http://HuffPost's OffTheBus members produced these superdelegate profiles as part of its Superdelegate Investigation. You can find all profiles here.
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Maria Handley
Colorado
Member of the DNC's Hispanic Caucus
Appointed to an at-large seat on DNC
Basic bio
* Born: October 4, 1977
* Background: comes from long line of Inca Warriors
Progress Now
* Birthplace: Peru, adopted by Boulder County parents and raised in Eldorado Springs, CO
Progress
* In 1999 graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder, BA --major: political science; minor: history
* Member of the Democratic National Committee and Executive Committee and Hispanic Caucus
Daily Camera
* One Sentence Description of self: "She who talks with the peeps, meets with the peeps, is the peeps"
Progress Now
Involvement in the Democratic Party
* Handley was appointed by chairman Howard Dean to an at-large seat on the Democratic National Committee
Colorado Con
* Also, member of the DNC's Hispanic Caucus
Hispanic Tips
* DNC Affiliation: Members-at-Large
Washington Post
Appearance in press:
* Dean Believer Bids Farewell to Whirlewind
Handley Family
Personal Political interests and issues
* Dean for America Alumni, Latino Democrats
democrats.org
* Hispanic Caucus
Hispanic Tips
* Issues: equality / civil rights; smart energy policy; affordable health care; education; pro-choice
Progress Now
Involvement in 2008 election - campaign appearances, statements
* Committed to Hillary Clinton Maria Handley
Rocky Mountain
* Committed to Hillary Clinton
* Committed to Hillary Clinton
Politics West
Family's Involvement in Politics, the Democratic Party
* Bruce and Vija Handley (parents) politically active
* In mid-1970s, her father, Bruce Handley, was running for state representative; therefore, when Handley was 2-years-old, she participated in door-knocking and the hand-shacking that running for office entails.
Progress Now
Previous Campaign Work
Handley Family
* Iowa Caucus--Field Coordinator, Carroll, Iowa (Dec.-Jan. '99) -- Identified Bradley supporters in a four-county area and ensured their participation at local precinct caucuses. Worked with local businesses to identify key supporters, set up phone banks, organized volunteers.
* Bill Bradley for President 2000-- Field Director (Colorado Presidential Primary), Denver, CO, (Jan.-Mar. '00) -- Identified key counties, wrote direct-mail plan, organized voter turnout and worked with local leaders to set up phone banks and literature drops.
* The Compass Media Group--Production Coordinator, Chicago, IL-- Utilized Quark Xpress and Photoshop to prepare campaign literature and advertising materials for congressional and local legislative campaigns over a three state region. Responsible for final production.
* Mayor Paul Schell 2001 Re-Election Campaign--Field Director, Seattle, WA (July-Sept. 2001)-- Coordinated all volunteer activities, implemented neighborhood outreach programs, directed GOTV activities, and worked with local leaders.
* Rollie Heath for Governor 2002--Statewide Political Director, Denver, CO (Jan.-Nov. 2002) --Information manager/outreach director for 55 local coordinators. Responsible for communications between field representatives and headquarters.
* Dean for America Presidential Campaign 2004--Regional Political Director, Burlington, VT (Feb.-Oct. 2003) --Oversaw 16 western states, campaign liaison. Established working relationships with federal, state and local elected officials and community leaders to secure endorsements. Worked with members of Congress and their staffs.
* National Deputy Director of Constituency Outreach, Burlington, VT (Nov.-Feb. 2004) -- Oversaw day-to-day operations of campaign constituencies desk: African-American, Latino, Asian-American and Women's desks. Created outreach programs and tools to connect communities through the Internet, utilizing Meetup.com, letter-writing campaigns and house parties. Worked with independent consultants on direct mail, radio and other media programs for targeted primary and caucus states. Reviewed candidate's daily briefing book, verified content, checked for continuity information submitted by communications, policy, political and finance departments, compiled for final submission.
* Ken Salazar for Colorado Campaign 2004--State Field Director, Denver, CO (Mar.-Nov. 2004) --Helped U.S. Sen. Ken Salazar defeat Republican candidate Pete Coors
* ProgressNow.org--Outreach Director
* Jared Polis' Second Congressional District Campaign 2008--Field Consultant
* Rollie Heath for Colorado State Senate 2008--Campaign Manager -Coordinating Heath's Outreach and Field Activities.
