The monthly meeting of Upshur County Democrats was held Monday night at the DAV Building. About a dozen stalwarts were present to discuss the recent election and plan for the next one in 2010 (our meeting was the same day that Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania announced his switch to the Democratic Party).

As in previous meetings, we talked about how to attract new and younger people to our meetings. We have many of the same people at each meeting, and they get older every month. Several prospects were identified and we will make an effort to get them to the next meeting.

We began with an open discussion of President Obama's first 100 days. Considering the mess that he inherited, there was a consensus that he is doing a good job. All that he has to deal with is a depression, two wars, a flu epidemic and a disgruntled population. While expecting miracles, we have to accept that he cannot cure all of this in 100 days or maybe his first term. It took eight years for us to get into this mess and it will not be fixed immediately.

Two incumbent commissioners were present, and both announced their intent to run for reelection as Democrats. Glenn Campbell and Joe (Buddy) Ferguson reported their intent to remain in office. We have not conducted a recruiting campaign for candidates, but we expect more of our office holders to announce their plans soon. Official filing does not begin until January 2010, so we have several months to fill our list of candidates.

Our next meeting date falls on Memorial Day so we will not meet again until Monday, June 22. We plan to make it a social event of some sort. It will also be held at the DAV Building on Hwy. 271 N. We did not even consider a demonstration on the square. Our President needs our support, not criticism.

Jim Eitel is Upshur County Democratic Party Chairman