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Authors, sign in!I have been hearing from many different fields of people concerning the almost surrender of the governorship of the state of Kansas to Senator Sam Brownback. It is disconcerting how this surrender seems to have frozen politics at all levels. I am guilty of it as well. A day doesn’t go by where I am not discussing strategy for how to protect workers in a Brownback Kansas.
For the true answer as to whether or not Brownback will be Governor, I can’t tell you that. I can tell you this far out of the presidential race the front runners where Giuliani and Clinton, and I don’t have to tell you how that story ended.
Kansas Democrats have had it too good. We have held an office for so long we have forgotten what it takes to win it. Eight years is a long time. Much has changed. Activists have changed, technology has changed and the political landscape of this state is very different. Sebelius ran with little external structure. She didn’t rely on grass roots to lift her up. I would say many times she had to drag them along. I am not condemning this way of politics; it is effective. In its wake, however, things can be left a little unorganized.
We have forgotten the value of hard work. We stand around hoping somebody will decide to run for governor rather than paving the way for them to be successful. Many at all levels expect the same play book that worked for Sebelius to work again, but it won’t. All is not lost, however. I am fortunate enough to travel the state and meet people who are working to change politics, from the ground up. Not because anyone asked them to. Not because there is a paycheck attached to it. But because they want change and aren’t gonna wait for it to come.
People like Caleb Correll, the Chair of the Democratic Party in Franklin County. Caleb is in his mid-twenties and probably the youngest county chair in the state. He took this duty because he wanted to change politics where he lives, and he is doing just that. Lyndsay Stauble is another example of someone who has been given a tough task and continues to conquer whatever is thrown at her. Lyndsay is the Segdwick County Democratic Party Executive Director. She, with the help of her board and activists, have built a call time facility for local candidates to fundraise in a more organized and effective manner. Then there is Sarah Burris, blogger extraordinaire (careful here, I am biased). Sarah Burris is one-in-a-million in my book. Always planning, always strategizing and always ready to push Kansas where it needs to be. There are many more who I may offend by not mentioning — but you know who you are. We talk on the phone, we communicate on social networks, and we all work in our own ways to build a more accountable, more effective, more sincere government for the citizens of Kansas.
I introduce these people to you in the hopes that activists throughout the state will realize that the fight is not over. We are all here working in our own way to make Kansas government better resemble the people it represents.
At the end of the day we can defeat Brownback. I actually believe given good challengers we could beat every one of the Republicans on the ticket. The politics of hate, division and contempt are drawing to an end in Kansas. I challenge all of you to make a renewed commitment to changing this state. Get involved with your county party. Become a precinct committee person. Not satisfied with your current representation? Run for office. Dream big, because anything is possible. Anyone who does not know where to go to get involved, friend me on facebook or hit me up on that twitter. I can make the connection for you. If we lose in 2010, which is entirely possible, it will not be for lack of work. I am ready. Are you?
Published August 4, 2009 by Chad Manspeaker |
Permalink
| Tags:
Activism
Campaigns
Candidates
Democratic Party
Elections
Kansas
Kathleen Sebelius
Republican Party
Sam Brownback
Comments (2)
Great post Chad! Your included in that group great activist in the state that are really trying to change politics and make things happen. Thanks for everything you do!
Posted by Colin Curtis
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August 4, 2009 2:35 PM
Posted on August 4, 2009 14:35
Great post Chad! I admit that time to time I feel periods anxiety around the 2010 Gubernatorial race. As a Kansan living in DC, I'm constantly thinking of ways I can develop new leadership, help the movement, & make change in my home state -- I've even considered running for office.
And I agree, we can't put that obstacle up for ourselves -- the "we're going to lose, so how can I brace myself" mentality won't push Kansas where it needs to go. We need to rethink they way we're teaching new leaders to think, react, and organize.
We need to stop thinking in terms of barriers and bracing -- by definition barriers hold us back and by being reactive we're being distracted from our own agendas-- and instead think about ways we can be innovative & proactive!
Posted by joyinrevolt
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August 4, 2009 3:05 PM
Posted on August 4, 2009 15:05