Without Voter Confidence it is almost impossible to achieve any sort of political agreement. As the Dems barrel down the road to the National Convention we may lose large numbers of passionate people is we do not protect the integrity of our caucus and primary votes.
It is time for the DNC to lead on this issue within our own party. It is not enough to protect our vote only in November. Every vote is precious and Howard Dean of all people knows this. So what is the DNC going to do?
It was not so long ago when Howard Dean was in the caucus trenches fighting for the party nomination. So I have to ask, "where is Dean now?" when I hear about caucus irregularities and allegations of voter disenfranchisement.
"Few issues are more central to safeguarding our democracy than ensuring public confidence in the integrity of our election process."
March 20, 2007
Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean and DNC Voting Rights Institution Chair Donna Brazile
I could not agree more. So what is the DNC doing to protect the vote at the caucus and primary level? Not much as far as I can tell.
In Iowa, it was Clinton crying foul and accusing Obama and Edwards supporters of dirty tricks. There were allegations of Republicans "quick voting" and then registering in the Democratic caucus.
Dennis Kucinich is paying for the recount in New Hampshire. Not because he thinks he will win, but because he wants to expose the irregularities in the mostly Diebold system. Official New Hampshire Secretary of State recount data does show unexplained disparities in the hand recount. And yet the DNC is silent.
"Our democracy depends on voters having confidence that their voice is heard when they cast their ballot," said DNC Chairman Howard Dean. "The professional and thorough work of our team indicates that voters’ confidence in the system is declining – and for good reason. I look forward to reviewing the proposed reforms and working with federal, state and local lawmakers across America to implement these improvements and restore voter confidence in the electoral process and our
democracy."
There are more than 200 official complaints of caucus irregularities in Nevada now being reported by the Obama campaign. thereisnospoon covers the irregularities being reported better than I can.
All I want to know is where is the Leadership? Voter Confidence (or the lack thereof) could be the end of the Dem momentum for 2008. Do you really think all these passionate, inspired voters are going to agree on a candidate if they think the primaries are rigged? Will the DNC at least attempt to protect our vote amongst ourselves?
Brazile? Dean? Anyone?