My Blue State '08

Otero County Dem Party Chair Responds to Taos County Election Post

Hello, I am Ellen Wedum, newly elected Chair of the Democratic Party of Otero County.

While the tactics used by the people who were running the DPOC prior to our election were in no way as extreme as those experienced in Taos, they were disturbing in some aspects.

1) I was working in Santa Fe during the legislative session.  It was well known that I was planning to run for chair, and also I was, and am, a precinct chair (Pct 8A).  In spite of this, the County Convention  was held on March 6, PRIOR to the end of the session. So I had to take a day off work to come to the meeting-- a four-hour drive each way.

2) The calculations of CCC members for each precinct were done incorrectly, apparently by one of the DPNM field workers.  They were NOT posted to our dpoc email list ahead of time, which would have provided me and my supporters with time to correct the error.  (One reason I want to be on the Rules committee is to clarify the wording, and intention, of the CCC member calculation process.)

3) I won the election even with the (accidentally, I think) rigged vote, although in one precinct the chair, the sister of one of the candidates, demanded that every vote be cast for her relative. You know that each CCC member has an independent vote.  So 2 of my supporters got bullied into casting their votes in opposition to their wishes, and complained to me about this afterward.

4)  We used the paper ballots provided by the DPNM, and I have no complaints about them because they were stolen between the evening of March 6 and the morning of March 8 and I never saw them.  We worried about this, because according to the DPNM rules we are supposed to have them available for inspection for 90 days, but Matt Farrauto said not to get upset.  I think Matt just tries to get along with everyone, as indeed I have,  so there have been no accusations by me about either the early scheduling of the election or the stolen ballots, which I carefully refer to as 'missing.'

As a result of #2 and #4, we do not have a valid CCC, and when we revise our County Rules, we will have to hold another convention before we can do so (our rules have not been revised since 1989, and indeed are not even in electronic format, except that I personally typed them into the computer this spring).  In our small county we do not pay any attention to the CCC, we are happy to just get people to come to meetings!  so everyone who comes gets a vote.  However, in order to vote on a major, and much needed, revision of our County Rules, I think we should have a valid CCC.

I add my minor complaints to the very serious complaints of the Taos group, and strongly recommend that Taos County be required to hold another county convention prior to the fall SCC meeting in order to elect properly credentialed officers and delegates.

I also think that more guidance is needed in the election process, and the specific problems experienced in Taos county need to be seriously investigated and an attempt made to take preventative measures prior to the next set of elections.

Ellen Wedum
dpoc chair
www.oterocountydemocrats.org

Note To Reader: Email Not From Me

Dear Readers,

An email is circulating containing a recent post on My Blue State '08 regarding the Taos County Democratic Party elections.  I have been made aware of this email because the anonymous sender who sent you the email has been forwarding me your responses. Because of the content of the message, understandably many recipients thought I was the sender and responded.

The number of responses that have been forwarded to me suggests that the issues involved in the Taos County challenge deserve further airing, analysis and discussion.

If you would like to submit your opinion or insights into the Taos County Elections or your own experiences in navigating party rules and processes, please know this is the place do it. Opinions, expressed with respect for fellow Democrats will always be given space here.

A Taos County Democrat's Letter to the New Chair of the DPNM

Dear Readers,


It is my belief that transparency of process in the Democratic Party is what makes us a democratic party and that disagreements, like competition, when respectfully aired and dealt with on the merits of the issues make for a stronger party.

To that end, I am publishing a letter forwarded to me two days ago from Democrat Bonnie Korman of Taos County, to  Brian Colon, the new chairman of the Democratic Party of New Mexico, regarding a challenge to the Democratic Party of Taos County's election of party officers.

Sincerely,

Gideon Elliot

May 5, 2007

Brian Colon, Chairman
Democratic Party of New Mexico
500 Marquette Ave., NW, Suite 700
Albuquerque, New Mexico  87102

Dear Mr. Colon,

Congratulations on your election to the NMDP Chair.

I know there is optimism in some quarters that you can restore fairness and trust in our state party. After the last weeks in Taos, however, and the debacle of the Taos County Central elections, and the Credentials meeting, I have to tell you there has been significant damage to the local party here and even greater loss of credibility for the DPNM leadership.

