Endorsement: JM Bell for Utah State Democratic Party Chair
By Saintless. Filed in Democrats, Utah |
Before I get into this endorsement, I would like to say that I have the utmost respect for current Utah State Democratic Party Chair Wayne Holland. I loved working with him over the past couple of years, and I believe he is a great person, and has done some good things for the Utah State Democratic Party.
However, I feel compelled to endorse JM (Jeff) Bell for Utah State Democratic Party Chair. One of the biggest reasons is that I believe Bell has a fundamental understanding of technology and how to harness it. The current party leadership has missed the mark on this issue, and we absolutely cannot let that continue.
I’ve seen recent improvements in the area of technology with the UT Democrats, however, I think it’s too little, too late.
Vote for Jeff Bell for Utah State Democratic Party Chair
I also believe the the current party leadership has a fundamental belief that most races in this state can only be won by either a conservative, or someone who compromises on basic Democratic Party ideals to become more like a conservative. I understand that there’s no “perfect Democrat”, nor should anyone running under the Democratic banner be forced, or even try, to be a complete liberal on every issue. However, we need better candidates who don’t compromise with the conservatives to try to win against them. It’s just silly to think that people in this state will vote for that type of candidate.
We need energized Democratic candidates who stick to their own values, and who have support from the State Democratic Party.
During the last election, I also felt that the State Party was more interested in supporting a “higher visibility” candidate for Governor, who was obviously going to lose, than they were in supporting other candidates who had a true shot at winning, but for a lower office. Or maybe it was because they weren’t able to harness the huge amounts of grassroots volunteer energy, because they hadn’t seen such a thing in recent history.
I think I could even sum it up this way: Buttars won the last election. I don’t think that would have happened if Jeff was Chair. Not that I blame the current Chair for this in any sort of direct way. However, I think Jeff Bell will take the Utah State Democratic Party in the direction we need, not just to elect more Democrats, but to elect the right Democrats, and send the right message about our party to the people of Utah. I also believe that Bell will be far more in touch with the average Utahn, and get them involved.
As Bell himself says:
It is time for the Party to educate Utah voters about who we are, what we stand for, and deliver the message that Democrats are more than a watered down alternative to the empty, harmful policies of the Utah GOP – We are the best choice for Utah voters.
As your Party Chair I will work to bring that message to the people of Utah, and in doing so will help us return to a position of strength where, defining ourselves once more as Democrats, we can bring real, progressive leadership to the great state of Utah
Read the rest of his Letter to Utah Democrats, and see if you don’t agree with me.
And on a personal note, Jeff Bell was already a well known Utah blogger and all around political guru when I came on the scene a few years ago. I think we’ve probably disagreed on a few things, but overall, Jeff and his blog have been a huge inspiration for my own blog. In addition, while I was Chair of the Utah for Obama group, Jeff was an amazing mentor, even though I was a political nobody. I had jumped into the middle of this political arena that I knew little about, but felt determined to get Utah to vote for Obama, and become aware of him. I didn’t know any of the elected officials, party officials, or really anyone else when I started. Jeff has always answered my silly questions without making (too much) fun of me for them. He’s good natured, well informed, and believes that we all need to be involved. The Utah State Democratic Party isn’t about one or two people making decisions for the rest of us. Jeff understands that, and I think with him as Chair of the Party that the entire process will be far more open, far more effective, and far more Democratic.
So, please vote for Jeff Bell this June 20 at the Utah State Democratic Convention. Stop by and talk with him at his booth if you’re attending the Salt Lake County Democratic Convention this Saturday, April 18.
Thursday, April 16th 2009 at 11:10 pm |
I’ve got to say, this is very disappointing Misty. In no way does JM Bell have the skills, demeanor or fortitude to run the state party. Very unwise vote.
Friday, April 17th 2009 at 8:05 am |
Sorry, I had to laugh:
No, people in this state just seem to vote for whoever the current officeholder is if the incumbent is running, otherwise they look at the crucial information – who have the other current incumbents endorsed (for primaries) or what letter follows the name (for general elections).
Friday, April 17th 2009 at 8:46 am |
David, that might be true, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t work against it. Change doesn’t happen when you sit down and give up.
Friday, April 17th 2009 at 9:40 am |
Laura,
I wasn’t quite sure how to respond to your comment when I read it, but I think I’ve found what I want to say. This endorsement is something I’ve contemplated for a long time. This isn’t something I decided to do lightly, because I knew that being one of Jeff’s first supporters would be a difficult path. It’s always hard to go against the incumbent, but then again – isn’t that what we’re asking Utah citizens to do in almost every race in the state? I very much believe that Jeff Bell does have the leadership skills that we need for our State Party. I believe he absolutely has the demeanor for it – he doesn’t hold a grudge, he lets insults roll like water on a duck’s back, he’s friendly and sociable, and can crack a joke to soften any tension. And if working for Rocky Anderson didn’t give him fortitude, I’m quite sure being the only liberal on KSL Radio did the trick.
So, I do think you’re wrong, especially to phrase your comment in such a judgmental way. But, you’re welcome to your opinion. And I’m definitely very certain of my decision to support Jeff Bell for Utah State Democratic Party Chair.
Saturday, April 18th 2009 at 6:37 am |
Misty, as a Republican I can happily say that we would love to have Bell as your next chair. He did a great job with Beau Babka. Now look at Beau, he’s on our team. GO BELL!
Too bad your not running for vice chair, now there would be a perfect dream team.
Friday, May 1st 2009 at 10:41 am |
Misty,
If you have the utmost respect for Wayne Holland then why did you tell us at the bar, “Fuck Wayne Holland!”?
Of course this was last year, maybe your thoughts have changed.
Friday, May 1st 2009 at 3:16 pm |
Danni, I don’t know who you are, but you obviously came over from Blue in Red Zion to continue your trollish remarks. You are making a very unfounded accusation, and I think it’s pretty apparent to anyone that knows me that those words did not come out of my mouth. So, again, I’ll ask you to come up with some substantial comments, instead of this petty crap.
Friday, May 1st 2009 at 3:35 pm |
If “Danni” is the same “Danielle” from Blue in Red Zion, this person isn’t operating with a fill load.
The attacks there against Curtis were vague and full of innuendo as well. Garden variety childishness.
Sometimes, people just aren’t smart enough to explain why they might disagree with you, but they just know for certain they do!
Such low information folk are more entertaining than useful. Good for a laugh, then something to ignore.
Friday, May 1st 2009 at 4:56 pm |
You can say whatever you want (lie) about Holland’s performance, and you can refute whatever you want Misty, but the words did come out of your mouth. If your going to dish it out then you should expect people to be honest about who you are. Maybe you can’t remember, alcohol can do that.
Say what you like about me, I won’t be back. We need leadership, not whiners.