Re: [Mpls] Minneapolis DFL endorsement reform

[Michelle Mensing]

Several of us met last week to discuss in-person some of the ideas being talked about on the Issues List over the last few weeks regarding reform for the Minneapolis DFL endorsing process.  I wanted to update those who showed interest in this topic (and any others who have thoughts on it) about what we discussed and ask for input on the possibilities being suggested.  The following is an overview of what we discussed.   Overall Premise for Discussing Reform: It has been suggested on this list that the endorsing process in Minneapolis is not representative of the current political situation in the city.  With the DFL dominating elections in the city and with the endorsing process producing one endorsed candidate who usually runs without serious opposition (either in a primary or general), the ability for voters to have a real choice of candidates becomes limited.  We also discussed the question of who "owns" the DFL - the delegates or the DFL voters - and how this distinction should impact the party process.  If the voters own the DFL process, which we agreed should be true, then the system should find a way to give more choice to them.  The other issue we discussed was the need to get more people involved at the caucus and convention levels.  With delegate spots so often left open, fewer individuals than the potential would allow are making the choices.  Another problem we acknowledged is getting the word out to non-insiders about caucus opportunities and the need for vacant spots to be filled.   Ideas to Consider for Reform: Multiple endorsements � We talked about several different aspects to multiple endorsing.  Percentage of the convention vote � this would mean that standard percentages for endorsement would be set and candidates that are above the percentage would get endorsed.  For example, if the percentage is set at 40%, then all candidates who receive over 40% would be endorsed.  Multiple rating levels � Example:  A candidate who reached over 60% would be endorsed.  A candidate who reached between 40% and 60% would receive an acceptable rating.  The endorsed candidate would be on the sample ballot; an acceptable rated candidate could run in a primary with the rating but without being on the sample ballot. Limiting the number of endorsements � A limited number of endorsements could be specified, such as only allowing twice the number of open positions to get endorsed.  Therefore, a city council election would allow only two endorsed candidates, but a school board election would allow double the number of open seats.   Standard rules � Eliminate rules committees and have standard rules accepted by city DFL with ability to alter rules only at conventions.    There are still aspects of the Brauer Amendment that need to be determined prior to the next city convention.  The options we discussed, and any other ideas that people want to explore, could be looked at in conjunction with this process.   Please give us your feedback.  We plan to continue this discussion to see if a solid idea can get formulated.