Re: [Mpls] School Board Endorsement

[Michelle Mensing]

Thanks to those who responded with good insights regarding my post yesterday about the DFL endorsing process. I recognize the points Bert Black brought up about the historical and statewide purpose for endorsing the way the DFL does.  But, I would argue that the Minneapolis DFL should adapt to its current circumstances.  I like Andy Driscoll's suggestion of having the DFL endorse multiple candidates for the primary election.  This way, the DFL role would be of a valuable screening mechanism for voters to make the choice in a primary of who they want send to a general election. The DFL endorsing process should be producing strong candidates that represent multiple points of view within the framework of the DFL platform who are then brought to the voters in a primary.    Looking at this year alone, there were many contests won and lost at the DFL convention, rather than a primary where I think the choice should have been presented - the endorsement for Governor, the Shreves vs. Dibble Senate endorsement, the School Board endorsement, and, if Wes Skoglund hadn't run for Senate instead of House, the Wagenius/Skoglund contest could have seen the DFL endorsing process choosing, instead of voters, between two incumbents.    When discussing the issue of abiding by the endorsement, proponents of the process refer to the problems with the 98 governors race - the DFL had a heated primary contest and lacked unity going into the general.  But, I would argue that the right thing happened in that primary because the voters had a say.   I think we need to really look at why we see such low turnout for city races and primaries. I think turnout was something like 25-30% citywide in the 2001 city elections.  In areas like Southwest Minneapolis that see 90% turnout for federal elections, the turnout still drops significantly down to about 50% or less for city races.  This is a serious disconnect, even among people who are generally engaged in the political process, and I think has something to do with how the general voter views DFL politics in Minneapolis.  If the choice is already made, why should voters show up.  Of course there have been some exceptions, like the 2001 Mayor's race where there was a primary and general contest that meant something.  But, this would never have happened if the typical endorsing process prevailed.    The DFL is full of creative, innovative voices who are seeking and realizing reform at so many levels in our community.  Let's put some of that energy into thinking about how we can create a better Minneapolis DFL.  The DFL is currently the foundation for politics in our city and it needs to better promote and reflect the democratic process   Michelle Mensing Armatage