Let me introduce myself. I am a 35- year plus resident of Taos and lifelong Democrat, former SCC member, current CCC member. In the last two election cycles I campaigned for a presidential candidate, then coordinated the volunteers at the Taos County Dem HQ. With a few other progressives, including Billy Knight (former Taos County Chair), we also organized a grass roots campaign for Kerry, as well as participating in the coordinated Kerry effort.

In '06 I assisted in the unprecedented (for a mid- term election) Taos County HQ again, and feel proud of our outstanding success for the state, local and national campaigns. Much of this effort was originated by Billy Knight, once again, and joined by many in our grass roots progressive group, consisting mainly of very loyal, active Dems. We also engaged a wider spectrum of  traditional Taos Democrats with a long legacy of political participation.

But in the spring of '07, much has gone wrong and fallen apart in the Taos party, starting with precinct elections. The opposition to Billy Knight, Chuby Tafoya, and his followers, organized a very strong campaign and really inspired a lot of people to support him at the individual precinct level. However, the tactics used were all about rule- breaking, changing votes, registering voters illegally, cheating, and intimidation-- to name a few.

While the situation after the precinct elections seemed shockingly bad, and utterly against all democratic principles and rules, the worst was to come. Billy Knight's followers went to great length, following the proper procedures, to document challenges to the outcomes in several precincts. The challenges were ignored and the entire credentialing process was subverted, requiring a separate Credentials meeting. The state DPNM leaders were requested to oversee and conduct a Credentials meeting where challenges could be heard.

At this point, in my opinion, the entire process reached its nadir. The Credentials meeting and ensuing challenges was orchestrated by Robert Beck, Matt Farrauto, and Joe Casados as a complete kangaroo court-- denying all challenges and motions from Billy Knight's supporters and even denying speech of  witnesses with signed affidavits. Elected CCC members and other participating Democrats were ridiculed, intimidated and denied a hearing. The only challenge by Chuby Tafoya was his own precinct, and it was not only upheld, but disqualified all the CCC electors from that precinct, one of Taos' largest.

I would like to say I am experienced enough in life, and the politics of northern NM, so as not to be easily surprised or shocked, but I admit here, I have been stunned by the reckless disregard of the rules, of loyal, honest Democrats' participation in the process, and of common decency and civility. I  spoke directly to Mr. Farrauto and Mr. Casados at the Credentials meeting and stated my opinion that their conduct and leadership of the meeting was a sham and shameful. Furthermore, I pointed out that at least half of the crowd had left the farce they dared call a Credentials meeting. And I feel very confident that most of those who left are not coming back to participate with the Democrats in Taos.
I know this because quite a few people have said so.

My views have not altered, but have instead intensified with the repeat performance of the Judicial Council appeal last week in Albuquerque, featuring many of the same actors, including Robert Beck, Matt Farrauto, and John Wertheim. It is simply not acceptable that the unprincipled, illegal tactics and actions of some Taos Democrats should be encouraged and legitimized at the highest level of the NM Democratic Party.

My question to you in your new leadership position is this: what is your response? The DPNM has alienated and betrayed some of the most, energetic, effective, committed Democrats in Taos County, which means, in New Mexico. What is your plan for redress of our grievances?

Respectfully,

Bonnie Korman,
CCC member, Taos County

PO Box 80,
Taos, NM    87571

Judicial Council Meeting to Hear Taos County Dems Challenge to Delegates

I received the following emails from the State Party regarding a challenge to the Taos County delegation:

Dear Judicial Council Members:

Below is a letter from Chairman Wertheim to Vice Chair At-Large Annadelle Sanchez, who, as you know, serves as the Chair of the Democratic Party of New Mexico (DPNM) Judicial Council.  The letter describes a challenge that Chairman Wertheim is referring to the Council's jurisdiction.

A meeting of the Council has been set for 3PM on Thursday, April 26th at the DPNM headquarters, 1301 San Pedro NE, Albuquerque, NM 87110.  Council members ought to have already received an email notification from readycall.com about accessing the Council hearing via conference call.

The staff at the DPNM will be placing copies of this letter in the mail tomorrow.  However, given the time frame, I wanted to let you know about this matter via email.  In addition, because some of the exhibits provided in the challenge are on legal paper, while others are on regular (8.5"x11") paper, I am unable to scan these exhibits or fax contiguous pages.  Copies are available at the Democratic Party of New Mexico and can be faxed (half of a legal page per regular page) to a fax number you provide.

