Whose Democratic Party Is It?

[MineralMan]

19. Thanks. The Minnesota DFL Party has a great system

of organization, and is very welcoming to people who want to participate. Almost everywhere in the state, anyone who shows up at a precinct caucus can be a delegate to the State Senate District or County Convention. Too few people participate, though, so usually there are many delegate seats that go unfilled.

I encourage my neighbors and others to show up for the caucuses and to become delegates. Still, too few show up. People think they are too busy to participate in the very fundamentals of our system. It is their loss, and their voices aren't heard as a result. The people who participate have real influence, both in the selection and endorsement of candidates and in setting the platform of the party. It's a shame that so many can't find a few hours to make a difference. Those who do participate have far more influence than those who do not. I do not understand people who don't bother, but who then complain about the results. It makes no sense.

Delegates to the various district conventions have opportunities to speak directly to candidate, right up to the level of members of Congress. They're there. They listen. They shake hands and ask about issues. Even Senator Franken has been more than accessible to people who participate in the DFL organization process. I've spoken with him more than once, and I'm just a lowly precinct chair.