This profile was produced through HuffPost's OffTheBus Superdelegate Investigation. All profiles will be donated to the Superdelegate Transparency Project. If you have information that should be added to this profile, please join the Superdelegate Transparency Project and update the profile there.
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Debbie K Marquez
Colorado
Information for this profile comes from Wikipedia
Basic bio
* Born in Denver, Colorado.
* From 8 to 18, lived in Los Angeles, graduating from J.H. Francis Polytech High School.
* Returned to Colorado in 1977.
* Currently co-owns a mexican restaurant with her sister.
Involvement in the Democratic Pary
* As a Democratic Party supporter, Marquez was elected to posts as a precinct committeeperson, treasurer, and three terms as co-chair for the Eagle County Democratic Party.
* Alternate delegate for Al Gore to the 2000 Democratic National Convention
* Elected to the Democratic National Committee in 2004.
* Member of the DNC's Hispanic Caucus.
Personal political interests and issues.
* Has been involved with numerous causes such as anti-war, envronmental, and latino issues.
This profile was produced through HuffPost's OffTheBus Superdelegate Investigation. All profiles will be donated to the Superdelegate Transparency Project. If you have information that should be added to this profile, please join the Superdelegate Transparency Project and update the profile there.
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Ramona Martinez
Colorado
Basic bio
* Born September 1943.
* In 2003, Ramona Martinez founded REM & Associates, a political and business development consulting firm located in Denver, CO, with clients nationwide, specializing in strategic planning for political and corporate clients and in developing grassroots PR and lobbying efforts on a local and national level. http://www.remassociates.org/
* REM & Associates has provides consultation to several municipal campaigns, local businesses and national organizations. A public listing of clients is not provided due to security and privacy concerns. http://www.remassociates.org/clients.html
* In addition to consulting, Ramona Martinez founded REM & Associates to train young people in campaign management, business development and community relations.
* Previously, in partnership with her sister Joelle Martinez-Prutch, Ramona Martinez owned and operated a highly successful travel agency which was listed as one of the "Top 500 Hispanic Businesses" in the country by Hispanic Business magazine. http://www.hispanicbusiness.com/
Involvement in the Democratic Party
* Ramona Martinez became involved in politics during the 1970s and primarily worked with organizations to improve the role of women and minorities in politics and society.
* In 1976, Ramona Martinez was appointed Chair for the Colorado Voter Registration Project.
* Her success with the Colorado Voter Registration Project led to her appointment to a job with the Denver City Council.
* In 1987, Ramona Martinez was elected to the Denver City Council, representing District 3.
* During 16 years continuous representation of District 3, Ramona Martinez served two consecutive terms as President of the Denver City Council, the first Hispanic female to hold that position.
* Appointed an At-Large Member of the DNC by the Clinton Administration, Ramona Martinez has served continuously since then and is currently an Executive Committee Member of the DNC.
* Since November 2007, Ramona Martinez has been Chair of the Hispanic Caucus of the DNC. From February to October 2007 she had served as Acting Chair. She promised to focus on increasing Hispanic representation at the 2008 Democratic National Connvention. She also serves as Secretary of the Women's Caucus of the DNC. http://www.hispanictips.com/2007/12/03/hispanic-caucus-elects-leadership-ramona-martinez/
* During her tenure on the Denver City Council, Ramona Martinez served as Vice Chair of the NALEO Board of Directors (National Association of Latino Elected Officials), an organization promoting the participation of Latinos in the American political process. http://www.naleo.org/
* Published twice in the Kennedy School of Government Journal, Ramona Martinez has written on the subject of women and minority economic, social and political empowerment. http://www.ksg.harvard.edu/ (Actual title is Women's Policy Journal of Harvard http://www.ksg.harvard.edu/wpjh/ - published sporadically, four editions from 2001-2006, and the online index of articles is incomplete.)
* Ramona Martinez was a founding member and first Chair of the Hispana Leadership Institute, a non-profit organization dedicated to developing 'Latinas as Ethical World Leaders through training, professional development, relationship building, and community and world activism.' www.nhli.org/
Personal political interests and issues
* Strengthening the roles of women and minorities in our political system and in society have been the focus of the work of Ramona Martinez throughout her career.
Involvement in 2008 election - campaign appearances, statements
* Ramona Martinez was active in the presidential campaign of Bill Richardson until he dropped out of the race.
