I just figured out that the old primary way is the best way after all .

[madfloridian]

I have been pushing too hard against the grain, and I should just leave it alone and let it happen. It just occurred to me how much cheaper life will be for my husband and I politically.

You see, we were so enthusiastic during the 04 campaign. We donated large amounts to Howard Dean, and then later to John Kerry. We were enthusiastic for both, and we worked hard locally. It got very expensive during the primaries.

Then when Howard Dean formed DFA we donated to candidates supported by the group. It was a great thing. We felt we were important and were accomplishing something.

We had something then that we don't have now. It was enthusiasm. There was an excitement during races, even though it got very tense sometimes. We were excited over people, over races, we cared deeply.

But tonight I looked back at my old DFA folder. I realized that many had at one time or another tried to run again. DFA people tend to do that because that was one of Howard's favorite sayings..."you have to run twice."

But to make a long story short, it was all really kind of in vain for now. I can see that we will definitely come out ahead now financially. We give monthly to DFA and DNC, extra if needed. Now since we have decided that it is too risky to give to individual candidates....we will be much better off.

We will be better off financially and emotionally. No more roller coaster primary rides. I think it is best that the party just make the decisions up front, do it get it over with. Just let them decide, since there seems to be good agreement that political novices are interfering in the process. I notice lately most here and at other forums think it is just fine for the party's leaders to pick the candidates. They are said to be more experienced than we are, and more knowledgeable. Perhaps so.

Of course, if one wanted to be contrary, one could say we are totally out of power in Washington. If one says that, though, it turns out to be the fault of gate crashers.

So perhaps it is best that we let them do it, let them pick who runs. Then there is just one thing I ask....they must take full blame if they lose. No excuses, no spinnng, take the blame.

So our checkbooks will be better off, but there will be some things missing. Isn't that how life really is anyway...trade-offs?

The missing things will be change in the party, infusion of new people in the party, enthusiasm and love of politics that filled many of us for several years now.

But it will be better in the long run to let them do it. Then if we lost again, they can't blame it on us. And we won't be throwing away money never knowing if that candidate is next to go.