Like nearly everyone else here, I've been thinking about what we can do to expand our base in the upcoming years. There are all sorts of pet theories floating around, most of them focused on some specific policy question.
But if the past couple of elections have shown us anything, it's that nothing takes the place of feet on the street. Dedicated, thoughtful supporters who are willing to devote time, energy and money to the cause.
It's a challenge, however, to organize those people in areas where Democrats are currently in the minority. Large portions of the South, expanded surburban areas, many states in the West.
So I would like to propose a straight-forward solution to the problem. It's not easy, but I believe it could be the single most effective move we could make in the next four years.
I call it "No District Left Behind."
One of the things we learned in 2004 was that it's important to support credible underdogs, even if they probably won't win the election. Strong candidates build a support base for the future, provide coat tails for party candidates in smaller races, and give the public a chance to hear "our side" of the issues.
Even better, a credible candidate forces incumbant Republicans to devote resources in their own district, rather than campaigning nationwide. It's a win-win situation for Democrats.
Which is why I am proposing "No District Left Behind." It's a plan to field a credible Democratic candidate in every congressional district in the U.S.
For too long, we have allowed many Republicans to essentially run unopposed, and that not only makes us appear weak, but doesn't give our supporters the opportunity to support a local congressional candidate.
Making a nationwide committment to this also shows every voter in the U.S. that we as a party are not writing off any district. That we intend to continue to be a national party, not one of just the "blue" states.
Rick Ellis
http://www.allyourtv.com/aviewfromcenter