Visiting NYSDC business meetings, as we did yesterday, does have something of the sausage factory to it. So here's some observations.

Good news for us netroots people: Tim Wu, the man who invented the term net neutrality, gave a presentation to these folks yesterday that was well received. Obviously, the conversation about net neutrality is one that needs to be had between activists and bloggers on the one hand and decision-makers on the other. For Democrats, who aren't, or aren't as deeply, in the pockets of telecom lobbyists, this isn't a persuasive conversation so much as it is one creating awareness. Net neutrality doesn't have the sexiness to Democrats as does, say, the old war horse of healthcare; but if we want to position ourselves as the political force best able to protect individual freedoms and economic growth both, it's a winner. So once again: pass the Brodsky Bill.

Another winner: Empire State Pride Agenda reports a success for transgender New Yorkers. The NYSDC unanimously adopted a resolution supporting equal rights for trans folk, and called for legislation expressly banning discrimination based on gender identity and expression. If the legislature passes such a law, Governor Spitzer has committed to signing it.

Tom Suozzi handed out a press release crowing about giving money to religious institutions and charities in a quest to reduce the number of abortions in Nassau County. Included are $70,000 for the Zion Cathedral Church of God for an abstinence-focused program - because we all know that abstinence education performs so frigging well, and what a good and constitutionally sound idea it is to give public funds to religious institutions. Ugh.

Party Chair and Daily Gotham reader June O'Neill delivered an extemporaneous barn burner. No notes, so paraphrasing will have to do: The Democrats came to Nassau to give a message: we're fighting for every seat, everywhere. Nassau County is the strongest republican county in the state; and still, Democrats now outnumber republicans. That's stark. Gantlets are being thrown here.

Personal observation: if you really want to earn dirty looks at a gathering of New York Democrats, simply being a dirty hippie blogger won't do anymore. Dave and June - credit where it's due, folks - have made the party almost preternaturally blogger-friendly. Wearing a John Edwards button and a Barack Obama sticker, however, will do the trick. These people do love them some Hillary, that's for sure.