Fighting for the Soul of a Party
The Democratic Party, losers of the last two presidential elections, minority party in both the House and Senate and on the verge of becoming a minor player on the U.S. political scene, will soon choose a new chairman to lead them.
Who they select will determine the direction of the party and whether they continue on a center-right agenda that has thus far reaped no significant victories, or choose a new direction, back towards its more liberal roots, where an invigorated voting bloc awaits.
Seeking the chairmanship is former Vermont Governor and presidential candidate Howard Dean. In a letter to his supporters, he outlined why he is running and the need for a new strategy.
As I have traveled across our country, I have talked to thousands of people who are working for change in their own communities about the power of politics to make a difference in their own lives and in the lives of others. Every group I have spoken to, I encouraged them to stand up for what they believe and to get involved in the electoral process—because the only sure way to make difference is to step up and run for office yourself.Today, I'm announcing my candidacy for the Chairmanship of the Democratic National Committee.
The Democratic Party needs a vibrant, forward-thinking, long-term presence in every single state and we must be willing to contest every race at every level. We will only win when we show up and fight for the issues important to all of us.
Another integral part of our strategy must be cultivating the party's grassroots. Our long term success depends on all of us taking an active role in our party and in the political process, by volunteering, going door to door and taking the Democratic message into every community, and by organizing at the local level. After all, new ideas and new leaders don't come from consultants; they come from communities.
As important as organization is, it alone can no longer win us elections. Offering a new choice means making Democrats the party of reform—reforming America's financial situation, reforming our electoral process, reforming health care, reforming education and putting morality back in our foreign policy. The Democratic Party will not win elections or build a lasting majority solely by changing its rhetoric, nor will we win by adopting the other side's positions. We must say what we mean—and mean real change when we say it.
Read the full text here.
Mayoral race in Massachusetts
In Brockton, Massachusetts, Jass Stewart, a 33 year old Black gay man, is running for mayor. He isn't making his personal identity the focus of this campaign however but is putting forth a vision for rebuilding another northeastern city that has seen too many jobs and industries disappear. His ideas are sound and he's building community support.
Political campaign can only survive through contributions from supporters. A few weeks ago, I sent a check, because I believe it is important to support those who work for positive change, especially if they happen to be one of us. I invite you to consider doing the same.
Visit his campaign website and look for the link to "Contribute."
Also, here are links to two Africana.com articles that are unrelated to the election but profiled him, his partner and their adopted son:
Finally, another out gay man, Sean Patrick Maloney, a New York Democrat, will soon announce that he is running for Attorney General of New York in 2006, when current AG Eliot Spitzer runs for Governor.
Maloney is an experienced attorney and business executive, who worked side-by-side with Bill Clinton in the White House. He has worked for years on progressive causes as a volunteer, a pro bono attorney, and at all levels of New York and national politics, from his neighborhood clubs and Community Board all the way to the West Wing.
While that election isn’t until next year, I’ll be keeping my eye on the race to see where Maloney stands on the issues. In the meantime you can visit his website for more information.
Posted by bernie at January 11, 2005 9:34 PMTrackBack