Please do not hesitate to call with questions or to confirm your attendance or participation via conference call.  (505) 830-3650.

Best,

Matt

CC: Announced candidates for DPNM Chair


DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF NEW MEXICO

Tuesday, April 24, 2007

Annadelle Sanchez
Vice Chair At-Large, Democratic Party of New Mexico
920 Denton ST
Espanola, NM 87532

Dear Madame Vice-Chair:

I write to you in your capacity as chairperson of the Judicial Council of the Democratic Party of New Mexico and hereby invoke my authority under Rule 14-1(B) to request the Judicial Council interpret the party rules and review a challenge.  Specifically, I request the Judicial Council interpret party rules as they were applied in the recent Taos County precinct elections, the Taos County Credentials Committee Meeting and the Taos County Central Committee Meeting.  Additionally and also pursuant to my authority under Rule 14-1(B), I am placing the enclosed Challenge to the Taos County Delegates[sic] under the Judicial Council’s review and jurisdiction.

First, although I applaud what appears to be record setting participation in the recent Taos County Democratic Party elections, possible irregularities in some precinct elections have been brought to my attention that, in fairness and if true, deserve an airing before the Judicial Council with appropriate admonishment or other remedy.  I have no information that any of these alleged irregularities were outcome determinative in either the election of Taos County officers or of members to the state central committee hailing from Taos County.  That being said, however, persons with more knowledge than my own second- and third-hand information may wish to present it to the Judicial Council.  I want to give any and every Democrat in Taos a chance to do just that.

Second, a law firm representing a group of individuals calling themselves Taos Democrats for Clean Elections (TDCE) hand-delivered a challenge to the Party Headquarters earlier today, April 24, 2007, a copy of which is enclosed.  Although the challenge--because it neither had been previously presented to the Taos County Central Committee nor otherwise contained the signatures of five county chairs--lacked the required elements under Rule 14-1(B) to be filed before the Judicial Council on its own, I decided to place it before the council myself.

Here’s why: Although I disagree with the challenge for several reasons, I also recognize its proponents feel seriously aggrieved.  I have every reason to believe in their good faith, and they deserve to be heard by the Judicial Council.

Curiously, shortly after delivering the challenge to headquarters, one of the TDCE’s lawyers called to tell me that the challenge had been withdrawn.  This call came before I was even aware of the challenge.  I do not know why the group withdrew the challenge or if they all reached a consensus to withdraw.  So I am submitting the challenge notwithstanding this phone call.  Additionally, TDCE may have decided that their requested remedy—to unseat the whole county delegation and re-run the election—was overly severe.

There are other, less draconian, remedies available, however.  If the Judicial Council believes that the precinct apportionment in Taos violated party rules, it can offer appropriate admonishment or refer the matter to the Rules Committee for appropriate changes or clarification of the apportionment issue.

Any admonishment the Judicial Council chooses to issue with regards to the challenge should be directed solely to me.  I personally reviewed the apportionment recommendation, approved it and directed Matt Farrauto and Joseph Casados to implement it.  My beliefs about the issue are thoughtfully contained in Mr. Farrauto’s email included as Exhibit “C” to the challenge.

Sincerely,

John Wertheim
Chairman
Democratic Party of New Mexico

CC (without enclosures):         
John Boyd
Sarah Berger
Robert Bishop
Margarita Denevan
Kelen Emery
Eugena Hauber
Theron Horton
Judith Hovetter
Suzy T. Kane
Thomas J. Kane
Bonnie Korman
Richard Montreau
Harvey Solomon
Kay Solomon
Charles Strong
Janet Webb
Linda Yardley
CC (with enclosures): 
Brian Colon
Gideon Elliot
Michael Olguin
William J. Knight
Thomas “Chuby” Tafoya
Robert Beck
Melinda Whitley
Jason Bousliman
Agnes Maldonado
Stephanie Dubois
D. Matthew Runnels
Conny Maki
Martin Suazo

Cost of Coordination

In 2004, the price for legislative candidates to participate in the Presidential coordinated campaign was too great for many Democratic challengers to incumbent Republicans. 

