The following is an excerpt of a speech given by Colorado Democratic Party Chair, Pat Waak at the Democratic Women's Club of Boulder.

I have the honor of sharing with you the vision for the Colorado Democratic Party. I was elected Chair of the party in early March, and I am motivated by all of the enthusiasm and energy I have seen throughout the state.

The Colorado Democratic Party has embarked on defining the visions and goals for the next 6 years through our current strategic planning process.

I believe it is fair to say that the Democratic Party will continue to be the dominant political party in the state of Colorado.

What does that mean? Colorado Democrats will cede no seat in any race -- targeted or non-targeted. We are promoting Democratic candidates throughout the entire state. We encourage Democrats to run for all levels of political office.

We intend to capture the constitutional races - governor, attorney general, treasurer and secretary of state. We will retain control of Colorado General Assembly. As the session ends, plans for maintaining our position at the state level are proceeding.

It is clear that despite our attempts to pass good legislation on behalf of Coloradoans, a Republican governor has the veto power that limits our progress. Therefore our plans cannot be fully realized without a Democrat in that seat.

The Colorado Democratic Party will work tirelessly in all regions of the state to get a Democratic elected governor. We have already begun laying the groundwork for a successful 2006-election cycle.

We will retain our congressional seats in District 1 and District 2; and despite the fury of the GOP, we will keep John Salazar in office in Congressional District 3. Democrats will win in Congressional District 7 in 2006. And today we have a unique opportunity to build a strong Democratic base in Congressional Districts 4 and 5.

How do we start? First, we must articulate the philosophical base for our party. What are the core values that define us? What are the issues that underline those values? Democrats across the state are listening to the needs and concerns of Coloradoans. Democrats are putting in action their belief that fighting for the individual is more important than fighting for special interest.

What are those core values? Here are some of mine.

--the dignity of the individual
--the right to live peacably and responsibly
--the ability to take care of oneself and one's family

How do those manifest in public policy?

--jobs, making a living
--education, improving your opportunities to participate in society
--health, believe that you can take care of yourself in sickness and well-being
--environment, respect and care of the ecosystem that provides our own survival.

Starting here, starting now the state party is embarking on several major efforts. The Strategic planning process will help us map out our intentions and actions for the coming years. Technology will augment our communication and our database of voters. Communication planning will make information available to press and to voters. And grassroots training will strengthen our ability to build a stronger Democratic Party.

We have a new team in the state party, and we will be adding to that team in the days ahead. I encourage you to become part of the movement, which is the Colorado Democratic Party. It is a call to service.