As everyone is well aware, Democrats took quite a thrashing in the recent November elections. This was mainly because there was a distinct lack of turnout on the Democratic side. Looking back at all the totals across the state, Republicans did not get that many more votes than usual, Democrats did not show up. But it is never too early to start looking at the next election cycle and how we will be able to make the necessary gains we need to attain in 2012.
There is going to be one key issue Democrats will have 18 months from now that is not getting enough attention; this is the lack of institutional memory among campaign staffers. President Obama had very high popularity in the 2008 election cycle, primarily with the younger voters. That campaign was about getting the young people both motivated and involved in campaigns; there was a definite trickle down from that election cycle to this year. But with the drubbing Democrats took this year, especially at the state level, the legislative staff cuts, and Democrats not holding one state-wide office, there is a serious lack of available jobs out there for these young staffers.
So the question is: where will they go and what will they do if they cannot find a political job for the next 18 months?
These young minds are going to move out of state for work; change career paths to something more stable or become uninterested in politics all together. Wherever they end up, one thing for certain, is that there will be a substantial outflow of young talent and staff for the next election cycle. Campaign staff with any kind of work experience is essential to move the party forward; this cycle’s volunteer coordinator is next cycle’s field director. Campaigns need to stop bringing on completely inexperienced field directors, fundraisers, and campaign managers to run their operations. There needs to be a concerted and consistent effort to focus on the goals and development for the party going for the future.
The party needs to focus on building its bench, growing, developing, and teaching its base of supporters, volunteers, and workers. Democrats will always have a handicap against the Republicans: money. This difference can be overcome by continuing to evolve it’s field plans, getting out the vote, and making sure we have staffers in charge that know what they are doing. The environment in any competitive campaign is fast-paced, high-stress, and working past the point of exhaustion and then working some more. It is not the type of workplace that anyone can handle and those who cannot keep up need to be replaced with those who can. And most importantly: when we find those who can, and are successful, we need to keep them around and help them grow; this is the future of the party.
Onward to victory in 2012.
Interesting. Especially this last post. If the Democrats had shown up to vote, would we have won? Would like some stats about that. Also interesting was the brain drain points you were making. Kinda wish you'd make that personal instead of so general it's not clear--if not with yourself then with an example of someone else you know.
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