Out of power, state Dems frustrated with national committee
Source: Associated Press
MONDAY, JAN 2, 2017 11:00 AM EST
CONCORD, N.H. (AP) Democrats around the country are demanding change from a national committee they say has focused too heavily on the White House at the expense of governorships, legislatures and state party operations.
Its got to be helping us organize in our states to be able to build that power at the state legislative level, Michigan Democratic Party Chair Brandon Dillon said of the Democratic National Committee, currently searching for a new leader. Weve lost governorships and state legislatures at a rate that is pretty astounding.
DNC members gather in February to elect a new chairman, with five candidates running so far, each pledging to rebuild from the ground up. Money from the DNC to state parties has been inconsistent during President Barack Obamas tenure and, in most states, less than it was under former chairman Howard Dean. Party chairs say thats resulted in fewer staff members and training programs, a change felt particularly in Republican-leaning states. State leaders also say Obamas grassroots group Organizing for Action has functioned more like competition than a partner.
Beginning in 2017, Republicans will hold 33 governorships and fully control legislatures in 25 states, as well as the Congress and presidency. During Obamas two terms in office, the party lost more than 1,000 seats at the state and national level.
Read more: http://www.salon.com/2017/01/02/out-of-power-state-dems-frustrated-with-national-committee/
randr
(12,412 posts)cstanleytech
(26,291 posts)winning the Whitehouse which I never understood because while the President is important the state level is even more so especially in states vulnerable to gerrymandering which the Republicans have exploited.
Sunlei
(22,651 posts)* "Headline News" creating media rags. rags who buy media from Reuters to create news stories for aggregate message boards like DU.
CrispyQ
(36,462 posts)The dems have neglected state level politics & now the government is under almost total GOP control. They lied, cheated & stole to get this power & they aren't letting it go easily. Look for them to work hard - by hook or by crook - to turn a few more state governments, so they can call a constitutional convention.
Sunlei
(22,651 posts)I signed the petition Sanders had months ago, 4 million verified sigs on his petition.
CrispyQ
(36,462 posts)I was alarmed by this:
During Obamas two terms in office, the party lost more than 1,000 seats at the state and national level.
I think DNC leadership should consist of a team from different regions. The dems need to examine why it is Michael Moore called this election in September, while dem leadership went into election day confident of a win.
Sunlei
(22,651 posts)MMs interviews with the rustbelt trump voters explained a lot of why.
Coolest Ranger
(2,034 posts)to listen to those of us who voted for Hillary and been with her all along.
Ken Burch
(50,254 posts)What, exactly, are you thinking the state Dems are calling for that would mean NOT listening to those of you who vote for Hillary?
Most of those state Dems voted for her, too.
Wellstone ruled
(34,661 posts)calls with the DNC and the DCCC. But that comes with the territory. When you take on a Incumbent with mega bucks,the Washington Social Club will blow you off.
angrychair
(8,698 posts)As it doesn't fit the proper narrative.
ananda
(28,859 posts).. for firing Howard Dean.
Ever since, we have had NO fifty state strategy.
LiberalFighter
(50,912 posts)Every state has DNC members along with party chair and vice chair that are part of the DNC.
States and local parties need to take some responsibility too.
Blue Idaho
(5,049 posts)Until I see some sort of strategy for increasing Democratic office holders across the board.
crazycatlady
(4,492 posts)The entire statehouse in Trenton (NJ) is up. Right now Dems control 2/3 and we have a termed out VERY unpopular GOP governor.
As far as other legislative seats--- until most of them are up in 2018, we gotta take advantage of special elections.