As a 58 year old Democrat, most of my life, the Democrats who have represented me usually made me feel luke warm excited at best. With the exception of early Obama (the hope was gone by 2012) and possibly Governor Jared Polis (who struck out on some rather bold positions more that once in his career), most of the Dems who have represented me have been, shall we say, less than fulfilling.
I call them “Go Along To Get Along” Democrats. You know the type. They are often lawyers by trade, and those who aren’t are overwhelmingly multi-millionaires. They make good speeches (usually). They have smooth web sites. And they win, which I never want to trivialize. A weak Dem is better than a strong Republican any day of the week.
And in a close race, in normal times, a Go Along To Get Along (GATGA) Dem is probably the right choice.
But these aren’t normal times. And Commerce City’s HD32 isn’t a normal race.
Obviously, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has to go. He’s been there waaaaay too long. He couldn’t be more Go Along To Get Along. And he has failed us repeatedly just this year alone.
Any candidate for Senate seeking my vote will need to promise to vote for anyone else for Majority Leader. I encourage you to demand the same of your Senate nominee.
The general election race for HD 32 here in Commerce City and Welby will not be close. Whoever gets this nomination does not need to be a GATGA Dem. They can be bold and outspoken.
Let me be clear – I am advocating for the party to move away from GATGA candidates. But I don’t fault voters who choose the path of least resistance.
I’m simply taking a stand. I believe the time has come for Democrats to stop pussy footing around and demand real change. It won’t be easy. There will be attacks and tremendous amounts of money, dark money, that will appear from out of nowhere from super rich cowards afraid to put their names behind their political persuasion campaigns.
The bold route isn’t for every politician. It requires real backbone and conviction, something many politicians lack.
I have plenty of conviction. I have stood firm on principle so many times in my life it’s cost me money. It’s not easy. But I believe it’s time for Dems to stand up for what we believe as a party.
If I’m honored to be our party’s nominee for HD32, I promise not to be a Go Along To Get Along Democrat. We have enough of those. I will be strong and outspoken and demanding and effective. I just need you to put me in coach!