Re: [Mpls] Green Party vs DFL, or fusion

[Aaron Neumann]

I think the main point here is that in order for progressives (based on 
values and principles, regardless of party affiliation) to be elected to 
the City Council in the current winner-take-all electoral system, is 
that one needs votes from progressives (based on values and principles, 
regardless of party affiliation), which come from both the DFL and Green 
parties.  Zimmerman, Johnson-Lee, Samuels, Lilligren, and Rybak all got 
the progressive vote (based on values and principles, regardless of 
party affiliation or endorsements - although endorsements help) and 
narrowly won (and Gordon narrowly lost with this same 
ideology/values/principles - although his Green endorsement helped), but 
now that the Wards have gerrymandered...umm...I mean "redistricted" they 
are now primarily set up to run against each other.

Progressive/leftest/change-agent candidates don't necessarily need the 
endorsement of one party or another to win (although endorsements help), 
but they DO need the progressives/leftest/change-agent supporters/voters 
who identify with these very parties (DFL & Greens here in Mpls) and 
independents to win elections and therefore get a seat at the 
power/decision-making table.  I personally think that the above 
mentioned, and I mean ALL of the above mentioned,  should seek multiple 
endorsements (Green, DFL, and Progressive MN) and thereby letting all 
caucuses know that they are THE progressive/leftest/change-agent 
candidate of choice with the most experience, representation, vision and 
leadership that would serve the citizens of Mpls best for a progressive 
city of today and for our future.

And, sadly,  I do think they "have to" in order realistically win in 
2005 due to the Ward gerrymandering...umm...I mean "redistricting" 
debacle that has maliciously damaged our fair city.

Aaron Neumann
Holland Neighborhood, NE Mpls
ps - Call it what you will, GFL (Green-Farmer-Labor), or my favorite, 
GLP (Green-Labor-Progressive).
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Robin Garwood wrote:

This is no to say that individual Greens did not support RT. I voted for 
him, both in the primary and the general.

I disagree with one other comment of Ed's: "the Greens will have to seek 
DFL Ward endorsement."  Some Greens may choose to seek DFL endorsement, 
just as some DFLers have sought Green endorsement in the past. But Dean 
and Natalie proved that we don't "have to" do anything. I have faith 
that Green candidates will make these decisions based not on necessity 
but based on our (small 'd') democratic principles.

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