Complacency

I remember the disappointing results in key elections in 1993, when Democrats, fresh off a tremendous Presidential victory in 1992 became complacent and Republican activists got upset and activated.  New Jersey’s incumbent Democratic Governor, Jim Florio was knocked out of office.  That same year, Republicans seized control of the Virginia Governor’s Mansion, bringing us George “Macaca” Allen. The following year, Democrats crapped out in a horrendous way giving up US Senate and House seats across the country, including many ‘safe’ seats such as Rep. David Price’s NC-4 seat.  I remember well seeing David just days before the elections in the Pit and saying, “Well, David, you should be fine.”  He said, “The thing that worries me is when people say that.”  He wasn’t being rude, but I could tell he wasn’t kidding.  And I was absolutely floored when he was defeated a few days later by the hopelessly incompetent former Raleigh Police Chief Fred Heineman (the man who said his $100,000+ salary made him ‘lower-middle’ class). Hopefully you all remember those dark days as well as I do.  And I have to tell you, I am getting that sinking 1993 feeling right about now.  The results in the Wake County School Board election earlier this week are appalling.  A clean sweep for those who want to end the Wake County school diversity program (Hello, 1971!)  How did these Constitutionally-challenged candidates carry the day?  By tapping into parent outrage over bussing?  Maybe, but I think it was much more a matter of Democrats thinking that they have already won all the battles and complacently sitting at home on election day. Bellwether races across the United States are trending Republican right now.  The incumbent Democratic Governor of New Jersey, Jon Corzine is on the ropes.  And things also look bad for Virginia’s Democratic Gubernatorial candidate, Creigh Deeds, despite being up against a man who says he wants to put women back in the kitchen.  How can this be?  Where is the new America that President Obama’s election heralded?  I’ll tell you where it is:  Sitting on its butt at home thinking how much better things are now than they were under President Bush. People, now is not the time to be sitting back taking it easy.  Progressive voters of Orange County need to stand up and be counted – this November 3 as well as in the congressional and legislative elections next year.  The sum total of results in hundreds of races across America this November will define our mood as a nation, and set the stage for holding our own in the 2010 Congressional midterm elections, or suffering a 1994 style crushing defeat, leaving President Obama paralyzed by a Republican Congress. So let’s all get off our behinds and get to work – to show that progressive voters are proud of what we did in 2008 and are ready to carry forward that momentum through 2009 and into 2010.  If you aren't involved in a campaign for Mayor, Alderman, Town Council, or School Board right now, you need to get involved RIGHT NOW!  If you think everything is going to turn out fine in November, just because this is Orange County, then think again.  And call your favorite candidate today to ask how you can get involved.