If we were to return to biennial caucuses, we should at least distinguish between delegates to the city and senate district. That is, if our attendance can be maintained. I know that people in many precincts would have liked to be delegates to at least one of the two conventions, and I don't want to shut people out, especially when it may be to make room for someone who doesn't choose to attend the other convention anyway.
I, too, respect Earl's views. He grounded them well in a cogent philosophy of what a delegate should represent. I disagree with what being a delegate means, but I appreciate his logic (and long involvement).
I would respectfully ask one thing of those who might propose repealing the new city-year caucus at this year's city DFL convention: please don't do it until after 2005.
Obviously, I'd like the system to have a test-drive. But my plea to wait is grounded in fundamental fairness.
At Tuesday's meeting, the rule was you didn't have to be a delegate this year to be a delegate next year. Some people I know didn't run, knowing they'd have a chance next year.
However, if the 2004 city DFL convention abolishes the 2005 city caucuses, it would change the rules mid-game - shutting out those people who thought they could wait according to the rules as of Tuesday.
THAT would truly be bad process, something we all want to avoid.
(Note: I hope anyone who IS a delegate this year would support not changing next year's caucus requirement. If you have questions about my point above, please e-mail the list, or me directly. Thanks, too, to David and Fred and Loki for their support.)
David Brauer Kingfield
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