Speaker Thomas P. "Tip" O'Neill's most famous and oft-quoted phrase was, of course, "All politics is local." After the results of the Nov. 2nd elections, though it might not be immediately apparent, this phrase takes on more significance than ever today. In order to reverse the gains made by Republicans on Nov. 2nd, we must begin a bottom-up realignment of government, starting at the state and local level. This is how the Republicans have managed to gain control and it is a blueprint for how we get to a Democratic majority.
From Stateline.org:
As a result, political party control of legislatures for 2005 stands dead even. Republicans and Democrats each will control both legislative chambers in 19 states, and power will be split between the parties in 11 statehouses.
The actual numbers of legislators:
In an election analysis Nov. 4, the National Conference of State Legislatures projected that a historic 64-seat advantage that Republicans earned in nationwide legislative races in 2002 has been wiped out and that Democrats now hold a razor-thin advantage.
You can get the NCSL analysis here.
The states in question:
By the slimmest of margins, Democrats claimed the most political chamber switches of the night. Based on unofficial results, the Democrats won the Colorado House, Colorado Senate, Montana Senate, North Carolina House, Oregon Senate, Vermont House, Washington Senate. In the case of the Colorado and Washington chambers, the margin of victory is only one seat, and recounts are expected in several districts.
Republicans continued to make gains in the South, claiming the Georgia House, Oklahoma House and Tennessee Senate. The also wrested the Indiana House from the Democrats.
The reason I mention all of this is because those in control of state governments heavily influence all things federal. The things that state governments control that are of great importance are the following:
1)Redistricting. This obviously has the largest effect. Redrawing district lines has the most far-reaching consequences (see also Texas, State of) on both statewide and congressional legislative races.
2)Vote-counting. We will never have a reliable vote system that makes sure all votes are counted unless we do it state by state. HAVA on the national level turned out to be a sick joke for voters. Paperless balloting will persist and unsecured voting technology will continue to be used unless Democrats do something about it in each state.
3)Political climate. Karl Rove brilliantly played us for saps by lulling as to sleep on the issue of gay marriage. While Dubya was not particularly vigorous on the issue, Rove convinced the state Republican parties of 11+ states to put the issue on the ballot. This is precisely the reason that so many "morality" voters came out to vote this time. And it cost us dearly. Controlling state governments could help set the tone, state by state, for national races.
4)Farm team. The key to any good sports team is a deep bench. State government provides a "training ground" for national candidates. It's clear from the fact that 4 of the last 5 presidents spanning nearly 20 years have been governors. Many US Senators began their careers as state legislators. Contesting these races will be crucial
We are on the verge of taking an advantage in state legislatures across the country. Every state we control is a huge advantage for the reasons outlined above and it helps our side tremendously. But it's not sexy, and it's hard work.
So how do we do it? Well, the answer is organization and good candidate recruitment. State and local parties need to be given the resources to compete. The viral nature of Democratic fundraising this cycle will lend itself to that, but it must be coordinated in a massive way so that resources go where they will do the most good.
Candidate recruitment will be the other key. Many people who would be good candidates for office are disillusioned with politics. They must be convinced to run for office.
How can YOU get started? Go to your state party's website and get involved. (The DNC website can direct you to the right URL.) Find out how to run for office and DO IT! Start local and work your way up. Support good, Democratic candidates in primaries and fight like hell for them in generals
We need this. We need this in a big way. It's below the radar, so it won't get you on MSNBC, but it will get a Democrat in the Speaker's Office, the Maj. Leader's Office, and the Oval Office. Let's get to work.