The Importance of Local Races

For those of us involved in the YDs, we've all heard it: 2007 is an off year. Okay, maybe not those of you in Philadelphia. But for the rest of us, it's generally considered an off year. We don't have Congressional elections, and we certainly don't have a Presidential election (although with the way things are going, the Iowa Caucuses may be sometime in mid-September). But this is far from an off year.

Local elections matter. It is extremely difficult to overstate this point. The conservatives took over this country by starting on local elections, school boards and township supervisors. These are the people who are going to make decisions that most closely impact peoples lives. These are the people who are going to someday be Representatives, Senators and Governors. These are races we can win too. And they're particularly important for us Young Democrats. Why?

For starters, let's talk about why these offices can be so important. Here in Chester County, we have a three member Board of Commissioners: two majority and one minority. There has never been two Democrats on this Board. We have a chance to change that this year (full disclosure: I am currently employed by one of the Democratic Commissioner campaigns). This is vital to us here. By changing this, by taking over our county government, we will be putting an exclamation point on the Democratic resurgence (and Republican collapse) in this county that only began a few years ago. But also, it would give us a chance to govern. It would let us protect open space and manage development in a smart manner. We could revitalize urban areas (always a source of Democratic strength). We can end their despicable practice of pay to play. And most importantly, we can govern responsibly. Some of you followed our recount here in the 156^th State House District, where Barbara McIlvaine Smith prevailed and gave us control of the State House. It was the Board of Commissioners who decided what ballots to count and which to throw away. And as you can imagine, the Republicans tried to disenfranchise as many voters as possible, including military voters, just to try and win. Even our brave men and women fighting for this country weren't worthy of being allowed to vote in Republican eyes, simply for supporting a Democrat. We can govern responsibly, and we need to make sure we win so we can do it. That's why these offices are so important.

But they're also very important for the YDs. In many cases, especially in places where our party is still growing, there are openings for Young Democrats to run for Supervisor or School Board or county offices. We need to elect as many Young Democrats as possible and, frankly, none of us are going to be running for President or Senate soon. Most of us aren't even Constitutionally eligible. But we can run – and win – at the local level. In 2005, Josh Young, one of our Chester County YDs, was elected Commissioner of Caln Township. This year, another of your CCYDs, Kevin Fitzpatrick, is running for Recorder of Deeds. Not only are they getting campaigning experience (and in the case of Josh, governing experience) but they'll be ready to run for higher office someday soon.

These are also the races that YDs can make the biggest impact in. In 2006, we decided to focus on Representative McIlvaine Smith's race over any other race, in part because we knew we could make a difference. We did, she won by 23 votes. Now, most State House races aren't going to be that close. But a lot of local races will be. It only takes a few Young Dems to make some phone calls, go door-to-door, do a lit drop or work the polls for us to win these races.

Unfortunately, I don't think there is any possible way to end this post without sounding like a dorky public service announcement. But I'm willing to take that bullet. Remember, 2007 shouldn't be an off year for us, it should be our chance to make a difference.

-Dan Tyman
PAYD Corresponding Secretary