Dean-for-DNCers: let's not blow this Fowler thing out of proportion

[latteromden]

The exec. committee endorsement today consisted of 12 people.

12. Only 12.

Out of 478.

And keep in mind, also, that the voting members of the DNC are likely to be more favorable to Dean than sens. or reps. or our other elected officials will be.

Fowler picked up ~3% of the endorsements today, whereas Dean currently has about 10% of the endorsements up to this point. Don't worry too much about it - but definitely, KEEP ON CONTACTING THE VOTING DNC MEMBERS IN YOUR STATE.

[janx]

1. Time Magazine...

Thanks for checking this out. I did a search and found nothing--was going to wait for info. from the blog.

Thank you! :hi:

[janx]

2. By the way, where did you find this info.?

Was it posted on the blog?

[latteromden]

7. The 10% figure comes from the DNC endorsements listed on Dean's

site; the 12 member number comes from the most recent blog on MyDD.

[janx]

10. Thanks! n/t

[bluestateguy]

3. They endorsed Fowler?

Isn't he from the Professional Election Losers wing of the party? Signature members include Bob Shrum, Mary Beth Cahill and Terry McAuliffe. The types that run stumbling, directionless, losing campaigns all while taking huge consluting fees for themselves and then doing the rounds on the cable shows as a "Democratic Consultant".

[Guaranteed]

6. You mean the Useless Broken Down Democrats Club?

(UBDDC)

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x1546783

[Samantha]

11. In other words, "The New Dems"

translation: DLC'ers, Republican-lite, Hillary backers (the Clinton element of the party).

In the opposite corner, Dean, Gore, the "Democratic Wing of the Democratic party." Make no mistake, this struggle over the chairmanship can be traced directly to the party elite, who intend to control both the direction and message of the Democratic party.

Keep your eye on the ball at all times. Whoever wins this power struggle has control over the selection of the 2008 nominee.

[ClarkUSA]

17. Um, didn't Harold Ickes (Clinton ally) endorse Dean?

And be fair.

What Dean strategy ever won on a national level? Fowler did direct Gore's winning field operations in 2000, so he's not a complete nincompoop.

I back no horse in this race any longer except I don't want Roemer but this lopsided backbiting is not fair.

[BlueInRed]

19. Yes, Ickes did. And it looks like a free for all to me...

I thought Ickes endorsement was good for Dean, but as a Dean supporter, I am wondering if Dean can make it beyond the 50% threshhold. I talked to a friend of mine in TN today who likes Dean substantively but has bought into the idea that he's too tainted for chair. If she's thinking like this, I'm pretty sure others are as well and I think this endorsement of Fowler shows people are still scrambling to try and stop Dean.

In a way, I view the Ickes endorsement kind of like Gore's. It's a sign of strength that sends panic into the stop Dean movement and may end up backfiring on Dean. I'm really, really hoping not, but I'm just so skeptical that TPTB are willing to let Dean in and jeopardize their gravy train.

[janx]

33. Is your friend in a position to vote on the chair position?

Because as much as we hear in the wacko media and from those who don't like Dean--and from those who in fact do, like your friend--the only thing that will matter ultimately is the vote by the state DNC members.

That might make a huge difference, in spite of those outside the process who are trying to influence the outcome. :hi:

[BlueInRed]

36. No, but I think she is representative

of many active Democrats in purple states who are concerned. It reminds me of the "electability" spiel that happened in the primaries. She does know some people who get to vote, so I am thinking they may be talking the same way. My fingers will be crossed until the 12th.

[janx]

37. Same here then.

I'm in Colorado, and some feel pulled by loyalty to Webb, but my country chair sent me contact info. for those who wanted to hear from Coloradoans.

[Clark2008]

40. Considering that's what's been in most of the major TN newspapers

I can see why she would think this way.

It was on the front page of my local paper Friday.

