Should we counter the DLC with an organization that caters to the left?

[Sean Reynolds]

I mean the DLC caters to the moderate vote, maybe it's about time someone create an organization that caters to the left-wing of the party? The Democratic Leadership Council wants to pull the party toward the center. I think we need to combat that with an organization that wants to pull the party to the left.

It is my opinion the DLC is abandoning the true ideology of the Democratic Party. What would they have said if they were around when Roosevelt ran for president? "He's too liberal to win, we need someone that is more center!"

Or what about Kennedy and Johnson? "The Democratic Party doesn't need to bring Civil Rights to the floor. It's an issue that will alienate our white, conservative Democrats."

Yep, I think it's time we try pushing the Democratic Party toward the left - NOT center.

[StandWatie]

1. it's not votes..

the DLC swings money, and probably more money than people power can start to challenge.

See, the people the DLC cater to aren't even really spending their money, they are paying the Legislature to give them more money than they are paying them but just out of the treasury in the form of subsidies, tax breaks and the like so I don't think normal people can ever compete in that arena :shrug:

[BurtWorm]

2. That's why Wellstone started his organization I think

21st Century Democrats. Harkin is a prominent member.


http://www.21stcenturydems.org/about/

2002 Endorsed Candidates

Senate Targets
Iowa: Senator Tom Harkin
Maine: Chellie Pingree (challenger; Susan Collins-R)
Minnesota: Walter Mondale
South Dakota: Senator Tim Johnson

Gubernatorial Targets
New Hampshire: Mark Fernald (open seat)
Vermont: Doug Racine (open seat)

Congressional Targets
Raul Grijalva (AZ 07)
Mike Feeley (CO 07)
Joe Courtney (CT 02)
Jim Marshall (GA 03)
Mel Fox (IN 06)
Julie Thomas (IA 02)
John Norris (IA 04)
Dario Herrera (NV 03)
Martha Fuller Clark (NH 01)
Richard Romero (NM 01)
Tim Bishop (NY 01)
Earl Pomeroy (ND At-Large)
Dan Wofford (PA 06)
Edward O'Brien (PA 15)
Stephanie Herseth (SD At-Large)

State Legislative Targets
Colorado State Senate
Iowa State House and State Senate
Michigan State Senate
Michigan House Candidate Andrew Meisner
Oklahoma State Senate Candidate Joe Smith
Oregon State House and State Senate
Vermont State House

Local Candidate Targets
Maryland- Talbot County Council Candidate Hope Harrington
Maryland- Talbot County Council Candidate Hilary Spence
Maryland- Howard County Council Candidate Kenneth Ulman
Ohio- Franklin County Treasurer Candidate Richard Cordray

[alaine]

3. Yeah, and let's call it the "Democratic Party" (n/t)

[Armstead]

4. There are

Progressive Majority
http://www.progressivemajority.org/

Progressive Majority has a clear and bold purpose: To elect progressive champions who will help change the direction of this country. We will do this by building a nationwide member network that will provide much-needed early support to progressive candidates - helping them to win elections and bring our values back into the halls of government.

Progressive Majority is your one-stop connection to innovative and idealistic candidates working to build a practical — and progressive — future. Progressive Majority will foster the emergence of a talented "farm team" of future progressive leaders and decision-makers in Washington, DC and in the states. We know it's not going to happen overnight. But it can happen with disciplined strategies, determination and yes, your dollars.

It's time to turn up the heat. Progressive Majority members need to lead the way against the anti-worker, anti-family, anti-environmental agenda being pushed by the Bush Administration and the conservatives who control Congress. But that's not all. Progressives must also challenge and embolden Democrats to fight against the conservative tide in Washington, DC and state legislatures throughout the country.

--------------------

Also Campaign for America's Future
http://www.ourfuture.org/

About the Campaign for America's Future and Institute for America's Future
The Campaign for America's Future (CAF) is a center of progressive strategy, organizing and issue campaigns. CAF anchors a progressive leadership network, enlisting leaders at the national, state and local levels to build a more just and democratic society. The Campaign is leading the fight about America's priorities - against privatization of Social Security, for investment in energy independence, good jobs and a sustainable economy, for affordable health care and more.

The Institute for America's Future (IAF) is a center of non-partisan research and education. Drawing on a network of scholars, activists and leaders across the country, IAF develops policy ideas, educational materials and outreach programs. IAF focuses on kitchen-table concerns such as economic security, retirement security, health and safety on the job, clean water and safe food. IAF provides a growing network of progressive writers, leaders and activists with timely facts, ideas, and sound arguments through an active web page and email network.

[Sean Reynolds]

6. Thanks for the link.

I'll check 'em out.

[liberalnurse]

5. I am for us all coming together.....

and beating the *regime.....one goal at a time.