2026 Spring Meeting

The DWCK was hosted by the Boone County Democratic Woman’s Club led by Laural Bishop, president. Guest speakers included Drew Willliams, candidate for US House (1^st district), Tim Donahue, president of the Northern Kentucky Labor Council, Dave Baker, Business Manager for Ironworkers #44, Matt Lehman, incumbent candidate for State Representative (4^th district), Ned Pillersdorf, candidate for US House (5^th district), Cristina Morgan, president of Kenton County DWC, and 8 members or associate members running for local or state offices. 

President Tammy Cranfill reminded members of the 1^st Amendment of the Bill of Rights: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” (ratified in 1791) and recognized that it is being “shredded” in 2026.  In the current environment of chaos and disorder, she challenged the membership to focus on what we CAN do to protect the 1^st Amendment. She emphasized the power of the vote and the need for local clubs to work to get out the vote and register people to vote. John Lewis is quoted as saying “The vote is the most powerful nonviolent tool we have.” 

“WE CAN LIFT EACH OTHER UP in day to day actions. WE can change hearts and minds in our communities with actions of service, commitment, generosity, and courage. WE can seek to understand as much as to be understood. WE can do the next needed thing.  That is what women do every day.  The state club is not a substitute for the clubs in your community, merely an extension of them seeking to unite our focus.  YOU (local clubs) are at the heart of the action.” shared Pres. Cranfill. She closed with another quote from John Lewis, "Ours is not the struggle of one day, one week, or one year. Ours is not the struggle of one judicial appointment or presidential term. Ours is the struggle of a lifetime, or maybe even many lifetimes, and each one of us in every generation must do our part."

The afternoon was filled by the business meeting for the club where reports were provided by each club committee including Finance; Bylaws; Membership, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion; Fundraising; Legislative; Hospitality/Meeting; Public Relations/Social Media; Scholarship and Awards; and 100^th Anniversary Planning. 

Following the State Club Meeting, the DWCK and the DWC of Boone County hosted a forum for US Senator candidates. A Meet & Greet began at 4:00 pm with all candidates in attendance including Josh Blanton, Sr., Charles Booker, Logan Forsythe, Amy McGrath, Dale Romans, Pamela Stevenson, and Vincent Thompson. The forum began at 5:00 pm with all candidates (except Amy McGrath who had a prior commitment with the Marine Corp). Candidates began with a 2-minute opening statement followed by individual responses to 4 questions related to topics of healthcare, immigration, affordability, and social justice.  Closing statements ended the forum.  Joe Meyers, past Mayor of Covington and state legislator, moderated the event.  Candidates were impressive, responding directly to the questions rather than constantly pivoting. It was also apparent that whoever is elected in the primary, the candidates will support the party nominee and have an appreciation and respect for each other’s platforms and experiences. Nearly 100 people were in attendance.

Thanks are extended to the Ironworkers #44 Union for use of their facilities for the event.