Norfolk Democrats not keen on democracy
By Brian Kirwin | Monday, May 4th, 2009 | PoliticsWhen all 5 constitutional officers are Democrats, it’s funny how undemocratic the Norfolk Democratic Party is about allowing people to compete for a nomination.
First, you hold a caucus (not a primary…that always makes me giggle about Democrats) and then you advertise it on your website.
Second, you charge an exorbitant filing fee of $5,000, far above any filing fee the State asks for a primary for the same jobs. Might as well make a giant sign saying “Challenge our incumbents, and you’ll pay – one way or the other.”
Third, you give candidates less than two weeks to come up with the money and the other documentation required. I can’t prove it, but somehow I can imagine that Democrat incumbents didn’t have to wait until April 22nd to find out what was expected of them.
Here’s the clincher. You know you’re pretty undemocratic when you have to write this in your caucus call.
“Waivers: The NCDC shall seek appropriate waivers from the Democratic Party of Virginia regarding expediting the time frames required by the Party Plan, if necessary.”
I am no expert, but that sounds an awful lot like “We’re breaking the Party rules being in such a rush about this, and if we get caught, we’ll ask to be forgiven later.”
If Norfolk Democrats are violating the Party Plan in their procedures, let’s hope the Party insists on the rules being followed.
No one would oppose that, right?
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The right wants to jeer him. The left wants to censor him. Moderates usually want both. Brian Kirwin is a political consultant and public relations strategist in Virginia Beach with a lightning-rod flair. Brian also serves on the VB Arts & Humanities Commission and frequently appears on Hampton Roads theatrical stages, if only to prove that all actors aren’t liberals. Kirwin’s columns stir up debate and hit the political scene with no punches pulled.
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Comments
6 Responses to "Norfolk Democrats not keen on democracy"
$5000 filing fee! Wow!
Explain to me how Norfolk’s caucus makes you chuckle, yet RPV conventions don’t? I get it, primaries for republican statewide candidates are not necessary, but they are for Norfolk democrats? I wonder if you’ll write one of your bits about hypocrisy on this…I bet not.
Ian, Republicans don’t break their own rules and promise to ask for a waiver if they get called on it.
I got a better idea. Since party switching is in vogue (Specter) and party switching is prevalent in Norfolk (McCabe, Schaefer) (heck even me) why not get the Libertarian nomination so one has an “L” next to their name. Then on all material, signs, website, palm cards, and etc., claim yourself a Liberal democrat. That ought to stir the pot. and p-off your democratic foes!
Wally, you party switcher you! You know full well the Libertarian Party would not allow a “lefty” democrat nomination to go forward. A Johhny Joannou style conservative democrat perhaps.
Party jumping. Interesting past time.
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