The Democratic Party Has a Lesson to Learn from Oklahoma

[babylonsister]

http://www.esquire.com/news-politics/politics/news/a56278/oklahoma-democratic-victory/

The Democratic Party Has a Lesson to Learn from Oklahoma

Two new, blue seats in deep red districts.
By Charles P. Pierce
Jul 12, 2017


I attribute this news to the subliminal influence wrought over Oklahoma by the writings of Blog Covert Operative Friedman of the Plains. From NewsOK:


Michael Brooks will be the new state senator for District 44 in the southwest Oklahoma City metro area, beating Republican Joe Griffin. Brooks won with more than 54 percent of the vote. On Facebook, he thanked supporters and said the race was about teachers, budget cuts and families. "In our hearts, we know we're better than underfunded schools and underpaid teachers. We know we're better than a budget that places the burden on everyday Oklahomans," Brooks wrote. "We are better than families working two to three jobs just to make ends meet. We all believe we are better than this." Both unsuccessfully campaigned for the Legislature; Brooks sought the same seat in 2014 and Griffin lost a House race during last year's election. The Senate seat has been vacant since former state Sen. Ralph Shortey resigned amid child prostitution allegations.


And, also,


In Tulsa's House District 75, voters picked Karen Gaddis to replace former state Rep. Dan Kirby, who resigned following an investigation into sexual harassment claims made by a former assistant. Gaddis beat Tressa Nunley with more than 52 percent of the vote.


(Let us pause for a moment to say, "Ewwww, ick!" as to the circumstances under which both these seats came open.)

Were I DNC chairman Tom Perez, I'd be on a plane to Oklahoma this morning and I'd arrange a parade for these two people. This is the only way that the Democratic Party is going to come back with any lasting strength at all. Right here, at this level of government, is where it starts. This is where the farm system gets built. Both of these were dark red, Trump-majority districts and the Democratic Party is now 4-4 in flipping state legislature seats across the country. The wind, it appears, is coming right behind the rain.

[JI7]

1. That seems stupid. I think nationalizing smaller races can hurt

[Yavin4]

4. All politics are local.

You win on national levels by winning on local levels. That's where you establish your political philosophy and brand. The Democrats rely too heavily on the charisma of the candidate, campaign donations, and TV ads when familiarity with the candidate counts for so much more.

Ossoff lost because he was an unknown. It was hard for the voters to get a read on him because they didn't know him.

[DBoon]

6. That horse has already left the barn

The Koch's have been funneling funds into local elections for decades.

Right wing billionaires have absolutely no reluctance to nationalize local politics.

State legislatures are where gerrymandering takes place

[ProfessorPlum]

7. Your concern is noted

[mountain grammy]

11. That is, unfortunately, a concern.

Putting the spotlight on changing red districts will make some dig in their heels.. especially the churches. But we need to get the word out, this is possible. We have candidates who can win on common sense.

[redstatebluegirl]

2. Yes, we need to watch and learn.

Our party in Oklahoma has been energized by cuts to education, social services, senior services and higher ed. We have been knocking on doors, using social media to challenge the crazy people in our state. It seems to have worked.

[CanonRay]

9. Good for you!

[Runningdawg]

3. As great as these victories are

us Okies have a tendency to rest on our laurels. We need to keep this momentum!

[brooklynite]

5. Tell us...what's the lesson?

Run moderate, progressive or Berniecrat? Attack or ignore Trump? Keep it local or run on a national message?

[babylonsister]

8. See last para. He

recommends starting local at state level and building from there.

[CanonRay]

10. I ran for the DNC in 2008 (and lost)

on the idea that we needed a 3000 county strategy, not just a 50 state strategy.

[Akamai]

12. Bernie Sanders agrees with Charlie pierce!

On the Tom hartmann show this morning, Senator Sanders said that he does not believe that any areas are so red that they should be written off, And I sure agree with that.

There should be a Democratic present everywhere, this one form people what the stakes are in elections.

[pansypoo53219]

13. MAIN STREET, NOT WALL STREET.

better govt can happen. tax cuts are 'ENTITLEMENTS' for the 2%.