* 1/17/2008 - Colorado for Hillary announced the endorsements of former Richardson Colorado superdelegate Ramona Martinez, along with Richardson Colorado Co-Chairs and Steering Committee members. http://www.hillaryclinton.com/news/release/view/?id=5265
Family's Involvement in Politics, the Democratic Party
* A sister, Joelle Martinez-Prutch, is a principal in the political and business consulting firm REM & Associates, which is named after and headed by Ramona E. Martinez. http://www.remassociates.org/
Previous Campaign Work
* In 2006, Joelle Martinez-Prutch was the Western Region Director for Communities United to Strengthen American, a national AFSCME 501c4 organization, for which she developed and implemented a regional field and communication plan engaging new voters across the region in supporting candidates for Congress. http://www.remassociates.org/about.html
* In 2005, Joelle Martinez-Prutch served as Communications Director for the Colorado Democratic Party, introducing an on-line weekly newsletter and conducting media training for party members across the state. http://www.remassociates.org/about.html
* During the 2004 Presidential Election, Joelle Martinez-Prutch served as lead consultant to the DNC, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee and the Labor Council for for Latin American Advancement. Her work included developing and implementing campaign strategies, providing support for targeting and engaging Hispanic voters, executing Hispanic events at the Democratic Convention in Boston, and managing grassroots campaign efforts. http://www.remassociates.org/about.html
Connections to Politicians, Leaders on State Level
* January 2007 - Ramona Martinez donated $240 to Bill Richardson. http://fundrace.huffingtonpost.com
This profile was produced through HuffPost's OffTheBus Superdelegate Investigation. All profiles will be donated to the Superdelegate Transparency Project. If you have information that should be added to this profile, please join the Superdelegate Transparency Project and update the profile there.
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Jonathan W. "J.W." Postal
DNC member at large, Vice-Chair of Western Caucus
Colorado
Basic Bio
* No stranger to Democratic politics after having worked on many state and local campaigns, Postal was elected to represent Colorado at the Democratic National Committee in 2004. He is vice-chair of the DNC's Western Caucus. He has played a substantial role in persuading the DNC to hold their convention in Denver in August 2008 and is a member of the DNC host committee. (http://www.denverpost.com/news/ci_5277311)
* Postal, an 11 year veteran of the investment business, was named principal of HCM group, a pension and investment consulting firm, in October of 2006. http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/other_business/article/0,2777,DRMN_23916_5105754,00.html
* Chartered Retirement Plan Specialist from the School of Financial Planning.
* Previously was the co-founder of the A.G. Edwards Retirement Plan Group in Denver.
* Prior to the investment business, worked in fundraising and political organizing for a number of national non-profits and political campaigns.
* Received his bachelor's degree in History from the University of Colorado and his Master's degree in Public Policy from Georgetown University.
* Graduate of the Colorado Institute of Leadership Training.
* Was appointed by former Mayor Webb to serve on the Lowry CAC board.
* 2006 nominee for Retirement Plan Producer of the year by PlanSponsor Magazine and a nominee for the Denver Business Journal's 40 under 40 award.
* His participation in professional/community organizations includes:
* Western Pension & Benefits Conference - Denver Chapter, Former Board Member and Publicity Chair -- The purpose of the Conference is to exchange information, advance knowledge and education and foster sound principles, procedures and practices in the field of pension plan management.
