The State Convention is over, Jim Meffert is our candidate for US House and MAK is ready to charge ahead for Governor. We have a new CD3 office in Hopkins (opening any day now) and we have a lot of work ahead!
Don't let anyone fool you: Democrats are in a good position for the fall. The monster the GOP so carefully crafted from bits of propaganda and deceptive issue framing has now turned on them. How could it be otherwise when they encouraged their people to avoid reason and facts in favor of ideology and anger? The few remaining "responsible Republicans" have little influence; Teabaggers are now in control, righteously indignant -and running their own candidates against the GOP. This bodes well for us.
So what is our plan between now and the election?
- We need to let voters know who we really are. We need to engage voters in our frames -not the GOP's. If you do not know about framing -bone up! We'll help with training on how to talk about our values with voters. Most voters share our values so this will be easier than you might think.
- We must recruit new volunteers. If we are not calling all of our SD convention delegates (at least) and asking friends or people who come to Links meetings to join us, then I don't want to hear complaints about how much work we have. Grow or die.
- We must get out and door knock and phone call. Historically we've had the luxury of a better grass roots effort -now the GOP gets it and is organizing. We also know that corporations can now spend as much as they want to throw elections and they sure won't be throwing money our way. Engaging voters is our most powerful tool.
- Take Initiative! Don't wait to be called and asked to do something -call and ask what you can do. We also do not have legions of volunteers waiting around to implement the next bright idea. Rather than coming to us with a great idea and asking why no one is doing it -come to us with an idea and a plan that you will help make a reality!
Since 2008 we have had strategic as well as tactical plans -these plans are well along and beginning to succeed. We'll have a workshop soon for all our committees and we'll be asking our new and old Directors to take leadership roles in making sure we meet them both. We get some of the best voter turnout in the country and CD3 has been trending ever more blue, so you are part of a winning team!
I know you all really care about the future of our democracy and fear the dire consequences if today's extremist GOP further disinvests in our future. Let's get strong and turn CD3 solidly blue!
See you on the campaign trail!
Uncle Geo
