P.O. Box 1222, Madison, WI 53701 | www.prodane.org | office@prodane.org | (608) 257-4985
Mark Hazelbarker wrote a LTE to the State Journal describing PD as a 'political machine' and comparing us to the religious right. He also made some inaccurate statements about district 2 and the candidate agreement. Here are some excerpts:
Witness this spring's purge of Judy Wilcox from the Dane County Board. Progressive Dane made the same demand on her that they make of all PD candidates: In exchange for PD's support, the candidate must promise to support all other PD candidates and to vote in favor of all PD positions on their signature issues......Moderate Republicans have to live down the religious right, which is capable of uttering some intolerant proposals. But the left has its lunatic fringe as well. How curious, though, that the far left has seen fit to adopt the "obey or die" ethos. At least the religious right prays for the redemption of its opponents.
The truth about the candidate agreement and District 2
Wilcox never sought PD’s endorsement and was never a PD candidate, so she was not "purged." She was defeated by a very capable candidate Beth Gross who put high priority on connecting with her constituents. Despite the charges of a 'lunatic fringe,' voter turnout was higher in this race than in previous races in the district.
Progressive Dane does its best to find and help candidates who are committed to open, democratic political processes and works to keep in touch once they are elected. We do hold elected officials accountable as political parties should and if you want to know the truth about our candidate agreement, you can read it online.
We are far from a 'political machine.' Our membership meetings are open to the public; anyone can observe; anyone can join; anyone can have input in the PD agenda.
Posted by prodane at December 18, 2004 04:45 AM
We, the members of Progressive Dane, join together to form an independent political party in Dane County with a major focus on local issues. We pledge to work to improve the quality of life in Dane County for all people, particularly those marginalized by economic and social discrimination. We will work to improve our local government by making it open, easier to understand, and accessible for all citizens of Dane County. We are working to achieve positive policy change by electing accountable progressive officials and mobilizing citizen action.
Progressive Dane's "In The News" blog keeps you up to date on the latest news from (and about) PD. Check here for information on PD's policy initiatives and to read about what our endorsed elected officials are up to.
