If you have some time, there is a segment from this year's Netroots conference, called Primaries Matter worth watching. I have advocated, over the objections of several others here, that primaries matter. Right now the state senate primaries matter most. (See video on the flip)
As Markos points out in the video, the only way we are going to get better government, which reflects progressive values, at any level of government, is to have MORE and BETTER Democrats. This has been the goal in this year's NYS Senate campaign since we first opened the discussion at last year's Netroots meeting.
We will get more Democrats this November, but for the next seven weeks (September 14), grassroots and progressive activists should focus their energies on the primary races. These primaries will not get us more Democrats in the state senate, but we can get some better ones. Referencing BingChester's Ranker #2, the three in the top eleven are Gustavo Rivera, Charlie Ramos and Lynn Nunes. Yes, there are a few other primaries, but these are the three which will make the difference.
In my comments to BingChester's Ranker #2, I suggested that we should ask for a Don't Vote for Pedro pledge from Democratic senate candidates. I have concluded that would be just another in a long line of meaningless pledges. I doubt very much whether any Democratic State Senator will ever vote for Pedro for a leadership post again, hopefully they won't have the opportunity. The pledge I really would love to see is, "I won't vote for John Sampson." But Democratic candidates can't afford to make that pledge, so I won't ask anyone for it.
John Sampson does not deserve to lead the State Senate in 2011. If nothing else, the first condition of support for the candidates on Bingchester's list from the DSCC, is a commitment to support Sampson for leadership. That's really no shocker or anything, that's the way party politics works. But we're talking about the worst legislative body in the entire country. There need to some major changes. Senate leadership, if they want to become more effective and gain public support, need to develop transparency and allow members to truly represent their districts. Rule by a small cabal in the backrooms has to stop. Allowing the democratic process to work, by limiting the influence if that cabal, would be helpful and wise.
And I haven't even mentioned effectiveness or ethics.
So for now, let's put energy into winning these primaries. Donate, makes calls, get out and canvass, call your friends and neighbors, vote. Win or lose, a good showing will make the Democratic leadership be better in the next term.
Those candidates challenging dead wood Republicans or going after vacant seats in November, will appreciate victories in these primaries. Success, however it is measured, in the primaries will give the November winners a greater chance to be independent, to effectively represent their district and to bring real reform to New York.
