Nebraska to have a 2008 FEB caucus? (no link) state convention news

[Omaha Steve]

I just got home from the Nebraska State convention. The DNC has told our state party, that it would allow Nebraska to hold a February caucus in 2008. We normaly have a primary the second Tuesday in May. This was next to last item announced just before we adjourned to end the convention. The details still have to be worked out.

I was one of four AFSCME members present. Of the Four, Gwen Howard is the only sitting union member on the Nebraska Senate. Dave Newell is a former State Senator and party activist. My locals VP is a member of the executive committee. Being this was my first convention, I was allowed to give the news that had all the delegates and guests dancing in the isles. Basically I mentioned how AFSCME at it's convention two weeks ago voted to increase dues over the next three years a total of $3 per month. All of that increase will be used for political purposes. First, AFSCME will be contributing most of the 17 million dollars to fund a new PAC that will be used for redistricting battles nationwide.

http://www.kxan.com/Global/story.asp?S=5296232&nav=0s3d

WASHINGTON One of the biggest unions in America is helping form a new political committee to take on Republicans over redistricting.
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees will provide more than half the 17 (m) million dollars the committee expects to spend in the next five years. The money will go toward fighting what they say are aggressive G-O-P efforts to redraw political boundaries.


Then I asked for a drum roll for the new tote board figure. AFSCME has pledged 60 million dollars to be used used for the 2008 election cycle. That is for all Federal offices, and most state, county and city races. It did indeed bring down the house.

http://blog.aflcio.org/2006/08/17/afl-cio-unions-mobilizing-for-2006-elections/

As part of the 21st Century Initiative, a sweeping strategic overhaul of the union, union delegates also voted to increase dues to create a $60-million war chest to expand workers’ power and reclaim rights that are under assault by President Bush and the Republican-led Congress.

[NEDem]

1. A caucus? Why on earth would we want to do that?

I know it works in Iowa, but they've grown with it. It will fall flat here, at least I know I would not like the idea.

[dflprincess]

2. We also have them in Minnesota

I'm surprised the DNC would want more states to use them. It's my opinion that caucuses make it easier for grassroots candidates to get somewhere and I don't see the DNC as being a friend to grassroots politics.

[msongs]

3. caucus = strong arm pressure tactics = less democratic as ballots

that are secret.

one person, one vote, in private is the best way. otherwise there is horse trading and pressure not related to the quality of candidates and/or threats and intimidation.

Msongs
www.myspace.com/msongs

[NEDem]

4. I agree,

and that is exactly why I have a problem with them.