The Massachusetts Democratic Convention is coming soon. This is an “Issues Convention” but it is good preparation for a nominating convention. In 2012 a number of candidates will compete at the Convention for the Democratic Party endorsement and the coveted 15% needed to appear on the ballot. In my experience, people who have participated in a convention have a better chance of getting elected in a competitive year. I don’t have links back to 2006 but I recall stories of people who had difficulty getting elected because they were not familiar to the regulars. Take the time NOW and you’ll be familiar to the folks who take part, as well as having a better understanding of the process.
Even if you were not elected a delegate, there are many ways that you can participate.
1) You can volunteer at the Convention. We always need volunteers, especially during registration. This is a big help to the Party. You generally need to commit to being there early. After most people have registered then you can attend the general session and the training sessions. No charge to attend! You can sign up here. Just put in your contact information and mark in the comments that you want to attend the convention.
2) You can sign up to attend as a paying guest. The charge is only $25 and it leaves you free to do whatever you want during the convention.
Use the drop down box under “Type of Attendee” to select “guest” and use the drop down box under “Fee – Select Amount” to select the $25 guest fee.
3) If you are 35 years old or younger, are a member of a minority or have a disability,. you can apply to attend as an add on delegate. Applications must be returned to the Democratic State Committee by April 1st, 2011.
Disability add on:.
Minority add on.
Youth add on.
Senator Jamie Eldridge and Mara Dolan’s Public Policy Committee are working hard on a number of break out sessions. Arthur Powell and I are putting together some sessions as part of our work on the Communications Committee.
It is always a lot of fun to meet activists from across the state.
“Attend the Convention – Add-On Dead”. While such voters are a staple of many elections, and while it be interesting to witness Weekend at Bernie’s meets Primary Colors, the smell alone would make me pass on a convention too reliant on the corpse caucus.
And as soon as I write this comment, the post is promoted, making it irrelevant. Glenn Beck is right — you’re all against me!
Progressives at convention – good; progressives in the legislature – even better!
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p>Also, you need to be registered in the party to attend convention and not have publicly endorsed a candidate of another party to be credentialed. At least those are our rules; I’m sure the GOP has thought of this or something similar to prevent the hostile takeover you’re proposing.
And a great location for the Convention. Looking forward to seeing everyone!
And for their own good đŸ™‚
If you stop endorsing the candidates of another part AFTER you register, we’re down with that!
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p>(You know you want to join the Dark Side)