So, I'm going to my first local Dem party caucuses mtg tomorrow...

[Emit]

Anybody know what I might expect? Are they run of the mill? Are they generally the same from state to state, town to town? Is it just a formality? Should I give 'em hell? Any advice?

[crispini]

1. Wildly different from town to town.

Enjoy, observe, you'll find out who the power players are pretty quickly by keeping your eyes open.

[Emit]

5. Okay, thanks, I'll take that advice...

I'll keep my eyes and ears open and get a feel for what goes down.

[saltpoint]

2. No advice, but how about accepting some thanks?

Thank you for being a part of the process in a living democracy.

And congratulations, too.

[Emit]

7. Much appreciated! Didn't expect that reply

and it's really encouraging, so thanks!

[upi402]

3. mine is lame

with all the tremendous issues threatening democracy in America...

they were 100% stuck on allowing illegals into the US to work.
:shrug:
and this in the run up to the 2004 election!
WTF???

[Emit]

8. Yikes

I do have those types of concerns, too, actually. I did some volunteer work during the '04 elections, so I know a few of these folks. A couple of weeks before Bush's* inauguration, the lady that runs the office emailed out a letter asking for donations to send one of our local high school bands to DC to march at the inauguration. Now understand, had this been any other election, under 'normal' circumstances, I could see her point. After all, the office of president is to be respected. But, under the circumstances, I was floored, especially since it coincided with the election fraud stuff I was following so intently in Ohio and elsewhere.

Maybe I'm expecting too much; maybe they can only handle what's in front of them -- the local stuff or the stuff that filters down from above. I just don't really know for sure, being new to politics and never having gone to one of these caucus meetings. I'll be curious what others have to say.

[SharonAnn]

4. Don't give 'em hell. At least they might be trying to do something.

Save that for those who sit at home whining. Give THEM hell.

And, ask how you can help. Most Dem parties need people who will really, truly help. Not just complainers.

And, congratulations! I think you'll find it encouraging..

[Emit]

6. Thanks

I didn't really expect that I'd literally give 'em hell -- although, in smaller crowds I can get pretty vocal and I do feel pretty pumped right now, with all the news these last few days. But I suspect I'll do more listening than talking. I'm kinda shy in large crowds. I have no idea what I'm walking into -- how many people, who runs the show, etc.

But, I will definitely take your advice. I've already told one of our State Assembly candidates that I'd do whatever he needs, and I'm pretty good at motivating people.