I'm reading an awful lot of good news about President Obama's chances of winning reelection. But we should not lose sight of the fact that just winning the presidency won't take the U.S. out of the stalemate created by a majority Republican House or Senate that cannot overcome a filibuster. The Democratic Party must win "down ticket"—all those Senate, House, governor, assembly, state senate, city council, supervisor, school board, and dog catcher elections. Anything that is partisan must be won by a Democratic candidate.
At this point in time, it would appear that President Obama has the "coattails" to encourage voters to take a second and hard look at their local elections and vote the Democratic ticket. His vocal encouragement would boost the chances of the Democratic candidate.
Please follow me below the braided challah of goodness for a few more thoughts.
Voting the Democratic ticket used to be almost a given. A voter would receive mailings from the local Democratic party with the list of Democratic candidates. Take that postcard to the precinct and copy out the votes.
Now I don't expect voters to blindly follow the suggestions of the Democratic party (or any other party). But there is a real reason to vote the Democratic ticket en masse. Ticket voting multiplies Democratic power. It increases the chance that President Obama can leverage Democratic policies to the local level. We would also see local issues turn towards policies supported by the Democratic party—think school board text book choices.
We can make a real difference with the widespread election of Democratic candidates.
Vote Democratice Everywhere!