While tomorrow is the mid-term election that we've all been working so hard for, November 7th is also the first day that candidates for 2007 local elections can begin circulating petitions for ballot access.
That means as one election ends, another one literally begins.
That is why November 8th is just as important as November 7th. The long-term goal of the 50 State Strategy is to rebuild the Democratic Party from the ground up, in all 50 states. That also means running candidates at every level and in as many districts as progressives can -- as Bowers, Markos, and Howard Dean have noted many times over (and been ridiculed for).
...flip...
For me, I will be running for re-election to my local park district board. I'm coming up on the end of my first term and have had a thoroughly enjoyable experience (made better by the fact that the 5 member board and staff enjoy good relations and build up each others' strengths and knowledge). My first four years on the park board have seen trememdous change for our local park district, and if re-elected the next four may be just as interesting.
I know our heads are focused on tomorrow for the moment, but we each need to think about Wednesday and Thursday and every other day after tomorrow also.
I'll be posting as much as I can about my experiences in running for re-election to a local board, and will probably be asking Kossacks for help here and there. But that will be for another day.
Win or lose tomorrow, the 50 State Strategy does not end. It is a long-term strategy (not a short-term fix) so it cannot end.
Keep that in mind as you work the phones, walk precincts, or monitor polling stations on Tuesday. Wednesday is another day, and the start of another election season.
(If you would like info on running in local elections, see this DKosopedia entry. For Illinoisans, the state specific info is here or feel free to email me if you have questions.)