Does anyone belong to the Iowa Democratic Party? (rant)

[justgamma]

I joined before the election and have heard NOTHING from them. I finally contacted them and asked if they were organizing anything for '06. I did get a great reply and a couple of emails from individuals that said they would look into it. That's been a few weeks now and still nothing. I signed up for all the email updates. I hear nothing. I do get asked for money. Is that all they're doing?

[pstans]

1. I get an email update and have gotten a letter asking for money

The letter was from the Iowa Democratic Party, but was mailed out of Washington. I am more able to volunteer time right now than I am money and wish there would be something else I could do.

With that said, I have started attending Democracy for America Meetups. There is some grassroots efforts being organized through these local groups. There are groups organized in Des Moines, Ames, Cedar Rapids, Iowa City, and the Quad Cities and they meet once a month. Check out http://www.democracyforamerica.com/ for more information or send me a message and I can get you contact info.

[progressoid]

2. I re-joined last year but have been underwhelmed by them

It took me a couple days just to find a local number to call to volunteer my time for the election. Then it took a few more days for anyone to even call me back.

Perhaps we need to send a few nicely worded messages to National to put a little pressure on the locals to get better organized. A lot of these people actually do this for a living. Maybe they need to be reminded of that .

[justgamma]

3. Thanks for replying.

I've sent them donations a couple of times, but I don't see them doing anything and it bothers me. This is a divided state and one we need to fight for. I think Dean's organization is great. So are the other dozen liberal movements. The trouble is I don't have unlimited funds.

[progressoid]

4. Limited funds indeed

I gave some money to a few organizations last year but I doubt donations from me will not be possible this year at all.

[Debi]

5. They have a skeletal staff since the Nov. elections

with no concrete plans for 2006.

Wonder what there plan is to get Dems elected....lots of hoping?

[hfojvt]

6. up to the candidates to start something perhaps

try contacting your nearest state legislator who is a Democrat, or, if all else fails, try Ed Fallon.

[Debi]

7. Not to argue

but the Party is supposed to support the candidates, not the other way around.

I agree that it's up to the elected officials to do a little kicking and screaming and remind the Party that it was absentee ballot chasing that got several of them elected and the IDP staff housed in their counties that kept them organized and on task.

But, if the Party doesn't want to help why should the candidates put their fates in the Party's hands?

[Wapsie B]

8. There needs to be someone with fire in the belly to run the show.

Too often this terminal blandness is filtered down to even the county level. Tim LaPointe used to be the county chair here. Nice enough guy. A lawyer, AIDS activist, but not a lick of fight in him. I've heard nothing from the woman who took over after he left the post. I just get this sickening feeling that the party doesn't want rabble rousers of any kind, even with Dean leading the way.

[Debi]

9. I thought Tim did a pretty good job.

Kept things organized and gave the party a place to be (are they still using his office?)

Cerro Gordo isn't in the First District but I have family in MC so I still try to keep tabs up there (and wish Amanda R. would run for Congress).

I agree, though, it seems that the Iowa Dem. Party is as exciting as oatmeal right now.

I wonder what the GOP will stir up with Sally Pederson as our Chair and still LT Gov. I'm waiting for the spin on some press release or appearance.