So...I get ready to walk down to the polls at the local high school and gather up my sample ballot and a flyer I recieved from, what I believed were, Democrats. Singing the little voting "jingle" nix on the first six...I glance down at the "handy dandy" guide provided on the flyer and then I notice.
The Handy Dandy "voter guide" had a vote Yes on Prop 78 and NO on Props 79 and 80.
Wait just a minute. I go back and check my email I received from the CA Democratic Party and, no, I wasn't mistaken....the CA Democratic Party says NO on 78 and endorses 79 and 80. But this "official" looking flyer with the "Vote Democratic" on the cover...with images of Dianne Feinstein and Phil Angelides saying Vote NO on 77. The Flyer with images of Presidents Truman, Roosevelt and Kennedy with the big letters VOTE DEMOCRATIC...The Democratic Party has always been the party of new ideas and strong leadership...was telling me to vote against two of the initiatives the CA Democratic Party was for.
What gives?
Inside the flyer it 'yells in print' ATTENTION DEMOCRATS! Prop 77 is a harmful, misguided effort to achieve reform. Join us in saying "NO on Proposition 77" and then lists Feinstein, Boxer, Lockyer, League of Women Voters, CA Democratic Party, CTA, CPF, Congress of CA Seniors, CNA, CA League of Conservation Voters, CAHP, CFT.
Well...that I agree with. I DO think this prop is misguided, and quite frankly, stupid...but two little boxes below this read:
Yes on Prop 78! (Californians for Affordable Prescriptions) This drug discount program will bring immediate help to millionsof Californians. It's the only proposal that delivers significant discounts to those in need. www.yesprop78.org
No on Prop 79! Nurses, patient groups and seniors oppose Prop 79! It won't deliver what it promises. We have a healthcare crisis in California, Prop 79 makes it worse. www.noprop79.org (Californians Against the Wrong Prescription)
Wow....opposite of what the Offical CA Democratic Party is suggesting.
Looking at the fine print, this thing was sent out by the Democratic Voters Choice, 601 S. Glenoaks Blvd., Suite 211, Burbank, CA 91502.
Searching the web on that address I came across an archived entry from Mayor Sam's Sister City re: outsourcing campaigns in Los Angeles races which led me to the political campaign manager name of Kindee Durkee of Durkee & Associates which on their site claim:
Campaigns to support or defeat the passage of a ballot measure or ballot initiative must follow campaign finance regulations much like a candidate running for office. We have worked to support the efforts of many ballot measure and initiative campaigns at both the state and local levels. Our political accounting and reporting experience will benefit you by ensuring your compliance with all applicable laws and allowing you to focus on your campaign. Our customizable service package will provide the right solution to your organization's needs.
Seems that Kindee is the Treasurer of many Democratic candidates and is even a treasurer of the West Side Democratic Club Organizing Commiteee (pdf)
She's listed in the CA Political Treasurers Org.
It looks like Kindee was also the Treasurer of LA County Democratic Party in 2003
So why is Kindee sending out something that looks like it is from the Democrats but goes against what the CA Democratic Party recommends?
I've called the CA Democratic Party in Los Angeles and spoke with a great gentleman who said it was odd and disconcerting and would look into it.
I've called the Democratic National Party and spoke with a young woman who thought it odd and a little disconcerting as well and said that she would look into it.
I've faxed a copy of the flyer to both.
Let's see what's the scoop.