Convention / Strategy How To's
This page provides detailed information about running for political offices and partipating in the convention process.
Duties of an SD Floor Leader
- Should have good knowledge of talent in the Senate District.
- First task is to recommend people in Senate District to run for the four main convention committees (Nominations, Platform, Resolutions, Rules); recruit them.
- Recommend whether incumbent SDEC committee persons are active, contributing, progressive and worthy of our Steering Committee endorsement.
- Recruit SDEC candidates to run against incumbents where necessary.
- Set up an email list to communicate with SD delegates prior to convention. The Progressive Populist Caucus can provide a forum for this as well.
- Pass along tips on how to run and campaign to candidates prior to the convention.
- Distribute Progressive Populist Caucus literature as well as a visible Progressive Populist Caucus voting card to pass out to their Progressive Populist Caucus members/supporters to use as a credential (tied around their neck with a string/lanyard) to be able to identify supporters. Those not wearing should be pitched and sold on voting for Progressive Populist Caucus candidates.
- At the convention, be the contact point in each Senate District to communicate what is going on via the campaigns and recruitment efforts; SD delegates and Progressive Populist Caucus chair contact you (by cell phone, on the floor and check in at the Progressive Populist Caucus booth.
- Provide final Senate District voting result to the Progressive Populist Caucus Steering Committee via Progressive Populist Caucus booth.
Running for SDEC
Why One Who Calls Themselves A Progressive/Populist Democrat Should Be Elected to the State Democratic Executive Committee
Below are some suggested “talking points” in presenting oneself as an alternative to the incumbent SDEC person in your Senate District or in filling an open position on the SDEC.
- For too long, SDEC positions have been considered by many as a “reward” for good service to the Democratic Party, rather than a demanding leadership position. An SDEC position bears the responsibility to create and nurture policies that restore this Party to viability with voters and to take the lead in rebuilding eroded grassroots organization within the Precincts.
- Many SDEC Party officers filling these seats consider themselves “officials” and “officers” rather than activists and organizers.
- SDEC members must dedicate themselves to helping the Party create a consistent message of what we stand for as Democrats which clearly distinguishes Democrats from Republicans. This task should be removed from the hands of consultants on whom the Party has relied on for too long.
- Build our message and find creative, innovative ways to convey it. This requires intensive interaction with our members and supporters. The ability to sincerely listen to our fellow Democrats and Americans is an essential Committeeperson task.
- Help to create a Party Platform which truly reflects the public policy beliefs of the people of the Democratic Party.
- Rebuild the State Party organization and communicate the Democratic message effectively to the people, providing rank and file Democrats with meaningful participation at the local levels.
- Rewrite and reform State Party rules to ensure they are clear and comprehensible.
- A high priority for an SDEC member is to help the State and County Chairs recruit worthy candidates to run for office at all levels.
- Help the State Party Chair communicate with rank and file Democrats to raise funds from large donors as well as grassroots contributors.
- Work with the Senate District and County Chairs in Party building through voter registration, “bonding” activities within the Senate District to promote passion and loyalty, training and supporting Precinct chairs in the rudiments of precinct organizing, assisting with vacancies, filling and helping create Senate District communications networks.
- Finally, SDEC members are duty-bound to rebuild a Party which can be relied on to identify, motivate and turn-out Democratic Voters and assist in funding and organizing campaigns to help our candidates get elected; for too long the Party has relied on Candidates and their consultants to do these tasks resulting in the “tail wagging the dog” and too often resulting in candidates and office-holders who both feel little equity in and value added from using the proud identification as a Democrat. Some of these same candidates barely meet the definition of the title Democrat and run from its use.
State Senate District Map 2006
Texas Democratic Party Platform 2004
Vital Information for Floor Leaders (in development)