Reply #15: Place: KS,, Time: the 1980's and 1990's

[longship]

I was heavily involved in the KS Democratic Party while I lived there. They had an amazing organization. KS is a very Red state, home of Bob Dole and Sam Brownback. The Repugs there are as far to the right as anywhere in the country, with the Rapture Rightists firmly in control of the party. But there's always something that can be done.

While I was active there, the following things happened.

* For a period there was a Democratic majority in the Kansas legislature.
* KS has a long history of electing Democratic governors. Current governor is Democrat Kathleen Sebelius.
* In Sedgwick County (Wichita), we had such a strong organization that in spite of the fact that there was no hope for Clinton to carry KS in 1992, Al Gore made a late evening "whistle stop" at the airport. The Dem party put the word out. In a metropolitan area of just over 300,000, Gore drew an absolutely huge crowd from all over the state, the tarmac completely full of people. Al was noticeably moved. He delivered an astounding speech and stayed late to shake people's hands.
* Sedgwick County (the most populace county) has a permanent headquarters and a permanent, paid executive director. The work is never done and goes on even during non-election years. I was part of this organization and it's astounding what can be done.

Paul Begala is simply wrong here. Dean is correct. Any efforts made in any area of the country is worthwhile. The only way to approach the 2006 or any other midterm election is a 50-state strategy. KS Democrats are proof of concept.