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PODCAST

demobrats

Virginia Stapleton

Join your favorite female Salem Democrats, Virginia Stapleton, Vik Schaaf, and friends as they discuss local political happenings in Salem and Keizer, Oregon, and across the nation. We promise to entertain, inform, and make you laugh. For more follow us on tiktok: virginiastapleton , instagram, and facebook.

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All Episodes

01:04:20

Everything That Holds Is Hollow

demobrats ·

2025/10/09

A warning, Virginia mentions events of sexual assault and abuse in this pod. Listener discretion is advised. That potato guy Zack Surmacz is back to interview Virginia about HOW, WHAT, and WHY she ever chose to open herself up to public scrutiny and run for office. But PLOT TWIST, if you know Virginia and Vik, you already know this episode gets into the WHO. We promise you will absolutely love this episode and we hope it encourages you to join the bench, hop off the bench, or join us in our work

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00:53:29

An Unhinged Meeting, A Big Lie, & An Unsigned Letter

demobrats ·

2025/10/09

This podcast was recorded on Thursday, October 2. Some developments may have taken place since then. Chris Hoy joins Virginia to give us all an update on the State of Downtown Meeting that occurred last week which was hosted by the Salem Mainstreet group. Things got a little bizarre at 8 AM. Chris also gives us a follow up on the investigation into the ethics of our Salem Mayor and City Council and asks the question, why didn't the mayor sign a letter alongside the mayors of Oregon's other major

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00:13:06

Representative Kevin Mannix's Session 💡💡💡

demobrats ·

2025/10/02

Welp, brats, the 2025 Legislative long session has ended and we're here to report on our first Salem area Representative's performance. Representative Kevin Mannix gets a D+ for effort and lightbulbs this session. Yes, lightbulbs. We didn't get the payment in lieu of taxes we needed or that Capitol District, but we did get some astroturf (a parking lot) in Keizer. Want to make sure we have better elected officials representing us? Join us below. JOIN VIRGINIA'S CAMPAIGN FOR STATE

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00:10:20

Throwback Thursday: Blessings, Cursings & The Salem...

demobrats ·

2025/09/25

This episode was originally published December 5, 2024. It's also one of Vik's favorites. Trigger warning: Virginia does mention assault, neglect, and abuse in this episode. In this bonus episode, Virginia let's us all in on a bit of her deconstruction, personal healing, and why she advocated so hard for Salem in the process of getting the payroll tax across the finish line at council. Thanks for being here with us! JOIN VIRGINIA'S CAMPAIGN FOR STATE SENATE⁠⁠⁠DONATE TO THE CAMPAIGN -

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00:54:44

whatshappeningsalem x demobrats ✨🍏

demobrats ·

2025/09/25

What's happening, brats! This episode is the collaboration you never knew you needed. Jacob from whatshappeningsalem joins us on the pod this week to talk all things we love in Salem, local media, maximalism, grief, and an in depth discussion into understanding that equitable payroll tax (and the often omitted sunset date) the former City Council tried to get across the finish line at the 11th hour to save emergency services in Salem. Remember, it's easy to be against something. We hope you

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00:45:06

Moms Who Demand Action (And Deliver) 👩‍🍼🗳️

demobrats ·

2025/09/19

This week Representative Sarah Finger McDonald joins us all the way from Corvallis to talk about how he got her start in politics--and trust us--its not what you think. We know you'll come to love her as much as we do! Now, onto actionable items: TAKE THE OPPOSITION RESEARCH SURVEY AND LET THEM KNOW YOU VALUE CHERRIOTS AND PUBLIC TRANSITSIGN UP FOR WORKING FAMILIES PARTY CAMPAIGN SCHOOLWeekend FREE Events: Friday Sept 19, Stefani Gallery Downtown Salem, 5 PM, Jesus Escobar Art ShowSaturday

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00:14:13

VIRGINIA IS RUNNING FOR STATE SENATE - FOR ALL OF US

demobrats ·

2025/09/17

The rumors are true! Virginia is running for Senate District 11 (Salem, Keizer, Woodburn, Gervais). Hear a little bit about her campaign priorities and how to get involved. We need your help to make this campaign a success! We believe in the strength of our community. We know that together, we can build a future of opportunity for all of us. Para todos. JOIN THE CAMPAIGN DONATE TO THE CAMPAIGN - EARLY MONEY IS SO POWERFULSIGN UP TO VOLUNTEER, GET A YARD SIGN, OR ENDORSE VIRGINIATiktok:

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00:37:19

Marion County Commissioners, ICE & The Trump Doom Loop 🧊

demobrats ·

2025/09/15

Representative Lesly Muñoz is back to speak with us about all the impacts on residents in her district from federal immigration policies as well as the Marion County Commissioners lawsuit concerning Oregon's sanctuary law. We also discuss upcoming 2026 elections, bikes, and more. You don't want to miss this one! To read Representative Javadi's Substack, CLICK HEREGet out there and stay loud. If you have questions, topics you'd love discussed, or want to advertise on the pod, contact

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00:31:51

300 Things With Vik and Virginia 🐻🍿🍂🗳️📬🛒

demobrats ·

2025/09/04

We've missed y'all! 👯 We're back and we're catching you up on all the things. In our lives, pop culture, Salem happenings, and what's to come this month. And we're serious about that free leaf haul and a downtown grocery store. Please contact your city councilors here. Las Jarochitas - 3282 Silverton Rd NELocals Donuts - Check instagram for locations Get out there and stay loud. If you have questions, topics you'd love discussed, or want to advertise on the pod, contact

