That means recruiting more Blue Dogs and New Dems for the Republican wing of the Democratic Party-- and blocking progressivesThere was a time when I felt I was the only one who hated the DCCC and thought the organization should be abolished. That was a long time ago and I'm not alone any longer. From coast to coast, almost every state Democratic Party organization despises them. Let me share this letter to lunkhead Ben Ray Lujan, Pelosi's unfortunately DCCC chair, from the Executive Committee of the Staten Island Democratic Association, which could virtually come from anywhere in the country. Keep in mind, as you read it, there are 7 Democrats running to replace Republican incumbent Dan Donovan (or felon Michael "Mikey Suits" Grimm if he wins the GOP primary.) The DCCC has jumped the gun and endorsed extreme conservative Max Rose, who has been endorsed by both the New Dems and Blue Dogs.
We wish to register deep concern regarding the DCCC Red to Blue candidates' selection program in New York's 11th Congressional District. A damaging primary between Dan Donovan and disgraced felon Michael Grimm will weaken the Republicans, and eight Democrats indicated their desire to campaign for the congressional seat.SIDA and other Democratic organizations in Staten Island and Brooklyn have hosted events with the candidates since last Spring in order to bring forth the best candidate. We have seen tremendous enthusiasm building. Our belief is that-- as Tip O'Neill often noted-- "All politics is local," and the people of the 11th CD should make the decision as to who will represent them.There has been so much excitement and energy exhibited by the myriad of candidates, several of whom will qualify to run in the Democratic Primary. This dynamic should have kept this process on the front pages and would assist in a great voter turn-out at the 2018 midterm elections.The DCCC supported candidates in the 11th CD in the past, some not the best choices on the local level. This year the DCCC jumped the gun by its early first and second round Red to Blue program, intervening in a top-down fashion. The DCCC states that "Inclusion in the Red to Blue list helps candidates stand out to donors. The congressional hopefuls also benefit from guidance and staff resources from the DCCC."Further, Mr. Chairman, as you have said, "Candidates are our best asset, and we will continue to do everything possible to help them build strong campaign infrastructures, energize the grass-roots, and raise the resources needed to spread their message."The DCCC's intentions are well-meaning, but the problem is one of timing; you have not allowed the democratic grass-roots process to be expressed on the local level. You have not taken into consideration that so much enthusiasm and energy has been focused on this seat by so many local candidates. Ideas, policies, platforms and specification of qualifications in the search for the best and most-qualified candidate have been compromised as a result. The DCCC's premature endorsement of one candidate has taken much of the oxygen out of the room. This is seen by Democratic and Independent voters as a fait accompli, a decision taken outside the District in an undemocratic fashion.We are not against any candidate, but rather, we protest the process and timing by which the DCCC has pronounced its judgment from above, instead of allowing input from New York's 11th CD. The procedure you have followed has the effect of dampening enthusiasm for the selection of candidates by the local electorate.We know your decision has already been taken and won't be reversed by our expression of displeasure. However, we demand that, in the future, the DCCC not pre-emptively attempt to determine the outcome of our local democratic electoral process. The end does not justify the means!