Party Reorganizations

It's a crazy time of the calendar for Democrats across the Commonwealth. County Committees have elected new committee persons and will be voting for new Executive Boards. I've been around quite a few counties the past several years and observed the good, the bad, and the ugly when it comes to these bodies. Some are effective and are winning elections or becoming competitive. Some support one or two of their candidates while ignoring the remainder, especially if they are women. Some Chairs are in for their egos and some for the good of the Party. It runs the gamut. Some simply like the power.

Ed Wolfe announced last evening he will challenge John Cordisco in Bucks County. I get rumors of a scramble going on in Chester County. In Berks we will choose from three candidates tomorrow. Let's hope everyone makes wise decisions.

While working on campaigns I was amazed at the low level of support some of our candidates received. We had one Congressional candidate this year for whom not one committee person circulated a petition. I've watched members of our Executive Committee tell local clubs not to bother supporting certain candidates. I know of a countywide candidate elsewhere, a retired corporate executive, who was told by that County Chair to do nothing but carry a clipboard and recruit volunteers for one of their other candidates.

I also know Chairs who work hard building their Parties. Who work quietly to find and support good candidates, get them support and resources, and don't care a whit about taking personal credit. I've learned one important rule over the years: it's amazing how much you can accomplish when you don't care who gets the credit. Folks, these are the types we need to elect as our Chairs.