President's Message
Now, more than ever, it is essential that we work to protect democracy.
Since becoming the JFK Club president, I have seen the organization’s membership grow and its activities increase. Our impact is more visible and, therefore, making an impact. The Club’s membership has grown to over 100 people, many of whom are involved with other civic and community groups and initiatives. The JFK Club – an arm of the Franklin Township and Somerset County Democratic Committees – is an active local organization that represents the Democratic values of our large multi-ethnic and racially diverse Franklin Township community.
We hold monthly meetings at the Community Senior Center at the Franklin Twp. Municipal Complex on DeMott Lane where we invite experts to present on a variety of topics of interest to members. With the Franklin Township Democratic Committee, we co-sponsor numerous events, including an annual picnic at Middlebush Park and a holiday party. Esteemed guests such as Governor Phil Murphy, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, Senator Bob Smith, Assemblymen Joe Danielsen and Kevin Egan, our Somerset County Commissioners, our Somerset County Democratic Committee Chairwoman Marguerite “Peg” Schaffer and, of course, our local leaders – Mayor Phil Kramer and our Franklin Twp. Council members–have attended. There are a variety of opportunities to be involved in the Club–not only by attending meetings but by participating in activities and organizing events as well as by serving on one of the Club’s many committees.
Most important is our “get out the vote” (GOTV) work to do what we can to support the Democratic Party and elect endorsed Democratic candidates. We work with the Municipal and County Committees in a variety of ways – phone banking, texting, voter registration, and canvassing – to encourage area residents to vote.
For the next three years, the United States will continue to have a president and administration who are doing everything possible to wreak havoc on our country by turning our country backwards with disastrous policies. Sadly, in 2024 the GOP scored a trifecta by winning the White House, and control of the House and Senate. However, in 2025, we kept New Jersey blue by electing Governor Mikie Sherrill and also kept the state legislature, the county, and Franklin Twp. blue. Thank you for doing your part to make this happen.
The outcome of the federal elections will impact our nation as we know it for years to come. The federal government has weaponized ICE to not only go after immigrants but also US citizens. These thugs are using guns, pepper spray, and rubber bullets to attack protesters for using their first amendment rights. Social issues are at risk – women’s reproductive freedom, LGBTQI+ rights, racial equality, voting rights, and others. More rights are being decimated by Trump and his cabinet members, with the help of conservative lawmakers across the country and state by state and by the many conservative judges on the Supreme Court and on lower courts. The GOP members of Congress and the Senate have completely caved and do Trump’s bidding. Also at risk is progress confronting climate change including the environmental regulations put into place by Democrats and President Joe Biden.
We will be calling on our club members to do all we can to protect our constitutional rights and freedoms. More county leaders along with congressional seats will be up for election in the 2026 midterms. We must do everything possible to turn the House of Representatives BLUE so we can start holding the current administration accountable!
It is more important than ever to stand united as Democrats. Our club’s programs in 2026 will continue to focus on building solidarity, resilience, and resistance. We will continue to represent the party of hope and the future of democracy and continue to fight for our values.
Please collaborate with us to keep Somerset County blue. We will need everyone’s help in our efforts to GET OUT THE VOTE!
I thank all those who have participated in our initiatives over the past few years, and I ask those who are not yet members to consider joining the JFK Democratic Club of Franklin Township. Annual dues are $25 per person, and membership is free for students and young adults through age 23. You are always welcome to attend a meeting before joining. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Democratically yours,
Deana Luchs
JFK Club President