An extraordinary gathering of local elected officials, WCDP Exec Board members, our State Party Chairman, Sam Lieberman, and leaders of Washoe’s Field Operations and Candidate Development Committees took place recently to create a strategy for increasing our Democratic presence in Washoe County in the 2010 election and beyond. 

Our goal is clear – we want great Democratic candidates to contest every 2010 election in Washoe County!  To that end, the County Party will actively seek strong candidates; we will help prepare and develop them, and then support them with “feet on the ground.”

The most urgent recommendation is to identify excellent candidates NOW.  First, I’d like you to consider whether you might consider becoming a candidate.  If this isn’t for you, then I ask you to consider people you know who you believe to be good potential candidates.  If you have someone in mind, I invite you to contact Pamela Brooks of our Candidate Development Committee to discuss how best to approach your potential candidate. 

Equally important, but perhaps less urgent, is the need to identify Democrats willing to serve on one of the many important local boards and commissions.  We will publicize vacancies in our local city and county governments.  Experience on boards and commissions is crucial to gaining an understanding of the work of our local government and are the best opportunities to prepare for elected office.

What follows is a list of other suggested actions and strategies that came from last Saturday’s meeting:

WCDP

1. Identify potential shared resources for campaign management, fundraising, financial reporting, and media buys.
2. Identify most promising target races, and in those races to conduct and make available opposition research.
3. Post or create links to descriptions of county elected and appointed positions.
4. Communicate to local Democratic activists list local offices up for election in 2010.
5. Discuss and decide policy regarding candidate endorsement and support in contested primaries.
6. Review list of all registered Democrats residing in key target districts to identify potential candidates for those races. 

Field Operations

1. Post district maps for State Senate, County, City and Ward elections.
2. Prepare neighborhood volunteers to include campaigning for local candidates in their plans and activities.
3. Encourage prospective and announced candidates to be present at neighborhood Field Ops events.
4. Be fully organized and prepared to walk our neighborhoods to encourage voter turnout during the primaries on behalf of our Democratic candidates, including in non-partisan races.

Candidate Development Committee

1. Prepare a one-page summary of ways the County Party is prepared to support local candidates.
2. Prepare a process for taking candidate nominations and making approaches to potential candidates.
3. Actively seek expansion of its membership for this period.
4. Create a process for identifying potential candidates in contested races, making recommendations to the Board regarding endorsements, and helping others strategically target races where they’re most likely to be successful.
5. Minimize contests among Dems by strategizing with them before they declare their candidacy.

The recently ended Nevada legislative session advanced the primaries and the filing dates for local and state elections.  Bottom line, NOW is the time to think hard about your own possible candidacy or to move quickly to encourage outstanding Democrats to run for office. 

The elections in 2010 will be exciting for Democrats in Washoe County!  We have a senator to re-elect, a governor to replace, and an opportunity to expand our Democratic representation in the halls of state and local government.  This is our highest purpose as the County Democratic Party.

Stay tuned for all the excitement and consider how you can be a part of it.