We will all need to rethink our policies, strategies and tactics in light of the upcoming state and federal elections. Our 8th annual Summit on the States will offer a perfect opportunity for state leaders to consider the lessons of the 2004 election and use them to chart a course toward a progressive future. That's what we mean by this year's theme: Restoring the Promise of America. Register online now.

This year's Summit will be better than ever! Plenary topics include:

• What's Next? How the Elections Will Shape 2005
• Effective Bipartisan Action in Today's Political Climate
• Re-Entry Strategies for Ex-Offenders and Their Communities

This year's workshops address some of the hottest topics in state legislatures:

• Health Care for All
• Promoting Renewable Energy
• Reinventing Public Education
• Electronic Recording of Interrogations
• Workplace Flexibility for Families
• Building a Legislative Caucus (Skills session)
• Juvenile Justice Reform
• Boosting Living and Minimum Wages
• Guaranteeing Access to Reproductive Health
• Responsible Fiscal Policy for a New Economy
• Curbing Payday Lending
• Sharpening Messaging Skills (Skills session)

Read the full agenda online.

Scholarships for legislators are limited, so register online here! For more information about the Summit, email Kirsten Lindquist or call her at (612) 721-0337. We look forward to seeing you in December!

Our Annual Awards Dinner will be held on Friday, December 10, from 6:00 to 9:00 PM at the Washington Court Hotel-in the shadow of the United States Capitol dome. This will be a very special, fun event for state legislators, advocates, and friends in the business community. As usual, we will honor a diverse roster of progressive heroes at the state and national levels.

For further information, or to place an advertisement in our Dinner Program, please email Chris Rutledge or call him at (202) 956-5151.

As we all know, the national election is decided state-by-state. This website is updated daily with the latest statewide polls, demonstrating what the presidential electoral college vote. The site also tracks U.S. Senate races. Political junkies, get your daily fix at http://www.electoral-vote.com!