I think that voting in the national elections is the minimum that citizens have as a responsibility. It's those local elections that create a pool from which we can best select candidates for the next higher level of office. And on and on.

That is, I believe, distinct from the republicans. Although they chose from a pool at local levels, to move people up the ladder, they look for the exact opposite "qualifications" that we value. Can a person lie with a straight face? Do harm to others without conscience? If so, they have a future with the republican party.

Even as democrats, we have to take these decisions out of the hands of party bosses (and corporate sponsors). We can start the process today.