Democrats stand for so much it is often difficult for us to clearly explain it to others. That got me to thinking about what it is that the Democratic Party stands for that makes me so proud to be a Democrat. Proud even when, despite the largest congressional majorities in memory, so many of our representatives suffer from SLOSS, Sudden Loss of Spine Syndrome. This syndrome causes our party great harm because it prevents us from showing the American people what we stand for. Instead all they see is gridlock in Washington and they cannot understand why Democrats aren't doing more. Democrats and Americans as a whole are frustrated, we all want action but are seeing none.
Now, you and I know that the reason for the gridlock is because of the non-stop Republican obstructionism machine. As soon as President Obama was elected, the power obsessed GOP strategized on the best way to make Obama look bad, regardless of its impact on the American people. Unfortunately, many Americans don't get this. The fact that the Republican efforts to derail any and all attempts at moving America forward is not more widely understood by Americans is a totally other issue though.
The heart of the matter is that Democrats could be doing more to outflank the Republicans and get legislation passed, but the party is stymied by weak Democrats who scream "How high?" when Republicans yell "Jump".
Howard Dean told us that we have the power. Barack Obama showed us that yes, we can. I'm so proud to be a Democrat and so concerned about the health of our party that I decided that I do have the power and yes I can help make America great again. And the best way for us to take hold of our party and steer us back on course is to start running for office and making the party stronger from the ground up.
That's why I've decided to run for Los Angeles County Democratic Central Committee representing the 47th Assembly District. For those who don't know the Democratic Central Committee is essentially the governing body of the LA County Democratic Party. Probably the most important role of members of the Democratic Central Committee is voting which candidates to endorse in elections spanning the city, county, state and federal level.
This is the reason why it is so important to have strong, progressive Democrats in the Central Committee. We could be the difference between electing the next Alan Grayson instead of the next Bart Stupak.
So please, If you are tired of weak Democrats standing in the way of progress stand with me as I take the first steps on the road to strengthening our party. It really is up to us.
Please feel free to check out the campaign website at www.johnjgraff.com and also spare 30 seconds to watch our first web ad: