The health of state parties

Representative Ellison began by noting we had to make state parties healthier. Rather than propose a solution, which I expected, Representative Ellison countered, “I like some of the ideas you have, let’s talk.” Representative Ellison explained how they worked to solidify statewide races in Minnesota and, importantly, made sure party members helped each other.

Thinking about how to improve the options for state parties, he offered: “there are a lot of people who want to help [state parties], we just don’t always do a good job of asking for them [to help]. We can get better about that.” In particular, thinking about the methods used to raise funds and build interest in the state parties, one of my arguments about state parties is that many struggle to come up with strong keynote speakers for major functions. Headliners are key to raising money and generating excitement, especially among party members who may feel neglected. Representative Ellison’s take was straightforward, that we have to work harder to enable state parties to succeed, and give people a reason to be interested. Providing encouragement and better access to the kind of party leaders who would excite state meetings was something Ellison felt would be a good way to grow the party.

Winning in 2018

I noted to Representative Ellison that one of the concerns I had revolved around emails I, and others, received promoting his candidacy. The emails did not originate from his campaign, but from supporters who were backing his candidacy. Some, who promoted Representative Ellison, followed up by noting that he would help us “throw out” those who are not properly progressive. I cautioned: “You know, Heidi Heitkamp, Claire McCaskill, they aren’t going anywhere. They aren’t everything we want, but they are better than being strongly opposed to us.”

I found Representative Ellison understood you sometimes have to take the candidate that wins, and most importantly, the role of the DNC Chair is not to play favorites. The Chair does not represent the electorate of any one state, but welcomes all those elected.

“We have to be a party that grows, that doesn’t happen by making people who are with us feel unwelcome.”

Ellison continued: “We have to recruit the right kind of candidates that can bring the Democratic message to more voters, so that our party grows, cycle after cycle.”

On fundraising

Joking, I noted, “I know you have to be looking forward to all the call time.” Fundraising would be easier and more successful with a chair that would be seen as hard working and involved every day, he contended. “I can guarantee you, I will put the work in.”

Discussing the fundraising required, Ellison’s key strategy was to make the party feel as though money put into the DNC was well invested. Part of that, from his perspective, is making sure people see results through his actions and those around him. It will be an easier sell to have donors interested in the party, if the party is seen as aggressively working to improve.

Candidate recruitment

“It’s hard to pickup a Republican fumble if you don’t have anyone on the ballot to pick it up,” he contended. We discussed efforts of the Kansas Democratic Party to field as many candidates as possible. “Spreading the field means you can sometimes get lucky where you shouldn’t, but you also, at least, force the other side to compete. It gives Democratic Party members a reason to turn out.”

Ellison’s words mirror my beliefs on this, which, obviously, could be a sign of good legwork and research on behalf of his staff, but having spoken with him before, I tend to believe he embraces this as a philosophy.

This renewed commitment to a party that fights for the entire field will be attractive to many. States and activists recognize that speaking of a 50-state strategy is far different than actually putting a 50-state strategy into practice.

Keeping the knowledge base strong

When I was fielding questions, Ellison expressed concerns about taking tools learned in rural races, in several states, and migrating them elsewhere. He asked directly: what are the biggest obstacles ahead? What should the DNC do to help make those obstacles something your state can deal with?

One of the key concerns I have is making sure small states, and states with a minimal budgets, have a way to hold onto successful executive directors. These members of party staff have a tendency to quickly rise through the ranks and leave behind small markets. “We need a way to pay these people enough, so it is worth them staying; that isn’t just Kansas, a lot of states are struggling with this problem.”

Representative Ellison listened, thought about it, and had some thoughtful responses about where our direction should go. Because those responses used names and details, I will not describe them here, but I found them well considered.

“States can grow with people who will stay and fight for them. The party I believe in thinks that is true everywhere in America.”

The state of the DNC race

Representative Ellison was willing to directly address a few concerns I had, especially in relationship with the role of the chair. He also brought forward new insights toward the way the party structure could work to benefit rank and file members.

There is little doubt that Representative Ellison is taking the race seriously and believes strongly that he can provide a new direction for the party, which embraces a vast membership and can reflect different viewpoints.

I informed other candidates I would be willing to interview contenders to make sure their point was also available to the full membership of the party.