posted on December 2, 2003 05:29:28 AM new
Last night after returning from a fundraising event, I received an email from my State Rep. In this email, he asked that I complete a Declaration of Candidacy to become a delegate to the Democratic National Convention. He also explained the process which is quite long and a bit confusing.
From what I understand, Ohio will elect 91 delegates to the Democratic National Convention from the 18 congressional districts. Since Ohio is a primary state, it will be the March 2nd Democratic Primary that determines how many delegations
pledged to Kucinich will be sent to the national convention. In every
congressional district in which Kucinich receives 15% or more of the vote,
we will receive some delegates. On Monday, January 12, 2004,at 7 PM there will be a caucus meeting in each congressional district to give candidates the opportunity to choose candidates for delegate to the National Convention. It is at this caucus meeting that the delegates will be elected.
Has anyone ever done this? I'm confused on the caucus meeting part of it. Does anyone know all that will be required of me should I be elected as a delegate for my congressional district?
I'm leaning strongly toward doing this and any advice from anyone out there would be most helpful!
posted on December 2, 2003 06:06:21 AM new
You will be required to wear some riduculously silly hat, attend numerous parties, endure endless schmoozing long winded speeches and the inevitable balloon drop. On the other hand, you take part in an important aspect of the election process and have many a story to tell to your granddaughter when she reaches her teens and becomes politically aware.
I think you would be wonderful Cheryl. I would do it in a minute and can only hope that those that represent my area are as experienced in real world issues as you are.
~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~ ~~~
If it's really "common" sense, why do so few people actually have it?
posted on December 2, 2003 06:26:51 AM new
LOL on fenix's take on what you'll wear and do.
But having said that.....
[i]In every
congressional district in which Kucinich receives 15% or more of the vote, we will receive some delegates[/i]. I don't think you have to worry about being called to go then, with the 15% requirement....at least from what I've read of this numbers.
But should you go?....yes, IF your Mr. K gets enough votes....a history making event.....you'd be a GREAT example to your granddaugter about how important it is we become involved in our political process.
posted on December 2, 2003 07:26:43 AM new
Hey, Linda. That's okay. Everyone is entitled to their opinion. Where I have the advantage is that I'm in the 11th Congressional District and that's Dennis' district. 15% will be a breeze here.
fenixo3
Silly hats. I can do that. In fact, I can get really, really silly when I have to. I'm already accused of being an "out there" dresser. I have a habit of wearing what I like no matter what everyone else may be wearing.
I don't know how Dennis does it all. He's not neglected his congressional duties, he's campaigning and he's assisting our Mayor Cambell. As you may know, the City of Cleveland is in a great financial bind. With the loss of two major steel companies (LTV and Midland) in recent years, the city has lost a large part of its tax base. That and the fact that the previous mayor seems to have "lost" money somewhere. Friday night a local hospital closed its doors in the middle of the night. Without notice to anyone, they moved all patients out at night in the snow. Imagine being a child going to visit your mother in the hospital only to find the hospital's doors locked. Family members were never notified. Dennis is now working with Mayor Campbell to sue the hospital. Turns out there is a city ordinance that requires hospitals to give a 90-day notice before closing their doors.
Well, now Mayor Campbell wants to impose a restaurant tax to pay for a new convention center. I would not object to the tax if it were to bail the city out of its financial troubles. But, tell me, how many conventions will a dying city actually host?
posted on December 2, 2003 07:36:20 AM new
Oh good....that makes me feel better.
I also hear your Mr. K has quite a few internet ladies working towards the goal of becoming MRS. K.??
And on the steel plants.........does that mean your Mr. K supports continuing the steel tariffs that Bush now has in place, but is really considering removing?
