On Mon, 04 Feb 2002 09:24:31 -0600, David Brauer feigned innocence:
"But wait! If the DFL is losing elections, why is Rep. Kahn's change that
forces an additional round of elections pro-DFL?
This has always been the illogic in Michael's argument; there is nothing
built-in that favors the DFL. In fact, his argument is quite patronizing to
the Greens, since he assumes they would be steamrollered by the DFL in '03."
Yes, well, $$$$$ has the effect of steamrollering parties outside the
"gruesome twosome". I believe Mr. Atherton did in the first instance make
the point that the DFL would turn up the volume a great deal in '03 having
learned in '01 that they can lose their "sure thing" winners to (or as the
result of) Greens. The DFL lost their elections because they dropped the
ball, simply put (because they ran poor candidates or poor campaigns).
Kahn's bill gives them the opportunity to pick it up again. The DFL in '01
can be likened to the over-confidant hare, while the Greens are taking the
"slow but sure wins the race" approach.
Advertising. Campaign workers. Mass mailings (such as the sample ballot
sent to everyone in Wards 2, 5, and 6). Campaign wardrobes! Office space.
The DFL can (and does) buy it all. They'll up the ante for sure in '03. And
$$$ is a thing the Green Party at this point cannot compete with.
Level the playing ground (public financing and other campaign reforms), and
I'll change my tune.
Perhaps I would believe that Ms. Kahn's bill was introduced in the spirit
of democracy if no one had the faintest idea that redistricting was going
to occur this year, thus causing the fluctuations in ward boundaries she is
so concerned about. However, it is my assumption that she is an informed
politician, and knew *in advance of* the '01 election that ward boundaries
would change. Why, then did she (or anyone else) not argue for 2-year terms
for this past election *in advance of* the election?
Someone please explain this, not explain it away.
L. Hogan
Ward 2
====
People seem decided to attack or criticise those who speak the truth
straightforwardly rather than those who utter lies gently. --Me
**Please Trim Unnecessary Text**
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