Deconstructing Wayne Holland's BS

Today's Tribune has an article about Jeff Bell's Challenge to Utah Democratic Chairman Wayne Holland. And, well, some things need to be challenged.

Democratic activist and former party spokesman Jeff Bell said Thursday he would challenge party Chairman Wayne Holland for the state party's top spot, arguing that Democrats haven't been aggressive enough in spreading their message.

"The party's sitting still and if something sits still too long, it goes stagnant," said Bell, who was the party's communications director from 2005 to 2007. "If you're not going to set the tone and start the conversation ... and if you spend all your time playing defense, you're not moving forward."

Holland said he wasn't surprised that Bell would run, but was disappointed that Bell distorted the party's emphasis on patience into a message of defeatism.

"I expect Jeff to do bizarre things," Holland said. "I was warned about that. I didn't have a problem with him running. Him not being truthful, that's a whole other matter."

Let me put this in a sports metaphor so that Wayne can understand it:

"The Jazz not going to win this year. Or next year. Or the year after that. However, we won most of our road games, and a few home games. Yeah, we lost some games that we should have won, but we will stick with Carlos Boozer and CJ Miles in our starting lineup, and Jerry Sloan as our coach, because it will work someday."

That's a strategy that I'm willing to endorse.....NOT!

(Yes, that was a joke from the 1990's. Deal with it.)

Since Holland was elected party chairman in 2005 and re-elected without opposition two years ago, Democrats have made some modest inroads in the Utah Legislature and in Salt Lake County and developed its county parties with the help of the national party. The party also launched the Common Values Project to reach out to Mormon voters.

We've had a net gain of 4 legislators and in the past four years in Utah, and one Salt Lake County Council position. Wayne may call that modest, but I call it small. And, that's with vouchers, ethics, Buttars, soccer stadiums, and Obama thrown in.

And their outreach to Mormon voters didn't work. I have talked to many people, especially people who live in the targeted districts, who have never heard of the Common Values Project. I would think that, given the amount of money spent on it, the program would be continuing. But, like most things coming out of party HQ, I haven't heard much.

Moreover, I know of two separate attempts last year to create a faith caucus. One was designed to be an interfaith group, and the other was going to be more LDS-centric. Both were rebuffed by party leadership.

And, if you want to know about religious discrimination during candidate recruitment, just ask.

Bell said "I think the world of Wayne. ... I respect the hell out of him," but the party has been stuck in the past and been slow to embrace new technologies to help spread its message. He said the party spent its money on newspaper ads instead of using targeted cable advertising and Internet technologies to reach voters.

Bell said he has the skills to help advance that message. He does Internet media work for various organizations, including the group The High Road for Human Rights, which is led by former Salt Lake City Mayor Rocky Anderson.

"What they're doing is good but it's much less than needs to be done," he said.

Holland, however, said Bell was responsible for fashioning the party's message for two years and setting up the Democrat's online presence "and we went backward in the minds of a lot of people."

Holland said the party got numerous complaints about its Web site when Bell was running it and it is much better now.

We went backward? Yet this was the same web site that the party was using on election day 2008. In fact, it still listed a secretary and treasurer who had resigned and been replaced months earlier. This in spite of at least one web professional offering his services to build a new site for free last year. And, the prototype site was much better than the crap they got.

And, most of the web action we have seen from the Dems has come in the past 18 days, after they saw the momentum of the internet rolling against leadership.

Democrats will elect leaders June 20 during their organizing convention at Murray High School.

I'm not the only one "not pissed off!"

Seems like I really struck a nerve with several people by writing yesterday's blog post.

Rob Miller and Craig Axford both wrote excellent comments in rebuttal, which deserve their own posts in reply. I'll get to those in a bit (and by bit, I mean within the next few days. In the meantime, click here to read them.

Last night, I spoke to two Democratic office holders while at work. One of the conversations had nothing to do with the post. The other one did. Said office holder wanted to remain ff the record as they ranted about their beefs with party leadership, including some of those I brought up. I asked this person to send me an email that I can post anonymously on the blog. They were non-committal, but one can hope, can't we?

And, that's not the only one. From the comments:

Robin said...

I think you and Jason at the Sidetrack are both brave for saying what you said, and so are many others being ignored by the party. I've felt for many years now that as Democrats we are fighting such an uphill battle in this state against the misinformation and bs coming from overly confident Republicans that we hesitate to criticize our party leaders for fear the possible media attention will cost us elections. But we're not winning elections. We are attracting candidates, and we don't have even 1/10th the outreach and online engaging presence of other D parties in equally as red of states. Our leaders have shown us they have no vision, and it's a shame anyone would try to silence your criticism with an anonymous comment rather than take what's being said to heart, and heaven forbid try something new in response.

Holland had/has potential, but the resistance to vision he's shown is trickling down to other party leaders, dilluting even their own vision. We're dead in the water with him at the helm.

