During Tuesday's monthly meeting the Bay County Democratic Party unanimously voted to donate $200 to the the Camp Millie training program. The following provides information about the upcoming training, which will take place in February.

Camp Millie is now in its third year. It continues to give participants the tools for effective progressive political action including:

• Framing Your Issues and Message Development;
• Volunteer Recruitment;
• Techniques and Strategies to Get-Out-The-Vote;
• Door-to-Door Canvassing;
• Phone Banking;
• Fundraising;
• Campaign Finance Compliance;
• Voter Protection Information;
• & so much more.

The training has proven invaluable to candidates, campaign managers and activists all over the state.

When:  Saturday, February 20 & Sunday, February 21. All Camps are two days: Saturday 8:00 am – 5:30 pm & Sunday 9:00 am – 4:30 pm.

Where: Ramada Inn (formerly know as the Davenport Inn)
3325 Davenport Ave., Saginaw, MI 48602 -  http://ramadainnsaginaw.com/

Cost: $35 tuition – Includes training materials, continental breakfast, snacks and 2 lunches.  Checks payable to The Justice Caucus. Note:  Scholarships available.  Contact leighgarnet@gmail.com to apply.

How: R.S.V.P. to leighgarnet@gmail.com and register online at www.justicecaucus.org/node/37

January 28th - Detroit clerk might enter secretary of state race

January 26th - Stupak won't run for governor

January 20th - Sen. Whitmer to leave AG race

January 12th - Democrat John Freeman drops out of Michigan governor's race

House Speaker Andy Dillon announced this morning that he is forming an exploratory committee for a possible run for governor. A video was posted on his new website, in which he stated, "I've seen what stands in the way of economic growth, and I know we can change it. But it won't happen with the same old thinking."

Dillon said he would spend the coming weeks "talking to people across our state" and soliciting their concerns and ideas for the future.."

More information, including his biography and his web video can be found on his website.

State Sen. Hansen Clarke has announced he will seek the Democratic nomination for governor. He said Tuesday in a phone interview that he has filed the paperwork to kick off his campaign.

Clarke served in the Michigan House from 1991-1992, then served that chamber again from 1999-2002. He has served in the state Senate since 2003.

Visit his website for more information.

A surprise to many, Lt. Governor John Cherry announced earlier today that he will not seek the Democratic nomination for governor.

In an email sent to campaign supporters earlier today, Cherry said he had accomplished only two of his three goals. He noted that he received more than 1,000 supporters and gathered more than half of the nominating signatures needed. However, he did secure enough money to make his campaign "fully viable."

Other Democratic candidates include Democratic state Rep. Alma Wheeler Smith, Michigan State trustee George Perles and former Rep. John Freeman. House Speaker Andy Dillon, Dan Kildee and Lansing Virg Bernero are also three potential Democratic candidates.

The full text of John Cherry's statement can be found below.