Longboat Key Democratic Club holds January meeting

The Democratic Club of Longboat Key held a record-breaking luncheon meeting on Jan. 7 at the Sarasota Yacht Club. 

Over 130 people turned out for the meeting, whose topic was Racial and Political Gerrymandering on the Supreme Court presented by Bill Cotter. A graduate of Harvard Law School, president of Constitutional Law at Colby College and holder of a host of other global political positions, Cotter discussed the history of voting and voter suppression in the U.S. and its religious, classist and racist ties. 

As for the high turnout, member Lois Barson chalks it up to the good listening of the club’s leaders. In the past two years, the club has turned to a roster of speakers who discuss issues rather than inviting politicians to speak as it has in the past. 

“There was a survey that said that’s what people want, and the response has been exactly what the members said it would be,” Barson said. 

There were 38 first-timers at the meetings, whom President Ken Marsh thanked for their attendance. The next meeting will be at 11:30 on Feb. 4 at the Sarasota Yacht Club. Visit lbkdems.com for information.