DFA Members: What do you think about getting involved in the primary?

[crispini]

Well, DFA members, what do you think about the email went out today that asked us DFA'ers if we wanted to get involved as an organization in the presidential primary? I voted NO. I think it would be too divisive for our local organization. I've talked to my fellow members and many of us are supporting different people already. I don't think we should get into it. Your thoughts?

[rinsd]

1. Not a member of DFA but didn't they do work in the recent primaries?

I was under the impression that DFA did work (local branches) for various progressive candidates in primaries. Was that wrong?

[crispini]

2. Well, our branch didn't, for the 06.

It's pretty decentralized, though, so I don't know if others did. We had a LONG argument about endorsing in the primaries and decided not to.

[madfloridian]

6. Traditionally local or district candidates....

Some national...

[NoPasaran]

3. I voted against it

I don't think that there is any single candidate who DFAers would support.

Beyond that, I think that DFA's strategy needs to be more of an bottom-up variety. The Democratic Party still needs a lot of work and we need to be involved in our precincts, county and state parties more than staking a lot of our energy on the presidential race.

[annabanana]

4. Me Too... But I said

DFA ought to encourage progressives to get in the race, but not to "throw in" until later in the process.

[bemildred]

7. Ditto that.

DFA should encourage participation without taking sides.

[madfloridian]

5. Some groups do endorse in primaries.

Some have supported candidates overlooked by the congressional committees.

Not sure how I feel about the prez primary, we are too diverse to agree on any one person.

Could be divisive.

[madfloridian]

8. I changed my mind and voted yes.

A lot of different reasons. I think it could pose some problems, but I think it would be exciting. I really do.

I think our main goal should remain change from the bottom up, as Howard Dean stated that day March 18 2004. That should be the goal. But this could prove a good thing.

I notice they adding on some new staff lately, training mainly. I think it might be an interesting time for us. I think there is one most would agree on right away....Gore. There is another, but not going to say for sure.

So I changed my mind. I hope we do it.

[SCDem]

9. I voted against it

[windbreeze]

10. I say no....n/t

[ClassWarrior]

11. I agree.

:hi: crisp...

NGU.