Press Release by State Senator Jamie Eldridge
Contact: 508-274-0055
Jamie@JamieEldridge.com
Unity Commission Resolution passes at Massachusetts Democratic State Convention
Boston – Delegates at the Mass Democratic Convention in Worcester approved a Unity Resolution, supporting the national Unity Reform Commission. The Unity Reform Commission (“Commission”) was established at the 2016 Democratic National Convention in order to study and address concerns that arose regarding the presidential nominating process. The Unity Resolution, which passed at the end of the convention on Saturday, was brought before the convention after members of the Progressive Democrats of America (PDA) with consultation from Our Revolution gathered the necessary signatures to have the resolution considered. “All Democrats realize the importance of the coming elections. The Unity Commission recommendations make our party stronger, more inclusive and better able articulate our strong progressive platform” said Russell Freedman, PDA state coordinator in Massachusetts.
State Senator Jamie Eldridge, a 2016 Bernie Sanders delegate and member of the Democratic State Committee, supported the resolution on the floor of the convention. “I’m very happy that the Unity Resolution was approved by delegates today, and am grateful for Mass Democratic Party Chairman Gus Bickford for bringing the resolution up for a vote,” said Senator Eldridge.
The 2016 Democratic presidential nomination process showed the need for improvements, and I’m pleased that the Unity Reform Commission, endorsed by both DNC Chair Tom Perez and DNC Deputy Chair Keith Ellison, received support from delegates, to open up the process for how voters decide who the Democratic nominee for President will be.” Larry Cohen, Board Chair of Our Revolution, said, “Massachusetts is leading the way in support of Democratic Party change and democracy inside our party as well as outside. Voting rights are just as important when we pick candidates and build our party structure and leadership as in a general election.”
The Unity Commission makes recommendations related to four key areas: First, the manner of voting during the presidential nominating process and increasing participation and inclusion in the primary process. Second, making the caucus process less burdensome and more inclusive, transparent, and accessible to participants. Third, revising and reducing the role that unpledged delegates play in the process. Finally, increasing the focus on making the Democratic Party and Democratic candidates competitive in every region, by broadening the Party’s base, empowering Democrats at the grassroots level, and expanding the Party’s donor base. For more details on the Unity Commission’s recommendations, please visit https://democrats.org/page/unity-reform-commission.
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I was one of a handful of nays on this. I disagree with many process recommendations regarding superdelegates and caucuses.
There were not enough delegates left in the room to make anything voted on meaningful