One reason I enjoy being part of local Democratic Clubs is the chance to meet my elected officials and talk to them directly. For those who dismiss politicians as all corrupt and unresponsive, you might be in for some surprises if you actually met them. Not to say there aren't some corrupt ones, but many are people who are really trying to do good.

The Michigan Democratic Party is the first state party to adopt the very community-oriented "Blue Tiger Democrat" approach to politics. And it looks like the Party leaders are reaching out to bloggers and visa versa.

Here are some chances for bloggers to meet the electeds in Michigan. Believe me, it can be quite interesting meeting the people who represent us. Sometimes good interesting some times bad "interesting." But usually interesting!

This is from the Michigan Liberal blog:

Come join Speaker of the House Andy Dillon, Majority Floor Leader Steve Tobocman, and Representative Barb Byrum as they meet with folks like you from the Michigan progressive/liberal/democratic blogosphere on

Friday, February 16th
6pm - 7pm
Livingston County Democratic Party Office
10321 E. Grand River Suite 600
Brighton, MI. 48116

Of course, far be it from the folks in the Senate to miss out. Many thanks to Minority Leader Mark Schauer for offering to meet up

Wednesday, February 21st
7pm - 8:30pm
Lansing Off-Site Office
3230 S. Pennsylvania
Lansing, MI 48910***
(Please RSVP for this event)

If you live in the Lansing area, (either the 67th, 68th, or 69th House Districts, or in Senate District 23), then Reps. Barb Byrum, Joan Bauer, Mark Meadows and Senator Gretchen Whitmer ask you that you join them

Thursday February 8th
6:30pm - 8:30pm
Beaner's
3499 E. Lake Lansing Rd.

I urge readers in Michigan to take advantage of these chances to meet electeds and discuss issues with them.