[Guaranteed]

24. Dean's strategy is new (LOL! that actually makes me laugh). But, no,

really, it's new, at least for the Democrats. It's so new the Democrats are probably going to have to start taking assertiveness-training classes in order to reacquaint themselves with the art of making an argument and not acting like a sissy.

Kerry also gained ground on Bush when he finally began taking Dean's positions, although it was very late in the campaign, and maybe too late since his integrity was already destroyed, and the center didn't trust him.

Further, if Fowler directed Gore's operations in 2000, we're in an entirely different dynamic, now. That truly WAS a race to the center, in that campaign. Things have changed, though, and it's time to start fighting. Fowler's experience is outdated.

[BlueInRed]

28. You crack me up! Assertiveness training :)

I can just see the Congressional Dems at their weekly breakfast meetings getting assertiveness training and how to deal with bullies! It is so true, but funny too.

[janx]

30. And that's a bit ironic, considering he's only 37 years old...

;-)

[Guaranteed]

31. Well, you know, maybe if he took some classes...

:P

It's not too late for him to learn.

[MontecitoDem]

35. Fowler ran the FIELD

He didn't decide on the policy stances, etc. He ran field. This isn't just directed at you, but people here should get some facts before they start blasting somebody as DLC, etc. Fowler is not that.

I can't understand the attitude that if your name isn't Howard Dean, your republican-lite.

[ClarkUSA]

39. But if Gore has changed, I'm pretty sure Fowler isn't stuck in 2000 mode

either.

If people here are demanding results-based proof of electability, we have to be fair and say that Dean has no national election victory results to show for his strategy, either. Ideas are very important, but strategy is what wins elections.

Again, I don't care who wins anymore as long as it's not Roemer. Any of them would be better than McAuliffe.

[janx]

42. Dean ran a record-breaking and historic primary campaign.

And that was national. It was so good, in fact, that the other candidates copied most of it. He now runs a ground breaking national organization with well over 700,000 members called Democracy for America.

Dean Democrats: Taking Our Country Back

Democracy for America (DFA) and Gov. Howard Dean have reason to believe that Democrats will return to national prominence very soon. Many DFA endorsed ("Dean Dozen") and supported candidates won elections at all levels of government, throughout the country:

• One of the two new Democratic United States senators was a "Dean Dozen" candidate - Barack Obama (D-Ill.). Obama and the other new Democratic senator, Ken Salazar (D-Colo.), received contributions from DFA.

• One "Dean Dozen" candidate won her race for Congress, Allyson Schwartz (D-PA) and DFA contributed to five of the fourteen incoming freshman Democratic Members of Congress.

Some of the notable non-federal success stories include:

• Two new Democratic governors are "Dean Dozen" candidates: John Lynch (D-NH) and Brian Schweitzer (D-Mont.)

• Two "Dean Dozen" candidates won their mayoral race: Peter Corroon was elected as mayor of Salt Lake County, Utah and Tom Potter was elected as mayor of Portland, Ore.

• 15 of the Dean Dozen candidates that won never ran for office before.

• Democracy for America contributed more than $600,000 to 634 candidates for non-federal office. 319 of those candidates won -- a 50% win-loss record.

• "Dean Dozen" candidates were elected to state legislatures in 16 states. Candidates for legislature who received Democracy for America contributions, but were not part of the "Dean Dozen," were elected in an additional 12 states.

• Democracy for America played a large role in regaining several legislative chambers for the Democrats, including: the Colorado House and Senate, the North Carolina House, the Oregon Senate, the Vermont House and the Washington Senate. DFA also helped secure a tie in the Iowa Senate.

• "Dean Dozen" candidates were elected to the bench in Alabama and Georgia.

• "Dean Dozen" candidates also won races for soil & water commission, supervisor of elections, township clerk, county commission and constable.

"The Dean Dozen candidates and the hundreds of other candidates that Democracy for America supported are the future of the Democratic Party," said Dean. "Win or lose, these fiscally responsible, socially progressive citizens fought to take our country back and helped spread the message that to change America, Democrats must compete everywhere."

