The Washington Post today wrote a little bit about what's starting to be pretty embarrassing for the District: its new "claim" to the first Democratic primary in the country.
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The District will still hold its usual Feb. 10 caucus, in which delegates will be chosen. The Jan. 13 event is a publicity stunt to get attention for home rule, what's known as a nonbinding "beauty contest." Democratic National Committee rules don't forbid such events but frown upon them and discourage candidates from participating. So ultimately it's up to them.
First of all, it's unfortunate (to say the least) that the coverage this is getting IN WASHINGTON appears in the Post's Style section (as well put together as it may be.) It's written up as if nobody takes this thing seriously. The Post usually gives more consideration to home rule arguments, it's a shame they're looking down their nose at this effort.
Also, it appears as if the DNC bigwigs (McAuliffe is mentioned by name) think this thing is a total embarrassment. Excuse me, isn't DC like, a Democratic STRONGHOLD? Wouldn't the DNC only stand to GAIN from DC getting a little more recognition? Doesn't anybody love Elenor Holmes Norton as much as I do?
Finally, and this is my big sticking point, the PURPOSE of this primary is to raise awareness of DC home rule. Are there really still people in this country who oppose it? I'd like to see people in Utah be told, "Sorry, Orrin Hatch is a great guy and we really respect him, but we're taking away his voting power in the Senate! While we're at it, you can take back the rest of your congressional delegation. Somebody else is gonna get to make decisions for you for awhile. If they don't get to you? Tough luck!"
How does the rest of the country poll on DC statehood/home rule? Have my years of living in the shadow of DC colored my thinking so much as to put me out of touch, or do people really love that whole "Taxation without Representation" thing?
-Jake
