We received a number of comments with regard to the Talking Points column (January 16) that asks “Since Democrats substantially outnumber Republicans, why are the Republicans solidly in control of both the Nassau County and Town of Hempstead legislatures? “

 

Here are four of them, listed in the order received.

 

HJB

 

1. “I have a five-word answer to your question: When Democrats vote Democrats win. In other words, the party needs to drive voter turnout, something it has been unsuccessful at in the past. IMHO NCDC has focused too much on currying up to the donor class and not developing the grass roots support it needs to win; something Republicans have been better at in their own way”.

2. “Thanks for your question.   It’s really simple from my point of view and can be answered in three propositions:

 “First, similar to the tweed machine, Republican employees and would be employees see a vote for Republicans as a vote for either job security or an employment agency.  So they and their extended families get out the vote and let their republican leaders know, even to the extent of removing [Democratic] lawn signs etc. 

 “Second, fear that Democrats will have a rainbow of new administrators both ethnically and politically; and,

 “Third, possibly most importantly,  a large proportion of registered Democrats do not believe they can win; are uninformed and therefore not motivated to vote for people they do not know often because the Democratic Party does not reach out to them throughout the year advising and seeking advice on issues which will affect them especially in local elections; and, as icing on the cake, too many people who would be registered Democrats are not pursued to welcome them to take up their civic responsibility by joining an activist Democratic Party.  

 

 “ My two cents.”

3. “Instead of trying to persuade swing voters, we should be working on energizing our base.  Because when we mover too far right to attract swing voters we turn off our own Dems.  It was horror over the Trump victory that energized the Dem base to come out in 2018.  We have to build on that”

 

4. In recent years the TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD has been treated as the poor stepchild of the Nassau County Democratic Organization (compared to North Hempstead and Oyster Bay). when it comes to candidates for the important Legislative seats .  Laura and Laura were the exception and their campaigns were enthusiastically backed by the organization.    There must be a change in attitude about the candidates chosen (much more grass roots input into their selection) and the help the county gives (financial and strategiic) should be greatly expanded.  

“There also must be a systematic approach to the campaigns with an emphasis on the voting records of the republican incumbents and a positive platform that is relevant to the particular legislative area i..e.  Infrastructure, environment, transportation etc.   The County should have available to the candidate the kind of information that will resonate with the voters of the area.   

“Education of the electorate is sorely lacking and attempts should be made to educate citizens about the structure and workings of the local government and the policies that directly affect the  voter. (The charts and information in this talking point are an example of this)  The day after Election Day is when preparation should begin for the next November vote.  The leaders of local civic groups should be encouraged to run for office or at least asked to come up with suggestions for possible candidates.  

“The Republican ORGANIZATION is key to their success.  They are organized, enthusiastic and very well prepared for Election Day.  This has been proven — they are successful.  

They have zone leaders, poll watchers, telephone banks on Election Day to bring out the voters (a little pressure is not a bad thing).    

 

“The next two years will be our opportunity to change the future of this country.    All politics are local. And local elections help solidify the base for the all important national elections. “  

 

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What do you think about these responses?  Do you have anything additional to say?  Send me your comments by replying to this email.  Your name will not be published unless  you give permission for it to be.

 

HJB

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[Opinions expressed in Talking Points and in reader comments to Talking Points are the opinions of their authors and not necessarily of the Rockville Centre Democratic Club or its officers and directors]

 

For this and prior Talking Points or to make comments – visit  https://rvcdems.com/category/talkingpoints/

 

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