Dean attended press conferences, fundraisers and campaign rallies, which helped established name recognition and raised campaign funds for 50 candidates in 26 states. Many of DFA's enthusiastic supporters volunteered and financially supported these candidates as well.

DFA raised over $5 million since its inception in March 2004 and donated money to 748 candidates throughout the country - in 46 states and at every level of government.

DFA will continue to endorse and support candidates and train campaign workers and volunteers in 2005 and beyond.

http://www.democracyforamerica.com/features/2004/11/15/dean_democrats_taking_our_country_back.php

In addition, he chaired the National Governor's Association for years and was reelected governor in Vermont at least four times.

So you're comparing him to Donnie Fowler? Donnie may be a very talented and dedicated lad, but your comparison is a bit flawed, I'm afraid. Still, he'll gain more experience with time.

[ClarkUSA]

46. I've seen this before

I am not comparing him to Fowler at all. Sorry if I didn't communicate well enough. Actually, it's very hard to logically compare any of them to each other because all of their careers have had different trajectories, each distinguished in their own way. Some have been in the spotlight, some have been behind the scenes....all are qualified but none of them can compare to the other very well,
IMO.

DFA is a fine organization that helped DNC candidates win but it was certainly not the only one responsible for training volunteers and funding candidates, at times the same ones as Emily's List, ACT, MoveOn (which lent Dean's internet networking a real framework and following), DSCC, DCCC, the historically-large Election Protection coalition, which all did a very large share. Gen. Clark personally asked his supporters to give to many of the same people and directing us to candidates' websites for direct online contributions to campaigns, though WesPAC has a completely different mission (focusing on blasting Bush's foreign policy and challenging Bush's national security mistakes ad infinitum) than DFA, of course.
That's a good thing...both former candidates worked hard to their strengths to take down Bush and they sure didn't have to. Kudoes.

IMO, each DNC Chair candidate is very talented and brings something different but similar to the table. They are much more alike than different and all the trashtalking obscures this fact and I believe they would all agree with if asked. None of them are undeserving to be DNC Chair except for Roemer, of course.

I enjoyed your and Bull's thoughtful points. Thanks for the dialogue.

And good luck to everyone involved. Too bad there can't be a round table (kick out Roemer the Scaife mole).

[janx]

45. Sorry--mistyped.

Democratic Governors' Association and the National Governors' Association.

[KittyWampus]

13. Do You Actually KNOW Anything Substantive About Fowler Or Are You

justing spouting meaningless drivel.

I mean, do you know whether Fowler helped any candidates win?

Do You?

[bluestateguy]

18. I asked a question. If you have new information, then please enlighten me

Ahem.

[ldf]

43. conSLUTing fees?

that is so funny!

[Finding Rawls]

47. You're soooooo right

Dean proved that he's a real winner last year

[Guaranteed]

4. Great point.

Thanks! :)

[WI_DEM]

5. Good point, thanks

Somehow I had the impression that about 100 members of the DNC were coming out for Fowler, I'm glad to see this is not the case.

[lojasmo]

8. Fowler 1, Dean 0, Oh wait...Dean 40, Fowler 12. N/T

[Carolab]

9. Fowler is a little weiner boy money collector and is only in the running

because his dad was a past chair.

[KittyWampus]

14. Wow, THAT'S Really Shrewd Analysis.

[Carolab]

16. Well, I could use the analysis from Change for America and kos instead:

that he's a big flaming bag of dog poop.

http://www.changeforamerica.com/community/node/view/2380

[Guaranteed]

22. Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar.

And sometimes a Fowler is just a Fowler.

