You got the combined Caucus-Ward Convention (in Ward 5, I think). You moved from the caucus-level to the ward convention since there were so few caucus attendees (relative to the number of ward convention delegate slots). At the Ward convention level, you were among the subcaucuses choosing City Convention delegates (and alternates). Those slots, as you found out, are usually filled. The credentials committee at the City Convention usually does very brisk business in upgrading alternates since there are endorsements to be had. And many people do go to that convention uncommitted (despite the efforts of those all-powerful "insiders").
I understand the frustration of those that advocate for "Good Democrat" lists over endorsing one candidate per post. These fights pit friends against each other and can cause deep ruptures in the party. But "DFL Endorsed" carries more than just the right to put those words on your campaign literature. There is an organization (no, really) and a network of volunteers that are available only to the endorsed candidate. Candidates campaign to win the endorsement and then they campaign to win the primary. These test runs conducted mostly among friends are often useful in assessing how a candidate will do in the general election. Candidates are questioned by any group before an endorsement is given. These groups expect that the answers given reflect a candidate's position and will reflect actions taken in office. Candidates being asked to respect the endorsement is no different. The only thing is, you can tell within days if he or she meant it. Michael Lewis Mac-Groveland Ward 3 DFL Chair Or maybe Bush could explain how insulting our allies is supposed to help us win against terrorists. Or maybe Bush could explain why, after seeing the PDB entitled Bin Laden Determined to Strike in U.S. he immediately sprang into . . . VACATION .......... Oops, sorry, out of time. Bob T wrote: I don't agree with your analogy that an endorsement is like a marriage. I think a candidate has a right to ask for support from a particular group, but in the end the candidate, if elected, has to serve and represent all of the people, all of the different groups that supported her/him. The candidate should not be expected to maintain an allegiance to any small group, no matter how early or eagerly they supported him. If a candidate, prior to the caucuses, feels they have support from a large portion of citizens, but not so large a portion of caucus goers, that candidate should not abandon their general supporters just because the caucus-goers are smitten with someone else. ________________________________________________________________ Get your name as your email address. Includes spam protection, 1GB storage, no ads and more Only $1.99/ month - visit http://www.mysite.com/name today! _____________________________________________ To Join: St. Paul Issues Forum Rules Discussion Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] _____________________________________________ NEW ADDRESS FOR LIST: [EMAIL PROTECTED] To subscribe, modify subscription, or get your password - visit: http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/listinfo/stpaul Archive Address: http://www.mnforum.org/mailman/private/stpaul/
