We preened and patted each other on the back when the results of rising up and insisting that the voters be heard was made manifest in November, last. We strutted and proclaimed, "We have taken back the Democratic Party! We are a voice to be reckoned with. They will never ignore us again!!"
Well don't look now but, they think they have us right where we were before 2007.
Remember when Howard Dean took over the Party? That was a Grass Roots effort. Look what has happened now. Tim Kane has stated flatly that the 50 state strategy is of little interest to him. Back to the old system...
Terry McAuliffe, the most "insider" of all insiders, is trying to buy the Governorship of Virginia, with all of the weight of the Party and the Big Wigs, and their limitless cash stash, behind him. Back to the old system...
I have no particular passion for any candidate in the Primary Election in Virginia, scheduled for June 5th.
Creigh Deedsis a bit conservative for my taste, but in this purple state he has to be.
Jim Moran, who currently represents the 8th District, has a brother, Brian Moran. They plan to make it a family business.
The Morans have been around the Beltway, and the game, a bit too long for my taste.
But, Terry McAuliffe is the most remarkable example of the kind of Democratic politics that kept us in the wilderness for 12 years. A favorite of the Professional Politicians, a well greased palm, a mover and shaker, whose only claim to Virginia is his home on the fringes of the very power center we thought we had overthrown.
All of our high 5's, all of our glee, and all of our pride in the power of the netroots/grassroots to effect the political climate in America is being quietly put to the test in an obscure primary in early June. The Players are watching closely. They know that our energy is directed elsewhere, we are strapped for cash, and we tend to overlook the less sexy and less high profile races, unless someone waves a red flag.
McAuliffe has very carefully kept a low profile. He is all over the Commonwealth, schmoozing and smiling. Not offending anyone. The perfect pol. And he will likely win the Primary.
So, once again, the Power Brokers will have selected a Candidate (No doubt for his loyalty.) and foisted that candidate off on the unsuspecting voters.
And the netroots, failing to scream, "Fire", will diminish in the political calculations of DC. We will become just another "interest group" to be stoked when needed and ignored when the business of government is at hand.
I am saddened by this.
I know that we have a lot on our plates. With Cheney defending torture, Max Baucus having medical professional arrested for speaking out on health care, and the President failing to move swiftly enough on climate change, and ending the wars.
But under the radar I fear we are returning to politics as usual.
"FIRE!!"