Some suggestions on Nebraska politics (a response)

At 1/3/2005 08:34:28 PM, Kyle Michaelis said...

Stenberg didn't lose because he was a "right wing wacko". He lost on name recognition and his generally weak personality. AND...he didn't lose by much.

Other than that, I also have to disagree with your idea of nationalizing the fight in Nebraska. Bad idea. If the Dems are going to compete, let alone take back, the state, it's going to be on local and state issues where we have bolder and better ideas (theoretically). We don't have enough emotional currency and trust with the people of Nebraska to take on Bush and his cronies...who have a huge base of support that is going to rise and fall on the fate of forces over which we have no control. The National Dems have to put forward a bold, original agenda of their own to take on Bush, but that's not our fight right now (especially with candidate Nelson).

The best thing we can do to serve the cause is getting back to our roots and emphasizing IDEAS, IDEAS, and IDEAS!!! We can and should point out Republican hypocrisy and abuses of power, but making that the focus of our energies and labeling them all extremists is a sure path to disaster (especially when we'd be considered attacking the majority of Nebraskans who identify with the Republican party, many of whom we have to win over to win). We've been marginalized in this state as malcontents. If we don't offer a better alternative and instead focus on a better line of attack, that's all we'll remain.

The one place Bush is going to be vulnerable in the state may be agriculture. Johanns' appointment allows us a basis on which to tie Bush's failures directly to this state's most important economic sector and cultural institution. If things get worse for Nebraska farmers, we have a ready-made Nebraska Republican to blame for it. Maybe that's the "in" with rural Nebraskans we so desperately need.

This governor's race is going to be so important to our efforts, even if Osborne runs and then I'd say maybe even more so. The possibility this presents of running a respectful and classy campaign where we're going up against a legend because we have a better plan for the people of Nebraska can not be discounted. Whether we'd win or lose, we could use Osborne's celebrity and the attention it would draw to the race as a chance to present a NEW face for the democratic party. If we were even able to make a race of it - the future vs. the past, David vs. Goliath - it would be a new day for Democrats in Nebraska as we'd win a lot of much-needed respect.

Let's not over-extend ourselves with coordinated campaign offices. Nothing's hurt us in the past quite like bankruptcy. Just having a single legitimate office in each of the 3 congressional districts, with perhaps a state-wide Unicameral office, would be a WONDERFUL improvement. In the 3rd, I would personally suggest North Platte as a base of operations.

Nebraska Democratic Party Blog: Future of the Democratic Party, Circa 2010