GET OFF YOUR ASS [Texas Edition]

[derby378]

The other day, I posted this message on GD:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=364x306477

A lot of people are saying that they're fed up with the Democratic Party after Alito's confirmation and they're leaving the party for good. My response to those people is simply this: Don't leave the party - become the party.

I want DUers in Texas to pledge to run for precinct chair. My name's on the ballot, and if you're not already a precinct chair, please consider running. The filing deadline has passed for listing on the ballot, but you can still run as a write-in candidate. Just tell every Democrat you find in your precinct that you're running and make sure they spell your name right.

What do y'all say, folks?

[CoolOnion]

1. That's what I decided to do in 2002

I was bitchin' from the sidelines about the U.S. political scene, until I saw Michael Moore at Borders in 2002. He told the crowd to "take over the Democratic Party" instead of going for third party candidates who don't have a chance. He said something funny like we shouldn't reinvent the wheel, since the Dems already had the letterhead stationery and the political infrastructure--better to take over an existing party than start a new one. He talked about running for precinct chair, which he called "the foot soldiers of the party."

When Howard Dean arrived on the political scene, he had a similar message, and talked to the crowd at Dallas City Hall about organizing precincts. He talked about running for office at the grassroots level, taking back the Democratic party from the grassroots--the precincts, the school board, and on up the ladder.

Before the 2004 primaries, Dennis Kucinich spoke at Dallas Peace Center, and brought resolutions to take to our caucuses. His website had more--ready made resolutions on health care, the creation of a Department of Peace, and others, ready for us to print and take to our precinct conventions.

I ended up going to the State convention as a Kucinich delegate, and I was shocked at the attitude from other Dems--"you're going to support the candidate, aren't you?" Well, of course I would, I told them, but there's not a candidate YET until the national convention. The media does not select our "frontrunner," we do! Get used to it, mainstream Dems--the Leftists have arrived!

Now, I'm a precinct chair, and I will be spreading the message to my precinct that WE are the party. It may be awhile before we get real progressives at the top, but if we keep sending our message "upstream," we'll see some big changes over the next 20 years.

As Derby378 so eloquently put it: "Get off your ass! Don't leave the party - become the party!" At Democracy Fest, they said history will look back upon this time as The Second American Revolution. Get on board, everybody, so you can tell your kids and grandkids that you were part of it!

[CoolOnion]

2. Just wanted to add...

...that when I heard David Van Os speak, I felt proud to be a Texan for the first time in a VERY long time, and felt a surge of hope for the Democratic party and our state. I'm ready to "fight 'em 'till hell freezes over, then fight 'em on the ice"--how 'bout the rest of you?

[sonias]

3. Great post CoolOnion!

And Derby378 too.

2004 was the first year I had ever attended a local precinct caucus, the county convention or the state convention. I had always voted and done some volunteer work for local city council candidates, but after the 2000 theft of our election - enough was enough. I had to kick it up a huge notch. I like the idea of becoming the party. Sort of like Ghandi - "be the change you want to see in the party". The party is run by those who show up.

My precinct already has an excellent chair so I can't step into those shoes, but I do work with her to keep organizing my precinct.

If your precinct chair is filled, volunteer to help them organize. It's a big job and they could always use help. Volunteer to help your local county party or if you don't have time but have money, become a sustaining member to help them.

Sonia

[johncoby2]

4. Can you really write in a candidates name?

Is there any registration required?

[sonias]

5. Maybe I'm wrong but I think it is too late to declare as a write in

According to the SOS website
http://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/laws/2006primarycal.shtml
Wednesday, January 4, 2006 (62nd day before primary election day)
Deadline for a write-in candidate for the office of county or precinct chair to file a declaration of write-in candidacy (unless a candidate on the ballot dies or is declared ineligible; see entry for Monday, January 2, 2006 – Wednesday, January 4, 2006, above). (Sec. 171.0231).

Here is the SOS info on precinct chair ballot setup. You will see that the person must officially file. You can't draft him or her against their will and just write them in. If no one has filed as a write in, there will be no way to write in any person's name.
http://www.sos.state.tx.us/elections/laws/sampleballotmemo.shtml

And finally there is one more option. Let's say you don't file or become a write in for the primary, you can still be appointed to the position. Especially in a precinct that has no current chair. The county party can appoint someone to fill an empty chair in between elections. At least they do that here in Travis. Check with your county party to make sure they allow for the same thing.

Sonia

[clu]

6. does anyone have a good index of info?

I could google and I will, but does anyone have a good resource for what precinct chairs do, what their commitments are, and who votes for them etc?

Thanks for any feedback.

[clu]

7. found a bit of info.

this seems comprehensive enough

http://www.texaspopulists.com/book/print/688

[crispini]

8. you could also take a look around the TDP website

http://www.txdemocrats.org

for various kinds of good info. also your county party website!

post here if you have any questions, several of us in this forum are precinct chairs. :hi: