The decision of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), to place the Nevada
caucus three days before the New Hampshire primary and five days after the
Iowa caucus, proves that the DNC either doesn't know how to win a Presidential
Election or is sabotaging the Democratic Party.
The DNC wants to decide the nominating process with two caucuses that can be
controlled prior to the New Hampshire primary. The DNC knows that the New
Hampshire primary is truly independent.
The excuse for placing the Nevada caucus before the New Hampshire primary is
that the DNC wants "diversity" among voters. Nevada is the only State that has
legalized prostitution. Nevada is the only State that has legalized gambling
in every city and town. Las Vegas, where over twenty-five percent of the
residents of Nevada live, is the "sin city" of America. This is "diversity" in
America? What America is the DNC talking about?
Diversity? "Just 2 percent of Nevada's 400,000 registered Democrats voted in
the 2004 presidential caucus" (August 8, 2006, Las Vegas Sun). That's right,
just 2 percent. You get a higher percentage from whole milk.
Diversity? The Las Vegas Sun, August 8, 2006, stated "It drives them nuts -
the prospect that strippers and gamblers, coffee shop waiters and blackjack
dealers could play a central role in choosing the next Democratic nominee for
president."
The consolidation of four Presidential caucuses and primaries into sixteen
days (Iowa, January 14; Nevada, January 19; New Hampshire, January 22; South
Carolina, January 29) will lead to a Democratic Presidential Nominee by February
1. Considering that the early selection of a Democratic Presidential Nominee
worked so well for Al Gore in 2000 and for John Kerry in 2004, the DNC decided
to try the same failure again.3
Keeping the same order of Presidential primary events as in 2004 (Iowa and
then New Hampshire) is important to the State of New Hampshire, but it is
imperative for the Democratic Party. Of course, there are those who disagree with
this assessment. United States Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid of Nevada
stated "Why should this country's future be determined by a state like Iowa,
where there is no diversity, and a state like New Hampshire, where there is no
diversity and no people?" (September 3, 2006, Concord Monitor).
The Democratic National Committee had difficulty listening to reason.
Therefore, it is vital that the DNC hear directly from the rank and file members of
the New Hampshire Democratic Party.
The citizens of New Hampshire are well versed and experienced in national
politics. This knowledge can save the Democratic Party from losing the 2008
Presidential Election.
The DNC strategy is to limit any debate on the issue of a "new" calendar.
Without a full debate, the DNC's strategic "Titanic" will never be realized until
it is too late.
To make sure that New Hampshire will comply with the DNC's decision, the DNC
enacted the following penalties: (Source: Terry Schumaker, New Hampshire Union
Leader, August 28, 2006.)
"A Presidential candidate who campaigns in a state... where a primary or
caucus is set by a state's government on a date that violates the timing
provisions of these rules, may not receive...delegates...from that state..."
"'Campaigning' for the purposes of this includes...purchasing print,
Internet, or electronic advertising that reaches significant percentage of the voters
in aforementioned state; hiring campaign workers; opening an office; making
public appearances; holding news conferences; coordinating volunteer
activities...holding events to which Democratic voters are invited; attending events
sponsored by state or local Democratic organizations..."
A direct vote taken by the Democratic Party, by mail-in ballot, of New
Hampshire registered members of the Democratic Party would result in a full debate
on the DNC's decision. Representatives of the DNC should come to New Hampshire
and answer direct questions of the voters. The DNC ought, if they truly
believe in their decision, welcome the opportunity for such a debate. The Democratic
Party of New Hampshire should welcome the active participation of its
members.
With a full debate and a direct vote, by mail-in ballot, an open and
intelligent decision can be made on the "new" calendar. If the rank and file members
of the New Hampshire Democratic Party vote to keep the "old" calendar and the
DNC still refuses to listen, then when New Hampshire moves the Presidential
Primary ahead of the DNC's "new" schedule, it will be with the support of the
entire New Hampshire Democratic Party.
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