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00:50:45

Ticket To Ride & A Seven Year Old Agreement 🚎🚌🚏

demobrats ·

2025/09/04

More than a handshake was offered when a legal agreement was made by multiple parties to expand transit service in Salem seven years ago--or so we thought. Sara Duncan and Maria Hinojos Pressey join us from Salem's Mass Transit District Board of Directors (Cherriots) to explain what all the brouhaha in the news was about our local business community making an investment in our transit system. Transportation is freedom and Salem's residents are demanding an expanded service network. If we

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00:53:15

Being Homeless In America Is Not A Crime

demobrats ·

2025/08/21

Virginia and Vik are on a break for the month, but sometimes the show must go on. On this very special episode, Chris Hoy (your favorite mayor ever) joins Jimmy Jones, Executive Director of Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action to discuss all the latest happenings around our unhoused crisis locally and beyond. One thing about Jimmy is he knows his stuff! Jimmy knows ALLLLLL about the homeless crisis nationwide and how we got here. And Jimmy doesn't like the language our mayor, city council,

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00:46:53

Legislative Yap Lap And A Sales Tax 🥵💸🥩

demobrats ·

2025/08/07

This podcast was recorded July 15. Some details may have changed since. Our friend Zack Surmacz is back to give us an end of session legislative update on bills that got passed. But first, we're all over the place in three things. And just for kicks and giggles, we continue to try to help people understand that our tax system has two legs on it's stool and needs a third leg. Don't worry, we made you a little jingle to explain this and how we can get there in a fair way.Please support our

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01:12:25

Virginia Geeks Out On Transportation 🛻🤓🚲

demobrats ·

2025/07/31

This podcast was recorded July 11. Some details may have changed since. A special legislative session has been scheduled for August 29th. In this very special episode, Virginia gives us the rundown on the history of ODOT. If you know V, you know this is her favorite subject. But first, we give you a little update on the Keizer never ending saga. We also help you understand the transportation package as it last existed in the long legislative session. We look forward to the legislature getting back

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00:31:29

A Veteran Experience🎖️💰🗳️

demobrats ·

2025/07/24

RJ Navarro, local veteran and public transportation champion joins Virginia to discuss the challenges veterans are facing in Oregon today. They also discuss what it was like to run for office in Keizer and Salem. Fun fact: they both ran against Kevin Mannix. If you're unaware, Kevin Mannix has some problematic history with a certain veterans organization that is no longer in existence. If you're unaware, two prominent local Republican figures, Tim Knopp and Gregory Warnock, co-founded a

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00:40:22

Putting Fruit Back On Your Table 🍏🍊🍓

demobrats ·

2025/07/17

This week on the pod, State Representative for HD 22 (Woodburn) and Labor Champion, Lesly Muñoz joins us to talk about her run for office (it was a close one) and her first session as a State Representative. Lesly is a fighter, a local legend, and one of our favorite humans. We are so excited to share her with all of you! Get out there and stay loud. If you have questions, topics you'd love discussed, or want to advertise on the pod, contact us:BUY MERCH:

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00:29:23

(Astro)Turf Wars ⚾💸🎁

demobrats ·

2025/07/10

*Note: The Christmas Tree Bill HB 5006 has not yet been signed into law by the governor.* The Keizer Times has reported the funding in the Christmas Tree bill is for infrastructure at the fields, not the fields itself. Regardless...we need money for emergency services. We've been a bit behind on the local news, but we're here to catch you up. What's been happening in Keizer and Salem and why is it problematic as ever?! Enjoy this update on Christmas Tree Bill gifts, Proclamations, City Council

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00:32:05

Zoey For Office 🐱🎵📚

demobrats ·

2025/07/03

I don't know what you were doing at 8, but it probably wasn't organizing to save critical city services. This week we have Salem's favorite tiny community organizer, Zoey, with us on the pod to talk about her experience working tirelessly to get the most recent Livability Levy across the finish line. We can't wait to see what Zoey does next in local politics, but no doubt, she will be in the room where it happens. Zoey for Mayor! 💚🩷💚Get out there and stay loud. If you have questions, topics you'd

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00:21:49

Bonus: One Star Review For Keizer Politicians ⭐★★★★

demobrats ·

2025/06/30

*a note, the flag Councilor Day mentioned was a Confederate flag. Sorry our audio dropped out*Hey Brat Pack! In this bonus episode, we can't wait to share the recent round up and long term history of political antics in Keizer. From the recent citing of a current councilor, to the cancellation of the community-led Pride event, to the problematic history of other local officials, it's a lot. We'd say enjoy...but none of us are enjoying this. Sources:

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00:11:17

Bonus: Questions For A Billionaire 💰💰💰

demobrats ·

2025/06/29

In this brat pack bonus we just want to ask the really hard questions to our billionaire counterparts.

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00:45:57

Vik Is Back & Maybe Funnier Than Ever 💙🗳️💙

demobrats ·

2025/06/29

Vik is back y'all! We know, you forgot she existed...but she's here. And we're joined by Zack Surmackz today to talk about rising up the next generation of Democrats to lead the party across the country! What is it going to talk to win young voters to our side and how do we share our values through our messing and policy creation? We also tackle other important conundrums like are you for or against using a top sheet and do you embrace watching videos in 2x speed? Season 2 of demobrats

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