Where Do We Go From Here?

Written by Monty Cobb | 02 September 2010

By now you have had a chance to digest the primary results and I hope you have heard the call to action because it rings loud and clear.

Take a look at the PCO races: where there were Republican and Democratic candidates for PCO, almost without exception the Republican tallied more votes than the Democrat. Fred Finn tallied fewer votes than the Republican and Independent combined. And, having heard the independent candidate's message, it is likely that many of his votes will become Republican votes in the general. My own results were just a few hundred votes different than in Fred's race. Kathy Haigh has a slim lead--less than 600 votes. The incumbent County Commissioner is out in the primary and, despite having a strong Democratic candidate still in the race, she faces a tough battle as well. Even adding up the "D" and "R" votes in the US Senate race leaves long-time incumbent Patty Murray behind.

Where does that leave us as Democratic candidates and as a Democratic Party? First we must recognize that no race is out of reach. Second we must understand how we got to the place we are. And finally, what do we do as candidates, as a party and as individuals to achieve victory in November.

Election officials predicted voter turnouts in the range of 38-40%, Mason County had well over 50% turnout. Why? My own opinion is that three things brought out voters in unexpected numbers:

1. 1. people turned out because they are unhappy with national politics.
2. 2. people turned out because they are unhappy with local politics--specifically thebiomass issue, the PUD relocation and the County budget.
3. 3. people with a conservative perspective turned out because the Republican Party outpromoted the Democratic Party on a local level.

Now, several people have--with good intention given my own race--pointed out that "Democrats don't vote in the primary." If that is indeed true, that speaks poorly of our party. Such comments, though well-intentioned, also call into question the efficacy of the extraordinary efforts of some persons in working the VoteBuilder system since that system is built around national level candidates. If voters are upset with national Democratic leaders, does it benefit local candidates to be tied to national leaders?

Please understand that I do not in any way disparage the efforts of those who worked the phones in that effort. Our national candidates are fully deserving of our support and time but my question remains the same: "If voters are upset with national Democratic leaders, does it benefit local candidates to be tied to national leaders?"

Second, how do we as candidates and as a Party turn local issues to our favor? As a Party, we have chosen to take a neutral position on biomass. Is that the correct position? As a Party, we have not taken a position on the PUD relocation. The relocation IS going to happen, but is there a position or issue that the Party can adopt that strengthens our position with the electorate?

On the continuing issue of the County budget, how does the current budget crunch affect law enforcement specifically or the criminal justice system generally? I have spoken briefly with our Democratic candidate for County Commissioner, on my thoughts of how to mesh the concepts of being a Democrat, a fiscal conservative and protecting (in the budget process) those who protect us on the streets of Mason County. Each candidate must, of course, be true to their own thoughts and ideals, but we must also share our knowledge and ideas for the greater success of our candidates and our community.

But most significantly, we as a political party have lost the initiative this year to the opposition. The primary is done, and with one exception, we do not have a "D" vs. "D" race in the general. Here are my suggestions:
1. The Party must have a unified front. Democrats should publicly support other Democrats. Share contacts. Share sign placements. Make introductions. Encourage financial support where appropriate. For those of you who were not successful in the primary--Stay Active! Your support and your supporters are vital to the success of other Democratic candidates.
2. The local Democratic Party should expend its resources in support of local candidates. This may be as individuals if needed but should include slate based ads whether print, radio or other media. These ads should be locally focused unless there is a benefit to expanding to a broader audience.
3. Candidates in concert, or preferably the local Party, should sponsor local "meet the candidate" events throughout the County to promote local candidates.
Friends, we have a huge challenge ahead of us but with resolution, hard work and a message that resonates with the voters, we can and will be successful.

Monty Cobb
Candidate for Mason County Prosecutor