[ edited by Linda_K on Dec 2, 2003 07:36 AM ]
posted on December 2, 2003 07:47:33 AM new
Dennis does support the tariffs. He also supports ending NAFTA and the WTO, and reworking it so that we benefit from it. He strongly condemns those companies leaving the US for foreign lands so that they may exploit their workers. Here's how I look at his views: He's not just about workers' rights, gay rights, womens' rights, racial equality and the like - he's about HUMAN rights. He's for the fundamental idea that all persons on this planet are born with the right to be treated equally and fairly. Hmm, not a new concept. Seems to me our founding fathers wished for the same thing. He's very concerned about manufacturing in this country and fears what lifting the tariffs will do. He's not alone.
Where Dennis may be too liberal even for me on some issues, he's not unbending and that's part of why I stand with him. If the American people shout a resounding NO, he'll listen. He believes that America is made up of people not just corporations. It's the people that make America what she is. The people of this country and their ideals are what made us the greatest country in the world. Not the Haliburtons or the Enrons of this country. It would be a shame to totally lose sight of that.
I don't know how serious the dating thing is. He doesn't have the time, which is why he's divorced. His political career is too important to him. I think it was actually started by a local radio station that pulls these stunts all the time. We may be better off with someone single in the White House - no obvious distractions. While having a First Lady is a nice concept, it might be even nicer to know that its our elected President running the show and not his wife.
posted on December 2, 2003 07:57:06 AM new
This will be a great experience for you, Cheryl! With your firm Democratic conviction and knowledge, you will be a great asset to Kucinich!!!
Good luck to you and your candidate!
Any one of the Democratic contenders will leave the shrub back on the ranch.
posted on December 3, 2003 04:58:11 AM new
Not to knock Kucinich, but I wonder if ANY unmarried person could ever win the presidency...
___________________________________
The Republicans are the party that says government doesn't work and then gets elected and proves it.
-- P. J. ORourke (Holidays in hell, 1989)
That's an interesting question. IMO, we may have missed out on great presidents because they were too short, not handsome enough, too skinny, too fat, unmarried, divorced, etc. Sadly, we are still a society that judges on values we ourselves no longer uphold. I think it's about time for people to grow up and judge on merit, not on looks or marital status.
posted on December 3, 2003 07:19:15 AM new
My point exactly...Carol Mosely Brown (sp?) impresses me greatly, but I don't think this country would any more elect a black woman president than it would a latino, a jew, or a gay person....sad.
___________________________________
The Republicans are the party that says government doesn't work and then gets elected and proves it.
-- P. J. ORourke (Holidays in hell, 1989)
posted on December 3, 2003 07:52:24 AM new
James Buchanan, was unmarried.
Grover Cleveland was unmarried when elected, and was married while in office. Censorship, like charity, should begin at home; but unlike charity, it should end there --Clare Booth Luce
posted on December 3, 2003 10:07:54 AM new
Cheryl, I think this is a wonderful opportunity and expeirence for you to participate in, something that you believe in! Congrats!
As for being single as President, or no Jews, Latinos etc, I think there was an agnostic or similiar, (I only bring this up because most Presidents claimed or were Christians of one denomination or the other)I think it was Thomas Jefferson. (but I've been plenty wrong before )
Wanna Take a Ride? Art Bell is Back! Weekends on C2C-www.coasttocoastam.com
posted on December 3, 2003 10:17:55 AM new
bunni - One of the many reasons I enjoy you posting here....you're always so resourceful.
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profe - I don't think this country would any more elect a black woman president than it would a latino, a jew, or a gay person....sad.
I disagree with that statement. But they'd most likely have to be a democrat and a liberal for that to happen in the near future.
I'd bet Condi Rice could give a democrat a run for their money. I'd love to see hillary and Condi run against each other in 2008. We'd have our first woman president, and a black one at that...all at the same time. AND another republican in the White House.
