Cuyahoga Dems Tap Nick Martin to Modernize and Rebuild Party

The Cuyahoga County Democratic Party officially announced a few minutes ago that Nick Martin has been tapped as the new ED of the country party.  Nick’s primary mandate will be to modernize and rebuild the party infrastructure.  The release specifically mentions the anti-SB5 efforts and the upcoming 2012 elections.

The full release:

NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PICKED IN PREPARATION FOR UNPRECEDENTED CAMPAIGN EFFORTS

CLEVELAND, OH — The Cuyahoga County Democratic Party announced today that Nicholas Martin has been selected as the Executive Director of Ohio’s largest county Party. Nick Martin will be charged with the task of modernizing and rebuilding the Party’s infrastructure to support endorsed candidates and issues in new and innovative ways. Party Chairman Stuart Garson will also ask the Party to promote Vice Chairman Blaine Griffin to Executive Vice Chair and Corresponding Secretary Mamie Mitchell to Vice Chair.

“With the new Governor and Republican legislators waging an unrelenting assault on workers, seniors and the poor, it is essential that we stand against these attacks and defend Democratic principles, which ensure all Ohioans have the right to the dignity and quality of life they deserve,” explained Chairman Garson.

He continued, “Campaign tactics and strategies are rapidly evolving. With the new director it is our goal to provide our candidates a higher level of support and assistance with campaign strategy, messaging and communication.”

The selection of the new director and elevation of Party officers are the latest steps in Chairman Garson’s effort to reinvigorate and broaden the diversity of the Party’s leadership and will position it for the anticipated battle against SB5 this fall as well as the upcoming 2012 Presidential, state and local elections. The appointment comes less than a month after the Party held one of the most successful annual fundraising events in their history. Some 700 elected officials and state and local Party members attended the event, which set fundraising records.

“There is no doubt that a strong Cuyahoga County Democratic Party is the key to our success at the state and national levels,” explained Congresswoman Marcia Fudge. “It is encouraging to see the aggressive steps being taken to rebuild our Party.”

Born and raised in Northeast Ohio, Nick Martin studied public policy at Princeton University before returning to his roots in Cuyahoga County. He brings years of practical campaign experience at national, state and local levels. Nick’s experience includes work for the Kerry-Edwards campaign, the Ohio Democratic Party, Councilman Joe Cimperman, State Senator Nina Turner and many others.

Nick Martin assumes the position previously held by Mary Devring, who helped transition the Party through some of its most difficult days.

“Cuyahoga County is the 14th largest Democratic county in the country, and its local Party should reflect its national significance,” Mr. Martin said accepting the position, “I look forward to utilizing new campaign strategies and tactics to make the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party a model for Democratic political organizations in the 21st century.”

Changes to the Party’s officer corps, including the promotion of Vice Chairman Griffin and Corresponding Secretary Mitchell, will be introduced at the next regular Central Committee meeting.

More information on the Party and upcoming initiatives are available at www.CuyDem.com.