* Member Denver 2008 Host Committee
* Member Lowry CAC Community Board
* Chair, Lowry Economic Development Project
* Head Coach, Lowry Lions soccer and basketball youth teams
* Lives in Denver with his wife Jennifer, daughter Carly and sons Jackson and Calvin. (http://www.strategies-llc.net/bios.html)
Involvement in the Democratic Party
* Elected to the DNC in 2004 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J.W._Postal)
* Vice-Chair of DNC's Western Caucus (http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_5277311)
* Hand picked by Bill Richardson as Colorado campaign director and spokesman, February 2007 (http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_5277311)
Pledged Status
* Pledged to Barack Obama, as of February 2008 http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/07/close-dem-race-raises-status-of-superdelegates/
* Postal's wife, Jen Evans, remains a staunch supporter of Hillary Clinton. For the record, it should be noted that Postal's stance that Clinton is "grating" stems from his apparent jovial dislike of headbands she wore as first lady. (http://www.politicswest.com/2008_election/18996/greene_democratic_race_splits_denver_household)
* Postal pledged his support to Obama right before February's caucus along with fellow state superdelegate Debbie Marquez, following catching an Obama speech in Denver. http://www.squarestate.net/showDiary.do?diaryId=5193
* Postal sees choosing a candidate as "a battle between the practical and what was in [his] heart," and feels that by backing Barack Obama, he is going with with "[his] gut and [his] heart." Postal has also cited Obama's "extreme amount of energy" and "mojo" as indicators that Obama will remain "a strong candidate in the general election." (http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/feb/08/close-dem-race-good-for-dnc/)
* Involvement in the 2008 Election
* Initially supported Bill Richardson's candidacy and was chosen as Richardson's Colorado campaign director and spokesman http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_5277311
Previous Campaign Work
* Served as director and spokesman for Bill Richardson's failed 2008 presidential bid http://www.denverpost.com/search/ci_5277311
* Appointed by former Denver Mayor Webb to serve on the Lowry CAC board. http://www.strategies-llc.net/bios.html
Connections to Politicians, Leaders on State Level
* Former Denver Mayor Wellington Webb, first African American mayor of Denver, who served three terms http://www.thehistorymakers.com/biography/biography.asp?bioindex=176
This profile was produced through HuffPost's OffTheBus Superdelegate Investigation. All profiles will be donated to the Superdelegate Transparency Project. If you have information that should be added to this profile, please join the Superdelegate Transparency Project and update the profile there.
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Roy Romer
Colorado
Information in this section comes from Governor Romer's Bio from the Colorado State Archives.
* Romer was a former DNC General Chairman in 1997-2000.
* Romer was the national vice chair of the Democratic Leadership Council.
* Romer was a national co-chairman of the Clinton-Gore '96 campaign.
* In 1992, he was co-chairman of the Democratic National Platform Committee.
* He chaired the Democratic Governors' Association in 1991.
Basic Bio
Information in this section comes from Governor Romer's Bio from the Colorado State Archives.
* Romer was born in Garden City, Kansas, on October 31, 1928.
* Romer's family moved to Holly, Colorado, when he was 6 months old.
* Roy Romer is married to Bea.
* They have seven children and 15 grandchildren including a son who is a famous economist, Paul Romer.
* Romer received a bachelor's degree in agricultural economics from Colorado State University in 1950, and a law degree from the University of Colorado in 1952.
* Romer has been a governor, a superintendent of schools and is now the chairman of Strong American Schools, a non-profit that promotes education.
Involvement in the Democratic Party
Information in this section comes from Governor Romer's Bio from the Colorado State Archives.
* Romer was the Superintendent of Schools for Los Angeles from 2001- 2006.
* Romer was the Governor of Colorado from 1986 to 2000 .
* Romer was a former DNC General Chairman in 1997-2000.
* In 1992, Romer was co-chairman of the Democratic National Platform Committee.
* Romer chaired the Democratic Governors' Association in 1991.
* Romer served as State Treasurer rom 1977 - 1987.
* Romer was a Colorado State Senator from 1962 - 1966.
* Romer was a Colorado State Representative from 1958-1962.
Personal political interests and issues
Information in this section comes from Strong American Schools.
* Roy Romer's main issue is education.
* Romer was the superintendent of schools for Los Angeles.
* Romer chaired the Education Commission of the States in 1994 and 1995, and was the first chairman of the National Education Goals Panel, the group that developed the first national education report card.
* Currently, Romer is the chair of Strong American Schools and directs the ED in 08 campaign. The group is a bipartisan group that wants a vigorous and thorough discussion of education and improving the public schools by the candidates for president in 2008.
Involvement in 2008 election - campaign appearances, statements
Information in this section comes from
Politics West and Strong American Schools.
* Romer is undeclared in his support for a candidate. He is promoting education as part of the national dialogue in the 2008 election.
Contributions to Candidates
Information in this section comes from Open Secrets.
* The Romer family has made numerous contributions to various political candidates.
* For the 2008 election, Roy Romer donated $1000 to the Hilary Clinton campaign in August of 2007.
* Son Chris Romer donated $2000 to the Barak Obama campaign in January of 2008.
* Laurie Romer (Chris Romer's wife) donated $2,300 to the Barak Obama campaign in June 2007.
Family's Involvement in Politics, the Democratic Party
Information in this section comes from Colorado State Legislature.
