Running as a Democrat in the reddest district in the country taught me a lot, such as "never wage a land war in Asia," and "never use your own money." My wounds are healing now, and my dentist says oral surgery after getting my teeth kicked in actually improved my appearance.
On election day, despite turning out more Democratic votes in the Ca-48 district than had ever been cast in an off year election, and beating registration by 12 points, I lost to an empty shirt by 20 points.
As I recuperate, I want to make a modest proposal.
If progressives want to see progress, we must institutionalize candidate training like the conservatives have. A prime example is http://leadershipinstitute.org. The Leadership Institute has a year round training program to groom candidates - and teach them how to be a candidate, train campaign workers, and prepare interns. Why don't the Progressives provide a similar training ground? I know D.F.A. conducted some events around the country, and gave hour long "night schools," and Wellstone tries, but if you compare those attempts with what the Leadership Institute offers, we are not even in the sport, much less the same league.
We do not have a seven-day, 12-hour a day candidate training program like the Leadership Institute offers. We don't have a week long campaign leadership program. Where do we offer a week long course in dealing with the media? You can't play if you haven't trained, or lack necessary equipment, and have never practiced. My campaign did better than anyone expected, and it is due to the great work of a dedicated grass roots base using retail politics, but it was not enough for this area.
So my wish, my modest proposal, my plea for the new year is, "Level the playing field." Let's see the DCCC do more than send e-mail contribution solicitations. It is time to challenge the Repubs by offering a comparable set of courses or I fear the incoming Democratic majority will prove but a flash in the pan.
