[Mpls] 13th Ward Race

[Dennis Plante]

I am glad that candidates that have sought and do not obtain the DFL 
endorsement have had the personal conviction to continue their campaigns in 
the past.  In some instances, their convictions have proven to be on-target 
and in-touch with what the voting public has actually wanted from a  
candidate.

I guesss I just don't see the reasoning as to why a candidate can't seek an 
endorsement and continue their campaign if they aren't successfull in 
obtaining that endorsement.  Is it because it hinders the DFL's chances of 
electing their "endorsed" candidate?  If so, which is more important?  The 
DFL party, or the democratic process of allowing the voting public to decide 
who represents them?  Who or what exactly is threatened by a candidate to 
continue their election aspirations after an unsuccessfull bid for the DFL 
endorsement?

I guess I would feel better about the "all or nothing" approach if there 
were a back-end strategy (for the party) if the caucus were not able to 
reach a concensus on a candidate, which does in fact happen from 
time-to-time.

I commned candidates that are candid enough to state their position (on the 
matter) before the endorsement process.  It takes a lot of political guts to 
publicly state that you'll continue to run regardless of the outcome.

dennis plante
northside