There, I said it.

craig41 said...

bob, you're right, it's frustrating, embarrassing, off pissing, and all in all puzzling. anonymous on the last post was confused, and i think their prejudice is causing them to miss the point. either that or they can't read election results.

the party has a long way to go in this state, and ideas need to come from either those in the state office, or anyone else that has them. but right now we're running around like a basketball team down big late in the game, looking for someone to foul. it's time to get back in the game, and saying that we should all look good losing isn't really that inspiring, nor is it a plan to do anything other than lose, hopefully looking good while doing so.

Voice of Utah said...

While we're venting, my pet peeve is when Democratic legislators agree to carry the water for the GOP on bills that (rightfully) would be viewed as self-serving if sponsored by a Republican legislator (e.g., Brent Goodfellow, Gene Davis). That is one reason why I have quit donating to the Democratic party, and only donate to individual candidates.

David said...

[...] It's time to be realistic about how little ground we've gained, and at least explore the possibility that it wasn't a pre-destined certainty, but rather the result of poor leadership. Maybe the party wouldn't be so understaffed and underfunded if they had won on any issue (other than vouchers, which was a collective win, not driven by the party) in the past few years? [...]

And, from Jason at the Side Track:

In summer 2008 I visited the office to pitch an event idea, which I was willing to volunteer my time for, if accepted. I suggested, in a friendly tone, that maybe, just perhaps, as a mere idea to be considered, we don't treat 2008 as just business as usual. Host a few unique events for candidates to interact with the public, get some grassroots fundraising going. I was met with a glare, and a declarative statement that we had the Eleanor Roosevelt event coming up, and that would be the end of the conversation. We're underfunded underdogs, they tell me. True enough. But underfunded underdogs are making gains in Colorado, Wyoming, and Idaho. What are they doing that we aren't? My guess is they're actually fighting back with more than push polls, attempts to buy moderate Republicans as candidates, disenfranchised candidates who feel ignored by the party, and thinly veiled attempts to co-opt religion for electoral gain. Aren't we supposed to be different from Republicans, not following their lead?

In the spring of 2008, I criticized the lack of creativity going into the party convention, as I watched Mr. Cantrell and volunteers turn the Republican convention into a very impressive online extravaganza -- one which even my fellow Cache Valley politico's could be a part of through streaming video and frequent web updates to a dedicated page. Rob Miller called me out (to his credit) on my criticism, and handed me the video from the Democrat's convention to cut up / upload to youtube. While getting the video, I spoke to Mr. Holland about how behind we were compared to Colorado, and even Idaho's party efforts in using online resources to reach out (a factor I don't think is unrelated to the fact both states saw Democrat gains in 2008, while we lost ground) and engage the public with candidates. Mr. Holland challenged me to pitch him a "business plan" that he could use to "sell" to large donors. I never did. How can you explain to someone the importance of something so vague and unpredictable that you see working in neighboring states -- across the nation, in fact -- if they aren't seeing it themselves. So instead, we got a large donor and "Utah Common Values." Never heard of it? I'm not surprised.

Go read all of Jason's post. It's a must read.

-Bob

Am I Pissed Off At Party Leadership? I Don't Think "Pissed Off" Is the term I'd use.....

My dear friend Anonymous left a comment on an earlier post:

Bob, you've been pissed off at party leadership for some time now and I think your prejudice has missed the point here.

But, before I get to the main point of the comment, I just want to share a few things about the comment:

1) Anonymous could be anyone. Wayne Holland, Todd Taylor, Tracy Van Wagoner, Rob Miller.... Heck, it could even be Paul Mero trying to rile me up. I doubt it's Paul, and I also have my doubts it's Todd or Rob.

2) Most of the post was cribbed from another blog. So, it wasn't just my prejudice.

However, let's get down to the nitty gritty of this post. I've been accused of being "pissed off" at party leadership.

"Pissed off" is not the term I'd use.

Frustrated and Disappointed are the words I'd use.

Frustrated and disappointed at the deafening silence on local issues during the legislative session. This despite the blacklisting for the first third of the session of any bill coming from a prominent Democratic Representative.

Frustrated and disappointed at the deafening silence when our Democratic Legislators took on legislation that promoted Common Values of love and compassion supported by the majority of Utahns. Legislation that the only statements made by the LDS Church were in support of the issue. Yet nothing from party leadership. We heard a lot from Republicans opposed to the issue.

Frustrated and disappointed at the deafening silence when our legislature, despite overwhelming support from the citizens of Utah, failed to pass meaningful ethics reform. And the small ethics reform that were passed, Republicans are claiming victory for.

And don't get me started on liquor reform.

Frustrated and disappointed at celebrating failure. Sure, we had a net gain of two members of the House. But our goal was 4. And in the process, we lost a part of the state we've held since statehood. And, there was statistically insignificant gain in Democratic voters statewide from 2004-2008. In fact, if you take away Barack Obama, there was a decline. And this with spending the most money ever.

Frustrated and disappointed with a party leadership that, until a month or so ago, treated the Internet like it was 1999. And still doesn't quite know what to do with it.

Frustrated and disappointed with a party leadership that uses Rovian tactics when challenged (take push polling, for instance).

Frustrated and disappointed with a party leadership that uses faith as a stepping stool for political gain, yet discredits many people of faith. (Note: I want to clarify that while I worked for the party, my faith was never challenged.)

