Stonewall Democrats urge caucus involvement

Stonewall Democrats urge caucus involvement

by Andrew Miller - Special to the SGN Caucus: a term that Tim Gunn of Project Runway uses to compel designers to work in teams. You may commend Tim Gunn for his use of three-dollar words, but the upcoming presidential caucus carries a little more volatility and concern. We currently have legislation in the works to expand domestic partnership rights and responsibilities; active LGBT politicians such as Senator Edward Murray, Senator Joe McDermott, Representative Jamie Peterson, Representative Dave Upthegrove, Representative Jim Moeller; and many active allies, partnerships and organizations are fighting in Washington State for equal rights. The president, at the federal level, can make or break this progress, and it is time to get involved in the process. On Feburary 9, at 1 p.m. in various schools and community centers, individuals will be gathering to participate in the 2008 Presidential Caucus. What is the caucus? How is it different from the Primary? You get to "vote" for whichever candidate you want to have delegates during the state and national convention. A primary in many states determines these delegates, but not in Washington State. The caucus determines delegation allocation, so do not be fooled. The primary is merely a "temperature read" on the candidates and does not have an affect on the actual delegation selection unless you are a Republican. In that case, half of the delegation selection is made by both the primary and caucus. Regardless, this speaks to the importance of participating in the caucus - especially in such a tight race this year - with so much at stake. You could even be one of those delegates. In addition to that, some folks want to influence the party's position on ANY sort of issue, and this is the forum where that is done. Anyone may bring an idea or position to their precinct caucus in the form of a resolution. So whether you want to bring the troops home from Iraq or stop people from buying guns, you bring in the reasons and the action. You have the power to put your ideas into the party's platform. Everyone in your precinct who wants to support a specific candidate will get together in a break-out session with the other supporters of that candidate. All supporters of each candidate left in the race by February 9 will do this simultaneously. Then, depending on how many delegates the precinct is allowed and how many proportionately are supporting each candidate, each candidate's supporters will elect the delegates who go on to both the legislative district caucus and the county convention. You have a chance to speak your mind, sell yourself, sell your resolutions, and ultimately get the possibility of going to the National Convention. The Washington State Democrats have a specific goal that at least seven of the 97 state's delegates will be LGBT and two of those seven will also be people of color. Other goals include the participation of the disabled and youth under 24 as well as veterans. Every LGBT candidate for delegate is encouraged to visit the Prideintheparty.com website to register. Our state Stonewall Democrats (WSSD) are giving advice and assistance to LGBT folks who choose to run to become elected as delegates, regardless of which candidate they support. The state Democrats have collaborated with Stonewall Democrats so that LGBT folks can anticipate finding a brochure about WSSD at their Precinct Caucus. If there is a shortage of these flyers anyone can contact them online at www.stonewalldemswa.org. Ultimately, it is time to take ownership of your party, to speak your mind, to have a say, and a powerful one. So please, get out there and "caucus amongst yourselves." Andrew Miller is Vice President of Communications for Washington State Stonewall Democrats