Fascinating look at the inner party mechanisms from
The Next HurrahI was in a good position to argue for the program because in the 1980's while chairing Alan Cranston's campaign here, I had discovered how pathetic many of our state parties actually were. Many were literally bankrupt, the office supplies and machines (typewriters) had been taken for unpaid debt, and padlocks were on the door. The State Committees that had the franchise were held in one or another lawyer's file cabinet, (In Georgia it had been Bert Lance's for about 20 years), and the reason for this condition was frankly racism. The Southern States would not allow the release of the franchise to a newly elected Central Committee or Board, because it would be Black. They could do this because the parties were in bankruptcy, and whatever lawyer had the letterhead in his files was also the court appointed trustee.
When Dean took over the DNC -- this was the condition of about twelve of our State Parties. He actually had to find lawyers to go into court and get the parties out of this kind of "Trusteeship" before he could even begin to reorganize. In fact, one of the reasons some of the Field Organizers Dean appointed are on the staff of the DNC rather than state parties is because it avoids dealing with old trustees and old court judgments.
The really sad thing is that Democrats all around the country don't know about all this -- about how the party structure was sabotaged essentially over the matter of race over a long stretch of years. By not actually dealing with the matter -- and it should have been argued out and dealt with in at least the 1970's -- it has festered, and now we have this assumption by James Carville that he is the great white master, who can dictate the structure of the DNC, including which African American should head it as opposed to Dean, or whom ever else the properly constituted DNC should elect.
Yes, given what Dean has done, in 2008 the DNC will be still supporting state parties and field organizations that might elect a Congresscritter or two in the really red states, but may also progress in electing state legislators, county commissioners and all the rest. But he has also created the model for the "voter file" -- the microtargeting that the Republicans call their Voter Vault -- and it was rolled out in a number of states this year, and is ready for National roll out next year. Every state now has the technical ability to use it, access it, and apply it to all sorts of requirements. In 2004, using old fashioned methods, we came within two seats of controlling our State House. Using these new methods we picked up 19 seats, nearly a veto proof House. Of course it has maintence costs -- but it is worth it. Dean also introduced the idea of putting field offices in every Congressional District, not just in the State Capitol. Off years, the staff will do organization, election seasons they will coordinate all activity in each district. It is so simple minded it boggles the mind. But yes, it does mean that a Washington DC operative cannot actually control how local parties operate. And with Carville, that is the crux of the problem.
and with great appreciation, the State party chairs did
this:Resolution Commending Governor Howard Dean for Instituting "The 50 State Strategy" at the DNC
WHEREAS, Governor Howard Dean is Chairman of the Democratic National Committee, duly elected by members of the Democratic National Committee;
WHEREAS, Governor Dean has implemented a "50 State Strategy" that has been instrumental in helping to ensure State Democratic Parties have the tools, training, and resources needed to win elections up and down the ticket, in all parts of the country;
WHEREAS, previously too many of our state parties had been neglected by the national party even as Republicans did a far better job of effectively organizing their State parties. The "50 State Strategy" reversed that trend and provided State Democratic Parties the tools, resources, and infrastructure needed to compete and win races in all parts of the country;
WHEREAS, the 2006 elections demonstrated that if Democrats show up, stand up for what we believe in and work hard and ask every American for their vote, we can win in any part of the country at every level;
WHEREAS, the "50 State Strategy" ensured that State Democratic Parties were able to lay the groundwork that enabled Democratic candidates to take advantage of a favorable political climate;
WHEREAS, thanks in great part to the "50 State Strategy," Democratic candidates won races up and down the ticket, all across the country that they would not have been able to win, helping take back the U.S. House and Senate, elect a majority of Democratic governors - who now govern states that control 295 electoral votes -- and win ten new Democratic majorities in state legislatures;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Association of State Democratic Chairs honor and thank Governor Dean for his tireless commitment to State Democratic Parties and the "The 50 State Strategy," for holding himself to the highest ethical standards, and for never retreating from what was right for every Democrat in every state;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the "50 State Strategy" is a long term investment paying immediate dividends and that, as we look toward the future, State Democratic Parties will evaluate and enhance these efforts, to grow our majority and sustain Americans' trust in and support for us;
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Democratic State Parties will continue working hard to show up and ask for people's votes in every corner of America to ensure Democratic victories in governor's races next November, to take back the White House in 2008, and to continue to rebuild the Democratic Party for the future.
Thanks to
minimum:applause:
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