The 50 State Strategy brought home to Missouri

As DNC Chair, DFA founder Howard Dean was famous for his highly successful 50 State Strategy which emphasizes campaigning everywhere no matter how presumably “Red” the State or contest is. In this way, Democrats were able to communicate the values of the Party and the Party gained respect and support from traditionally neglected parts of the Country. Under Dean, in 2006 and 08, we won back the Congress and the Presidency. The 50 State Strategy worked. In at least a few cases it worked because the Republican incumbent was arrested…but hey…it worked!

The 50 State Strategy was a reaction to, and in opposition to, a Party strategy promoted by the likes of Terry McCauliffe and Rahm Emmanuel which ceded Republican control of presumed conservative States and Districts in favor of concentrating on so-called winnable races.

It looks as if Democratic leadership in Missouri has accepted aspects of this failed McCauliffe/Emmanuel strategy. They are focused on turning a few key Districts…just enough to take back the House but are leaving large numbers of races unopposed.

Many races with Republican incumbents and even some open seats are being left unopposed. For instance, Democrats going to the polls in places like Cole County will find no one with a “D” after their name to vote for in the 6^th District Senate race. Why?

This has got to change, and NOW!

Filing for State races closes on March 30^th. There is still time to enter races and progressive Democrats need to step up, wherever there is an unopposed Republican, to run for that seat. Even if you do nothing in terms of campaigning it is still worthwhile to have your name on the ballot. The Republican will have to spend more money on their race and you will have an opportunity to express Democratic values of community and caring about one another, health care and peace, environmental protection, etc… to the broader community. Also…you are all but guaranteed, no matter how “red” the district to get a rather substantial base Democratic vote.

It is a 114 County Strategy…lets step up and file!

How to file:

http://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/2010primary/2010candfiling.asp

By the way...the author of the 50 State Strategy will keynote the DFA Campaign Training Academy April 17th/18th in Kansas City. Come out to hear from Howard Dean and brush up those Campaign skills:

http://www.democracyforamerica.com/events/33829-dfa-campaign-training-in-kansas-city