Democrats throwing Obama barbecue party By John Hales Managing editor 7-30-08 EPHRAIM— Sanpete Democrats are inviting everyone to their party. No, that doesn’t mean their asking you to register as a Democrat. They mean a real party. A barbecue to be exact—the Obama Barbecue this Saturday, Aug. 2 from 2-5 p.m Sanpete County Democratic Chair Jill Hansen says the barbecue will be both informal and informational. “The purpose of the get-together will be to catch up with each other, get acquainted with new people, and to discuss Barack Obama’s platform,” Hansen said. The event will begin with a barbecue. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be provided, but guests are asked to bring a side dish to share, their own utensils and seating, and a beverage of their choice. Local entertainment will also be on hand, “something nice and casual, folksy,” Hansen said. After the barbecue meal, she said, “a forum will be held to answer questions about the senator’s stand on issues.” Several local Democrats have each taken a particular issue and then researched Obama’s position on that issue. Those issues include the Iraq War, environmental issues, health care, education, the economy and immigration. “We’ll answer as much as we can,” Hansen says. Also, since the event is one of many “platform parties” being held across the state and nation, the county’s Democratic Party leaders will report back to the Obama campaign about how people respond to his positions. “The results will be sent to Barack Obama’s office for his consideration in preparation for the Democratic National Convention,” Hansen said. Though the Sanpete County Democratic Party is sponsoring the event, Hansen said, “Everyone is welcome.” And while Obama himself will not be at the event, other Democratic candidates will be. Slated to attend are Third District Congressional candidate Bennion Spencer and Utah House of Representatives candidate Ed Phillips, from Kanosh, who is running in District 68. Democratic candidate for Utah governor Bob Springmeyer has been invited, but has not yet confirmed if he will be there. The Obama Barbecue will be held at the home of Frank and Debra Fraser in Ephraim. The address is 1038 S. 800 East (see map above). In order to have an idea of how many people to plan for, organizers are requesting that people interested in attending RSVP to Debra Fraser at (801) 631-3883, or to Jill Hansen at (435) 609-9449.