And, as a personal note to anonymous, if you really want to see me "go after" the party, I will. I have pulled so many punches over the last 18 months or so, it sickens me....

-Bob

Utah Democrats to candidates: "You'll lose, but run anyway"

From the Tribune:

Friday's visit marks the Progressive Majority's first session in Utah.

The organization got its start in 1999 as a federal political action committee and mushroomed to where the political network now staffs offices in Washington D.C. and eight states.

According to www.progressivemajority.org, it backs candidates who stand for economic justice, civil rights, affordable health care, quality public education, protecting the environment and reproductive freedom.

"[Progressive Majority] focused on battleground states in the past," says Utah Democrat Tracy Van Wagoner. "This year they're expanding."

The focus, Van Wagoner says, is to get progress-minded candidates contending for nonpartisan school board and city council slots.

"Of course, we're looking for legislative and state candidates as well," she adds.

Holland cautions that new candidates should view their maiden run for office as an apprenticeship.

Van Wagoner agrees.

"It's the eyes you're opening, even if you don't win," she says, "to tell people they have a choice."

Voters acquired in the first round become a candidate's base for the next run.

And Jason over at the SideTrack, sums it up best:

This may be a fact, and it may be good advice for potential candidates to keep in mind, but if you're not saying anything else, you're not going to get those potential candidates. This is something to tack on to your message, sure. A message that shows you have a plan (something a bit more than "Common Values" perhaps?). But when voters and those thinking about candidacy -- who have heard nothing from you in months -- read this, you drive them away with the implied lack of vision or plan for the more immediate future. You've got to say more, more often.

Bad form, Mr. Holland/Ms. Van Wagoner. I'm sure Progressive Majority (an organization to be admired) feels their efforts here now are well worth their time and expense.

Overall, I think it's about damn time we get some real leadership from 455 South 300 East.

Why no love for the Dems from UEA?

In a comment on one of my posts yesterday, JMBell said "I day after whining is cracking me up. 29 Counties! That was a lot of work. It was nice of the UEA to throw out smoe recognition of all the hard work the Democrats did for them ... ...oh wait. They didn't."

The Utah Democratic Party knocked on over 14,000 doors since September 1, including 2800 the week before the election. Every single one of those doors received information on the voucher issue. That doesn't include anything we did the day before the election, making literally thousands of phone calls on Monday.

And this doesn't even speak to the help we gave on Tuesday, for much less than you were paying regular people.

And, I haven't even taken into account the hundreds of hours spent studying the issue, talking with our friends and neighbors and classmates and teachers. Tabling multiple events at the U, speaking to students at the Y. Holding house parties that included voucher information, and distributing the info to 25 voters per attendee, on Saturday. Attending Debates. Helping with debate prep.

And, that's just what the paid staff did. It doesn't include the thousands of hours of volunteer work done both at Dem HQ and with UtPS.

Nor does it include the fact that 100% of Democrats in the legislature voted against vouchers.

Alls I'm saying is that a little love would be nice....

-Bob

Utah's Common Values Represented by Democrats

From Utah Democratic Party Chair Wayne Holland:

The GOP Legislature threw down the gauntlet nine months ago and enacted the most comprehensive voucher law in the country, overcoming (by one vote) a bloc of every Democratic legislator united in a courageous effort stop it and ignoring the wishes of the majority of Utahns.

Republicans made good on their long-time commitment to wealthy out-of-state allies and educational profiteers, a nationwide coalition of far-right ideologues - "Friedmanites" as The Salt Lake Tribune editorial board called them - whose stated goal is the privatization of American education.

It was an in-your-face display of self-righteous arrogance by Republicans sitting pretty in districts they gerrymandered to protect themselves. They put their anti-democracy streak on display. It's easy to sum up their attitude: "There's no need to vote. Just stay at home. We know what's best."

Utahns have core COMMON VALUES, among them a commitment to quality schools for everyone, strong families for today and the future, decent jobs, government accountability, fair play, environmental stewardship, and common-sense legislation that will improve our Utah way of life.

The voucher crowd mounted a mean-spirited campaign that relied on distortions, dirty tricks, and personal smears. Their campaign of nastiness did not reflect Utahns' COMMON VALUES, our sense of common decency. It did not reflect the values of Democrats.

It reflected the self-righteousness of the leadership of the Utah Republican Party.

On Nov. 6, send a message to your GOP Legislature. Democrats and the majority of Utahns share concerns and common-sense solutions. Send a message about our COMMON VALUES.

The 2008 election represents a historical opportunity for Democrats in Utah. GOP arrogance and culture of corruption and incompetence on the national level provide us an opportunity to bring Utah voters home, where their COMMON VALUES will be honorably represented in public service.

A columnist for the The Deseret Morning News recently said vouchers have "the potential to significantly change not only our public education operations, but Utah society itself."

As concerned citizens, you, me and every Utah Democrat most vote.

Let's make tomorrow the beginning of the end of GOP arrogance in Utah.

A big win will propel us into the important 2008 election year.