Many PDA members know that our strategy to move the Democratic Party towards progressive positions, policies and programs, which the majority of Americans clearly embrace, entails both an inside and outside game. The inside strategy refers to supporting candidates running for office (federal, state and local) who represent our progressive platform. We’re working tirelessly (just ask Mike Fox!) to get progressive candidates elected and grow the progressive caucus at every level everywhere in the country.

The outside strategy refers to pushing, prodding and cajoling (some might call it “educating”) our elected members of Congress, State Legislature, City Council and School Districts to vote consistent with progressive positions. Oftentimes the outside strategy requires mobilizing Americans to engage in the political process, call and write Congress, and talk with their neighbors.

Here’s our chance! The Democratic Party of New Mexico is holding elections this Spring for DPNM state party positions, and each County is doing the same for local party positions. Here’s our opportunity to help move the Democratic Party from the inside and make it more responsive to New Mexicans who have given up on politics and/or the Democratic Party altogether.

As M. Gessen writes in the New York Times (Feb. 15, The Barrage of Trump’s Awful Ideas Is Doing Exactly What It’s Supposed To) about the Democratic Party and Trump: “Admonitions to obey the law will not stop Trump and will not dissuade his supporters. Trump’s bad ideas must be countered with good ones. His attack on the government has to be contrasted with a vision of how the system could work and should work — for the people, not the emperor-in-the-making.” We need to push, prod and cajole the Democratic Party to rise to this challenge and embrace a vision of how the system can and should work for all of us.

If you live in Bernalillo County, register to participate in these elections and/or declare your candidacy by March 1 by completing this online registration. Here’s some very helpful information about the process. If you live outside of Bernalillo County, check the DPNM state website or your county’s website. You will need to register by March 1 in order to vote.

Be sure to let us know if you declare your candidacy, and if you have any questions, we’re here to help. Lora Lucero 505-453-3938 or LoraLucero3@gmail.com

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