No, actually, we just signed on to a letter to Howard Dean taking a critical look at the state blogger credential selections for the Democratic National Convention. As Matt Stoller notes, some of the selections were unusual, whether in Michigan or New Jersey or New York, and we’re just looking for some answers about the process. I don’t envy the DNC’s job here; you’re talking about hundreds of blogs in 50 states and only enough room for one each (maybe that was the problem). But it seems like some more care could have been taken. Marc Ambinder reports on it and prints some of the letter. Here’s the whole thing (on the flip):
Governor Howard Dean
Democratic National Committee
430 S. Capitol St., SE
Washington, DC 20003Monday, May 19, 2008
Governor Dean:
Let us begin by noting our respect for your position at the Democratic National Committee and the reforms you have made. Your efforts to rebuild the Democratic Party in all 50 states has reinvigorated the political debate across the country — and strengthened not just the party, but our country as well, in the process.
We write to you today out of concern that the same principles that have strengthened our party are today being ignored in the state blog credentialing process for the Democratic National Convention in Denver this summer.
As long-time progressive state bloggers, we have now witnessed many of our well-respected colleagues from crucial states be passed over. In many states, it appears that parochial politics and hurt egos played a role in these decisions. These concerns run counter to our shared goals of using programs like the state blogger pool to “tear down the walls” in Denver — and better connect the American people with the events on the ground.
The Democratic Party endangers its own long-term viability when it makes fealty a criterion for inclusion. Instead, the Party should act to ensure that it includes its ideological media allies, even if those allies are occasional tactical or strategic critics.
We, the undersigned, have been included in the state credentials pool, despite our own history of criticism of local Democratic actors. This speaks well to the character of our own local parties. But while our peers in other states are being excluded, we’d be remiss in staying silent.
We encourage you to review the selection process undertaken and reasons given by state parties for excluding some of America’s most respected state level progressive blogs. We believe a fair and thorough review is necessary to ensure success for this promising experiment in shining a light on the Democratic Convention.
Sincerely,
Charley Blandy, Blue Mass Group (MA)
Robert Cruickshank, Calitics (CA)
Dave Dayen, Calitics (CA)
Lowell Feld, Raising Kaine (VA)
Jon Flack, Tondee’s Tavern (GA)
Matt Glazer, Burnt Orange Report (TX)
Steve Hanson, Uppity Wisconsin (WI)
Matt Jerzyk, Rhode Island’s Future (RI)
David Kravitz, Blue Mass Group (MA)
Brian Leubitz, Calitics (CA)
Phillip Martin, Burnt Orange Report (TX)
Ryan McLeod, Daily Kingfisher (LA)
Kyle Michaelis, New Nebraska Network (NE)
Karl-Thomas Musselman, Burnt Orange Report (TX)
Bob Neer, Blue Mass Group (MA)
Chad Nodland, North Decoder (ND)
Lucas O’Connor, Calitics (CA)
John Odum, Green Mountain Daily (VT)
Kenneth Quinnell, Florida Progressive Coalition (FL)
Julia Rosen, Calitics (CA)
Matt Singer, Left in the West (MT)
Joe Sonka, BlueGrassRoots (KY)
Jay Stevens, Left in the West (MT)
Jeff Wegerson, Prairie State Blue (IL)
We at Calitics certainly don’t shy away from criticizing the state party or national Democrats from California, and the fact that we were included for selection speaks well of the process as it played out here. But it’d be nice to know how that went sideways in some other states. As part of the state blogging network we rise or fall together, and so there was no hesitation at asking for answers about why some of our finest colleagues were shut out from credentialing.