To prevent this from happening again in 2008, the party will begin raising funds to ensure nominees from GOP held districts and incumbent Dems with challengers don't have the added cost of a "buy-inn" for coordinated campaign services.

Building Capacity Within The Party

Volunteering for the party as a one star volunteer, or even a five star volunteer general training other volunteers, can't be the end of the progression of political knowledge and experience.

With a curriculum of training available to volunteers ranging from Political organizing, to communications and citizen lobbying, not only would volunteers  be able to obtain the skills necessary to apply for paid positions within the party or on a campaign, but the Democratic Party of New Mexico would benefit by having more volunteers with more skills and abilities.

How we can own the party

The Democratic Party of New Mexico's stated policy is to "finance the business of the party primarily by contributions from each of its individual members as their means allow." and that "The State Central Committee has the responsibility of fulfilling that policy by maintaining a systematic program for soliciting and collecting such contributions." 

But the reality is that our party's donor base consists primarily of large, special-interest contributors and money from national committees and not individual contributions from our members.

If we want to take back our country, we have to take back our party first. Democrats are faced with a question; do we want to be a party dependent on special-interests or self interested  and that means we have to have more donors and that means we have to have more Democrats take ownership in their party. That will only happen when we send a message that the party isn't just about getting candidates elected regardless of the cost, but that the party is also about building infrastructure and respecting each individual Democrat.

How to build 5 Star Volunteers

OPTION ONE: Operation Teams

5 Dems Deep: within any campaign or party headquarters there are basically 5 defined roles for regular volunteers--the people who really make any organization a success and a fun place to be. These roles can be loosely defined as:

• Front Desk/Office Manager

• Volunteer Organizer

• Phone Bank Manager

• Fundraising

• Mail specialist

There are probably other major duties that I'm forgetting, but the thought is that they fall in under the major duties as specialties related to the primary headings.

Most volunteers find a specialty that they like doing based on the amount of time they're able to donate to the campaign. For instance, being a volunteer organizer who welcomes volunteers and helps them get into a projects might not be ideal for someone who can only volunteer once a month and never gets to see the project completed. A one a month volunteer, however, may be a genius when it comes to bulk mail preparation.

The idea being that by identifying individuals who prefer one of the identified areas of focus, we build 5 Star Volunteer teams--volunteers who each know a skill down pat and enjoy working with one another. This goes back to the idea that being on a campaign is a lot like being on a team; you get to know your teammates and how they work and when you're having fun, there's no beating you.

Its in the interest of the party to make sure volunteers are not only having fun, but also being utilized to the best of their abilities. This means that we can't let even our best volunteers  work everyday to the point of burning out. Instead, the party can establish a framework for teambuilding of 5 Star Volunteer squads that can operate in rotations. Instead of signing up as an individual who comes in and does something different every time, instead you would come in with your squad. If you're sick a day, no sweat, members from other squads who play your position can fill in just fine.

The idea extends to any area of specialty where volunteers are essential to success; poll workers, election day volunteers, van drivers, outreach groups, election protection lawyers, IT specialists, you name it. The number one thing is that volunteers are giving the party their time, they don't want to see it wasted or misused. Identifying and tracking volunteer areas of skills so that they may be called upon when they can have the greatest impact, is not too much to ask.

Another plus is that as a 5 star team that has trained together, also has the ability to be mobile, meaning that a volunteer team from Santa Fe can easily plug into a volunteer team in Las Cruces if Las Cruces needed more volunteers in the final days of the election. Not to mention the possibility of 5 Star Teams deciding collectively to endorse

Also, imagine the value a 5 Star Team of volunteers would have walking in the door of any candidate running for office? you have something significant to offer any candidate seeking volunteers. Imagine making a group decision about which candidate to support and walking in with your whole team. What candidate wouldn't be grateful?

OPTION TWO: 5 Star Volunteer Generals

Similar to option one, the party would track individual volunteers' skills or areas of specialty. However, 5 Star Volunteer Generals would be individuals who had matriculated through 5 areas of training and certification and would become trainers themselves.

Both programs would require the party to develop a core volunteer curriculum and training and a method of tracking individual volunteers' level of experience. Tactically, this would allow the party to identify the base of volunteers who operate as the skeletal structure of our party today, and provide these people with additional training and recognition to enhance their leadership within the party so that more people may benefit from it.