Louisiana Democratic Party Separating From Jefferson-Jackson Moniker For Annual Fundraiser

NEW ORLEANS, LA — The Louisiana Democratic Party will drop the traditional name of its annual fundraiser to distance themselves from former Democratic slave-owning presidents Thomas Jefferson and Andrew Jackson. The Jefferson-Jackson dinner will be called the True Blue Gala, instead.

This year's fundraiser is scheduled for Aug. 26 in New Orleans. State Democratic Party chairwoman Karen Carter Peterson said last fall the dinner would rename itself "to reflect the progress of the party and the changing times."

Jefferson, who doubled the size of the United States during his presidency with the Louisiana Purchase, is considered one of the founders of the Democratic Party along with Jackson, the "Old Hickory" from Tennessee. The owning of slaves by the two has drawn the ire of several people.

Other state Democratic Party affiliations have already begun rebranding their annual fundraiser, according to New Orleans City Business.

Caption: Michael Coscia puts out pins, bumper stickers and other novelty items at the Democratic National Committee meeting in New Orleans, Thursday, April 20, 2006. Ahead in polls, Democrats are divided over whether they already have, or even need, a national theme that tells voters exactly where the party stands.

Photo via Cheryl Gerber/Associated Press