So..does everybody know about Linda Honold?

[ewagner]

Got the e-mail over the weekend that she will be resigning to become a "consultant" with another organization. The e-mail was sent by Joe Weneke.

So will she be replaced by appointment? Or will there be another election?

[sybylla]

1. I had the same question, but have an answer.

MadAsHell just read to me from a dem forum an answer to that question. The DPW constitution says that the 2nd vice chair would automatically become 1st VC if it would retain the gender balance as required. So as our distinguished 2nd VC is Jeff Hall, he cannot assume the 1st VC position. In this situation, the Admin Committee of the DPW selects a replacement who will act as 1st VC until the next convention at which a vote can be taken.

FYI, I believe the Admin Committee includes Congressional District chairs, CD delegates, DPW officers, chair of the County Chairs Association and possibly the 4 state DNC members. Perhaps more, perhaps fewer.

Now my question, oh great poli-sci guru - does "consultant" mean lobbyist?

[ewagner]

2. Consultant = Lobbyist

Yep...it's code....although it could be "consultant to the campaign of candidate XXX" also...it's sort of a political "get out of jail free card" :rofl:

I have a few questions about this:

First, how long has Linda known she would become a "consultant"? Did she run only to give Joe legitimacy?

Second, who would be most likely to be nominated for her position? Marlys? (she was state chair before right?)


hmmmmmmm.....

[sybylla]

6. A long time, yes and I don't know but Marlys isn't likely

Those are my answers to your questions. I have no doubt that Linda stayed on the ticket only to give Joe W. legitimacy - essentially her endorsement - in a way that would convince the party membership that the transition would be smooth. I even harbor suspicions that Wineke was more the choice of Honold than Doyle, as was rumored.

Marlys gave up the chair's position and I don't think she want's it back. I sat across from a stunned Marlys during a dem dinner where "candidate for chair" Joe Wineke made some false statements about the party during her time as chair in order to make himself look better. I doubt she would take the job to work with Wineke even with a "mandate." Plus, her recent health problems might keep her from doing the job.

There are a couple of possibilities. I'm not sure the 1st VC is a critical position so it's possible the Admin Committee will fill the position with someone currently on the Admin Committee who agrees to take on the position for six months until election. It could also go to someone not on the committee who may step forward and seek the position with the hopes of campaigning for it in June. My guess is it will be someone who is currently or formerly a county party chair or district chair. Good or bad, it probably will be a party insider with connections to Joe.

I think the Admin Committee only meets quarterly so it could be some time before we know.

[ewagner]

8. Good analysis

btw I was joking about Marlys because of her health issues.

I suspect that the Admin committee will have a special meeting shortly....I think this because I don't think Joe relishes the idea of running the "nuts and bolts" of the party on a daily basis.

Your analysis was pretty astute. Nicely done! :hi:

[sybylla]

9. Aw, shucks. *blushes* Now stop that!

You're only buttering me up because your life will be in my hands when its my turn to drive. ;)

And it's not very astute to say Linda knew for a long time. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. I had the privelege of chatting with her at a fundraiser a year before the chair election and what I said is based on that discussion. Her decision not to run was just making its rounds in the grapevine. She clearly felt it was time to move on and had no intention of a run at 2nd VC at that time. Sounded burned out, really - phone calls at home at all hours of the day and night, long work week, commuting to Madison, public speaking engagements every week, etc.

And I could see she left loads of things unsaid, as careful pols are wont to do.

Now if I was really as astute as you proclaim, I would have realized you weren't serious about Marlys.:P

[MessiahRp]

3. As someone who voted for Rammelt...

I don't think I am entirely surprised. Linda seemed to want to step down from her Chair position last year for a reason and all of a sudden she was lower on the ticket when Wineke needed help. Hmmmm...

I'd like to see Rammelt in the 1st Vice Chair position, but if it's going to be chosen via appointment, fat chance.

Rp

[ewagner]

4. Has to be "gender balanced"

....say who was that lady who filed too late to get on the ballot?

I just threw all my convention fliers away so I can't find her fliers.

[eyesroll]

5. Melissa Jo Huzenga.

The spelling might be a bit off.

And I can't imagine she'd want the job, or would get appointed to it. She's nice enough, smart enough, but an utter novice. I think the gender balance requirement is stupid (especially considering that you don't vote for a slate, so two men could end up in the top two positions anyway), but that's just me.

I *might* be seeing Jef Hall tonight (he might stop by Milwaukee's Drinking Liberally gathering on his way back from Racine) -- I'll talk to him.

[ewagner]

7. Tell Jeff I said Hi!

Another good Dem told me that he doesn't like the gender-balanced thing because it kept "two highly qualified women" from serving at the same time...interesting thought.