Georgia Democrats have at least one thing to be thankful for these days, or more specifically, one person. In the midst of very troubling times for our party, it’s comforting to know we have a first vice chair who is both willing and able to steer the ship away from the rocks, conduct a fair special election according to organizational rules, and put all egos aside to do what’s best for the party.
Now that’s a change.
For those just tuning in, following Mike Berlon’s resignation as chair on June 10, per DPG rules, the first vice chair assumed the role of interim chair. Having just returned from her much-needed and well-earned vacation (which was interrupted by all this, mind you), a hot mess landed squarely on her shoulders. In the wake of Berlon’s resignation, the party was fractured, fundraising was stagnant, and staff and member morale was lower than ever.
What did she do? She did as she always does. She stepped up. She left her paying job and jumped into the fray to help out the party (as is her duty), whereupon she found an assortment of problems to be solved immediately. She now logs 10-12 hour days putting out fires (not literally, of course) and will conduct the all-important business of the special election to fill the remainder of Berlon’s term. She has put her career, social life, and just about everything else on hold until a new chair is elected. It’s important to her to do this properly, because it’s important to all of us. That’s not selfish, it’s selfless. Good lord, people.
She hasn’t asked to be thanked, but certainly deserves to be. Every Georgia Democrat is in her debt. My friends and I have reached out to her to offer help and support. Sadly, a few others have been less generous and have instead attacked her for following rules set out by the Charter & Bylaws. Rules, by the way, that were interpreted by DPG Counsel.
I am typically a Jay Bookman fan, but this time I’m afraid he leapt before he looked. The rules are very clear. If you don’t like them, there are ways to correct that. Join your local county party and work hard to get elected to the State Committee (it took me four years). Once elected, volunteer to join the Bylaws committee (or even chair it). Evaluate the Bylaws and Charter to determine the changes that can be made while still complying with DNC rules. Present the revisions to the entire body, hoping that a quorum is in place, and seek a vote. This is the painstaking process for rules changes, so have at it.
As it stands, only a white male can run to fulfill the remainder of the term of a white male. That’s it. No amount of lobbying, whining, Facebook posts, AJC comments, etc. is likely to change that. Come 2015 we’ll have open elections and all y’all can run then. Until then, either jump in and help or shut up.
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