Perhaps critics should keep their counsel on the DFL's role in St. Paul's local elections, given the facts. Much needs to be done to bring all of the parties into line with the electorate and to regenerate interest in the political process, given that no more than 15% of it turns out for primaries and little more than 35% for the most contested Council and Mayoral races.
Not to split hairs here, but I think we have evolved into a situation where, for local purposes, the two political parties are the Chamber of Commerce and Progressive Minnesota. They are the ones whose endorsement really counts, and they are usually against each other.
Given that situation, where only the well plugged-in know the difference far enough in advance to understand what the Primary is really all about, a certain level of apathy in September is understandable.
So when we talk about the relevant "parties", we have to count these shadow parties and their interest in increasing their visibility as a unit. Both seem on the face of it to be interested in being identified, but I think both clearly recoil at the idea when it comes right down to it. Perhaps they don't want to be pinned down and/or generate enemies.
Whatever the problem, the reality is a very strange one that will take a lot of time and real commitment to educate voters on. And, of course, the situation is fluid and may suddenly change with the next election -- especially if Kelly did all of this in order to gain access to a broader range of deep pockets (given how poorly the Chamber did last time, this is not a bad idea).
Another good strategy would be for the Chamber to just call themselves Republican and Progressive Minnesota Green. But given their behavior in a DFL dominated town (at least in the hearts and memories of its people) I think they prefer being no more than an asterisk to the election.
Erik Hare West End
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