As many of you who participate in this list know, I do not think the endorsement process of any party serves to bring the cream to the top. I believe that all it does is serve to reward service in the party. Both major parties have had their endorsements slapped down by voters. Of course the DFL has had this happen more then the Republicans. But the point is that the party faithful are not the voters. I do not know how the final candidates for Ramsey County Board are selected. If its like the St. Paul city Council, after a primary, its possible to have two candidates from the same party. If this is the case, abiding by the endorsement may only serve to give another party a foot in the door. If a primary results in a single candidate from each party then it only makes sense to have your party's candidate be the one who is able to get the greatest support from voters. I have been there when, in the spirit of party unity, one candidate agrees to support another candidate who has more delegates just so the party can endorse. Only to see the endorsed candidate defeated by another candidate in the primary or in the general. I have been there when a candidate seems to be close to winning an endorsement. Only to have the Central committee start twisting arms to give the endorsement to another candidate. Yes a party endorsement, especially a DFL endorsement, will help in this election. However, it seems that delegates to the endorsing convention are already set. How many of these show up remains to be seen. Remember these delegates may have decided to run for delegate because they supported a specific candidate for another position. Also remember that the people who have indicated they intend to run may not have been active in local politics in this area the last time delegates were selected. That may mean they aren't known by the local delegates or party faithful. It doesn't mean they haven't been active in the local party somewhere else. It also does not mean they would not be the best candidate in the field. I think Eric was the one who said that the DFL endorsement is important in this DFL town, or something to this effect. If this is the case, it unlikely that a candidate, endorsed or not, will be elected without strong liberal leaning. Of course all this talk about the value of endorsement means little in this election, and many others. The winner will be the candidate who is able to get their supporters to the voting booth on election day. I would bet that voter turn out will be light. Therefore, even a poorly backed third party candidate could win if the weather, and voter interest are just right. Mike Fratto Payne Phalen _____________________________________________ 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
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