And if democrats won't even allow latinos to be given a chance [read - go to a vote] because they're conservatives....that doesn't have to do with race, but rather politics.
posted on December 3, 2003 11:47:07 AM new
I once admired Colin Powell and that was BEFORE he became a turn coat. Now when I speak to many African Americans their comments are the same . . . Colin Powell and Condi Rice have put a black mark on their race. They feel strongly that because they Rice and Powell) cannot be trusted and have lied it has damaged other African American's chances. I don't know how much of that I agree with, though. I'm hoping most Americans are not that judgemental.
posted on December 3, 2003 11:57:33 AM new
On the other hand, I am hoping that Americans are knowledgeable about who they vote for. The African Americans that you spoke to, obviously are.
posted on December 3, 2003 12:23:56 PM newAnd if democrats won't even allow latinos to be given a chance [read - go to a vote] because they're conservatives....that doesn't have to do with race, but rather politics.
And if Dems forced a vote because the candidates are latinos, they'd be decried as affirmative action racists...go figure
___________________________________
The Republicans are the party that says government doesn't work and then gets elected and proves it.
-- P. J. ORourke (Holidays in hell, 1989)
posted on December 3, 2003 01:05:55 PM newAnd if Dems forced a vote because the candidates are latinos, they'd be decried as affirmative action racists...go figure
LOL....profe
No need for the Dems to force anything....qualifications are all that are necessary....and being given a CHANCE for an up or down vote to take place....not race. But the dems, in congress, don't even want any other races given a chance IF they're conservative thinkers....NO>>>> only latino/black liberals....FORGET their qualifications.
posted on December 3, 2003 01:16:18 PM newNo need for the Dems to force anything....qualifications are all that are necessary....and being given a CHANCE for an up or down vote to take place....not race. But the dems, in congress, don't even want any other races given a chance IF they're conservative thinkers....NO>>>> only latino/black liberals....FORGET their qualifications.
No question the Dems are behaving that way, it's a good thing the republicans, including their President, aren't. I'm sure the reason there aren't more moderate to liberal people up for Presidential nomination is because there aren't any qualified, I'm sure it's not politics on the administration's part!
___________________________________
The Republicans are the party that says government doesn't work and then gets elected and proves it.
-- P. J. ORourke (Holidays in hell, 1989)
posted on December 3, 2003 01:26:36 PM new
profe - Here's a reversal if I ever saw one. But only the reps lie....
True colors, shining through:
"We will fight to fill the vacancies on the federal bench to make sure we have enough judges to promptly decide all cases and to end Republican delays in the Senate that have kept qualified nominees, especially women and minorities, waiting literally for years for a Senate vote." --2000 Democrat Party Platform
posted on December 3, 2003 01:30:49 PM newI'm sure the reason there aren't more moderate to liberal people up for Presidential nomination is because there aren't any qualified, I'm sure it's not politics on the administration's part.
Not clear here....are you referring to the 9 democratic candidates? If you are, what politics on the administration's side are you referring to?
posted on December 3, 2003 02:13:36 PM new
Cheryl - Something for you to check out when you have some 'spare' time.
Dennis made the statement about what he'd be looking for in a wife....and some took the ball and ran with it. This website shows the 80 women, and their qualifications , who are currently in the competition for a date with him.
editing 'cause it might help if I include the link...
Wow, talk about a wide range of individuals. I see there is a 20 year old in the mix. While you may not agree with his politics, he's a very kind man. I've met with him several times and he is passionate in his beliefs, to say the least. Once people get to know who he really is, he has no trouble making allies.
posted on December 4, 2003 03:53:18 AM new
Cheryl, It would be an honor to be a delegate for your chosen representative and party.
Certainly it would be a great learning experience.
On the other hand,
Unless Dennis can part the Ohio River and walk across, feed his flock with a loaf of bread and a fish (may just have enough for seconds here) or find a cure for all the worlds ills, I dont see him getting enough votes.
Congrads,
Amen,
Reverend Colin
Sadly I have to agree. However, my boyfriend and I were talking last night and think he'd make a fabulous Vice-President. We are all aware of how much power the Vice-President has. But to who is the question I keep asking myself. I cannot, being a stout Democrat, vote for Bush. Even if I were a Republican I would not vote for Bush. Dean? I have some serious reservations there. The "General" is a definite out. He's a Democrat wannabe.