* Roy Romer's son Chris is a Colorado State Senator (elected in 2006.)
Previous Campaign Work
* Romer was a national co-chairman of the Clinton-Gore 1996 campaign.
This profile was produced through HuffPost's OffTheBus Superdelegate Investigation. All profiles will be donated to the Superdelegate Transparency Project. If you have information that should be added to this profile, please join the Superdelegate Transparency Project and update the profile there.
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Dan Slater
Colorado
Basic bio
Information for this section comes from Dan Slater Law
* Now 35 years old, Dan Slater was born in La Junta and raised in Las Animas in rural Southeastern Colorado.
* In 1990 he graduated from high school in Mustang, OK.
* In 1994, he graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Arts degree.
* While at OU, he served in several different capacities in student government.
* In 1998, he graduated from Washington College of Law at the American University in Washington, DC.
* Dan Slater now practices law in Canon City, Colorado, a general practice including Personal Injury/Auto Accident cases, Real Estate, Employment and Small Business law. He also represents small towns and cities, Parks & Rec and Fire Districts.
* In 2004, Dan Slater was named "Young Lawyer of the Year" by the Colorado Trial Lawyers association.
* Dan occasionally performs for groups as Harry Truman and has received great reviews for his impersonations.
Involvement in the Democratic Party
Information for this section comes from Dan Slater Law
* Since March 2003, Dan Slater has served as First Vice Chair of the Colorado Democratic Party.
* In his capacity as First Vice Chair, Dan serves as a member of the DNC, as well as the Association of State Democratic Chairs.
* From 2003 to 2005, he served as Secretary of the Colorado Democratic Party.
* In 2004, Dan Slater was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in Boston.
* In 2002, Dan Slater was the Democratic nominee for the Colorado General Assembly in Senate District 2
* Prior to running for office, Dan served as the Chair of the Fremont County Democratic Party.
* In 2000, he received the prestigious "Rising Star" award from the Colorado Democractic Party.
* In 2000, Dan Slater was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in Los Angeles.
Personal political interests and issues
Information for this section comes from Dan Slater Law
* 'The West and Western issues'
* Union issues
* Expansion of Public Libraries
Involvement in 2008 elections - campaign appearances, statements
* Dan Slater declared his support for Barack Obama early on and has posted his intent to vote for Obama at the Democratic National Convention in his personal blog: http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=84861076&blogID=307369831
* This statement of intent was also cross-posted to his official blog: "For Colorado Democrats by State Party First Vice Chair Dan Slater": http://www.demnotes.com/
* He has been active in Colorado Democratic Party events and rallies and maintains a personal blog of his activities. http://www.myspace.com/bluecolorado
* In September 2007, Dan Slater helped organize a Obama campaign event to train party members on the caucus process.
* He has been continually active in the Obama campaign.
This profile was produced through HuffPost's OffTheBus Superdelegate Investigation. All profiles will be donated to the Superdelegate Transparency Project. If you have information that should be added to this profile, please join the Superdelegate Transparency Project and update the profile there.
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Pat Waak
Chair, Colorado Democratic Party
Loveland, Colorado
Basic bio
Information for this section comes from Colorado Dems
* Executive director of an environmental center and its foundation in Loveland, CO.
* Spent 17 years with the Audubon Society, where Waak headed the population and Habitat campaign.
* Peace Corps volunteer.
Involvement in the Democratic Party
Information for this section comes from Colorado Dems
* Elected chair of the Colorado Democratic Party on March 5, 2005
* Precinct chair in Erie and a member of the Weld County Democratic Executive Committee.
* Candidate for Congress in 2002.
Personal political interests and issues
Information for this section comes from Colorado Dems
* For eleven years she chaired the population and environment technical committee for the Commission on Environmental Strategies and Population of the World Conservation Union.
Contributions
Information for this section comes from Fundrace
* Previously contributed to the Kerry and Dean campaigns in 2004.
Previous Campaign Work
* Deputy Campaign Manager for Sargent Shriver's 1976 presidential campaign.
* Appointed by President Carter to the U.S. Agency for International Development.
This profile was produced through HuffPost's OffTheBus Superdelegate Investigation. All profiles will be donated to the Superdelegate Transparency Project. If you have information that should be added to this profile, please join the Superdelegate Transparency Project and update the profile there.