[ProudToBeLiberal]

12. kick

[CanOfWhoopAss]

15. How to contact voting DNC members

http://drafthoward.com/index.php?id=19

http://platform.smartcampaigns.com/DNCMemberState

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Current_DNC_Members

[MaineDem]

20. Just an FYI, none of those lists is up to date

Welcome to DU, though! :hi:

[Guaranteed]

21. Where would someone go, then, to find the appropriate

representatives to write to?

And why wouldn't that information be up to date?

[janx]

23. BGL, get in touch with your county or state chair.

I'm on my country chair's email list, so I got the most recent contact information. Google or call your state Dems. Somebody will know.

[Guaranteed]

27. Alright. Will do.

Thanks! :)

[SCDem]

49. I see that you live in Illinois

Here are all your DNC members and addresses.... probably will want to find emails or phone numbers to get this done in time though but this is a start.

Illinois

Rev. Willie Barrow, 930 E. 50th St., Chicago, IL 60615
Ms. Margaret Blackshere, 8150 W. Monroe St., Niles, IL 60714
Mr. Joseph Cari, 31st National Plaza, Chicago, IL 60602
Hon. Cardiss Collins, 1110 Roundhouse Ln., Alexandria, VA 22314
Ms. Maria Garcia, 689 N. Ohio, Aurora, IL 60505
Hon. Constance Howard, 432 E. 88th St., Chicago, IL 60619
Hon. Thomas Hynes, 30 N. LaSalle St. Ste. 2900, Chicago, IL 60602
Hon. Emil Jones, 11357 S. Lowe, Chicago, IL 60628
Mr. Thomas Lakin, 301 Evans St., Wood River, IL 62095
Hon. Michael Madigan, PO Box 518, Springfield, IL 62705
Hon. Iris Martinez, 3154 W. Grace St. Apt. 1, Chicago, IL 60641
Hon. Joe Moore, 7356 N. Greenview Ave., Chicago, IL 60602
Hon. John Rednour, PO Box 428, DuQuoin, IL 62832
Hon. Carol Ronen, 6033 N. Sheridan, Chicago, IL 60660
Mr. Edward Smith, 1 N. Old State Capitol Plaza #525, Springfield, IL 62701
Darlena Williams-Burnett, 1648 W. Warren Blvd., Chicago, IL 60612

[janx]

25. If we'd paid more attention to the articles referenced at

the bottom of Time's article (which started this whole thing), we may have gotten an idea...

The Time article was so vague as to sound like a gossip piece. It didn't even mention how many were on this committee, let alone who they were.

http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1022630,00.html?promoid=rss_top

Edit: I am really sick of this kind of titillating misinformation from "major" media.

[no name no slogan]

26. From what I've heard, from high-level state party reps....

...is that Dean has about 70% right now among DNC delegates nationwide. This came from a leader in my state's (MN) party.

Right now this race is Dean's to lose-- no matter what the endorsements say.

[BlueInRed]

29. I really hope your source is right n/t

[Carolab]

32. Where it stood on Thursday:

DNC endorsements
by kos
Thu Jan 27th, 2005 at 10:51:43 PST

Endorsements from actual, voting DNC members. From the National Journal's Hotline:
Dean: 34
Frost: 15
Webb: 10
Fowler: 6
Leland: 2
Everyone, including Dean, is still well short of fifty percent plus one. The endorsements are supposed to fly fast and furious after the last candidate forum this weekend in NY.

[latteromden]

34. Pleasepleaseplease let it be true. By the way - fellow Minnesotan here. ;)

[lojasmo]

48. 50% of minnesota delegates

Privately pledged to dean to date. 1 leaning, dunno about the other two.

[Pirate Smile]

38. On Topic A with Tina Brown tonight (on CNBC), Wonkette (I can't remember

her real name) said she had heard centrist, DLC types in DC saying they though Dean winning would be good. His actual record as Governor was quite moderate and they liked him for the position.

So take that for what it is worth - nothing or an interesting tidbit.

[JNelson6563]

41. Danzinger got it right

heh :toast:

[janx]

44. I laugh harder every time I see that!!!!!! n/t