A Well Read Electorate
BY LARRY SAKIN: ELECTIONS 101 “Most of us know that our founding fathers intended for the democratic government to be chosen by a well-read electorate. We know now that didn't happen. In the end, maybe demagogy is unavoidable.” – Leigh Saavedra, author and activist
The above quote from independent columnist Leigh Saavedra is a critical statement for understanding the intentions of the framers of the Constitution, and how far the American electorate is from our roots. Ms. Saavedra correctly identifies a major chasm between where we should be as participants in the representative democracy the forefathers of this country set up. Read the full essay
Studying for Midterms
BY NORLA ANTINORO: ELECTIONS 101
It is time for the voice of the people to be heard in the land. Not since 1994 has the balance in the American congress been so questionable. The Republicans hold a majority in both houses of congress, they hold the executive, and they are packing the judiciary. During the 2006 midterm elections, all of the seats in the House of Representatives and 35 of the senate seats are being voted on. In addition, 33 state governors are also being elected. Read the full essay
Framing an Issue
BY LARRY SAKIN: ELECTIONS 101
The world has been changing rapidly in the last twenty years, and within the political realm, we’ve seen a number of changes that have made activists like me re-evaluate how we put our message across. There was a time when everybody had access to the media. It was this concept that led Andy Warhol to make an enduring statement that has outlasted his contributions to art; “everybody will be famous for fifteen minutes.” Read the full essay
Illinois IL-06 Congressional District
BY BILL BIANCHI: ELECTIONS 101
What's shaping up in the IL-06 Congressional district is nothing less than a battle for the soul of the Democratic Party in the US.
BACKGROUND:
Illinois sixth Cong. district, DuPage County -- Republican for most of the
past century -- has been represented for at least the past 25 years by Henry Hyde, Clinton's nemesis. In 2004 Christine Cegelis a self-employed single mother, with no political support, money or name recognition, challenged Hyde. She ran on a moderately progressive (common sense) platform, and helped develop a grassroots organization among DuPage County Democrats. She won 44.2 % of the vote, the worse showing ever for Hyde. Soon after, Hyde announced his retirement. Read the full essay
Ohio: A Republican Slugfest
BY PAT DENINO: ELECTIONS 101
The big interest in Ohio at this time is the Republican slugfest over who will represent the party in the race for governor. J. Kenneth Blackwell, currently Secretary of State, is probably best remembered for his partisan stance in (not) working fairly with the those who had questioned and challenged voting procedures in the 2004 presidential election. Attorney General Jim Petro, also running, has been attacked severely by Blackwell's campaign, and the attack has drawn condemnation from the Ohio GOP chairman. Those of us of a more progressive persuasion are, of course, delighted. Read the full essay
The Hard Slog
the next step in getting active
BY LARRY SAKIN: ELECTIONS 101
Okay, so you’ve spoken with your neighbors, found some issues you want to address, and have even thought of a few ways to frame those issues for legislators and media alike. Where do you go from here? Read the full essay
If you'd like to write up the race in your state for Elections 101, contact Larry Sakin, at itsallmyfault@netzero.net or Norla Antinoro at norla@mytown.ca. Larry is also working on the Principles Project training voters how to become effective and active in our government again and would be happy to hear from you.
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