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As we all prepare for the next few days and the process of electing a new Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate, I want to remind everyone that politics is about people — not some abstract group of “Mainers” or “voters.” It’s about us.
If you’re frustrated with our “establishment” options, remember where experienced candidates for higher office come from: the Maine Senate, the Maine House, our city councils, school boards, and county commissions. If you don’t hear your ideas being championed by our candidates, maybe it’s time for you to step up and run for something.
So many people were inspired by the grassroots energy of Graham Platner’s campaign. If you were one of those people, don’t let that energy disappear. Find another grassroots campaign and throw yourself into it. That’s the only way we’ll have different choices in the future.
If you want more progressive candidates at the top of the ticket, we have to elect more progressive candidates down the ballot first. Do you know someone who would make a great city councilor, school board member, or state representative? Encourage them to run. Better yet, offer to help them run.
Have you volunteered two hours to drive a local candidate while they knock on doors? Have you made phone calls? Chipped in $5 to a Clean Elections campaign? Signed up to canvass? Those are the kinds of things that actually change politics.
Our county party leaders are volunteers doing their best to navigate an unprecedented political moment. Instead of asking them to do their work differently, ask what you can contribute to build the party you want.
The future of the Democratic Party won’t be decided by one Senate race. It’s being shaped by all of us at the local level who are willing to do the hard work, day after day.
Madison Cook
Belfast