Now It's Off to the Primary

There was a time when a DFL endorsement determined who I would vote for on election days. Not so much anymore. Minnesota's system of endorsing political candidates – from precinct caucuses to state conventions – is outdated, overly complex and rewards career politicians. Party chairs claim this is an inclusive process – one that truly interested individuals can find the time to participate in – but this isn't realistic. From evening precinct caucuses in the dead of winter to two day conventions; this system really only allows those who have time, transportation and resources to participate. How many seniors, or those with mobility issues, won't venture out on a cold February night to attend a caucus? How many families struggle with multiple jobs, childcare issues and lack of transportation and simply can't give up the time to participate in this political process? How many others of us have attended caucuses over the years and spent hours in poorly run meetings listening to individuals go off on pet issues that have little to do with the common good? And what is the result of this multi-step process? Often it isn't the most capable and most electable candidate who wins endorsement. You need only look at the DFL-endorsed candidates for governor in recent elections to see that the endorsement sometimes acts more as a lifetime achievement award in politics. Mike Hatch, Roger Moe, Skip Humphrey and John Marty have all been recipients of this recognition in the past 16 years, yet I don't hear anyone calling them "governor." Former U.S. Senator Mark Dayton has called this endorsement process "undemocratic." I wouldn't go that far, but I applaud him, as well as Matt Entenza and Susan Gaertner, for taking their campaigns directly to the people in the August 10 primary. I wish more candidates who dropped out after failing to win the DFL endorsement would have done the same. I may end up supporting, and voting for, Margaret Anderson Kelliher for governor. If I do, it will be because I believe she is the best candidate for the job – not because of a party endorsement that left the majority of Minnesota Democrats out of the decision-making process.