Inland Empire Progressive

In 2008, California more than any other state helped elect Barack Obama President of the United States. We canvassed in the harsh desert terrains of Nevada and Arizona. Also, we made over 3 million calls, the most out of every state! However, much to the chargrin of the California State Democratic Party, that victory did not translate into the much of the down ticket flipping of Republican seats because of the intense focus on getting Obama elected. Now, in 2010 the importance of activating these grassroots networks and applying that laser like focus to our own state cannot be ignored or marginalized. Organizing for America (OFA) should not be relied on to heavily contribute to victory in 2010. Every swinging Progressive in every county should be going all out making calls and knocking on doors to encourage the 1st time voters and persuade elusive independents to vote Democrat in November. Three is the magic number and we can do it, if we hit the streets hard and fast. The Inla...

In 2010, the Inland Empire will finally go from being the bastard cousin of Democratic Party politics to a nascent power player in the setup to 2012. Why do I say this? First, many Congressional districts and Assembly districts in the Inland Empire went for Barack Obama in 2008. The flurry of Progressive activism in this area was euphoric and in it lay the beginnings of a new foundation. Secondly, we have recieved peripheral attention from major Democratic power players such as Barbara Boxer who announced her 2010 senatorial bid in Riverside County and Gavin Newsom who came to the Inland Empire during his exploratory bid for Governor. Finally, the Progressive faction in the Inland Empire is finally achieveing the organizational structure to compete against the Blue Dog faction which has consistently won and whose performance has been circumspect in the California Legislature and Congress. While much work remains. I remain optimistic about our prospects in 2010 and beyond. If we h...