” Kluck said. He acknowledges that Republicans still out number Democrats two to one, but with controversial bills on the table to limit a woman’s right to choose after the Supreme Court overturned the Roe V. Wade, he said there may be more cross over as a result.
So it seems fitting that Demstock 2022 will be held at the Venango County Fairgrounds August 26 to 28. Demstock is a county fair style get together that is centered around everything Democrat party related. This idea started when Democratic leaders from Clarion, Elk and McKean counties got together to talk strategy in 2018 and have a pig roast.
“Our planning committee now has Democrats from six western rural counties, so it's really growing,” said Braxton White, the Demstock committee chair. “We held the first official Demstock in 2019 in Clarion County headlined by Lt Gov John Fetterman. We skipped 2020 for obvious reasons but had another successful event in 2021 in Elk County with Senator Bob Casey, John Fetterman, Conor Lamb, and our entire judicial slate on the program.”
“I think it’s awesome the Venango Democrats are getting attention on the state level,” Kluck said. He acknowledges that Republicans still out number Democrats two to one, but with controversial bills on the table to limit a woman’s right to choose after the Supreme Court overturned the Roe V. Wade, he said there may be more cross over as a result.
Venango County vice-chair Ashley Zaccari Smith met with Demstock committee members to look over the Venango County Fairgrounds last week.
“It’s good for the region too bringing people in from all over for this event,” said Kluck.
White, who lives in Clarion County and is 2005 Titusville High School graduate, is trying his darndest to turn the rural areas of northwest Pennsylvania blue. Or at least make the dominant red that blankets the political geography of the region a little more purple than red.
“There are more rural Democrats than people realize,” said White.
This year 17 counties are registered to participate in Demstock already.
According to White, Pennsylvania Governor candidate Josh Shapiro and U.S. Senate candidate John Fetterman have expressed interest in attending. “I think they are coming. Fetterman has been to every one of our events,” White said.
Sen. Bob Casey has confirmed as well as scores of local candidates including Dan Pastore, who is running against incumbent U.S. Representive Mike Kelly in the Pennsylvania 16th district and Mike Molesevich who is hoping to unseat the 15th district U.S. Congressman Glenn Thompson.
Rianna Czech, a veteran and a proud member of the LBGTQI+ community is expected to be there to answer questions about her campaign against state senator Michele Brooks in the Pennsylvania 50th District. She will be joined by Nerissa Galt running against veteran State Representative Brad Roae in the Pennsylvania 6th and Rob Vigue seeking house District 12 seat from down in Butler County currently held by Daryl Metcalfe.
White, who lives in Clarion County and is 2005 Titusville High School graduate, is trying his darndest to turn the rural areas of northwest Pennsylvania blue. Or at least make the dominant red that blankets the political geography of the region a little more purple than red.
“There are more rural Democrats than people realize,” said White.
This year 17 counties are registered to participate in Demstock already.
According to White, Pennsylvania Governor candidate Josh Shapiro and U.S. Senate candidate John Fetterman have expressed interest in attending. “I think they are coming. Fetterman has been to every one of our events,” White said.
Sen. Bob Casey has confirmed as well as scores of local candidates including Dan Pastore, who is running against incumbent U.S. Representive Mike Kelly in the Pennsylvania 16th district and Mike Molesevich who is hoping to unseat the 15th district U.S. Congressman Glenn Thompson.
Rianna Czech, a veteran and a proud member of the LBGTQI+ community is expected to be there to answer questions about her campaign against state senator Michele Brooks in the Pennsylvania 50th District. She will be joined by Nerissa Galt running against veteran State Representative Brad Roae in the Pennsylvania 6th and Rob Vigue seeking house District 12 seat from down in Butler County currently held by Daryl Metcalfe.
Titusville native Braxton White and his wife Stephanie pick up yard signs from Venango County last week.
“We’re adding more everyday” said White who hopes to fill the 300 person capacity home show building at the fairgrounds for meals.
The event is designed for Democrats to come together, network and strategize about the upcoming 2022 election in November. It is also a time to rally the base while showing off what being a Democrat is all about. And to have some fun.
“We want to make sure it is understood that it’s OK to be a Democrat in rural Pennsylvania," White said.
The event is pre-registration at www.demstock.net. White said there will be music , food and fun at the fairgrounds but most important will be information tables and chances to talk with people running for office.
Tickets are $25, but additional fees if you plan to camp over night.
“It’s kinda like summer camp, but for grown-ups who are Dems,” said Steph White, Braxton’s wife.
The event is designed for Democrats to come together, network and strategize about the upcoming 2022 election in November. It is also a time to rally the base while showing off what being a Democrat is all about. And to have some fun.
“We want to make sure it is understood that it’s OK to be a Democrat in rural Pennsylvania," White said.
The event is pre-registration at www.demstock.net. White said there will be music , food and fun at the fairgrounds but most important will be information tables and chances to talk with people running for office.
Tickets are $25, but additional fees if you plan to camp over night.
“It’s kinda like summer camp, but for grown-ups who are Dems,” said Steph White, Braxton’s wife.
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