The Green Party in Minneapolis has a long history of working with individuals
from other groups and other political parties including Progressive Minnesota,
Reform, Grassroots, Independence as well the DFlers and Republicans. We have
certainly had members from all parties working on a number of our campaigns. I
also know that as individuals Green Party members have also worked on a number
of other peoples and other parties campaigns. Most of us "old timers" also came
to the Greens with lots of "prior party expereience."
At present, the state party platform actually supports a law change to allow
multiple endorsements (fusion, or cross endorsements) in partison elections
provided that each party would have its own ballot line. We have also worked
very hard to keep our doors open for new members from every party and for an
openness to cross endorsement in municipal nonpartison races. All are welcome.
Our membership and our endorsement process is open. I know in the last
municiple election we endorsed at least three candidates who also were endorsed
by another party.
Still, as outgoing chair of the Minneapolis chapter I know that this has been an
issue of a great of discussion this winter. I think that members probably hold
the full range of views on cross endorsement. As time goes by I don't doubt
that a number of people will step forward seeking cross endorsements and I
suspect some will earn the Green endorsement even if cross endorsed.
As a candidate for city council seeking the Green Party endorsement, I know that
I will not be seeking the endorsment of other major parties, but I will be
seeking the endorsment of other groups and at least one smaller party. As a
Mpls. Green Party member I would be open to considering cross endorsements even
with mjor parties. I actually think that it would be healthy (as well as
challenging) for our party and for Minneapolis to have a variety of canididates
seeking endorsements from a variety of parties. I hope that both R.T. and Lisa
will consider seeking the Green Party endorsment and I would welcome them and
all of you to join our party and our efforts to bring principles of social and
economic justice, ecological wisdom, nonviolence, grassroots democracry and
respect for diversity to the foreforont of Minneapolis politics and government.
I hope that we can all stay open minded.
In peace and cooperation,
Cam
>
> For the record, the post-election mess in Florida PLUS the
> Democrats totally gutless reaction to it PLUS the likes of Wellstone
> and Russ Feingold saying they may vote for Ashcroft has made
> me---Resident List Critic of the Greens and The Notorious Bitch Who
> Shut The Door On That Poor Clean Water Action Nader Supporter-- more
> far, far, far more sympathetic to the Greens in a way that I wasn't
> pre-election.
> I still wish Minneapolis Greens and DFLers would consider
> cross-endorsements while remaining separate parties. I do understand
> David Shove's point about separate parties. But politics is about
> making alliances. If a candidate can be both Green and DFL, what's
> not to like?
> And who knows? The Republicans might actually nominate a
> somewhat viable candidate for mayor, as opposed to one of their usual
> lunatic fringe members. Does anyone remember the final percentage
> differences between Barbara Carlson and Sharon Sayles Belton? It
> wasn't exactly a nail-biting close one, but I remember Carlson's
> numbers were far higher than I would have predicted. So I think a
> more savvy, viable Republican candidate could easily win, especially
> if voters split between Greens and DFL. Which would mean we might as
> well directly deposit our city property taxes into the accounts
> receivable departments of the large corporations in town--it's all
> going to end up there anyways.
> Of course, one could argue this is exactly what happened on
> Sharon Sayles Belton's watch.
> Lordy, I'm sounding Greener by the moment.
> I think a feisty, charismatic, lay-it-on-the-line progressive
> candidate would be refreshing in ANY election, I don't care if they
> are Green or DFL. ( Especially in the upcoming governor's race. If's
> it's going to be Jesse versus Norm Coleman versus some drab DFL
> equivalent of Skip Humphrey, we're really going to need a blunt,
> funny Green candidate. But this is off-Minneapolis issues so forget I
> even said it.)
> Lynnell Mickelsen
> Ward 13. Linden Hills
>
>
>
>
> --
>
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Cam Gordon
914 Franklin Terrace
Mpls. MN 55406-1101
612 332-6210
Seward Neighborhood, Ward 2
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