|
archived:
26 - 31 Aug, 2007
Back
Next UPDATED: AUG 29, 2007 COUNTERPUNCH Progressive Democrats had a good legislative session in the General Assembly that just closed. Over the coming weeks, TPJ will be presenting an overview of accomplishments. For the moment, it is important that Progressives understand that there will be a push back from conservative forces. NCFREE is out actively recruiting conservative candidates in both parties. A representative from NCFREE appeared at a recent meeting of the Chambers of Commerce from Eastern North Carolina: Among the featured speakers was Mark Flemming, executive vice president of NCFREE (North Carolina Forum for Research and Economic Education).
"Our main goal is to elect business people from both parties," he said.
As the state has changed over the years, Flemming explained, so has its political makeup.
In the legislature, he said, the business base in both chambers is under 50 percent. According to his organization's numbers, in the House, only 43 percent of the members vote for business interests 70 percent or more of the time. In the Senate, that number is 42 percent.
"We need more. We need friends," he said.
And to that end, NCFREE is asking for the help of local chambers in recruiting business owners to run for office in 2008 -- particularly in the primary races, which are often more competitive.
"We think there's going to be a lot of turnover this session, and that will create an opportunity for us to recruit people from both parties," Flemming said. NCFREE is moving well beyond simply recruitment of candidates. They are preparing to fund candidates as well. NCFREE’s political action committee is soliciting donations to "elect business people two races at a time," reflecting their goal of recruiting candidates in both Parties. TPJ readers may recall that NCFREE members rejected a similar strategy last year because its members were concerned that opposing incumbent legislators was not good politics. Now, NCFREE has identified these priorities, “support . . . 1) Vulnerable incumbent friends, 2) Open seat opportunities, and 3) Challenger opportunities.” From a Democratic Party perspective, good government comes from having an excellent mix of candidates with a wide range of backgrounds and philosophies. Having broad representation is the foundation of representative government in which consensus can be fashioned for leadership of the State into the future. NCFREE notes however: In the legislature, he said, the business base in both chambers is under 50 percent. According to his organization's numbers, in the House, only 43 percent of the members vote for business interests 70 percent or more of the time. In the Senate, that number is 42 percent. NCFREE appears to be searching for dominance. North Carolina Progressives have traditionally been less well organized, particularly at the State level, than other philosophical groups. If Progressives want to continue to be a vital force in State legislative policy, Progressives will have to compete and win that status in the electoral arena. Do Progressives have a plan?
Last Update: 09/22/2007 |
